Looking for the best street food in Rome? Traditionally Italians like to take their time at the dining table, however the Rome street food scene is diverse and vibrant, filled with finger licking options for delicious quick bites, cheap eats and snacks on the go.
Home to world-renowned dishes, the capital of Italy is also good contender for the culinary capital. Consequently it may come as no surprise, that Rome was voted one of the world’s best street food cities, despite Italy being the founder of the slow food movement.
From Trapizzino to suppli to pizza al taglio, here is The Roman Food Tour guide to the best street food in Rome, to tie you over from breakfast to dinner.
For a complete insight into cuisine in Rome join one of our food and wine tours
Did the Romans invent Street Food?
With cultural, social and lifestyle changes, combined with the desire for people to have things continually faster, food on the go is becoming increasingly popular, with over 2.5 billion people worldwide consuming street food (“cibo di strada” in Italian) each day.
However street food in Rome dates back over 2000 years, where residents who lacked ovens or cooking equipment, would frequently purchase hot food from street vendors, stalls or indoor markets known as marcellum.
Food vendors would offer sell snacks such as fried fish and salted peas, to visitors of the Roman baths, as well as spectators at the Colosseum watching gladiator battles.
15 must try Rome street food dishes
1. Pizza al taglio (Pizza by the slice)
Pizza al taglio (meaning pizza by the cut) is the quintessential street food in Rome, popular throughout Italy.
Unlike regular pizza ate sat down in pizzerias, pizza al taglio is a take-away street food, often consumed outside the pizzeria or in a nearby square. It is cut by scissors into rectangular slices, depending on how much you want, and then heated up in an electric oven.
Pizza al taglio can be found on nearly every street in Rome, varies in quality and price, ranging from a single coin for a slice, up to 45 euros a kilo at some gourmet pizzerias.
The best pizza al taglio in Rome? Pizzarium, owned by famed baker Gabriele Bonci, known as the Michelangelo of pizza. It is located by the Vatican City, one of the favorite venues on our food tours.
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.
Address: Via della Meloria, 43
Phone: +39 06 3974 5416
Hours: Mon – Thur 12-15, 18:30-21:30, Fri-Sat 11-15, 18-22, Sun 12-15
See our post on the best pizza in Rome.
2. Supplì
Not to be confused with the Sicilian arrancino, Suppli is one of the most popular Rome street 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 popular venue to purchase a fresh suppli on the go is La casa dei suppli (The house of the suppli), located in the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere. They are made with high quality ingredients including carnaroli rice, San Marzano tomatoes and 24-month aged Pecorino Romano.
Aside from suppli, there are a range of fried street food snacks, such as calamari, codfish and mozzarella with anchovies.
Address: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137
Phone: +39 06 589 7110
Hours: Mon – Sun 19:00 22:30
Read our post on where to find the best suppli in Rome.
3. Trapizzino
Trapizzino is the recent addition to street food in Rome, created in 2008 by pizza chef Stefano Callegari.
In addition to three outlets in Rome (Testaccio, Trastevere, Termini station), you can also find this Roman street food in Milan, Naples, Turin and New York.
The concept is simple; you take some pizza dough in a triangular pocket and add gourmet ingredients. Examples include, meatballs, parmigiana di melanzane, Roman oxtail stew and artichokes.
Address:Via della Croce, 8
Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
Hours: Mon-Fri 13:00 21:00, Sat – Sun 13:00 – 21:30
4. Porchetta
Panino con porchetta is a sandwich filled with roasted pork, crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. It is stuffed with garlic, rosemary and other aromatic herbs.
This street food is popular throughout the region of Lazio, with the Roman towns Marino and Ariccia most closely associated with this snack.
Where to get a great porchetta sandwich? Angrypig located in the Prati neighborhood close to the Vatican City, serve fresh porchetta sandwiches, with a good variety of craft beer and local wine.
Address: Via Tunisi, 38, 00192
Phone: +39 06 6452 1633
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 22:00
5. Fried cod fish (filetto di baccala)
Dating back to ancient Rome, the oldest Roman street food is filetto di baccala. It is a cod fillet dipped in egg, battered and deep-fried, served in proper street food fashion in a paper cone to go.
A locally loved place for filetto di baccala is Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara locally in the center of Rome near to Campo de Fiori, where you can pick up this food to go for only for 4 euros.
Address: Largo dei Librari, 88
Phone: +39 06 686 4018
Hours: Tue – Fri 12:00 15:00, 18:00 – 21:30 Sat 12:00 – 21:30, Sun 12:00 – 16:30
6. Pasta to go
Home to famous pasta dishes such as Spaghetti carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana, how could we have a guide to street food in Rome, without including pasta?
Pastificio Guerra
Pastificio Guerra a small food shop and take away restaurant situated by the Spanish Steps. It is one of the cheapest places to eat in Rome, offering fresh pasta priced at 4 euros each.
The menu consists of two pasta options, served on plastic plates, which can be eaten standing up against the ledges on the wall, or to go.
Address:Via della Croce, 8
Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
Hours: Mon-Fri 13:00 21:00, Sat – Sun 13:00 – 21:30
See our post for further special and affordable places to eat near the Spanish Steps.
Al42 Pasta Chef Rione Monti
Pasta Chef is a fast food pasta restaurant, located in the neighborhood of Monti, a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum.
The restaurant is small with limited seating; however expect great prices, friendly service and perfectly cooked al dente pasta.
Popular choices include fettuccini with mushrooms, ravioli, lasagna and gnocchi with pesto, served on eco-friendly disposable plates. Every dish can be offered gluten-free.
Address:Via Baccina, 42
Phone: +39 06 488 3198
Hours: 12:30 – 15:30, 19:00 – 21:30 (closed Tuesday)
7. Tiramsu
Pompi
If you have a sweet tooth, look no further than pompi, Rome’s most popular tiramisu vendor. There is often a line up for Italy’s favorite dessert, with crowds eating tiramisu standing around the entrance or taking it to go.
Aside from the classic tiramisu, non-coffee lovers can choose other flavors including pistachio, strawberry and banana with chocolate.
Not in the mood for tiramisu? Pompi also has a variety of artisanal gelato to savor.
Address: Via della Croce, 82
Phone: +39 06 2430 4431
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 21:30
8. Maritozzi
Maritozzi is a typical Roman dessert, enjoyed in cafes for breakfast as well as an after hours snack
Traditionally the maritozzi is a soft loaf of bread filled with whipped cream, however recently it has also been served with savory options.
For gourmet maritozzi combintions, such as stracciatella with anchovies, cacio e pepe and octopus with escarole, head over to Il Maritozzi Rosso in the neighborhood of Trastevere.
Address: 26, Vicolo del Cedro
Phone: +39 06 581 7363
Hours: Tue – Fri 10:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00
9. Calzone
Originated in Naples in the 18th century, the calzone is now loved the world over. Essentially it is a pizza rolled into itself, sometimes called a turnover; an ideal alternative to pizza for street food in Rome.
Where to get the best calzone in Rome? Dar Poeta in Trastevere, with favorites including mozzarella with salami, as well as ricotta with nutella for a sweet choice
Address: Vicolo del Bologna, 45
Phone: +39 06 588 0516
Hours: Mon – Sun 10:00 – 00:0
10. Carciofi alla giudia – Jewish Street Food in Rome
The Jewish ghetto dates back to the 2nd century BC and has left a huge mark on the cuisine of Rome. A popular starter is the carciofi alla gouda, which is a deep-fried artichoke with a crispy outer layer.
Despite its Jewish origins Carciofi alla giudia can now be found commonly on restaurant menus as a starter throughout Rome. A local tip is to eat them while they are in season from March until May, where you will see piles of artichokes on tables outside restaurants.
A locally loved restaurant to enjoy artichokes is Flavio al Velavevodetto in the neighborhood of Testaccio.
Address: Via di Monte Testaccio, 97
Phone: +39 06 574 4194
Hours: Mon – Sun 12:30 – 15:00, 19:30 – 23:00
11. Pinsa
What is the difference between pizza and pinsa? Pinsa is an oval shaped ancient Roman pizza, crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside.
The dough uses wheat, rice and soy flour, with more water and less salt than pizza. This makes the dough more airy and a healthier option to pizza.
You can get this street food throughout Rome, but one the best places is Pinsere near Termini station.
Address: Via Flavia, 98
Phone: +39 06 3973 4457
Hours: Mon – Fri 11:00 -16:00, 19:00 – 22:00
12. Gelato
You’ve not been to Rome unless you have gelato. But Is Gelato street food? Well, you buy it on the street and you usually eat it with your hands, so it counts in our book. There are so many choices for best gelato in Rome, so pinpointing one is very hard, but here’s our opinion.
Otaleg in Trastevere neighborhood has quickly become quite the institution. They carefully select all their ingredients and everything is and tastes natural.
Of course they have all the flavors you’d expect, including plenty of vegan and lactose-free options, as well as unusual flavors such as eggnog with Marsala wine and the fava beans with Pecorino cheese.
Address:Via della Croce, 8
Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
Hours: Mon-Fri 13:00 21:00, Sat – Sun 13:00 – 21:30
13. Chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts (caldarroste in Italian) are a street food dating back to 2000 BC, when the Romans used to feed them to their armies.
These days street sellers throughout Rome sell freshly roasted chestnuts, as a nutritious low fat snack to eat on the go; just be careful not to burn your fingers.
Aside from taste, chestnuts provide various health benefits filled with vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium and magnesium.
Gluten free Street Food in Rome
Mama Eat
For the best gluten-free street food in Rome, look no further than Mama Eat. There is a restaurant in Trastevere and a second near the Vatican City by St. Peter’s square.
Highlights from the menu include pizza, pasta, calzone, suppli, arancini and tiramisu.
Mosty items on the menu are also lactose-free. Beer drinkers can enjoy gluten-free beer.
Address: Borgo Pio, 28
Phone:+39 06 4550 8771
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00 – 00:00
Vegan street food in Rome
Flower Burger
Flower Burger is a vegan burger restaurant, located in Rome’s Prati neighborhood. The burgers are delicious and the buns come in a variety of different colors.
Don’t miss the baked potato wedges and homemade sauces.
Address: Via dei Gracchi, 87
Phone: +39 06 4566 6538
Hours: 12:30 -15:00, 19:00 – 23:00.
Vega Food – Vegetarian Urban Food
Vega food is a small Indian street food venue, situated by Pizza Navona offering vegan and vegetarian meals and snacks.
Highlights from the menu include dosa, basmati rice, chappati and Vegetable pakora. To drink, try the refreshing avurvedic tea or mango iassi.
Address:Via della Croce, 8
Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
Hours: Mon-Fri 13:00 21:00, Sat – Sun 13:00 – 21:30
Mexican street food in Rome
Maybu – Margaritas y Burritos
For Mexican street food in Rome, head over to Maybu for freshly made burritos, nachos, margaritas, tacos, and fresh guacamole.
Address: Via Candia 113
Phone: +39 06 6941 6108
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00 – 23:30
Street Food markets in Rome
Trionfale Market
Trionfale is Rome’s largest food market and one of the favorite venues on our Taste of Trionfale food tour.
Popular stands include Enrico at stand number 265 selling porchetta sandwiches, Danillo at stand 266 selling fresh bufalo mozzarella caprese, as well as Anna at stand 229 selling fresh pasta and suppli.
Address: Via Andrea Doria, 41
Hours: Mon – Sat 07:00 – 14:00
Mercato Testaccio
The Testaccio market is one of the most popular food markets in Rome, and an absolute must go for street food lovers.
Pop over to Food Box for classic Roman dishes, Zoe’s for freshly squeezed fruit juices, salads and sandwiches, Mordi e Vai for a variety of delicious Panini or Frigo for a couple scoops of artisanal gelato.
In addition to ready-to-eat foods, visitors can purchase fresh goods and regional delicacies in the market, including fruit and vegetables, cured meat, fish and much more.
Address: Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b
Hours: Mon – Sat 07:00 – 14:30
Mercato Centrale
Opening in 2016, Mercato Centrale located by the Rome Termini station, offers 18 artisanal food stalls owned by some of the best chefs in Rome.
You’ll find everything from gourmet food and fine dining, to places for a quick grab a quick bite to eat including Stefano Callegari’s stall, Trapizzino, as well as Gabiele Bonci’s pizza al taglio stall.
Address:Via Giovanni Gioletti 36
Phone:+39 06 4620 2900
Hours: Mon – Sun 08:00 – 00:00
See our post for a complete guide to food markets in Rome.
That concludes our blog for street food in Rome.
For further information see our Rome Travel Guide.
Alternatively for a complete insight into Italian cuisine, join The Roman Food Tour