eating rome food tour

We Are the First and Original Food Tours of Rome , Proud of our 5 Star Rating .

We were the first to start food and wine tours in Rome. Hundreds of online reviews are a valuable proof of our great reputation and hi-quality services. Our tours are not only tasty but also informative and fun.

FOOD TOURS OF ROME - First and Original Since 2008!

We offer hi-quality food tours and culinary experiences in Rome, Naples, Venice, Florence and many other cities in Italy including the lovely countryside. Thousands of guests have loved our food tours since 2008 . We kept the most popular itineraries and introduced new ones recently. Check them out!.

OUR FOOD TOURS IN & AROUND ROME

JEWISH GHETTO & CAMPO DE' FIORI BY NIGHT FOOD TOUR

Marcellus theatre, navona, largo argentina.

TREVI & PANTHEON FOOD TOUR

Trevi fountain, montecitorio, spanish steps.

MONTI & ESQUILINO FOOD TOUR

Michelangelo's moses, basilica di santa maria maggiore, santa prassede.

SAN GIOVANNI & APPIO FOOD TOUR

San giovanni cathedral, ancient acqueducts and gates.

DESSERT TOUR IN ROME

Piazza di spagna, piazza montecitorio, pompey theatre.

GLUTEN-FREE FOOD TOUR OF ROME

Pantheon, largo argentina, campo de' fiori.

WINE TOUR IN ROME

Wine tasting led by a local sommelier.

NAPLES BY NIGHT FOOD TOUR

Piazza plebiscito, via toledo, piazza del gesu'.

FLORENCE FOOD AND CULTURAL TOUR

Duomo, santa croce, sant'ambrogio.

VENICE FOOD & WINE TOUR

Rialto bridge, marco polo house, campo san polo, other tours in italy.

Each region of Italy has a unique climate, grows different products and offers a special variety of works of art. We offer hi-quality food and culture tours in Rome, Naples and the beautiful Italian countryside.

WHY CHOOSE US?

There are many reasons why hundreds of people have selected our tours and why you should do the same.

There are many things you can do in Rome but not all of them give you what they advertize. Our tours aim to make every dollar you spend worth.

Bruno is the founder of food tours of Rome and is a licensed tour guide. Him and his team will make each tour special and your experience memorable.

Some reviews might be fake but more than 500 hundreds of them are definetely real and prove the quality of our work.

We are licensed and official tour operator based in Rome. Most of other companies selling on Internet are not. Insurance, quality, customer care is a plus for us!

Our tours and activities are run and designed by locals born and raised in Italy. We want to make you taste the best of our land and have a great memory of us. Our tours are suitable for everyone, also people with special dietary requirements.

Our previous guests have been telling friends, family and colleagues about how good we are and suggested them to try us. Another proof of our success. Thank you!

UNIQUE TOUR PACKAGES

Rome & Italy offer a large variety of food, spirits and art. We designed the following tour packages to reward our most passionate guests.

OUR CLIENTS

Our tours are suitable to individual people, families, groups of friends but also companies staff. Many enterprises have already organized team building or celebrated special events with us.

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Rome Food Tour

After our food tour, rome will feel like home.

The Roman Food Tour is Recommended by :

#1 Rome Food Tour on Tripadvisor

Our food tours in Rome offer the ultimate foodie experience, exploring the Roman culinary scene for the real taste of Italian cuisine. During our food tour, Rome will be revealed through a gastronomic journey, visiting the most authentic restaurants and best places to eat in Rome.

Meet beloved chefs from Italy and within the Lazio region, to discover their kitchen secrets, use of gourmet ingredients and learn ancient Roman recipes, to further your appreciation of delicious flavors from iconic dishes.

In between food and wine tastings, enjoy walking through the beautiful piazzas and picturesque streets of Rome, to receive an insight into the history, culture and customs, which define the Eternal City.

Joining The Roman Food Tour is essential for any trip to the Italian capital. We believe after experiencing our food tours, Rome will feel like home. Group sizes are limited, so book now to reserve our award winning Rome food tour.

Our food tour in Rome offers the ultimate foodie experience, exploring the Roman culinary scene for the real taste of Italian cuisine. During our food tour Rome will be revealed, through a gastronomic journey visiting the most authentic restaurants, hidden gems and best places to eat in Rome.

Joining The Roman Food Tour is essential for any trip to the Italian capital. We believe after experiencing our food tours Rome will feel like home. Group sizes are limited, so book now to reserve our award winning Rome food tour.

Best Selling Food Tours in Rome

Rome food tour in prati.

Taste the best of Rome in the Roman neighborhood of Prati. This food tour provides a complete insight into Italian cuisine, visiting four unforgettable venues.  Begin your evening in typical Italian…

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Taste of Trionfale Market Tour  

Visit the largest food market in Rome, along with a handful of locally loved restaurants. Your introduction to Italian cuisine begins with breakfast at La Pasticceria Siciliana.…

Rome Food Tour in Trastevere

Our Rome Food Tour in Trastevere, visits 4 locally loved restaurants for over 20 delicious food tastings, while admiring the beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets and ivy-coated buildings. Tastings include 30…

Popular Culinary Experiences in Rome

Cooking Class in Rome

This special culinary experience incorporates both a cooking class in Rome, to learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine in a locally loved Roman restaurant, as well as a visit…

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VIP Private Rome Food Tour 

Treat yourself to this VIP private Roman food tour, including the best view of the Trevi Fountain, from an exclusive rooftop restaurant. *Tour available for private groups of…

Rome Wine Tour with Vineyard Visit

Join this half-day wine tour in Frascati (located 25 minutes by train from Rome Termini station) to explore the local town and learn about the traditional wine making techniques, at…

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Visiting Florence or Venice?

Cooking Class in Florence

Learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine in a locally loved Florentine restaurant, during this 3-hour cooking class in the heart of Florence.

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Food Tour in Florence 

Stroll the quaint Florentine streets and enjoy iconic dishes and Traditional Tuscan treats, at locally loved restaurants, during this 4 hour food tour in Florence.…

  Cooking Class in Venice

During this 3-hour cooking class in the heart of Venice, learn the recipes of  Venetian pasta dishes and tiramisu, accompanied by local wine.

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Rome Food Tour FAQ's

A food tour takes you to multiple restaurants to taste the best of which each venue has to offer. We believe, after joining our food tour Rome will have a more meaningful affect on you, through experiencing authentic Italian cuisine and embracing Roman culture.

Popular Roman cuisine includes pasta (amatriciana, carbonara and cacio e pepe) pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), suppli (fried rice balls) and trapizzino (typical Roman street food) All of which are offered on our Rome food tours.

Expect a full course meal with free-flowing fine Italian wine. Non-wine drinkers can choose Italian lager, craft beer, spritz and lemoncello.

All food allergies can be accommodated. Menus on our food tours can be modified to gluten-free, vegetarian, lactose intolerant, vegan and non alcohol drinkers.

The Rome Food Tour in Trastevere is ideal for visitors to the Italian capital, who prefer to tour a picturesque Roman neighborhood. The Rome Food tour in Prati takes place in a residential neighborhood in Rome close to the Vatican City, suited to those seeking a more local experience. Expect to walk between 1.5 / 2 kms on our food and wine tours. Customers with walking difficulties are provided with complimentary taxis.

We provide a full refund for tours cancelled within 24 hours of the tour. Private tours 7 days prior to departure

Yes. Our cooking class in Rome runs every day at 14:00. It includes a pasta and tiramisu making course.

Lunch In Rome is usually eaten from 1 p.m until 2:30 p.m. Romans eat dinner mostly from 8 p.m. Tipping in Rome is not expected but always appreciated. After our food tour Rome and Roman customs, will be ingrained within you.

Regardless of the type of meal in Rome you’re seeking, we offer restaurant recommendations for all tastes and budgets, including fine dining, pizzerias, gelaterias, street food and much more. See our Guide to Rome blog or email us to receive suggestions.

Experience Rome Like a Local with The Roman Food Tour

The Italian capital offers endless sightseeing opportunities, from historical monuments, colossal ruins and ancient remains, to beautiful churches and breathtaking fountains, however equally as important for visitors travelling to Rome is tasting authentic food and wine.

After touring the Colosseum, visiting the Pantheon and Trevi fountain, admiring artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and staring at the Sistine Chapel, maximize your Roman holiday with our walking food tour in Rome.

Instead of losing your appetite at touristy restaurants, serving substandard food, touristic menus and microwave meals, allow The Roman Food Tour to introduce you to the most authentic food Rome has to offer.

The Italian capital offers endless sightseeing opportunities, from historical monuments, colossal ruins and ancient remains, to beautiful churches and breathtaking fountains, however equally as important for visitors travelling to Rome is tasting authentic food and wine.

After touring the Colosseum, visiting the Pantheon and Trevi fountain, admiring artistic masterpieces in the Vatican Museums and staring at the Sistine Chapel, maximize your Roman holiday with our walking food tour in Rome.

Instead of losing your appetite at touristy restaurants, serving substandard food, touristic menus and microwave meals, allow The Roman Food Tour to introduce you to the most authentic food Rome has to offer. And, we also offers Florence Food Tours …

Our food tour guides lead small groups, away from the tourist traps to explore Roman neighborhoods including Trastevere, Testaccio and Trionfale, to visit restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, gelaterias and popular food establishments, where locals enjoy eating in Rome. Our aim is after joining our food tour Rome will feel less touristy.

Food Tour Rome Trastevere

What’s on the menu? Highlights include, spaghetti alla carbonara cooked al dente,  taste  authentic   Italian   flavors and  classic Roman dishes such as coda alla vaccinara  and carciofi alla romana.  Taste the best pizza in Rome from the Michelangelo of pizza Gabiele Bonci,  savor mouthwatering street food in Rome such as suppli and trapizzino, as well as artisanal gelato tasting.  You won’t leave hungry!

To drink, enjoy sipping on fine Italian wine such as Barolo and Amarone, as well as local vino from Roman vineyards such as Frascati Superiore, Castelli Romani and Prosecco.

After joining our tour, you will leave stuffed with a full stomach, as well as full of knowledge on Roman culture. So put down your guidebooks and wine and dine in Rome with The Roman Food Tour. 

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The 8 BEST Food Tours in Rome, Italy

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Are you looking for the best food tours in Rome? From a delicious street food tour to eating all the pizza, these are 8 Rome food tours for your next trip!

Rome is a city of full of art, architecture, culture, history, and everything else in-between. Oh, and food – so much incredible food! 

When I fist visited the city I knew there was going to be bowlfuls of delicious pasta dishes, platefuls of pizza and plenty of locally produced wines to indulge in. However, it wasn’t until I went of a few food tours in Rome that I truly started to appreciate Italian cuisine.

There was the 4-hour walking food tour by night where I was floored by the huge range of samples on offer. The Flavors of Rome by Bike was another of my favourite food experiences in Rome.

Cycling made a nice change from the usual street food tours and it included whizzing past some awesome iconic sights. You’ve got to remember to take in the sites like the Colosseum in-between all that eating!

Wherever I’m travelling, I always seek out a few local food tours. I’m a firm believer that eating your way around a city is one of the best ways of understanding a place. That and it’s downright delicious.

And it doesn’t matter what your budget is or what kind of dining experiences you rate, there is always a tour that appeals to your taste buds. That’s especially true in Rome where food is such a big part of the city’s identity.

With so many on offer, I hope my list of the best Rome food tours will help you narrow down which to join. Read on and prepare to feel very hungry.

Planning your trip to Rome? Then check out my guides on visiting Rome in summer and Rome in winter – I’ve got both seasons covered for you there! Also, read my guide on what to eat in Rome too!

Also, this is a really good itinerary for 2 days in Rome . This is packed full of activities when the sun’s out and is more of a summer guide than the one above.

Best Food Tours in Rome

1. street food and sightseeing guided tour in rome.

This walking food tour of Rome is perfect for those of you who don’t have long in the city as it combines must-see sights with samples of authentic Italian street food delicacies.

Campo de’ Fiori , the Jewish Quarter and Largo di Torre Argentina are all on the route. It’s as much about getting a taste of the unique history and culture in the different neighbourhoods as it is the food.

That said, the food was the star of the show for me. We tucked into some of the best cured meats I’ve ever tasted to start with. Also on the menu was the popular street food Supplì and my personal favourite, artisanal gelato. You can’t come to Rome without stuffing your face full of gelato.

Another bonus is that the groups are small. That means there are lots of opportunities to ask questions about the dishes and neighbourhoods for some extra insider knowledge.

You can find out more about this food tour here .

2. Jewish Quarter Food Tour

This is another Rome walking tour that hits up areas renowned for their gourmet offerings and history. The difference with this one is that your guide is an app. So, if you prefer the flexibility of a self-guided solo tour, this might be the one for you.

From the starting point in Campo de’ Fiori, six samples await along the route. All of them are delicious, with some highlights being a piece of savoury pie called torta rustica and the mini-tiramisu. The latter is freshly made right there and then.

Since you’re relying on the app for the tour, remember to set off with a full phone battery. It takes around one and a half hours to complete, but that all depends on how leisurely your pace is.

I think this is such a cool idea and it gives you a really good insight into the types of food you can get in Rome as well as a fair few dish recommendations along the way, all in your own time.

3. Wine and Cheese Tasting in Rome

A family-run wine bar is the base for this wine tour of Rome. With its wine-lined shelves and fifty-year history as a bar and shop, it couldn’t be a better setting.

Acclaimed wineries provide the top-notch wines, like Frascati Superiore and Bellone. Each of these is perfectly paired with delicious food – cheeses, salami, smoked ham, smoked fish and more treats. It’s amazing how flawlessly the flavours are matched. You really get to understand what wine works with different types of flavours and food.

Don’t worry if you don’t know your Pinot Grigio from your Chianti. The sommelier gives you pointers on how to taste wine like a pro. By the end of the hour, you feel a lot more confident in distinguishing differences between varieties. And if not you can always fake it till you make it.

4. The Flavors of Rome by Bike: Italian Food Experience

The great thing about doing one of the bike and food tour in Rome is that you cover so much ground. That’s true of The Flavors of Rome by Bike tour, which takes you on a five-mile journey with regular stops for incredible food along the way.

We had a taste of everything from pizza and artisan smoked meats to some superb sweets. As you stop off at different shops and producers along the way, there’s also the chance to buy your favourite foodie finds too. Obviously you’ve got to take home a souvenir or two.

Everyone loves getting to know the Testaccio district , which is one of the city’s top foodie hubs as well as being steeped in interesting history. It really lives up to its reputation, especially in the market, which is the tour’s final stop where you’re greeted with the heavenly range of freshly cooked food. Just perfect.

5. 4-Hour Food Tour by Night

A whole evening of eating, drinking and exploring is what you get on the 4-Hour Food Tour by Night. There are no less than 20 samples – so turn up hungry. Very very hungry. From truffle cheese and pizza from Rome’s number one pizzeria to authentic gelato, the variety and quality are close to unbeatable.

Spanning Rome neighbourhoods famed for their excellent food, the tour is filled with lessons on the history and stories behind the dishes and drinks you taste. For me, that’s what makes this food tour stand out. I like to learn about everything I’m eating and you definitely get that here.

You also get to meet the people behind the food, some of whom are real characters, like Stefano in the gourmet food shop. Make sure you try some of his 25-year-old aged balsamic vinegar! This is definitely one of the best Rome food tours so make sure you check it out!

6. Gourmet Dinner with Local Fine Wine

The Eternal City does everything from cheap street eats to Michelin-starred restaurants impeccably and there are food tours in Rome to match every level. For a high-end gourmet option, I really recommend this one.

Rather than a traditional tour as such, the whole affair takes place in one restaurant, just off Piazza Navona. Four courses are on the menu, each made with local, seasonal ingredients, including the most divine homemade pasta.

Each course is matched with a specially selected wine sourced from nearby regions, so you can count it as a wine tour of Rome too.

Even better, there’s a host on hand to give you context to everything you’re eating and drinking. It all adds up to an indulgent, truly memorable evening. If you like your fine dining then this is the tour for you.

7. Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Of all the eating tours in Rome I mention here, this is one of the best value tours around. You get a brilliant selection of street foods, a great guide and take in a good chunk of the city’s sights in the three hours. Everything you’d want in a day trip activity in my opinion!

Treats on the menu include cured meats, seasonal fruit, cheese, and Supplì. As mentioned before that’s a Roman speciality, similar to arancini with a centre of delicious tomatoes and mozzarella.

A few of my favourite sightseeing opportunities during the tour are Torre di Largo Argentina , which is where Julius Caesar was assassinated, and the Great Synagogue of Rome in the Jewish Quarter. The tour guide fills you in on points of interest such as these between tastings so make sure you ask lots of questions along the way.

8. Private Michelin Star Food Tour

Where does the Michelin Guide rate in Rome? On the Private Michelin Star Food Tour you get to devour a taste of the acclaimed food at four of those on the list. Yes, I did just say four!

This speciality walking food tour of Rome is spread over three and a half hours, which is perfect as you don’t feel rushed between restaurants. At each location, you are invited to sample creations from the kitchens, which are led by dynamic and admired chefs. Sometimes it’s one specific dish and others a few items brought together on a kind of tasting plate.

As you’d expect for Michelin-starred food, it’s more expensive than other tours. But as well as the highly celebrated food, you’re spending the evening with an expert local guide. They embellish the experience with their insights on the food, chefs and Rome itself, ensuring it’s definitely a special event.

Are you booking a trip to Rome soon? What are you looking forward to doing most? Let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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2 thoughts on “The 8 BEST Food Tours in Rome, Italy”

Wonderful blog….can’t wait to try this during our vacation. Are there any vegetarian food tours ?

Most of the food tours will always cater to vegetarians. Also, a lot of the pasta classes will be vegetarian too. It’s best to find which tour is right for you, and then email the contact form to see whether they can cater to you, but you should be fine!

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Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Discover trastevere, rome’s most vibrant and creative neighbourhood..

Daily Morning / Afternoon / Evening

Trastevere is Rome’s answer to Paris’s Left Bank – a buzzing neighborhood filled with exciting nightlife, local favourite restaurants and tasting rooms, and the city’s most authentic street food. Skip the waits and immerse yourself in this enchanting twilight tour of Rome’s trendiest nightspo t .

This food tour was the highlight of our week long trip in Italy! It was really special to be able to walk around Trastevere while learning about its history and trying the local food at the same time. This is a must do if you are in Rome!

Note : itinerary & tastings subject to change due to seasonality, day of the week, departure time and local holidays. More information upon selection. Regardless , your experience will be unforgettable!

Taste history with Julius Caesar’s favorite dish and visit a wine cellar older than the Colosseum.

Explore picturesque streets and indulge in traditional Roman foods, one bite at a time.

Gain exclusive access to two of Rome’s favorites, ‘Da Enzo al 29’ and ‘Spirito Divino’.

Dine at award-winning venues venues like ‘I Supplì’, and sit down for a pasta meal paired with wine at Rione 13.

Eat a gourmet gelato in Trastevere, and learn how to distinguish it from the ‘fake’ alternatives.

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.

1. Expert Local Guides : Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Rome locals. 2. Rome’s Hidden Gems : Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family. 3. Culinary Diversity : Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food. 4. Cultural Immersion : See Rome through the eyes of a local. 5. Established Expertise : Since 2011, simply the best food tours in Rome!

Adult (From 18) From €114

Adolescent (13-17 years) from €101, child (4-12 years) from €81.

Private tours

If you are coming to Rome with your entourage and you’d like to take a private tour just for you and your group – we can make that happen! 

Our guide was amazing, Best thing we did in Rome, and yes, we visited the Colosseum and Vatican. We did it on our first night and the information we learned helped us order food for the rest of our trip. - Kevin Ruth

Toni was the perfect host! We learnt so much about the area, ate delicious food and had the most wonderful time walking the beautiful streets of Trastevere. Highly recommend this tour especially if you’re staying in the neighbourhood. Make sure you ask for Toni. - Les Widmark

Toni was fantastic. She gave us so much information, made the walk around Trastevere fun. The food was really great but also the history behind the food and the buildings and area was really interesting and fun. We ( all four of us girls) enjoyed every minute. - Cyndi Connolly

We had a wonderful experience with Dario. The locations were all very special and the food and wine was great. I would recommend the tour without hesitation. Thank you for the experience! - Linda Ducousso

The venues were excellent, the food fantastic, but of course nothing would be the same without the outstanding tour guide Luca. His tone, information, history referrals and stories behind made this tour complete. I have been in Rome many times but first time at night in Trastevere. I Will Recommend my friends and clients to enjoy. - Cessy Meacham

Valentina was absolutely AMAZING! The food was incredible, as was the history lesson throughout Trastevere. Our family of five, including a very picky teenage eater, enjoyed every stop along the tour. Our favorite stops were different from one another, showing the wide array of food. We even discovered a new favorite wine! We would highly recommend this tour and especially Valentina! - Matthew Ferlito

Excellent tour, well worth the money! This made my trip to Rome go from amazing to a special experience of a lifetime. Cobbled Italian residential authentic streets of Rome with authentic as well as modern food! The experience made it! - Karina Devlin

Our whole family loved the food, drink, and friendly neighbourhood feel that Rish created in this tour. From the very start everyone felt comfortable and Rish’s insights and humour kept us engaged and eager to try the next delicious item. - Matt B. (TripAdvisor review)

We had an amazing time eating like locals on our food tour in Rome. Our guide, Eric, was incredibly knowledgeable about the city as a whole, the food we were eating, and the wine/beer pairings. This was one of our favorite activities in Rome! - Amy M.

Luca was absolutely AMAZING! We had a whirlwind vacation with travel through London, Paris, Rome and a cruise through the islands of Greece. We saw a ton on our vacation, but everyone in our group of 4 actually rated the Trestavere Twilight food tour as #1 of all the things we did and saw over our entire trip! - Julie

Meet Your Local Rome Tour Guides

Our team of Rome Food Tour Guides includes local experts that speak several different languages.

EATING EUROPE INC. CANCELLATION POLICY

Small Group Tours

A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.

Private Tours

A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure

Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™

Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.

LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS

Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.

CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS

Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!

DISCOUNT CODES

Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.

AMENDMENT POLICY

We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.

CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.

If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:

E-mail: [email protected]

Adult From €114

• Eat Like a Roman Traditional Food, Local Market & History
• Twilight/Daylight Local Food, History and Hidden Places
• Let’s Toast: Drink & Explore Hidden Corners at the Sunset
• The Colosseum & Forum with an Archaeologist
• Highlights of Rome: The Heart of the City with a Local Archaeologist
• Eat Like a Roman, Traditional Food, Local Market & History
• Twilight/Daylight Local Food and Hidden Places
• Let’s Toast: Drink & Explore Hidden Corners at the Sunset
• The Colosseum & Forum with an Archeologist
• Highlights of Rome The Heart of the City with a Local Archaeologist

Eat like a local, feel like a Roman!

Roma Eat is a young and family owned company that creates Food & History Experiences in Rome , the Eternal City in Italy.

In our Team we are all archaeologists , official guides of Rome, food and wine experts, but first of all we are big friends.

Our mantra is that we make our best to be the people we would love to meet when we travel: Passionate, Positive, Curious and Engaging . And we can’t wait to meet you!

Discover Local Food and Hidden Places with us and learn why Rome is the most beautiful city in the world. There is nothing better than our motto to understand our philosophy:

“Eat like a local, feel like a Roman” Book tour

Why Choose Us

Food, culture and history, care for the environment, for all culinary preferences, news & update.

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• Recipes of the Month
• Things to Know about Rome

Here we are!

Hey, we are open and happy to run our experiences in complete safety. We keep enjoying Rome respecting the highest safety standards recommended by the Italian government and the WHO. Join us!

Food & History Host

• Nickname: Bonsy
• Place of Birth: Roma <3
• Place of Residence: Roma, of course
• Favorite Recipe to Eat: Carbonara
• Favorite Recipe to Cook: Fresh Pasta
• Favorite Rome’s Corner: Gianicolo

• Nickname: The Curious
• Place of Birth: Subiaco
• Place of Residence: Roma
• Favorite Recipe to Cook: Fettuccine
• Favorite Rome’s Corner: Mausoleo di Santa Costanza
• Nickname: Lady Oscar
• Place of Birth: Catania
• Favorite Recipe to Eat: Pasta with clams
• Favorite Recipe to Cook: Lasagna with pumpkin,  sausages and gorgonzola
• Favorite Rome’s Corner: Fontana dell’Acqua Paola

operation manager

• Nickname: The Excel Lady
• Place of Birth: Roma
• Motto: Hakuna Matata
• Favorite Recipe to Eat: Selene’s Pancake
• Favorite Recipe to Cook: I’d Rather Eat
• Favorite Rome’s Corner: Villa Borghese

CEO & project manager

• Nickname: The Nature Boy
• Place of Birth: Roma (7 generations)
• Favorite Recipe to Eat: Parmigiana of Granny
• Favorite Recipe to Cook: Pasta with Butter and Parmesan ( it looks like easy, but it’s not)
• Favorite Rome’s Corner: Palazzo dello Sport (Virtus corner)

Social Media Manager & Host

• Nickname: The Sweety
• Place of Birth: Genova
• Motto: The Life in a Backpack and the Heart Dribbling
• Favorite Recipe to Eat: “Pansotti” with nuts souce (typical pasta from Liguria)
• Favorite Recipe to Cook: Focaccia
• Favorite Rome’s Corner: “Foro Boario” and the Temple of “Ercules Invictus”

🍕The 7 Best Rome Food Tours [2024 Reviews]

It’s no wonder why the Eternal City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. I mean, Rome has one of the richest histories of any city, with mouthwatering dishes, breathtaking architecture, amazing museums, and so much more.

Today, we are going to focus on the aspect that I perhaps enjoy the most of all of them: the food!

I’ve carefully curated a selection of the 7 top Rome food tours out there today, that will have you savoring traditional Roman classics through vibrant markets, hidden trattorias, and everything in between.

I know your stomach is growling, so let’s get started!

Have a look at our reviews of Colosseum Tours , Vatican Tours and Tuscany Day Trips .

Best Food Tours in Rome

Quick answer: the 7 best rated rome food tours for 2024.

• Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo)
• Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe
• The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings
• Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo Fiori Jewish Ghetto
• Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City
• The Roman Food Tour including Visit to the Trionfale food market
• Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Best Rome Food Tour Reviews

1. rome food tour – unlimited food & free-flowing fine wine (barolo).

• Duration:  4 hours
• Departure: Via Cipro, 4 L, 00136 Roma RM
• Departure Time: Between 3:30 to 7:30 PM
• Includes:  Bottle of water, Food tasting, Tour escort/host, Dinner, Alcoholic Beverages, Snacks, Lunch

Imagine walking through the streets of Rome with a local expert, enjoying unlimited food and wine. It sounds like a dream, but with this first tour it will be made reality for you!

The Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo)  will leave you skipping the tourist traps and take you right into the heart of the best local eats and hidden gems that Rome has to offer!

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time in the city, I feel like you’d be missing out by not taking this experience! I’d been to Rome before this, but after taking this tour I realized just how much I’d been missing out on  real  Italian cuisine!

I was going to all the “best-rated” Italian places in the area, but they were all the typical touristy spots that charge you an arm and a leg for dishes that taste pretty similar to what I could get at the Olive Garden.

With this guided food tour, we met up with our guide near the Cipra metro station where we were able to explore the area and sample over 20 different foods!

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At La Nicchia Cafe, we were able to try the Mozzarella di Bufala campana, tons of tasty prosecco, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic, and so much more!

My personal favorite was the Ricotta with white truffle-infused honey which was creamy, sweet, and savory.

Bonci Pizzarium is owned by the “Michelangelo of Pizza”, and was recommended by countless food icons, including the legendary Anthony Bourdain!

With nearly 100 different combinations, you’ll get to try pizzas you haven’t even thought of before! La Tradizione is the place to go for cheeses and cured meats paired with amazing fine wines, and Il Segreto near the Vatican provides on-point, al dente pasta with even more wine!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. rome twilight trastevere food tour with eating europe.

• Departure: Piazza S. Bartolomeo All’Isola, 22, 00186 Roma RM
• Departure Time: 4:00 PM
• Includes:  13 samples at 7 different tasting locations, Wine, beer and water, Local English-speaking guide, Rome – A food lover’s guide

This next tour is actually the first tour of Trastevere, and with their expertise and vast knowledge, it’s obvious they have over a decade of experience under their belt.

The Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe  is more focused on quality over quantity, so you won’t get to try as many different types of foods.

However, the ones you  do  try are made to be savored and not rushed, and are well worth the time spent enjoying and learning about.

Trastevere is a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife, beautiful architecture, and is also one of the best “foodie” neighborhoods in Rome. However, with this tour you’ll be receiving VIP access to some of the area’s trendiest, most well-reputed food institutions.

Start off the tour by meeting up with your guide and learn some insider tips into the best types of dishes found in this area and what to look out for.

We met up at the Isola Tiberina, where we walked together with our guide and the rest of our group across the Ponte Cestio, crossing the river to Trastevere.

The first stop of the day was at Via dei Vascellari, where we kicked things off with a toast with DOC prosecco and plenty of traditional Roman dishes at Da Enzo al 29. It’s been serving Romans for nearly 100 years and is by far the most well-known trattoria in the entire city.

I loved trying delicious homemade cookies at the famous Via della Luce, followed by the amazing roast pork and beer at the Via Natale del Grande.

The supplí was phenomenal, along with the various pasta dishes and gelato after exploring the area. We even learned how gourmet gelato came to Roma, and the differences between “real” and “fake” gelato!

Search For Other Top Rated Rome Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. the award-winning private food tour of rome: 6 or 10 tastings.

• Duration:  3 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: Between 12:00 to 7:00 PM
• Includes:  Private Personalized Tour, local guide, 6 or 10 food & drinks tastings of high-quality local products – depends on option booked, vegetarian alternatives available, only you and your guide, carbon neutral tour organized by a B-Corp certified company

I find that this tour works well for anyone, no matter your age, background, or knowledge of Roman dishes. The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings  is perfect for first-time visitors who are not only interested in the food scene, but Rome’s history.

If you’d like to learn about local culture more in-depth than what most Rome tours offer, you’re in the right place. I really like the fact that even though it isn’t a particularly lengthy tour, they even come and pick you up from your hotel.

This is a huge weight off my shoulders, especially when I’m traveling in a foreign country and don’t know how to get around very well, yet. This casual strolling tour perfectly showed off authentic Roman culture, providing me with a perspective I hadn’t seen of this city before.

I’ve always felt like food is a very personal thing, so it made sense to take a private culinary tour with a local foodie who took us to various stops to sample dishes.

We met our guide at Campo de’ Fiori where we started things off with a quick tour of the square, which was exemplary of Rome’s outdoor market traditions.

We then headed to Ponte Sisto, which crosses over the river Tiber and offers beautiful views of the city on the way to Trastevere.

Once in Trastevere – one of the biggest foodie neighborhoods in Rome – we went through and tried some classics like buffalo mozzarella and gelato. After that, we checked out Palazzo Farnese, where we learned about and tried various dishes and drinks.

After all that, we all laughed and chatted while making our way to the Chiesa di Santa Margherita Catholic church, admiring the beautiful 12th-century mosaics and opulent interior.

4. Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo Fiori Jewish Ghetto

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Departure: Via Dei Baullari, 106, 00186 Roma RM
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM
• Includes:  Morning & Evening: 15 samples in 5 locations with with pasta & local fried (VIP restaurant entrance), 3 quality wine tastings at different spots, English-speaking local guide, best restaurants guidebook & cookbook for free, Campo de Fiori Market tour in morning departure

How does a small-group setting while venturing through the best architecture, food, and culture Rome has to offer sound?

You’ll get to experience all that and more with the Small-Group Rome Food Tour: Trastevere Campo Fiori Jewish Ghetto ! I find this tour to be the perfect date-night activity and a great alternative to going out to a nice restaurant!

The tour clocks in at around 4 hours, but I appreciate that they offer both morning and afternoon tour start times to make it easier to fit into busy schedules. Regardless of the start time you choose, though, I highly recommend arriving very hungry as you’ll be trying a lot!

However, I’d even be willing to recommend this selection if you or someone else in your party is a big history buff, as our guide covered a lot.

We started things off in Piazza Farnese, where we met with our guide and headed towards the first stop in Campo de’ Fiori which is known for its legendary outdoor food market.

This is the best place to get fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses. We were able to purchase items (if we wanted), meet some vendors, try samples of various foods, and soak in the culture of doing “grocery shopping” here.

We then arrived in Trastevere, which is incredibly charming thanks to its cobblestone streets, beautiful homes, and some of the most delectable restaurants and cafes in the world.

Our guide led the way through some of the most well-kept secrets that I’d probably never have tried, otherwise.

Getting to see the Jewish Quarter was enriching, learning about the unique history of this neighborhood while trying delicacies like supplí, fried artichokes, codfish, and much more.

5. Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City

• Departure: La Nicchia Cafe, Via Cipro, 4L, 00136 Roma RM
• Departure Time: Between 4:30 to 7:30 PM
• Includes:  Food tasting, Wine tasting, Snacks, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

I’ll admit that food isn’t one of the first things that come to mind when I think of Vatican City. However, I was surprised that the surrounding neighborhoods of Prati and Trionfale are filled with amazing wine and cuisine selections.

The Food & Wine Tour by the Vatican City  is perfect for any age, background, and food preference – even offering substitutions for just about any allergies and food restrictions!

If you’re already planning on going to see the Vatican Museums, this culinary tour is a must-do! We started our tour by meeting our guide at La Nicchia Cafe, which is known for whipping up some of the finest Roman dishes and drinks!

We definitely started things off right, with a 30-year aged balsamic vinegar drizzled over Parmigiano Reggiano, along with truffles, buffalo mozzarella, and DOCG Frascati superior wine.

By this point, I trusted my guide to take me pretty much anywhere, displaying her vast knowledge on all things “Rome” and “Roman food”, along with being fun and very personable.

Our next stop was the Ristorante Pizzeria Falcone, where we were able to try typical Roman pizza (not shy of any kind of sauces, veggies, proteins, cheeses, etc.). I was very intrigued at just how different it was from Neopolitan pizza, but I was very much a fan!

After this, we went to Bonci Pizzarium, which is known as Rome’s #1 pizza and offers a massive selection of different types of – you guessed it: pizza.

Our last stop of the day was at the Hostaria Dino e Tony, where we reveled in handmade pasta dishes and tiramisu, washed down by some of the most delicious wine I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying.

Overall, this was an amazing tour right from the very beginning, with plenty of fun stories to keep us engaged throughout!

6. The Roman Food Tour including Visit to the Trionfale Food Market

• Departure:  Via Cipro, 4L, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
• Departure Time: 10:45 AM
• Includes:  Food tasting, wine tasting, tour escort/host

If I were just in Rome for 1 day and I wanted to try as many Roman dishes as possible, I’d probably take this next tour. The Roman Food Tour including Visit to the Trionfale Food Market is the perfect balance between entertainment, history, architecture, and of course, food.

We were able to try nearly 20 different types of dishes, and while that may sound like a ton of food, was digested quite easily thanks to us strolling around in between each stop!

Our tour started off in the morning, which was quite a bit different from any of the other food tours in Rome that I’d taken! This made it easier to schedule into a busy itinerary, as people seem to always have plans in the evening over morning.

It made sense then that after meeting our guide at Venue La Nicchia Cafe, we started things off by trying a typical Roman breakfast!

I briefly explained La Nicchia Cafe up above, but this is the place to go if you’re interested in tasting aged balsamic, truffles, Genovese pesto, buffalo mozzarella, and some of the finest wine.

After this, we strolled on over to the Bonci Pizzarium, which is listed at the number one pizzeria in Rome – which is really saying something if you know about Romans’ passion for pizza!

At Bonci Pizzarium, you’ll see and get to sample pizzas you literally won’t see anywhere else in the world! After this, head to the Mercato Trionfale and learn about this local market and how everything operates.

Al Giardino Del Gatto e La Volpe Srl is one of the most well-respected, family-owned restaurants known for homemade pasta with fine wine (and they definitely delivered!). To follow all those “salty” dishes up, what better way to celebrate a great day than with some artisanal gelato?!

7. Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Departure: Piazza Navona, 14, 00186 Roma RM
• Departure Time: 10:30 or 11:30 AM
• Includes:  3 types of homemade pizza, fried risotto balls (supplí), Italian cheeses, cannoli, artisanal gelato, 2 types of Roman pastas, the Secret Dish, espresso/cappuccino, finest Italian wines, water, non-alcoholic drinks

Last but certainly not least, I bring you the shortest tour of its kind! The Rome Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours was simply a blast, and while it only lasts 2.4 hours, really packs a punch!

It’s a fantastic way to get to try true Roman fare while venturing through the city’s most unique districts, complete with breathtaking architecture, rich culture, and friendly locals.

While this tour doesn’t include a complimentary hotel pickup, our meetup point at Campo de’ Fiori next to Piazza Navona in Rome was very conveniently located. We then asked our guide some questions, got acquainted, and set off to the Jewish ghetto established in 1555.

Learning about the Roman/Jewish ghetto was quite striking, though it was surprisingly established in 555 in Rione Sant’Angelo.

We got to see so many unique and hidden places in Rome, thanks to our expert guide leading the way. She did so in a way that made me trust her, and her energy and passion for Rome were contagious and set a great mood for the entire group.

You can opt to take a small tour or a private tour, and with the private tour, you get a ton of input into your preferences and receive a more customized experience.

Our foodie guide led us through Trastevere, the Jewish Ghetto, and Campo de’ Fiori, which surprisingly all had very different vibes and food dishes. We tried fresh pizzas and pastas, cold meats, tons of cheese, and supplí which I can’t get enough of.

To follow it up, we had a little “dessert” of a tasty cappuccino and creamy gelato! If you want to learn more about Rome’s multilayered history, make sure to add this tour to your list!

Foods Tasted

Tour guides.

The Rome Food Tour - Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo) is our Editors CHoice for the best Rome food tour.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Food Tours in Rome Italy: 11 Top-Rated Options for Authentic Italian

What are the best food tours in Rome Italy? Is it worth doing a food tour in Rome?

Now, if you don’t have the luxury of being related to an off-the-boat set of Italian grandparents who hand-crank pasta as the perfect pairing to the wine they made in their basement every time they see you like I do, then an authentic food tour in Rome is the next best thing!

On your next trip to Italy, chances are you’ll be stopping in Rome whether it be just for a quick stopover or for a few days to check out the Colosseum and the Vatican. Either way, it wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the delicious cuisine that Rome has to offer.

When it comes to food tours in Rome, there are plenty of options available. Actually, some would even say that there are too many options available to travelers. There are literally dozens of local companies to choose from making it overwhelming for people to find the tour that’s right for their group!

Don’t have enough time to read the whole post? Not a problem!

The Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe is unquestionably the #1 tour on this list!

⭐ 1,700+ 5-Star Reviews ⭐ 13 Food Tastings Across 7 Locations ⭐ Exclusive Access to the Oldest Wine Cellar in Rome!

From luxury food tours to private food tours with wine tastings, there are hundreds of options visitors can choose from. Fortunately, I know exactly how frustrating it can be to spend hours behind a computer screen scouring for the right tour, which is precisely why I created this list of only the top-rated Rome food tours… and there are only 11 of them!

In this post, in addition to the 11 best food tour options, I’ve also provided ample information on whether or not booking a food tour in Rome is worthwhile, how much you can expect to spend on a food tour, if you should bring cash for tipping, and more. Let’s get started!

11 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

1. rome twilight trastevere food tour with eating europe.

Arguably the #1 food tour in the city, the Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe offers a guided gastronomic journey that takes you through the historic Trastevere district, a neighborhood known for its bustling eateries and traditional Roman fare!

Savor hand-picked regional specialties, from mouth-watering supplì (fried rice balls) to organic, artisan gelato. You’ll also make your way to the oldest wine cellar in Rome, which just so happens to be over 2,000 years old .

This 4-hour food tour is perfect for those looking to explore traditional Roman cuisine in a fun and intimate setting. With a maximum group size of only 12 people, you’ll get plenty of personalized attention from your guide as they take you through hidden streets and alleyways that are often overlooked by tourists.

2. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine

With over 1,200 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere is a popular choice for many travelers! This tour offers a unique blend of history and gastronomy, guiding you through one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods while indulging in an array of traditional Roman dishes.

Enjoy a relaxed evening strolling the charming streets as you stop at select local haunts to sample a variety of authentic foods – from the finest charcuterie, cheeses, and pasta to sweet gelato and of course… plenty of local wine!

On this 4-hour tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide inside knowledge on the history and culture of each dish while also sharing insights into the local food scene. Perfect for food enthusiasts and wine lovers, this tour promises a delightful experience for the senses and a deeper appreciation for Italian cuisine.

3. Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo)

Those seeking a top-rated food and wine tour in Rome should look no further than this Rome Food Tour – Unlimited Food & Free-Flowing Fine Wine (Barolo) , where you can feast to your heart’s content!

Venturing through the elegant Prati district, this tour is a foodie’s dream come to life, featuring an array of amazing tastings across 5 different locations.

You’ll be treated to fine Italian wines, including the prestigious Barolo, known for its depth and complexity, to complement a carefully selected range of Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, charcuterie, and even 30-year-age balsamic vinegar!

Definitely one of the most unique food tours in Rome Italy, this tour is easily one of the best.

4. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings

When it comes to the best private food tours in Rome, this Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Rome is hard to beat! Suitable for smaller groups who prefer an intimate atmosphere, the tour gives you the option to indulge in either 6 or 10 tastings of authentic Roman delicacies.

Crafted for connoisseurs of fine food, guests will be led by a local epicurean guide through some of the top food regions in Rome including the Jewish Quarter and Campo de’ Fiori.

With either 6 or 10 tastings included, guests will be treated to the famed buffalo mozzarella, freshly churned gelato, and everything in between. In just 3 hours, this phenomenal food tour provides visitors to Rome the chance to experience Italy’s iconic food scene!

5. Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

For those a little short on time, the Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tour is the perfect choice! In just 2.5 hours, you’ll get to experience some of Rome’s most iconic dishes, from pizza and pasta to supplì (fried rice balls) and creamy gelato.

Led by a local guide with a passion for food and knowledge of the city’s best culinary spots, this tour offers a great balance between sightseeing and sampling delicious Roman fare.

Not only will you enjoy tasty bites along the way, but your guide will also surprise you with a special dish, that will only be revealed on the day of your tour! Possibly the best food tour in Rome for those who don’t have 4+ hours to spare, be sure to keep this option in the back of your mind.

6. Rome Testaccio Food Tour with Eating Europe

Discover the authentic flavors of Rome in the Testaccio neighborhood with the Rome Testaccio Food Tour !

Testaccio, known as the birthplace of Roman cuisine, is easily one of the best parts of the city to indulge in a food tour. This tour is extra special because it also includes a visit to the bustling Testaccio Market, which no other tour has yet to include on this list, and even offers 15 tastings across 8 different locations!

For those seeking 4 hours of pure culinary bliss, this tour is not to be missed. You’ll enjoy everything from fresh pasta and pizza to authentic Roman street food, all while learning about the rich history of the Testaccio neighborhood and its food culture!

7. Rome Trastevere Food Tour By Night with Wine Tasting and Guided Sightseeing

Explore the historic heart of Roman nightlife with the Rome Trastevere Food Tour By Night ! This enchanting, 4-hour evening tour takes you through the cobbled alleys of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most vibrant and picturesque neighborhoods.

Kicking off at 5:30PM, you’ll get to see the streets come alive with locals and tourists alike, while indulging in exclusive wine tastings, paired expertly with a selection of regional dishes. Your guide will lead you through a sensory journey that includes not only delectable food and wine but also fascinating stories illuminating the area’s rich history and culture.

This unbeatable tour promises a memorable night of gastronomic delight and finishes off with something sweet!

8. Jewish Ghetto and Campo Dè Fiori By Night Food, Wine and Sightseeing Tour

There’s something special about when the sun sets in Rome, offering a beautiful golden hue over the city. What better way to enjoy it than with a Jewish Ghetto and Campo Dè Fiori By Night Food, Wine, and Sightseeing Tour ?

Starting off just a bit later around 5:45PM, this tour navigates you to the best family-run eateries in Rome! Enjoy 10 different samplings of pizza, pasta, and sweet pastries and gelato before strolling through Piazza Navona among other popular spots.

An ideal choice for those wanting to spend a full evening out on the town with a local foodie, this tour deserves its place on this list of the best food tours in Rome, Italy!

9. Rome Trastevere Food Tour with Dinner and Wine

Limited to just 10 people, the Rome Trastevere Food Tour is one of the best small group tours on this list. This 4-hour excursion takes you on a journey through the charming Trastevere neighborhood, sampling nearly two dozen different street foods and wines along the way!

A great option for foodies looking to indulge in the most samples they can (with a surprise main course at the end!), this is a fantastic option.

10. Hidden Rome Food Tour in Trastevere with Dinner and Wine

Anyone looking to be treated to a full-on sit-down meal at a Roman restaurant in addition to numerous other food and wine tastings, the Hidden Rome Food Tour in Trastevere with Dinner and Wine should be your #1 choice!

This 3-hour tour combines all the best aspects of a Trastevere food tour with an authentic Italian dinner, making for an unforgettable evening. Along with your local guide, you’ll get to explore hidden corners and alleyways of Trastevere while sampling traditional Italian dishes and wines along the way, earning its spot on this list!

11. Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide

Possibly one of the top 3 most popular tours in the city, the Rome Street Food Tour with a Local Guide invites you to sink your teeth into a variety of mouth-watering specialties like crisp pizza al taglio and dreamy gelato.

In a short 2.5 hours, you’ll cover a lot of ground in Rome stopping at popular and under-the-radar food spots, while learning about its history and the evolution of Italian cuisine. Your knowledgeable guide will also make sure to bring you to the best spots for unmissable street food delights!

FAQ: Food Tours in Rome Italy

In this last section, I’ve answered some popular questions regarding food tours in Rome and provided additional information on my number tour choice, what you should bring with you on a tour, how long Rome food tours typically last, and more!

If after reading through all of the tour options and nothing seems like a good fit, don’t forget that you also have the option of cooking your own food with one of these 11 Premier Cooking Classes in Rome Italy for Foodies too!

Is It Worth Doing a Food Tour in Rome?

A food tour in Rome is absolutely worth doing ! Not only does it allow you to try authentic Italian food with a local if you’re short on time, but it also gives you a better understanding of the culture and history behind each dish.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to explore different areas of the city that you may not have otherwise visited! These tours are curated to introduce you to a variety of flavors, from classic dishes to local secrets, and are well worth the time and cost investment!

What is Famous in Rome as Far as Food?

Perhaps the most celebrated is pasta carbonara, a simple yet indulgent dish featuring eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. Equally renowned are Roman pizzas, particularly Pizza Bianca—a focaccia-style pizza that’s crispy on the outside and soft in the center.

Not to be missed are the succulent Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal cutlets wrapped in prosciutto and sage, and the delectable supplì, fried rice balls oozing with mozzarella. These dishes, along with artichokes alla Romana and cacio e pepe, among others, comprise the essence of Rome’s storied gastronomy.

What are the Best Foods to Eat in Rome?

When dining in Rome, it’s essential to indulge in the city’s signature dishes to truly experience its culinary culture. Some must-eat foods include:

• Cacio e Pepe: A minimalist yet mouthwatering pasta dish that perfectly balances the sharpness of Pecorino Romano with the bite of freshly cracked black pepper.
• Roman Artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana): These artichokes are braised with herbs and olive oil until they are tender and packed with flavor.
• Maritozzi: Delicately sweet buns filled with whipped cream, a classic Roman breakfast treat.
• Gelato: No visit to Rome is complete without sampling the rich, creamy goodness of authentic Italian gelato in a myriad of flavors.
• Tiramisu: This iconic Italian dessert, made with layer upon layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, is a sweet ending to any meal.

These foods represent a small fraction of Rome’s amazing cuisine, which is exactly why a food tour that provides you the opportunity to sample a lot of dishes instead of having to pay for full plates everywhere you go is such a great deal!

What is the Best Rome Food Tour?

The best food tour in Rome is undoubtedly the Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe tour. This comprehensive 4-hour tour takes you through the charming Trastevere neighborhood where you’ll get to sample local foods like pizza, pasta, cured meats, and cheese while learning about the history of each dish and the city itself.

Rated as one of the top food tours in Rome by multiple travel websites, this tour offers an intimate experience with a small group size and provides 13 food samples across 7 local destinations!

Do You Tip on Meals in Rome?

Tipping is not mandatory in Rome, nor is it expected since the waitstaff do not rely on tips as a source of their wages . However, if you receive great service, you will notice that many people will round the bill up or leave a couple of euros on the table. It’s the polite thing to do, and we always do it.

Contrary to the United States where 15-20% gratuity is often expected since waitstaff are constantly waiting on you, Italians don’t typically leave a tip since their job is complete once they’ve delivered your beverage and meal.

It’s normal to have to wave down someone to pay your bill, so keep this in mind when dining in Rome.

What Should I Bring on a Roman Food Tour?

When attending a food tour, it’s a good idea to come prepared with the following items:

• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot and Rome’s streets are less-than-ideal for heels, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Sun protection: Rome can get very hot and is often sunny in the summer months, so bring along sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses.
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial when exploring a new city, and many food tours will offer water, but it’s always best to bring your own refillable bottle (this LifeStraw Bottle is my favorite and always comes with me!)
• Cash for tipping: It’s not required to tip on food tours in Rome, but if your guide provides you with a great time then having some cash on hand to show your appreciation can be a kind gesture.
• An empty stomach: Make sure not to eat too much before the tour since you’ll want to leave room to try all the delicious dishes!

Do Rome Food Tours Include Wine Tastings?

Many food tours in Rome, Italy understand the importance of how a fine wine complements the culinary experience of Italian cuisine, and thus quite a few include tastings of select local wines.

However, not all tours include a wine tour as well, so if this is something you’re interested in then be sure to check out The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere with Free-Flowing Fine Wine !

How Long Are Food Tours in Rome Italy?

Most food tours in Rome last between 3-4 hours, depending on the tour you choose . Some may be longer or shorter, but this is generally enough time to experience a variety of dishes and explore different neighborhoods in the city.

Be prepared for plenty of walking and stopping at multiple restaurants, markets, and shops along the way! Overall, it’s a fun and delicious way to spend an afternoon or evening.

How Much Do Rome Food Tours Cost?

On average, Roman food tours can range from $50-$140 per person , although this varies depending on the type of tour, the number of tastings included, and any additional experiences or extras offered.

While it may seem expensive at first glance, keep in mind that a food tour typically includes multiple meals spread out over a few hours, so it’s actually a great value since you’ll get to taste between 5 to 10 different dishes that would otherwise cost between 15-30 euros each!

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A food tour in Rome is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich culinary culture, sample delicious traditional dishes, and learn about the history of each dish and neighborhood.

With a variety of options available, from street food tours to wine tastings, these are the top-rated food tours in Rome Italy for every type of traveler!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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Eat Like a Local on a Rome Food Tour

If you’re looking for a way to experience the best Italian food in Rome, look no further than a Rome food tour with Eating Europe . 

We’ve been on many food tours around the world and this tour is one the best we’ve ever been on, due in equal part to the knowledgeable guide, the plethora of incredibly tasty food, and the exceptional venues we visited.

If you’re considering which food tour to book in Rome, I highly recommend the tour we’re going to tell you about in detail below. It’s called the Twilight Trastevere Tour , which you can book right here .

Here's more to help you plan

12 Best Cities in Italy: Popular Attractions and Must-See Sights

9 Things to Know When Traveling to Italy

Guide to the Best Wine Regions in Italy

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

If you’re hitting up Italy as part of a larger trip to Europe, be sure to check out our 2-week Europe Itinerary .

Planning your trip to Rome?

• Book a transfer from the airport to Rome city center with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Rome airport through Discover Cars for the best deals.

Where to Stay in Rome: See all hotel options

• Il Plazzetto ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor
• The Inn at the Spanish Steps ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor
• Nerva Boutique Hotel  ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor

Best Tours and Experiences in Rome:

• Exclusive Breakfast with Early Access to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
• Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum
• Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour (Exclusive VIP access in trendy neighborhood)

Table of Contents

What to Expect On a Rome Food Tour

One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the food and to discover some of the best places to eat and drink in the city, is by taking a food tour in Rome.

We always try to schedule a food tour for the beginning of our trip, so we have time to use all of the wonderful suggestions we received, and to go back to any stops along the tour that we loved.

The Twilight Trastevere tour in Rome includes 7 stops are thoughtfully chosen to be sure you try all the exciting dishes Rome has to offer – and that you’ve probably been excited to try for a while!

In all, our tour had 11 different types of food and drink included. The English-speaking guide helps make sure you’re having a great time and get to know the other guests.

My recently tour was led by Rogelio, an expat from Mexico who’s been living in Rome for many years. Not only was he fun to listen to and full of great food knowledge about Rome, he made sure we were all having a great time as we moved along.

The stops on the tour may vary, and I don’t want to give away all their secrets, so I’ll just share with you a few of the tasty foods we tried along the way.

⇒ Why not also take a cooking class while you’re in Rome? Learn how to make pasta at Mamma’s or take a 4-hour private cooking class with Chef Andrea Consoli.

Foods You Might Try on a Rome Food Tour

Prosciutto with cantaloupe and burrata.

Doesn’t that look delicious? If you’ve never tried burrata before, you’re in for a real treat. This plate of food is called an aperitivo and it was served in one of the Trastevere neighborhood’s quaintest trattorias, called Da Enzo al 29 .

If you’re looking for a place to have a lovely dinner (outside during the warm season), you will love the intimate, traditional feel of Enzo.

The second stop on our walking food tour of Rome was at a restaurant called Spirito di Vino . I can’t show how absolutely incredible this place is because this part of the tour was conducted in the ancient wine cellar, where it’s too dark for photos.

You’ll have to take my word for it. It is stunning. To go along with the atmosphere, we had a glass of wine with Roman stew. This traditional stew is made with pork or beef and is simmered for a very long time with wine, herbs and spices that make it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Rome is a great place for those sweet treats you adore; especially biscotti, or cookies. Befitting of the neighborhood and its small town feel along the ancient narrow streets, we stopped at a family bakery that makes all manner of sweet treats.

The next stop was my favorite. I’m still thinking about the porchetta. There were multiple items we tasted at this lovely little shop called La Norcineria il Lacozzilli.

You’ll find many shops like this along the streets of Rome, where you can stop in for some local cheese or a slice of Porchetta or Proscuitto on a roll with whatever fillings you like.

It makes for a quick lunch stop when you’re hopping between stops on your itinerary. You won’t believe how flavorful and tender the Porchetta is.

If you’ve been checking out the foods you must try in Rome before your trip, you likely came across suppli. It’s a popular Italian snack consisting of a ball of rice with tomato sauce, stuffed with a piece of mozzarella cheese, then coated in egg and bread crumbs and deep fried.

The resulting snack is so filling it could easily substitute for a meal. There are many varieties of suppli, though the typical version is the one we tried.

Pizza al Taglio

Another shop you’ll see all over Rome is a pizza al taglio show, which means pizza by the slice. You’ll notice that the pizza is typically made in a square shape and cut into small squares for serving.

There are many choices, but one of the main stays is the marinara pizza, which is just topped with marinara sauce and nothing else (read: no cheese). It might not sound quite right without the cheese, but it’s actually incredible, so be sure to try it!

Cacio e Pepe

One of the most popular pasta dishes in Rome is cacio e pepe. It’s incredibly simple – just pasta with Parmegiano cheese and pepper. It’s delicious.

At our last savory food stop of the tour, we sat down at a restaurant for some more wine and a chance to try both the cacio e pepe and amatriciana (tomato and perorino cheese). After trying both pastas, you can decide for yourself which is your favorite.

No food tour in Rome is complete without some creamy gelato. We stopped at a well known and loved gelateria, Fatamorgana , for a scoop or two.

There were, of course, the traditional flavors like pistachio and chocolate, but there were also quite a few unique flavors like wasabi chocolate (which I tried and loved) and avocado.

Their gelato is all natural, organic, and in many cases also vegan or egg free.

That’s all we’re going to give away from the tour. As you can see, there are many stops (and the ones above are just a handful). The tour takes 4 hours.

You’ll walk all over the Trastevere neighborhood before you’re done, but it’s not an uncomfortable amount of walking. Food tours take place from Monday to Saturday, starting from 3:30 to 6:30pm, so you can pick which time suits you best.

They also have other tours to suit all styles, including:

• Daytime and nighttime Testaccio area tour
• Trastevere Street Eats tour
• Vatican Foodie Tour
• Rome Sunday Food Tour
• Evening Food & Wine Stroll
• Italian Food & Wine Pairing Class .

All the food and drinks in the itinerary are included in the price of  the Twilight Trastavere tour is 96€.

(We were provided this tour for the purpose of review. However, all opinions we share are our own honest viewpoints.)

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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Twilight Trastevere Food Tour: Eating and Laughing With Eating Europe

Archaeological ruins, ancient art, beautiful views. The Eternal City offers all this and more. But let’s face it, what most travelers long for is trying the local cuisine. This is why going on a Trastevere food tour has the double perk of eating plenty of delicious dishes in one of Rome’s most popular and history-rich neighborhoods.

Table of Contents

Twilight Trastevere Food Tour: Full Review and Details

This Rome food tour of Trastevere takes place in the evening and you will have plenty of tastings before dinner, so make sure you don’t eat before. Along with the eating stops, we also visited historical places like Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, the undergrounds of Spirito Di Vino restaurants, apparently connected with the undergrounds of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Basilica via a tunnel, and the history behind Via dell’Atleta street.

I joined this Trastevere food tour with my husband and we enjoyed every stop. Our guide, Luca, was knowledgeable and very entertaining, sprucing up the tour with jokes, Italian habits and traditions, and an interesting narrative behind dishes and places.

What is this Rome Trastevere food tour called and who runs it?

The full name of this Rome food walking tour is Twilight Trastevere: Timeless Traditions . It’s run by Eating Europe (formerly Eating Italy), a large company that runs food tours all over Europe. In Italy, apart from Rome , you can find them also in Florence and Naples, while in the other European countries they offer tours in Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Prague, London, and Strasbourg.

READ MORE: Check out our full guide to the best food tours of Rome .

How long does this food tour of Trastevere last?

This Trastevere food tour lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours but count easily 4 hours as there are plenty of tastings, historical anecdotes, and jokes.

What are the stops of this Rome food tour in Trastevere neighborhood?

We started our Trastevere walking tour in Piazza di San Bartolomeo all’Isola on the Tiber island and our guide Luca introduced the tour and the neighborhood to us. After introducing ourselves to the group, we started our walk.

In total, we made 6 stops:

• First stop was Da Enzo al 29 in Via dei Vascellari, truly, deeply one of the best traditional trattorias in Rome. After a glass of Prosecco bubbles, we tried a typical Italian starter, melon and prosciutto crudo ham. Since I’m vegetarian, for me was the melon and a delicious sample of grilled eggplant and bell peppers. Finally, they offered organic olive oil from Viterbo to dip homemade whole grain bread.
• The second stop in our Trastevere food tour was not a trattoria but a more upscale restaurant, Spirito Di Vino (Via dei Genovesi 31A). This was a very fascinating stop as we descended into the wine cave from ancient Roman times which is some 150 years older than the Colosseum . Here, too, Luca told us about the history behind these walls and their purpose in the centuries, including serving as an old Synagogue. The treat for the group was a pork stew made following an authentic ancient Roman recipe and using several of the ingredients now seldom used in the Italian cuisine , such as lavender, cumin and garum , fermented fish used as salt when the actual salt was more of a luxury good used to preserve the food instead of cooking. For me, a mouthwatering pumpkin and carrot velvety soup.
• Off to our third stop, we tried the historical Norcineria deli run by the Iacozzilli family (Via Natale del Grande 15), a popular street food place in Rome . Another great stop to try Italian delicacies such as porchetta , spit-roasted or bakes pork previously stuffed with herbs, typical from Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria regions. A generous slice of porchetta on top of pizza bianca (white pizza), a type of focaccia very common in Rome, and a sample of 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano and the local Pecorino Romano were given to the group. For me, instead of porchetta, was a delicious piece of fresh ricotta topped with honey and accompanied with a slice of pizza bianca. Alongside water, who wanted could taste a sample of high-quality craft beer.
• As the popular Trapizzino (Piazza Trilussa) opened in Trastevere too, our fourth stop was there to try their delicious supplì fried rice balls. Classic with beef ragout for the group, and with garlic, olive oil and chili pepper for me.
• The fifth stop of our walking food tour in Trastevere was for dinner, and the restaurant A Casa Mia (Via della Renella 88) was waiting for us. The group was served a very much appreciated mezze maniche all’Amatriciana pasta and for me a well-prepared and creamy cacio e pepe . Red and white wine were paired with the dishes.
• The last stop couldn’t be other than gelato. And the treat was at Fata Morgana, one of the top gelaterias in Rome . I took a cone with two scoops, Bacio del Principe (hazelnut and chocolate) and Venus rice with rose buds. Absolutely delicious, but I knew it already as Fata Morgana sees me quite often in many of her shops scattered around Rome.

Click here to book your spot in the Twilight Trastevere Food Tour of Rome.

What were our favorite stops in this Rome food walking tour?

Hardly to choose one stop. Each place had its own character and reason for a visit. We did eat everywhere we stopped, but the historical explanations were very interesting and added to the value of this Rome food tour in Trastevere.

If I had to choose, I would say that I enjoyed the stop at the Norcineria as my ricotta topped with honey was delicious, and the one at Fata Morgana as it really is one of my favorite gelato shops in Rome .

My husband thoroughly appreciated the pasta all’Amatriciana with his glass of Primitivo red wine from the Puglia region. He also very much enjoyed the second stop at Spirito Di Vino, the restaurant set in the former Synagogue, for its ancient history and undergrounds dating back to Roman times.

READ MORE: Do you want to try another Rome food tour with Eating Europe? Check out our review of their Taste of Testaccio food tour .

Our tips to enjoy this Rome food walking tour in Trastevere

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will stop to eat plenty of times, but there is also a fair share of walking involved. And it’s all around the cobbled alleys of Trastevere, so you don’t want to wear high heels.
• Keep a bit of empty stomach. Lots of tastings in this 4 hours Rome food walking tour, delicious and authentic food that you don’t want to miss.
• Don’t be late. The tour takes place in the evening and it’s pretty full of activities so you want it to start on time.
• Ask questions. If something is not clear or you want more explanation, ask away to your local guide, they will be happy to answer and give more tips.
• Stay close to the group. Your guide will give tips and anecdotes both at the stops and long the way. It’s very interesting so you want to take in as much as you can.
• Bring a bottle of water. You will have drinks at every stop, but especially in summer, you want to keep hydrated when walking. You can fill your bottle at the public fountains very common in Rome.
• Bring a camera. The neighborhood is very photogenic and so are the places you will visit and the dishes you will eat. You might want to take home some visual souvenir.

Location and how to reach your meeting point

The meeting point for this tour is Piazza San Bartolomeo all’Isola on the Tiber Island. Right between the Fatebenefratelli Ospital and San Bartolomeo all’Isola Basilica.

Located between the Trastevere neighborhood and the Jewish Ghetto, it’s pretty easy to reach. If you are coming from Trastevere railway station, you can take tram 8 and get off at Belli stop. If you are in the Trastevere neighborhood, you can reach on foot, and once along the Lungotevere, you cross Ponte Cestio Bridge and you’ll immediately spot the church and your guide.

If you are coming from the Jewish Ghetto, you will need to cross the ancient Ponte Fabricio bridge from Lungotevere de’ Cenci and you will be quickly at your meeting point.

Why take this Trastevere food walking tour in Rome?

If it’s your first time in Rome and you are not familiar with the flavors of the local cuisine, this Trastevere food tour is for you. As this is part of the city center, it’s easy to fall into the tourist trap. This is one of the main reasons I recommend booking a tour with a local expert.

Not only you will enjoy an evening of delicious food, but you will also get to know the right places where to eat authentic Italian cuisine rather than tourist menus. Trastevere is very popular among tourists as well as locals, and it’s important to know where to go.

On top of that, the neighborhood has a very old history hardly known by most. This type of Rome walking tour takes new travelers to discover a side of the city that otherwise they won’t probably understand fully.

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2 thoughts on “Twilight Trastevere Food Tour: Eating and Laughing With Eating Europe”

Looks like that food tour would be a good start to tour Italy!

It is! We had a great time :)

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The Best Rome Street Food Tour

By Author Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Discover what it’s like to take a Rome street food tour with Devour Tours. Starting in the historic Jewish Ghetto, this fun walking tour combines centuries of Roman history with Rome street food favorites.

Our hearts fluttered with aniticpation as we crossed the winding Tiber River and approached the Portico D’ottavia, an ancient Rome structure that operated as a fish market for centuries. It was golden hour – just the right time to see the all intricate cracks, bricks and recessed lettering on this nearly 2,000 year old structure.

Today, its ruins are yet another landmark in a city center filled with landmarks. But this landmark is special with flaws reflecting a tumultuous human history of community, governance and repression. It’s located in the Jewish Ghetto, a living neighborhood where you can still feel remnants of Rome’s formerly large and vibrant Jewish community. And, with that tumultuous history, comes a food history that’s the root of Roman street food

We first encountered the ancient portico when we visited Rome in 2009. We still remember the scores of bishops in town for a funeral during that trip and how it rained so hard that we feared the city would float away.

The phrase “ghetto in the ghetto” entered our vocabulary during a dinner near the portico when we were relegated to the restaurant’s tourist-filled ‘Siberia’ during an otherwise excellent meal. Just as memorable – we also discovered the joys of eating sweet Jewish pizza and savory carcofi alla giuda (i.e. fried artichokes).

Ironically, we didn’t eat our first supplì , Rome’s oblong mozzarella and sauce-filled answer to the arancini , until years later. Needless to say, that first supplì wasn’t our last supplì . Now, we eat the breaded and fried risotto balls every time we return to Rome.

More than a decade later, our love for the city’s street food keeps growing.

Jewish Ghetto & Historic Center Food Tour With Devour Tours

It’s easy to find and eat street food in Rome – the stuff is sold everywhere from pizzerias to neighborhood food markets. However, there’s something special about eating Roman street food with a local who knows the best spots.

The folks at Devour Tours clearly had this in mind when they developed their Jewish Ghetto & Historic Center Food Tour . It starts in the Jewish Ghetto and meanders through nearby neighborhoods with curated stops along the way.

We’re proud to partner with Devour Tours. The company is uncompromising when it comes to selecting family-run food spots that have been favorited by generations of locals. We’ve previously taken Devour tours in Barcelona , Lisbon and Paris . They were all excellent.

We expected to eat well during this Rome street food tour and we weren’t disappointed. As a bonus, the tour gave us the opportunity to chat with passionate Romans who help make Italy’s capital one of the best food cities in both Italy and the world .

Jewish Ghetto – History Sets The Stage

Our Rome street food tour started at the historic Portico D’ottavia.

Constructed as a temple in 146 BC and later repurposed as a fish market during the Middle Ages, it was an auspicious starting point. We were guided by Giulia, a Rome native whose passion for Roman food runs deep.

She set the tone with her explanation about how Jews were segregated in the Ghetto in 1555 at the decree of Pope Paul IV and how he also limited their activities to specific professions. One of those professions was selling fried food – something Jews have been doing in the district for centuries.

For over 300 years, Jews in the ghetto weren’t allowed to own property and had to adhere to a nightly curfew. They also had to get creative with food to survive.

Giulia shared this history with us as we strolled along Rome’s black cobblestone streets past the city’s most famous synagogue. Those same sidewalks now have brass stumbling stones, each designating the final residence of a Jew who was deported during the Holocaust.

Twelve thousand Jews, give or take, lived in Rome before World War II . Approximately 1,800 Jews , including more than 1,000 Jews in the ghetto, were deported by the Nazis. While it’s estimated that 10,000 Roman Jews outlasted the nazis, only fifteen men and one woman deported from the ghetto survived deportation .

Since our tour was on a Friday evening (i.e. the Jewish Sabbath), the ghetto wasn’t flowing with people. Some businesses were closed but we still found plenty of street food to taste including carciofi alla giudia . Though they originated in the ghetto, these fried Jewish artichokes have a become a cuisine staple throughout the eternal city.

Stop 1 – Carciofi Alla Giudia At Bona Pizza Romana In Teglia

Eating carciofi alla giudia (i.e. Jewish style artichokes) in the Jewish ghetto is a must for anybody who visits Rome. Bona Pizza Romana In Teglia , located just steps from the Portico D’ottavia, serves a great version with golden crispy fried leaves covering a pleasing, savory heart.

While this barebones kosher pizzeria specializes in Roman-style pizza sold by the slice, it also sells textbook carciofi alla giudia . They do this all year by double frying each thistle flower in olive oil (not EVOO!) until it’s GBD – golden brown and delicious.

Pro Tip Plan your tour from February to April if you want to taste these golden beauties in peak season.

Stop 2 – Filetto di Baccalà at Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara

We developed an appreciation for salt cod during our month-long stint in Naples where we learned that it was literally the fish that changed the world centuries ago. However, this appreciation has waned since we now live in a city that serves salt cod practically everywhere.

Color us surprised to rediscover the joys of eating salt cod the best way possible – breaded, fried, wrapped in paper and served with crisp white wine.

Located in the shadow of the charming Santa Barbara church, Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara is a classic Rome joint that serves one thing and one thing only. That thing isn’t a mystery. The words ‘Filetti di Baccala’ are emblazoned on its wall and the aroma of fried cod permeates the air.

Guilia shared that the Dar Filettaro crew washes its salt cod for exactly 18 hours before frying it up using a secret recipe. Unfortunately, she didn’t share the recipe since, as noted, it’s a secret.

Stop 3 – Pizza Bianca and Pizza Rossa at Forno Campo di Fiori

Most stops on our Rome Street Food Tour were hidden gems. Forno Campo de’ Fiori wasn’t one of them. All Romans know that this shop sells two of the city’s greatest breads – pizza bianca and pizza rosa .

Crowds flock to the famous bakery located on the edge of the Campo de’ Fiori market to buy the two legendary flat breads. Some also buy Italian sweet treats while they’re there.

A good number of customers prefer Forno Campo de’ Fiori’s pizza bianca , simple white focaccia-like breads flavored simply with olive oil, that can be stuffed with fillings. Others prefer the bakery’s pizza rossa topped with tomato sauce.

As for us, we like them both.

Stop 4 – Birra Artigianale at Johnny’s Off License

Drinking craft beer in Italy is nothing new. We’ve done it before in cities like Bologna , Trento and Verona . But holy moly! Johnny’s Off License has more Italian beer on its shelves than we imagined possible plus additional European brews for good measure.

Stopping at this local bottle shop was well timed. Not only did we get a much needed break from walking on cobblestones, but we also sated our thirst with Italian craft beers chosen just for us.

Daryl drank an AntiKorpo pilsner brewed in Friuli. Mindi’s Jungl e Juice saison was local to Rome.

While we agreed to disagree about which beer was better, we concurred that both beers were great but would be even better with a supplì or two.

Stop 5 – Supplì (Cheesy Rice Ball) and Graffe (Donut) at Fiore

It didn’t take long for our supplì wish to be granted. In fact, the two supplì we ate at Fiore were two of the best we’ve ever eaten.

For the uninitiated, Rome’s supplì is similar to Sicily’s arancini but better. Both are fried rice balls but Rome’s version has two bonus bits – ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce.

We shouldn’t have been surprised by the quality of Fiore’s supplì since the family that operates this Rome snack shop hails from Naples , an Italian mecca for fried Italian snacks.

We also tried a graffe , a sugar-coated donut named after Austria’s krapfen . Just like other global donuts we’ve eaten, this fried sweet treat was finger-licking good.

Stop 6 – Porchetta Sandwich at Porchetteria La Rinascita

You might be thinking that we were starting to get full at this point and you’d be right. But then porchetta happened.

A specialty food around the world, porchetta is street food in Rome. The herbaceous porky meat is made by roasting a pig, rolled with a special herb and spice mixture, for hours. The finished roast pork is then sliced to order.

Porchetteria La Rinascit a sources whole pigs from Ariccia and roasts them with rosemary, salt and black pepper. The Rome cheap eats spot serves the Italian food favorite in a variety of savory sandwiches. We shared a simple, unadorned Il Classico sandwich during our tour.

Unlike some dry versions of porchetta we’ve previously encountered, Porchetteria La Rinascita’s mix of succulent meat and crispy bits was plump and juicy with just the right amount of fat. In fact, our sandwich didn’t need any extra ingredients or condiments to taste great.

Stop 7 – Gelato at Gelateria del Teatro

We suspect that there’s an unwritten rule that every Rome food tour should end with gelato. This tour was no exception since it ended with gelato cones at Gelateria del Teatro – one of our favorite Rome gelato shops .

Daryl was thrilled to find lavender & white peach on the menu since he has fond memories of eating the seasonal flavor two years earlier. The same goes for Mindi and her repeat flavor choices – orange sacher torte and cheese & cherry.

Food memories, like all memories, can be disappointing. Luckily, our memories of Gelateria del Teatro’s gelato held up. Our portable cones were a fitting end to a tour filled with a variety of Rome street food favorites.

Tour Logistics

Booking a Rome Street Food Tour with Devour Tours is easy to do based on the following logistics:

Tour Time and Duration

Our tour started promptly at 10:30 pm and lasted for three hours and thirty minutes.

We arrived at the meeting point in front of the Portico D’ottavia 15 minutes before the tour’s official start time. This gave us time to find our guide without feeling rushed.

The tour ended at 8:15 pm at the Piazza di San Salvatore in Lauro.

Tour Size and Accessibility

At the time of our tour, the participant limit was twelve. Our tour had just four participants. We walked at a moderate pace during the tour and stood during most food stops.

This tour can can be modified to accommodate people with certain diets including vegetarians and vegans. You can and should address any dietary limitations prior to booking the tour.

What’s Included

Our tour included seven food tastings. It was enough food that we didn’t need to eat dinner after the tour but not so much that we were overly full.

Be aware that some of the establishments we visited may be closed depending on the day of the week or the season. Some may permanently close. In other words, don’t be surprised if your tour includes some different food stops.

Cost and Availability

At the time of our Rome Street Food Tour , the tour cost 59€ for adults and 49€ for children between five and twelve years old. These prices are subject to change at any time.

Consider the following Devour tours if this tour doesn’t fit into your schedule. We personally experienced and enjoyed them both.

• Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour
• Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour

Also consider the following Devour cooking classes. We attended both and give each a big thumbs up.

• Rome Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine & Drink Wine With A Local Chef
• Rome Pizza-Making Class & Dinner in Trastevere

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Taking a Rome street food tour provides a great way to learn about Rome and its street food history. Plus, you’ll interact with local food professionals and fellow food-focused travelers while eating tasty food.

Each tour company sets its own prices. The Rome street food tour we took cost 59€ at the time of our tour. Your best bet is to check tour company websites for current pricing based on your dates.

Each Rome street food tour is different. The tour we took was 3.5 hours from start to finish Your best bet is to check tour company websites for details based on your trip dates.

Rome Planning Checklist

• Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
• Find a great Rome hotel via Booking.com , Expedia or Hotels.com .
• Find an apartment in Rome with a kitchen .
• Buy a Rome travel guide from Amazon so that you don’t miss any bites or sites.
• Buy a universal travel adaptor from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera in Europe.
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a fun Rome tour with GetYourGuide , Viator or Walks .
• Book a tasty Rome food experience .

Check out our  guide to eating in Italy as well as our picks for the best Italian foods and the best Italian desserts before your trip so that you don’t miss a delicious bite.

Hungry For More In Rome?

About the Authors

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Sponsorship We thank Devour Tours for sponsoring our Rome street food tour .

Original Publication Date: September 23, 2023

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