Rome may be over 2,700 years old, but in 2025, the Eternal City is basking in a renewed spotlight. With the Jubilee year drawing millions of religious pilgrims and curiosity seekers alike—and Booking.com reporting a 36% surge in travel searches for Rome during this year's conclave (election of a new pope)—the Italian capital is poised for a record-breaking year. La Dolce Vita, it seems, is very much alive.
And while Rome’s ancient ruins and Baroque grandeur will always dazzle, the soul of the city is perhaps best experienced at the table. For Livio Colapinto, founder of Zest of Italy and The Genuine Experience, bespoke travel companies specializing in immersive food journeys throughout Rome and his native Puglia, every dish is a lens into the city’s layered identity. “In Rome, good food isn’t curated—it just happens. It’s baked into the city,” he says.
From the crackle of deep-fried artichokes to a perfect carbonara paired with a local vintage, Rome’s culinary scene is as timeless as its monuments—and just as transporting. We caught up with Colapinto to uncover his top recommendations for the best things to do, taste and savor in Rome—straight from someone who shows people the city one forkful at a time.
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What makes Rome so irresistible through a food lover’s lens? For Colapinto, it’s the rhythm of daily life, punctuated by vendors’ smiles, market chatter and timeless flavors.
“Good food isn’t curated here—it just happens,” he says. “It’s baked into the city. You start your day with a cappuccino at the counter, watching the streets wake up and end it with a drink at golden hour, the light softening over domes and ruins. That contrast is Rome.”
When to Visit Rome
To make the most of your trip, Colapinto recommends timing your visit carefully. Spring (April to early June) and early fall (late September through October) offer the best weather—sunny but not stifling—with fewer crowds than peak summer. These months are also ideal for food lovers, thanks to seasonal markets and culinary festivals. July and August tend to be hot, crowded and more expensive, with many locals leaving the city. For better flight prices and a quieter Rome, consider traveling in late January or February, when the city is cool, less crowded and full of authentic local life.
The 7 Best Foodie Activities and Things to Eat in Rome
From iconic dishes to tried-and-true mainstays, these expert-approved experiences offer an unforgettable taste of Rome.
1. Cure Carbonara Cravings at These Iconic Roman Spots
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When it comes to must-try dishes in Rome, Colapinto is clear: “Carbonara—no cream, just pecorino, guanciale, egg and magic.” It’s the city’s most iconic pasta, and he points to a few places that do it right.
“Go to Roscioli Salumeria—for a carbonara that’s practically a religious experience, and a wine list that reads like literature; Santo Palato for Chef Sarah Cicolini's Roman classic with boldness and brains; or Armando al Pantheon, if you're lucky enough to snag a table,” he says, naming three of the most respected spots in the city for a proper plate of this delectable pasta.
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For a taste of modern Roman life, he suggests ducking into a few local gems that tourists often overlook. “Necci dal 1924 in Pigneto is a favorite for locals and creatives, with a laid-back vibe and great food,” Colapinto says. He also points to Hey Güey, the rooftop bar at Hotel Chapter, known for its playful cocktails and edgy, contemporary design. And if you’re in town on the weekend, don’t miss Mercato di Campagna Amica, near Circo Massimo, where you can browse fresh local produce and artisanal specialties.
Colapinto also encourages visitors to be bold at the table. Roman cuisine goes far beyond pasta and pizza. “If you’re adventurous, try trippa alla romana or frittata di rigaje at Santo Palato,” he says, referring to the city’s time-honored offal dishes—aka allll the organs—that offer a glimpse into its culinary roots.
3. Peruse the Best Bakeries and Gelato Shops in Rome
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For a truly Roman experience, Colapinto suggests skipping the flashy storefronts and heading straight to the city’s most beloved neighborhood staples. “Forno Boccione in the Ghetto—no sign, no fuss, just the best ricotta cake and pizza ebraica in town,” he says, pointing to the iconic Jewish bakery known for its loyal following and timeworn recipes.
For something sweet to end the day, Colapinto recommends Pasticceria Regoli for their maritozzi con la panna—“a cloud-like pastry filled with whipped cream that’s pure Roman nostalgia.” He also sends visitors to Gelateria del Teatro, which he describes as “fresh, seasonal and always surprising.”
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@themizrahistory ♬ Hava Nagila - The Jewish Starlight Orchestra
Rome’s culinary calendar is as rich and layered as its history, and timing your visit with a local festival or seasonal tradition can add meaningful depth to your experience of the city, notes Colapinto. These fleeting moments offer “a deeper taste of Rome”—the kind you won’t find in a guidebook.
In December, he recommends heading to the Jewish Ghetto during Hanukkah, when the streets fill with festive energy and food stalls serve up crispy latkes, sweet dough fritters and other fried delicacies. It’s a sensory celebration of tradition and community, tucked away in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Come late winter, artichoke season takes over. From February to April, restaurants across Rome spotlight the beloved vegetable in all its forms—"alla Romana (braised with garlic, mint and olive oil), alla giudia (deep-fried whole, until crispy and golden) or even raw with lemon," says Colapinto.
@giadadelaurentiisWhen in Rome… order the carciofi! #rome #roma #carciofi #artichoke #artichokeromana #bestofrome #romanfood #pasta #bestpasta #pizza #bestpizza #giada #giadadelaurentiis #giadzy
♬ original sound - Giada De LaurentiisAnd on June 24, locals flock to Celio Hill for La Festa di San Giovanni, a lively Roman feast day that Colapinto says marks the beginning of summer with fireworks, music and heaping plates of snails—a centuries-old tradition said to ward off evil spirits.
5. Grab Coffee (Minus the Crowds) on an Early Morning Walk
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Colapinto’s favorite time of day for caffè? Early morning.
“It’s when the city is hushed and glowing. I walk from Campo de’ Fiori to Piazza Venezia, coffee in hand from Sant’Eustachio, before the crowds arrive. It feels like the city is all yours," he shares.
Related: 31 Different Types of Coffee Drinks Explained
6. Have a Date Night at a Romantic Roman Restaurant
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The Roman Empire was built for romance—cobblestone alleys, candlelit corners and dinners that stretch late into the night. Naturally, the city is full of mainstay restaurants and hidden gems that set the scene for an unforgettable date night, whether you're craving elegance or something more low-key, says Colapinto.
For classic romance, he says to head to Pierluigi, a refined seafood restaurant tucked into the charming Piazza de’ Ricci, just a short stroll from Campo de’ Fiori. “It’s elegant, timeless and set in one of the most picturesque squares in Rome." Expect white tablecloths, excellent wine and impeccably fresh catches of the day—ideal for a leisurely dinner under the stars.
If you're after something cozier and more unexpected, Il Margutta is a “candlelit vegetarian spot” Colapinto adores. Nestled on the art-filled Via Margutta, this restaurant serves seasonal, plant-based dishes in a warm setting. It's especially ideal for couples who want a quieter, more creative dining experience, where even the plating feels like part of the art.
For the oenophiles, he suggests booking a table at world-famous Rimessa Roscioli, a moody and intimate space near Campo de’ Fiori known for its curated tasting menus and deep cellar. “It’s perfect for wine lovers,” says Colapinto. “The tastings feel personal—like a dinner party with a sommelier.” You’ll find pairings that highlight regional Italian ingredients, from burrata and bottarga to aged Parmigiano and wild truffles.
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Prefer something casual but still full of charm? Grab wine and small plates at Latteria Trastevere, a laid-back spot in one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Afterward, follow Colapinto’s advice and take a sunset stroll across the Ponte Sisto, watching the Tiber glow as the city lights flicker on.
7. Savor Aperitivo Hour at One of Rome's Best Cocktail Bars
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No one masters the art of aperitivo quite like the Romans. Between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., the city hums with energy as locals gather in piazzas and on patios for a pre-dinner cocktail and light bite. It's a cherished ritual—equal parts social happy hour and a slow savoring in preparation for the evening ahead. According to Colapinto, a few places stand out for doing it exceptionally well.
For a twist on the classic Negroni, order a Negroni Sbagliato—made with sparkling wine instead of gin—or a Garibaldi, a bold-meets-refreshing mix of Campari and fluffy fresh orange juice. "Both are best enjoyed at Bar del Fico" says Colapinto, or the sleek and experimental Drink Kong, where mixology meets mood lighting.
Of course, it wouldn't be aperitivo without a Spritz. Sip an Aperol Spritz on the rooftop of Terrazza Borromini, where the view stretches across the domes of Piazza Navona and golden hour turns the city to honey. Or head to J.K. Place Roma, a stylish boutique hotel housed in a former architecture school, where Colapinto says the "chic and classic" bar offers a perfectly balanced Americano—bittersweet and bubbly, just as it should be.
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