14 Essential Dishes to Enjoy in Rome

Rome, Italy, is a sought-after European cruise destination, thanks to its iconic landmarks. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the beauty of the Trevi Fountain and the artistry of the Sistine Chapel, this city is filled with countless attractions that highlight its rich culture and history.

While you explore the remarkable cultural and historical sites of Rome, don't forget to delight your palate with the exquisite local cuisine. Here’s a curated list of 14 essential dishes to try at various Roman eateries, including charming family-run trattorias, pizzerias, upscale restaurants, bakeries, and gelato shops. Buon appetito!

1. Saltimbocca

It's no surprise to Romans that "saltimbocca" means "jump in your mouth." This beloved dish is made by marinating layers of sliced veal, fresh sage, and prosciutto in white wine, then rolling and pan-frying them for an explosion of flavors.

Next time you indulge in a delightful plate of saltimbocca, don’t forget to soak up the flavorful juices with a side of warm bread.

2. Cacio e Pepe

One of Rome's finest pasta dishes, cacio e pepe, consists of just three ingredients: hand-rolled tonnarelli noodles, salty pecorino cheese, and a generous sprinkle of black pepper.

For this dish, technique is key. The cheese is whisked into the warm pasta water to create a creamy sauce for the noodles, while the black pepper provides a zesty kick.

3. Burrata

For cheese lovers, especially those who appreciate Italian varieties, ordering a plate of rich, house-made burrata is a must. This delightful cheese, a mix of mozzarella and cream, offers a uniquely buttery taste that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh tomatoes or spread it on warm, crusty bread, paired with a glass of house red wine.

4. Suppli

For appetizers or quick snacks, many Romans enjoy suppli, which are deep-fried rice croquettes filled with mozzarella cheese.

These delectable bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while warm and gooey on the inside. Some variations of this recipe include meat, green peas, and tomato sauce.

5. Fiori di Zucca

From June to September, fresh zucchini blossoms are in season, creating an Italian appetizer that’s almost too beautiful to eat: fiori di zucca.

To create this tasty appetizer, zucchini flowers are filled with mozzarella cheese and anchovies, coated in a light batter of flour and eggs, then deep-fried until they are golden brown. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of texture and flavor.

6. Pizza al Taglio

During lunchtime in Rome, nothing beats pizza al taglio, or pizza by the slice. This thin-crust pizza is topped with a variety of ingredients and served in large pans at the counter, but it isn’t sliced until you order.

You can choose the size you want when ordering, allowing you to sample one or several small slices of different types of pizza.

7. Trapizzino

Not all Roman dishes date back to the city’s founding. Trapizzino, a beloved street food, is a more recent invention—a triangular pizza dish created in 2008.

This lunchtime favorite consists of a piece of triangle-shaped pizza dough, cut open and filled with traditional Italian ingredients like meatballs, Roman-style artichokes, and even oxtail stew. Conveniently wrapped in cardboard or a paper cone, trapizzino is the ideal snack for eating on the go.

8. Carbonara

No visit to Rome is complete without savoring a plate of carbonara. This classic Italian dish features spaghetti or rigatoni pasta tossed with crispy bits of fried pork and finished with a creamy sauce made from eggs and cheese. One taste of this rich pasta and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

9. Carciofi alla Romana

When Romans seek a side dish, they frequently choose carciofi alla romana, or Roman-style artichokes. These artichokes are filled with herbs and drizzled with lemon juice, then braised in the oven until they become tender and buttery, making them the perfect pairing for rich meats like roast pork or lamb.

Since artichokes are seasonal vegetables, you’ll find them featured on Roman menus during the spring and fall.

10. Gnocchi

Sometimes the simplest dishes in Rome are the most delightful, and gnocchi is a prime example. This modest meal is made from potatoes, flour, eggs, and Parmesan, resulting in savory dumplings that practically dissolve in your mouth. Once a dish enjoyed only on Thursdays with leftover sauces, you can now savor gnocchi every day at various Roman restaurants and cafés.

11. Maritozzo

When in Rome, follow the local tradition and kick off your morning with a cappuccino and a maritozzo. These sweet buns are freshly baked, sliced open, filled with a generous portion of whipped cream, and dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Originally, maritozzo was a treat reserved for the Easter season, but now you can find it in most Roman bakeries every day.

12. Gelato

Just one lick or spoonful is enough to captivate both ice cream and froyo enthusiasts with Rome’s signature dessert: gelato. Made fresh each day with seasonal, all-natural ingredients, gelato has some key distinctions from traditional ice cream.

While ice cream is denser due to more air, contains more cream, and is stored at colder temperatures, gelato is kept at warmer temperatures, has a softer texture, contains less air, and uses more milk. But don’t just take our word for it—try a sample of gelato yourself and see what all the excitement is about!

Classic Italian flavors you must experience include banana, crema, hazelnut, pistachio, and dark chocolate.

13. Porchetta Sandwich

For a twist on your lunch favorites, try the iconic Roman porchetta sandwich. Served on a crusty roll, it features layers of spit-roasted, deboned pork infused with rosemary, fennel, and garlic that will leave you drooling.

Savoring every last bite, you likely won't need to add many, if any, condiments.

14. Tiramisu

When the dessert cravings hit, reach for a classic Roman delight: tiramisu. While there are numerous variations, the traditional version consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Despite its rich and creamy texture, it remains delightful until the very last bite.

So while you're cruising through Europe and exploring the historic city of Rome, embrace the local way of life: indulge in delicious food and drink! If you’re looking to bring a piece of Rome home, ensure that you purchase food items that are prepackaged and sealed for your return to the ship.