As a foodie, visiting Rome was a gastronomic adventure. The city is known for its delicious and diverse culinary scene, and I was excited to try as many different dishes as possible.
One of my first meals in Rome was at a traditional trattoria called “Da Enzo al 29.” The trattoria is located in the Testaccio neighborhood and serves classic Roman dishes. I started off with a traditional Roman dish of “Carciofi alla giudia” deep-fried artichokes which were crispy and delicious.
For my main dish, I had “Spaghetti alla Carbonara,” a traditional Roman pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, bacon, pecorino cheese, and pepper. It was absolutely delicious, the flavors of the bacon and cheese blended perfectly with the spaghetti. I also had a glass of red wine which paired perfectly with the dish.
Another culinary highlight was a visit to “La Pergola,” a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the top of a hotel. The restaurant is known for its contemporary Italian cuisine and offers a unique dining experience with a panoramic view of the city. I had a variety of dishes, each one more delicious than the last. Some of the standouts included a dish of sautéed foie gras, a roasted turbot fish served with a white truffle sauce, and a dessert of tiramisu. The flavors of each dish were complex and unique, and it was an unforgettable dining experience.
I also visited a street food market called “Campo de’ Fiori” where I tried a variety of street food from different vendors. I had a delicious “suppli” a fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, a traditional Roman pizza “Pizza al Taglio” and a dish of “Saltimbocca alla romana” veal scaloppine with prosciutto and sage. The street food was delicious and a great way to try a variety of different foods at a relatively low cost.
Some of the traditional Roman dishes that are a must-try include:
- “Cacio e Pepe” pasta dish made with spaghetti, Pecorino cheese, and black pepper
- “Amatriciana” pasta dish made with spaghetti, tomato sauce, pancetta and Pecorino cheese
- “Saltimbocca alla romana” veal scaloppine with prosciutto and sage
- “Trippa alla romana” tripe cooked with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese
- “Porchetta” a traditional Roman roast pork dish
In addition to traditional Roman dishes, you can also find a variety of seafood dishes in Rome, such as:
- “Cozze alla marinara” mussels cooked in a tomato and white wine sauce
- “Branzino al cartoccio” sea bass cooked in parchment paper with vegetables
- “Polpo alla Luciana” octopus cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers.
You can also find a variety of pizza, pasta, risotto and many other Italian dishes in Rome. Some of the most popular Pizza varieties in Rome are “Pizza al Taglio” (pizza by the slice) and “Pizza scrocchiarella” (crunchy pizza).
The city is also home to a number of gelaterias (Italian ice cream shops) where you can try a variety of delicious gelato flavors. Some of the most popular gelato flavors in Rome include hazelnut, pistachio, and stracciatella.
Overall, my foodie experience in Rome was amazing, the quality and variety of food was impressive. The city has a diverse culinary scene and offers something for everyone, from traditional Roman dishes to contemporary Italian cuisine. I would highly recommend visiting Rome for any food lover. The city has a rich culinary history and it’s a pleasure to taste it firsthand.