Rome on a Plate
Go on a culinary journey through Rome with our immersive and authentic food tours
Experience the Magic of Disneyland® Paris and the Seine River Cruise ✨
Discover the culinary delights of Rome through its vibrant food scene and immersive food tours. Indulge in mouthwatering pizza, pasta, gelato, and traditional Roman dishes while exploring local markets, family-run trattorias, and hidden gems. Experience the rich flavors, history, and culture of Italian cuisine in the heart of the Eternal City.
Best Selling Food Tours
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Wine on BudgetIntroduction to Roman Cuisine: Guided Food & Wine Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Highlight: Balsamic vinegar from Reggio Emilia, aged 30 years
Inclusions:10 tasting, 2-hour tour, English-speaking guide
Must Try: Truffle patè, buffalo mozzarella, aged balsamic vinegar and pizzas
for €25BUY TICKETS Explore Markets Family Run Eateries Guided Food Tour in the Historical Center of Rome with Optional Wine
Recommended Duration: 3 hours
Highlight: Explore lively markets, trattorias, and family-run eateries
Inclusions: 8-10 tasting, 2.5-hour tour, English-speaking guide
Must Try: Cheesy-fried suppli, pizzas & gelato
from €45BUY TICKETS Homemade Pasta Pasta-Making Cooking Class in Rome with Tiramisu or Spritz
Recommended Duration: 4 hours
Highlight: Make homemade pasta from scratch
Inclusions: Expert chef-host, along with 4-hour pasta making
Must Try: Make ravioli, fettuccine or spaghetti.
from €45BUY TICKETS
Why a Food Tour in Rome is a Must-Do
- Discover the Diversity of Italian Cuisine: Each region has its own unique dishes and cooking styles, influenced by local history, geography, and culture – from the seafood-heavy dishes of coastal areas to the hearty, meat-based fare of the inland regions.
- Taste Authentic Flavors: Sample traditional dishes made with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. Savor the sharp flavors of just-made mozzarella, enjoy pasta cooked al dente, or indulge in gelato using recipes passed down through generations.
- Dine Like a Local: Italians take their food very seriously, and there are rules to be followed. Learn when to drink cappuccino, how to pair your food and wine, or how to appreciate a leisurely paced Italian meal.
- Explore the Italian Wine Scene: As one of the world’s top wine producers, boasting a wide array of local wines, a food tour can guide you through the Italian wine landscape, introducing you to different wine varieties and their perfect food pairings.
Explore Food Tours of Rome
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#1Cooking Classes
#2Food Tours
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Most Popular Dishes of Italy
Spaghetti Carbonara
A Roman classic, spaghetti tossed in a creamy sauce made with eggs, pecorino cheese, guanciale (cured pork jowl), and black pepper.
Prosciutto di Parma
A prized Italian dry-cured ham, aged for at least 18 months, known for its delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Espresso
Italy runs on espresso! A strong and concentrated coffee served in small cups, it is a cornerstone of Italian culture and had after a meal.
Gelato
Italy’s version of ice cream, gelato is smoother, denser, and more intensely flavored. It is also made with fewer fats.
Espresso
Italy runs on espresso! A strong and concentrated coffee served in small cups, it is a cornerstone of Italian culture and had after a meal.
Tiramisu
A divine dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and a touch of liqueur, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Lasagna
A layered pasta dish combining sheets of lasagna noodles with ricotta cheese, Bolognese sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bruschetta
Toasted slices of rustic bread topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and drizzled with olive oil—a flavorful Italian appetizer.
Limoncello
A refreshing zesty lemon-flavored liqueur made from lemon zest, alcohol, sugar, and water, often served as a digestif.
Culinary Customs of Italy
- Cappuccino Rules: In Italy, cappuccino is traditionally enjoyed in the morning, preferably before 11 am. It’s seen as a heavy drink due to the milk content, hence not typically consumed after a meal or in the evening.
- Meal Structure: Italian meals often follow a specific structure. There’s “antipasto” (starter), “primo” (first course, usually pasta or rice), “secondo” (second course, usually meat or fish), followed by “contorno” (side dish), and then “dolce” (dessert).
- Slow Dining: Meals are leisurely affairs in Italy. They’re about more than just food – they’re a time for conversation and connection. Rushing a meal is almost unheard of, and Mamma will ensure you savor it!
- Bread Rules: Bread is often served with meals but it’s not typically eaten with pasta. It can be used, however, to do the “scarpetta,” or “little shoe,” which is the act of mopping up leftover sauce on your plate.
- Parmesan on Seafood? No, Thanks!: Italians never put cheese on seafood pasta. It’s considered a culinary sin.
- Gelato Season: Gelato is mainly a spring/summer delight. You may find some gelaterias open in winter, but many close because Italians traditionally don’t eat it in the colder months.
- Sparkling Water: Italians often prefer sparkling water over still. It’s believed to aid digestion, especially during large meals.
- Digestivi: Speaking of digestion, Italy has a tradition of “digestivi,” like limoncello or amaro, enjoyed after meals to help digestion.
- Espresso Rules: Italians usually drink espresso standing up at a coffee bar, often quickly on a break from work. It’s rare to see someone sitting alone and leisurely sipping coffee.
- The Aperitivo: This is a pre-meal drink meant to stimulate the appetite, often enjoyed with small snacks. It’s a cherished Italian tradition, particularly in the north.
- Pasta Shapes Matter: The shape of the pasta is carefully chosen to complement the sauce. For instance, chunky sauces are served with pasta shapes that have nooks and crannies for the sauce to cling to.
- Pizza Eating: In Italy, pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork in restaurants. In Naples, the birthplace of pizza, it’s also common to eat it folded up, like a wallet.
- No Pineapple on Pizza: This goes without saying of course, but pineapple as a pizza topping is largely an American invention. In Italy, it’s pretty much a taboo and you’re unlikely to find it on menus.