Looking for the best fast food in Rome?
Fast food doesn’t need to be soggy French fries, hotdogs and sub-standard burgers – this is Rome after all, the city where the slow food movement started!
Whether you’re wanting to grab a takeaway slice of pizza, a quick snack in between sightseeing, or try some Roman street food, these fast food restaurants in the Italian capital you should try.
For a complete insight into Italian cuisine in Rome join one of our food and wine tours
Fast Food in Rome
Despite the presence of the world’s biggest fast-food chains in Rome, including McDonalds, Burger king and KFC, this article will focus on Italian fast food restaurants in the Eternal City.
Contents
Fast Food near the Vatican
Fast Food in Trastevere
Fast Food near the Spanish steps
Fast Food near the Pantheon
Fast Food near the Colosseum
Vegan Fast Food in Rome
Gluten Free Fast Food in Rome
Fast Food near the Vatican
Il Segreto
For a quick meal near the Vatican, pop into il Segreto restaurant. The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists who enjoy tasty authentic food and efficient service.
The Open kitchen allows you to absence their chefs swiftly preparing masterful dishes.
The menu focuses on homemade Roman pasta dishes, as well as deletable side dishes.
If you’re not in a rush, try their delicious tiramisu.
Address – Via Candia, 71, 00192 Rome
Pizzarium
Fast food in Rome is pretty much synonymous with pizza, all served quickly in various ways.
- classic, crispy Roman scrocchiarella & wood-fired Neapolitan
- pizza al taglio (served by the slice)
- the oval shaped Pinsa Romana
If you are craving a quick slice of Pizza pop into Pizzarium; a convenient snack stop either before or after a visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.
It regularly tops the list for best pizza al taglio in Rome, owned by famed baker Gabriele Bonci, known as the Michelangelo of pizza.
Bonci uses stoneground flour, organic yeast, a slow rising fermentation process and the highest quality ingredients for toppings.
Among the classics are margherita, potato and mozzarella, as well as more creative ones such as eggs and black truffle, buratta and smoked salmon and pumpkin puree with octopus.
Due to the popularity of Pizzarium, avoid rush hour to avoid the crowds.
Address – Via della Meloria, 43
See our post on the best pizza in Rome.
Fast Food in Trastevere
Trapizzino
Trapizzino is a popular fast food option in Rome known for its unique creation – the Trapizzino itself.
This innovative dish combines the concept of a sandwich with traditional Italian pizza and fillings.
Examples include, meatballs, parmigiana di melanzane, Roman oxtail stew and artichokes.
The result is a pizza dough pocket stuffed with various classic Italian ingredients like eggplant parmesan or meatballs in sauce.
It’s a modern twist on Roman street food, providing a quick, delicious, and convenient meal for those exploring the city.
Trapizzino has several locations across Rome, (Testaccio, Prati, Termini station) making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a quick and tasty bite.
Address – Via della Croce, 8
La Casa dei Suppli
Not to be confused with the Sicilian arrancino, Suppli is one of the most popular Roman fast food snacks, dating back to the 1800’s.
They are purchased as a starter in most pizzerias, local restaurants and hosterias.
The classic suppli is a deep-fried rice ball filled with ragu and mozzarella, however in recent times, chefs have created variations using gourmet ingredients.
A renowned spot to grab fresh suppli on the go is La casa dei suppli in the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere, known for using quality ingredients like carnaroli rice, San Marzano tomatoes and aged Pecorino Romano.
They also offer a variety of fried street food snacks, including calamari, codfish, and mozzarella with anchovies.
Address – Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137
Read our post on where to find the best suppli in Rome.
Maritozzi Rosso
Maritozzi is a typical Roman dessert, enjoyed in cafes as a breakfast treat as well as an after hours snack
Traditionally, maritozzi are soft buns filled with whipped cream. Recently, savory versions have also become popular.
For gourmet maritozzi combintions, such as stracciatella with anchovies, cacio e pepe and octopus with escarole, head over to Il Maritozzi Rosso.
Address – 26, Vicolo del Cedro
Otaleg
In Rome, experiencing gelato is a must, and it certainly qualifies as fast food and a delicious quick snack.
Rome is filled with outstanding gelato options, making it tough to choose the best.
However, Otaleg in the Trastevere neighborhood stands out. Known for its natural, meticulously selected ingredients, Otaleg offers classic flavors, vegan and lactose-free choices, as well as unique ones like eggnog with Marsala wine and fava beans with Pecorino cheese.
This gelateria has quickly established itself as a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Address – Via di S. Cosimato, 14a, 00153 Roma RM
Fast Food near the Spanish Steps
Pastificio Guerra
Pastificio Guerra, located near the Spanish Steps, is a prime example of fast food and quick dining in Rome.
As a small shop and takeaway restaurant, it’s known for being one of the city’s most affordable eating spots.
They offer fresh pasta to go for just 4 euros. The menu is simple, featuring two pasta dishes served on plastic plates.
These can be quickly enjoyed standing up using the wall ledges or taken away for convenience. This place is perfect for those looking for a speedy and budget-friendly meal option in Rome.
Address – Via della Croce, 8
See our post for further special and affordable places to eat near the Spanish Steps.
Grano, Frutta e Farina
Named Grano, Frutta e Farina, translating to ‘Wheat, Fruit, and Flour’, this bakery excels in crafting delicious pizza al taglio, bread, and pastries.
It’s an ideal choice for everything from breakfast to a quick lunch or dinner.
Don’t miss trying the scacchiera di pizza, a mix-and-match pizza tray, which allows you to sample a variety of their mouth-watering pizza selections!
Address – Via della Croce 49
Pompi
If you have a sweet tooth, look no further than pompi, Rome’s most popular tiramisu vendor.
This popular spot often sees crowds of people eagerly waiting for Italy’s beloved dessert, either enjoying it on the spot or taking it to go
Beyond the classic coffee-flavored tiramisu, Pompi caters to diverse tastes with flavors like pistachio, strawberry, and banana with chocolate.
If tiramisu isn’t what you’re craving, Pompi also offers an array of artisanal gelato flavors to delight your taste buds.
Address – Via della Croce, 82
McDonalds
The famous Golden Arches near the Spanish Steps was the first McDonald’s to open in Italy, amid protests from groups which later became known as the Slow Food Movement.
Despite its initial controversies, It is one of the most elaborate McDonald’s in the world, with marble walls, fountains, mosaics and frescoes on the walls.
Address – Piazza di Spagna, 46, 00187 Roma RM
Fast Food near the Pantheon
Antica salumeria
The Panino con porchetta, a sandwich featuring roasted pork that’s crispy outside and succulent inside, is a staple of Lazio street food.
It’s generously seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and other herbs.
The Roman towns of Marino and Ariccia are particularly famous for this delicious snack.
For one of the best porchetta sandwiches in Rome, head to Antica Salumeria near the Pantheon.
They serve freshly made porchetta sandwiches, complemented by a selection of craft beers and local wines, offering a true taste of Roman culinary tradition.
Address: Via Tunisi, 38
Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara
Dating back to ancient times, filetto di baccala, a deep-fried cod fillet, is the oldest Roman street food.
Prepared by dipping the fillet in egg, battering, and frying it, this dish is typically served in a paper cone for on-the-go enjoyment.
A favorite local spot to savor filetto di baccala is Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara, situated near Campo de Fiori in the heart of Rome.
Here, you can grab this classic Roman treat for just 4 euros, offering both a quick and budget-friendly meal option
Address – Largo dei Librari, 88
Fast Food near the Colosseum
Al42 Pasta Chef Rione Monti
Pasta Chef is a fast food pasta restaurant, located in the neighborhood of Monti, a short walk from the Colosseum.
Despite its small size and limited seating, expect affordable prices, welcoming service, and pasta cooked to al dente perfection.
Popular choices include fettuccini with mushrooms, ravioli, lasagna, and gnocchi with pesto, all served on eco-conscious disposable plates.
Moreover, they offer every dish in a gluten-free variant, ensuring a quick, satisfying meal for all dietary preferences.
Address – Via Baccina, 42
Vegan Fast Food in Rome
Flower Burger
In Rome’s Prati neighborhood, Flower Burger stands out as a fast food destination for vegan cuisine.
The restaurant specializes in scrumptious vegan burgers, notable for their buns which come in an array of vibrant colors.
Alongside their eye-catching burgers, don’t forget to try their baked potato wedges and a selection of homemade sauces, adding the perfect touch to a quick and delightful plant-based meal.
Address: Via dei Gracchi, 87
Vega Food – Vegetarian Urban Food
Vega Food, nestled near Piazza Navona in Rome, is a quaint Indian street food joint offering a variety of vegan and vegetarian fast food options.
The menu features highlights such as dosa, basmati rice, chapati, and vegetable pakora.
For beverages, they offer refreshing choices like Ayurvedic tea and mango lassi, making it a perfect spot for those seeking quick, flavorful, and health-conscious meals in the heart of Rome.
Address – Via della Croce, 8
Gluten Free Fast Food in Rome
Mama Eat Roma
Mama Eat Roma Borgo Pio stands out as the best gluten-free fast food in Rome.
This restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and pizza, offering a variety of gluten-free choices to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
It’s an ideal spot for enjoying quick, delicious, and gluten-free Italian meals without compromising on taste or quality.
Whether you’re craving pizza or other Italian dishes, Mama Eat provides a budget-friendly and health-conscious dining experience in the heart of Rome.
Address – Borgo Pio, 28, 00193 Roma RM
Address – Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9, 00153 Roma RM
See our blog on the best gluten-free restaurants in Rome.
For more questions regarding fast food in Rome or where to eat in the Italian Capital, see our blog or email us at contactus@romanfoodtour.com