From ancient artifacts to the new snacks on the block, Rome’s street food scene bursts with flavor and history. To misquote the old adage: ‘when in Rome, eat as the Romans do.’ Street food enjoys new popularity in the Eternal City, so it’s a great place to start your culinary adventure.
Rome swarms with everything from the classic take-away pizza slice to modern creations. Whether you want cheap eats or classic bites, you’ll find plenty of options. Here’s a guide to five traditional (and not so traditional) favorites to help you navigate Roman street food.
Supplì
The supplì reigns as the king of Roman street food. Locals have loved these easy-to-eat, deep-fried rice croquettes for over 150 years.
Although similar to Sicilian arancine, supplì remain unique. The most classic version features rice filled with ragù (meat sauce), but you will also find vegetarian options.
Supplì al telefono contain a mozzarella center. When you bite into one, gooey cheese stretches out like old telephone wires. People make these bites by following traditional recipes passed down for generations.
Where to get it:
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Award-winning chef Archagelo Dandini offers his take at Supplizio, near Campo dei Fiori.
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For a more rustic experience, visit Casa del Supplì, with locations near San Giovanni and Trastevere.
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If you want to try different kinds, food markets like Mercato di Testaccio always deliver.
Tiny balls of fried cheesy goodness? Supplì will steal your heart! Photo credit: Evelyn Hill
Trapizzino
The trapizzino combines traditional Roman flavors with the modern street food craze. You will eat a triangular pocket of pizza dough, stuffed with fillings such as meatballs, melanzane alla parmigiana (baked eggplant with caciocavallo cheese), pollo alla cacciatora (chicken in tomato sauce), or tongue in salsa verde (parsley pesto).
Pizzaiolo Stefano Callegari invented the trapizzino in 2008. Now, you can find it as far away as New York City.
Where to get it:
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Grab a trapizzino at Trapizzino at Piazza Trilussa 46, which also serves as a Trastevere wine bar.
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Another option sits inside the Mercato Centrale at Termini train station—perfect for a quick bite before or after a train journey.
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These food markets work well for a snack on the go or as a stop during a street food tour.
A meatball trapizzino.
Carciofi alla giudia
This dish dates back at least 500 years. Originally, people only made it in Rome’s Jewish ghetto, but now you’ll find it all over the city. The dish features artichokes that are flattened and deep fried. As you eat, you crunch through the crispy outer leaves, like potato chips, to reach the soft, meaty center. You will spot them on restaurant menus as starters and as street food.
Where to get it:
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Try the street-food version at Food Box, in the trendy Mercato di Testaccio.
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Kosher restaurants around Via del Portico d’Ottavia also serve this dish as a starter.
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Markets like these let you explore the diversity of Roman cuisine.
Carciofi alla giudia: Roman Jewish-style artichokes.
Pinsa
Pinsa is more than just the Roman word for pizza. The dish likely comes from Ancient Rome and differs greatly from Neapolitan pizza. First, bakers use a blend of wheat, soya, and rice flours. Next, the dough’s high hydration (75%) makes it easy to digest. Bakers let it rise naturally for 48–72 hours. Another unique trait is its elongated oval shape. Recently, Romans have rediscovered pinsa, and it’s now a must-try for fans of traditional recipes.
Where to get it:
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You will find many shops offering la vera pinsa Romana.
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Pinsa ‘mpò, near the Vatican, works well for a Roman lunch on the go.
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Domus Pinsa near the Pantheon offers a sit-down pinseria experience and boasts dough that rises for 120 hours.
Check out the video for more recommendations and tips on finding street food in Rome.
Porchetta
Porchetta—whole roast pig stuffed with garlic, rosemary, and fennel—features all over Italy and in Rome’s street food scene. Vendors slice juicy meat and crispy crackling to serve in a bun, creating the tastiest Italian sandwich imaginable.
You will spot porchetta trucks at every Italian market and festival. These sandwiches provide a real treat. Fortunately, Rome offers several places to satisfy your cravings every day. Football fans can always find porchetta vans around the Stadio Olimpico when Roma or Lazio play.
Where to get it:
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Angrypig makes a great stop before or after a Vatican Museums visit.
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On the other side of the Tiber, Il Panino Ingegnoso offers delicious porchetta sandwiches and stays open late.
Roman marketplaces overflow with delicious street food-style bites, like porchetta. Photo credit: zero.the.hero
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome Street Food
Where can I find the best street food in Rome?
You will find the best street food at bustling food markets like Mercato di Testaccio and Mercato Centrale. Local bakeries and dedicated street food shops also serve excellent bites. For a deeper experience, join a street food tour and sample a range of cheap eats.
Is street food in Rome expensive?
Street food in Rome stays affordable and delicious. Most snacks, like supplì, pizza al taglio, and porchetta sandwiches, cost little. You can try many flavors without breaking the bank.
Are there vegetarian options for Roman street food?
Absolutely! Many traditional recipes offer vegetarian versions, such as:
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Supplì with mozzarella
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Pinsa topped with vegetables
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Carciofi alla giudia
Food markets usually have a wide selection to suit different dietary needs.
What is a street food tour, and is it worth it in Rome?
A street food tour is a guided walk where you sample different street foods while learning about their history and cultural significance. In Rome, these tours are a fun and tasty way to discover hidden gems and experience the best of Roman cuisine.
Enjoy street food like a local on our Local Rome Food Tour: Jewish Quarter & Historic Center! Discover how Romans have enjoyed street food for centuries as you sample on-the-go bites, including supplì, fried fish, pizza, and more.
