The smell of freshly baked pizza, crispy supplì sizzling in hot oil, and the voice of a street vendor calling out with a smile — welcome to Rome, where street food is as much a part of the cityscape as the Colosseum itself. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the authentic flavors of the Eternal City.
Rome street food guide: what to eat and where to find it
But, does Rome have good street food? Absolutely yes, the kind you eat with your eyes, hands and remember forever.
What is Rome’s famous street food?
Cuisine in Italy it’s a serious matter, but you may ask yourself: “what is the most popular street food in Italy?” The answer is simple: pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), iconic and widely loved across the country.
When you think about Roman specialities, a lot of traditional dishes may come to your mind. But Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio & Pepe, are only the surface of a culinary identity that is rich, flavor and variety.
Roman street food it’s one of the most famous in Italy, and include:
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Supplì: the iconic roman fried rice balls, which has some variant (you can choose the classic one, the carbonara or amatriciana type and also cacio & pepe or ragù)
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Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice): a traditional Italian food, sold by weight and served in rectangular slices with a wide variety of toppings.
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Porchetta sandwiches: juicy, fatty, aromatic pork with crispy skin, served in a simple, crusty Italian roll (often called rosetta or ciabatta)
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Trapizzino: hybrid of pizza and sandwich, a triangular pocket made from pizza bianca dough (like focaccia, crisp on the outside, soft inside) stuffed with classic Roman stews, sauces, or braised dishes
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Gelato: you can eat it while you make the classic “Passeggiata Italiana” (italian relaxing stroll)
Where to find Rome’s best street food
You can find street food stops in every corner of the Eternal City, but if you need a local-style guide to Rome’s best street food spots and areas, where you’ll find the real-deal, delicious eats — perfect for walking, exploring, and snacking like a Roman, you are in the right place
Street food vendors in Rome
From bustling local markets to food trucks and tiny window counters tucked between ancient ruins, Rome is full of street food. These vendors are the heartbeat of the city’s culinary life, offering quick, affordable, and incredibly flavorful bites for locals and tourists alike.
Here are some of the best places to find authentic street food in Rome:
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Testaccio Market – A local favorite and a true Roman experience. Here you’ll find everything from supplì to fried baccalà, all served with a side of neighborhood charm.
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Campo de’ Fiori – This historic square hosts one of the city’s most famous open-air markets by day, but its surrounding bakeries and panini shops keep the food scene alive well into the afternoon.
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Trionfale Market – Just a few steps from the Vatican, this lesser-known gem is a paradise of flavors: from cured meats to fresh produce and hot dishes ready to take away.
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Street vendors near the Colosseum and Vatican – While the most touristy areas can be hit or miss, there are still hidden gems nearby. Look for small kiosks or forno-style bakeries offering quick bites that are anything but ordinary.
Top 5 must-try street food spots in Rome
With so many tempting options, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to five must-try street food spots in Rome — places where locals go, flavors are bold, and everything is made with passion.
- Supplizio
An elevated take on Rome’s classic supplì, this cozy spot near Campo de' Fiori serves gourmet versions of the iconic rice ball. Think creamy fillings, rich ragù, and even vegetarian options, all with a golden crispy crust. It's street food, reimagined. - Trapizzino (Trastevere or Mercato Centrale)
Invented right here in Rome, the Trapizzino is a street food revolution. A pocket of pizza bianca stuffed with traditional Roman recipes like chicken cacciatore, meatballs in sauce, or eggplant parmigiana. It's handheld comfort food — and totally unforgettable. - Pizza Zizza (near the Vatican)
A beloved local spot just steps from St. Peter’s Basilica, Pizza Zizza serves creative takes on pizza al taglio. Perfect after a morning tour of the Vatican Museums. - Forno Campo de’ Fiori
This historic bakery has been baking since the 1800s. Grab a slice of pizza bianca or the classic pizza rossa, still warm from the oven. It’s simple, traditional, and deeply Roman. - La Casa del Supplì
If you want to eat like a Roman, head straight to this no-frills favorite. With several locations across the city, La Casa del Supplì delivers the crispy, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience that defines Rome’s street food scene.
A day of eating: sample food itinerary
One of the best ways to experience Rome street food is to make it part of your day — not just as snacks, but as a delicious thread that ties together your entire sightseeing adventure. Here's how you can eat like a local while exploring some of the city’s must-see landmarks.
- Morning – Espresso & maritozzo
Start your day the Roman way: standing at the counter of a neighborhood bar, sipping a rich espresso and biting into a maritozzo — a sweet, fluffy bun filled with fresh whipped cream. It’s indulgent, yes, but it fuels a full morning of walking and wonder. - Midday – Pizza al taglio from a local forno
By lunchtime, it’s time for something savory — and nothing hits the spot like a slab of pizza al taglio, sold by weight and cut to your liking. Head to a historic forno in Trastevere or near Campo de’ Fiori and choose from toppings like zucchini flowers, sausage & mushrooms, or the ever-classic margherita. - Afternoon – Gelato break
Rome afternoons were made for gelato. Cool off with a scoop (or two) while making your way through the historic center. You’ll find artisan gelaterias serving creamy, handcrafted flavors. Try pistachio, stracciatella, or seasonal fruit for an authentic taste. - Evening – Trapizzino or porchetta panino with a local craft beer
Wrap up your day with a satisfying dinner you can eat with your hands. Whether you go for a trapizzino stuffed with hearty Roman stew or a crusty porchetta panino dripping with juicy, herbed pork, this is street food done right. Pair it with a local craft beer and you’ve got the perfect end to your Roman foodie day.
Why take a Rome street food tour?
If you want to taste the best of Roman cuisine without the guesswork, a guided food tour is the way to go.
Rome’s street food scene is vibrant, delicious — and honestly, a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. That’s where a local guide makes all the difference. A curated Rome street food tour isn’t just about eating well (though you definitely will) — it’s about connecting with the culture, hearing the stories behind the flavors, and discovering hidden gems you’d never find on your own.
Here’s why joining a food tour is the smartest way to eat your way through the Eternal City:
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Local expertise: Skip the tourist traps. Your guide will take you to places Romans actually eat — from historic fornos to family-run kiosks with decades of tradition.
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Hidden gems: Discover tucked-away bakeries, back-alley pizza al taglio counters, and the best supplì spots that don’t show up in guidebooks.
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Cultural insight: Learn the origins of the dishes, the customs behind the bites, and how food has shaped Rome’s identity for centuries.
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All the flavor, none of the stress: No maps, no language barrier, no decision fatigue. Just pure enjoyment, one delicious stop at a time.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Rome regular, a street food tour adds flavor to your day — literally and figuratively. It turns eating into an experience, and a walk through the city into a memory you’ll savor.
Recommended culinary tours by Walks Inside Rome
Ready to turn your appetite into an unforgettable experience? These curated culinary tours by Walks Inside Rome are the perfect way to dive deeper into the city’s rich food culture — whether you’re tasting, cooking, or simply strolling from one delicious stop to the next.
Here are our top picks for food-loving travelers:
Rome Street Food and Golf Cart Tour
Explore the flavors of Rome through its most vibrant local markets. With a local food expert by your side, you’ll taste iconic bites like supplì, pizza al taglio, and cured meats — all while discovering the city’s culinary traditions from the inside out. Check out our related tour:
Pasta Making Class with a Local Chef
Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of fresh pasta from a Roman chef with our professional cooking classes! You’ll make traditional pasta shapes from scratch, prepare sauces like cacio e pepe or amatriciana, and sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Check out our cooking classes:
Rome Food Tour in Trastevere
Step into one of Rome’s most authentic and atmospheric neighborhoods. This guided walking tour through Trastevere takes you to hidden trattorias, family-run bakeries, and bustling piazzas where locals gather. Enjoy multiple tastings, great company, and true Roman charm.
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