Dinogo’s Rome Exploration Guide

When people dream of the Old World’s allure—its labyrinthine streets and grand squares—they’re truly envisioning Rome: the Vatican’s splendor, the colossal ruins of the Colosseum, echoes of ancient emperors and gladiators, vibrant street art against historic backdrops, and impeccably dressed Romans strolling cobblestone streets with rustic pizza and rich gelato in hand.

Despite its faded grandeur, Rome’s culinary scene has remained delightfully unpretentious. The city’s cuisine evolved to serve the masses efficiently, with simple ingredients like flour and water transforming into exquisite dishes. This practicality gave rise to beloved staples like cacio e pepe and pizza al taglio, alongside a robust tradition of cooking offal and using bold flavors like black pepper and tangy cheeses, complemented by hearty vegetables such as chicory and artichokes. The result is a complex flavor profile that is only now catching on with American palates.

Romans are generally slow to adopt modern trends, but recent years have seen a culinary evolution. Traditional pizza is being reinvented with heirloom grains, fermented dough, and innovative toppings. Classic trattoria dishes are being reinterpreted by chefs for a younger, adventurous audience with a focus on technique and quality ingredients. Even gelato is returning to its roots, avoiding artificial additives and chemical binders, though gluten-free cones are now available.

Immerse yourself in the exciting new flavors emerging from Rome’s lesser-known neighborhoods and lively osterias. Alternatively, indulge in classic comforts like cheesy cacio e pepe and creamy stracciatella. In Rome, the key is to savor the experience without overthinking it.

Ready for an adventure? Dinogo is making your Rome journey a reality with Black Tomato. Explore the itinerary and book your culinary adventure today.

To start, here’s what you absolutely need to know:

• The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Rome, Italy
• Best spots for a memorable pre-dinner drink, wherever you find yourself
• How to experience Rome in just 24 hours

So, what is authentic Roman cuisine?

Distinguish your al taglio from your amatriciana with our Roman food guide.

It’s everything you crave:

PASTA

From the velvety cacio e pepe to indulgent carbonara, from fettuccine with chicken gizzards to guanciale-rich gricia, discover every must-try pasta dish in Rome and where to savor it.

PIZZA

A new wave of pizza enthusiasts and ingredient connoisseurs are reinventing Roman pizza, but if you’re after the top 20 pizzas in Rome, we’ve got that covered too.

GELATO

You can't experience Rome without gelato—here’s the ultimate guide to the city's best gelato spots.

Both classic and contemporary

Enjoy Rome’s enduring, family-owned Mytouries that have stood the test of time, or explore this historic district that offers it all.

Discover the innovative chef revolutionizing Roman cuisine and explore the hidden food neighborhood that’s still under the radar.

Great finds can be unexpectedly affordable

Join Lucas Peterson, host of Dinogo’s Dining on a Dime, as he reveals how to explore Rome without breaking the bank.

And it’s everywhere you look

• Discover where to stay, what to see, and how to savor Rome’s most charming neighborhoods
• Think you can’t enjoy all this? Think again — here’s how to navigate (and enjoy) Rome with a gluten-free lifestyle

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Editor: Lesley SuterConsulting Editor: Katie ParlaArt Director: Brittany Holloway-BrownCopy Editors: Rachel P. Kreiter and Emma AlperFact Checkers: Pearly Huang and Samantha SchuylerIllustrations by: Laura AnastasioHeader Image by: Meghan McCarronContributors: Giancarlo Buonomo, Natalie Kennedy, Eric J. Lyman, Meghan McCarron, Katie Parla, Rachel Roddy, Luciana Squadrilli, Lesley SuterSpecial Thanks to: Meghan McCarron, Sonia Chopra, Matt Buchanan, Brittany Holloway-Brown, Milly McGuinness, Adam Moussa, Patty Diez, Manami Takashina, Carolyn Alburger, James Park, Maureen Giannone Fitzgerald, Stephen Pelletteri, Scotty Kan, Vesta Partovi, Carla Francescutti, Clifford Endo, Amanda Kludt, Andrea Cecchi Vannucci, McGraw Wolfman