The best culinary experiences in Rome
Some of the world’s best carbonara, ice cream, and coffee – you’ll find it right here.
Tasteful accommodations
Mama’s Home
Check in to the cozy, family-owned bed and breakfast Mama’s Home. Breakfast – a sweet cornetto (similar to a croissant), fresh orange juice, and the perfect espresso – is served outside on the Campo de’ Fiori square. If you’re still hungry and want to enjoy some delicious fresh-picked fruit after breakfast, you can shop for fruit salad and locally grown vegetables at the food market on the square.
Sacred gelato
Gelato Maravé
Don’t leave Campo de’ Fiori without a gelato from the award-winning Gelato Maravé. While the area around Maravé abounds with tourist traps, don’t let that deter you from visiting this glitzy gastronomic shrine. Owner Emanuela Avaros’s smooth, creamy almond gelato, which was nominated for a prize at the Gelato World Masters, is absolutely heavenly!
The crown prince of coffee
Tazza d’Oro
You’ll discover a stately granita al caffè (a creamy coffee drink infused with whipped cream) or a potent espresso (if you’ve already had your daily dose of sugar) at the famous Tazza d’Oro roastery and coffee shop. For over 70 years here, they’ve dutifully preserved the ancient Roman art of coffee-making, and the knowledgeable staff are always happy to share their personal favorites with you so you can find that perfect beverage. After a visit to Tazza d’ Oro, we’re sure that common coffee will never taste the same! Don’t forget to take home a bag of their proprietary blended roast before you leave.
Pizza perfetta!
Emma
When it’s time for lunch, all roads lead to Emma, which serves the best pizza in Rome, with fresh ingredients, hand-made dough, and a delightful atmosphere. The famous dough was developed in collaboration with Pierluigi Roscioli, the renowned chef at Roman Bakery, and the thin, crispy crust is pure perfezione. The fresh-baked crust is topped off with your choice of fresh Italian burrata or mozzarella cheese and Roma tomatoes. The Pizza Bianca Margherita, with its sweet, aromatic datterini tomatoes, is a simple choice that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Shop for fresh veggies at the food market
Mercato di Testaccio
Mercato di Testaccio is a Roman landmark that’s been around in one form or another for 80 years. If you can’t find a food item at this busy, sprawling market, it probably doesn’t exist! Make sure to set aside several hours for your shopping trip, there’s a lot to see and do here! The market has plenty of tables where you can sit down and enjoy fresh take-out from any of the numerous food stalls or family-owned restaurants. Or simply pick up a loaf of the rustica sourdough bread, some porchetta (pork roulade), sun-ripened tomatoes, locally-produced olive oil, and a bottle of Italian wine. Then just sit back and enjoy the show at this lively, frenetic market!
Dinner delight #1
Da Enzo
Arrive early as there’s usually a long line outside the popular TrattoriaDa Enzo in Trastevere. But don’t let this deter you! They serve Aperol spritzes while you wait, and the line moves astonishingly fast. Once you’re called to your table, the restaurant’s own creation, a fantastic cacio e pepe, awaits. Don’t miss out on the tantalizing appetizers and desserts, such as the deep-fried zucchini heart with anchovies and mozzarella and the sweet panna cotta with wild strawberries.
Dinner delight #2
Tonnarello Scala
Like Trattoria da Enzo in the same neighborhood, Tonnarello Scala usually also has a long line outside, but the renowned restaurant is well worth the wait. The Polpette (Italian meatballs) are absolutely to die for. If you ask a Roman where to go for the best carbonara, this is likely where they’d send you.
Text by Sofie Zettergren Bonnevier