Buongiorno and welcome to RomeCabs Rome travel blog! Rome, the Eternal City, is not only a haven for history buffs and art lovers but Rome is for foodies as well. While the city is renowned for its traditional pasta dishes, such as carbonara and cacio e pepe, it also offers a delightful array of must-try local snacks that are just as delicious and worth savoring.
Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of Trastevere or exploring the grandeur of the Vatican, these must-try snacks will give you a true taste of Roman culinary culture. Here are our 10 favorite must-try local snacks in Rome:
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1. Arancini: The Sicilian Street Food Sensation
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Arancini are golden, deep-fried rice balls that are a staple of Sicilian cuisine but have become popular throughout Italy, including in Rome. These delicious snacks are typically filled with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas, though you can also find versions stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, or even truffle.
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What Makes Arancini Special?
The appeal of arancini lies in their contrast of textures and flavors. The crispy breadcrumb coating gives way to creamy, savory rice and a rich, gooey filling. Each bite is a satisfying combination of crunch and softness, making arancini a perfect snack or a light meal on the go.
Where to Find the Best Arancini in Rome
For some of the best arancini in Rome, visit Supplizio, a chic street food eatery near Piazza Navona. Their arancini are perfectly crispy on the outside and ooze with a flavorful filling. Another excellent spot is Mondo Arancina, a Sicilian deli in the Prati district, where you can choose from a wide range of arancini flavors, including a decadent truffle version.
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2. Cantucci: The Quintessential Tuscan Biscuit
Cantucci is a twice-baked almond biscuit that has become a beloved treat across Italy, including Rome. These crunchy, golden-brown delights are traditionally enjoyed dipped in a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan dessert wine. The combination of the biscotti’s crunch with the wine’s sweetness creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
Where to Find the Best Cantucci in Rome
For an authentic experience, head to Antico Forno Roscioli near Campo de’ Fiori. This historic bakery is known for its exceptional cantuccini, made with high-quality almonds and just the right amount of sweetness. Another excellent spot is Pasticceria Regoli in the Esquilino district, where you can pair your cantuccini with a strong Italian espresso.
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What Makes Cantucci Special?
What sets cantucci apart is their unique texture. The biscuits are baked twice, resulting in a firm, dry consistency that makes them ideal for dipping. The use of whole almonds adds a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that lingers on the palate. Whether enjoyed as a mid-morning snack or as a post-dinner treat, cantuccini offer a taste of Tuscany right in the heart of Rome.
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3. Maritozzo: Rome’s Beloved Sweet Bun
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Maritozzo is a sweet, soft bun filled with whipped cream that has been a Roman favorite for centuries. Traditionally, these buns were given by suitors to their fiancées on Valentine’s Day, hence the name “maritozzo“, which comes from “marito“, meaning “husband”.
What Makes Maritozzo Special?
What makes maritozzo so special is its combination of textures and flavors. The soft, slightly sweet bun contrasts perfectly with the light, airy cream filling. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a midday treat, maritozzo is a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth while in Rome.
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Where to Find the Best Maritozzo in Rome
For a truly indulgent maritozzo, visit Pasticceria Regoli in Esquilino. Their maritozzi are generously filled with rich, velvety cream and have just the right amount of sweetness. Another excellent spot is Roscioli Caffè, where you can enjoy a maritozzo with your morning coffee, as the locals do.
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4. Grissini: The Elegant Crunchy Breadstick
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Grissini, or breadsticks, are a classic Italian snack that originated in the region of Piedmont. These slender, crunchy sticks of bread are often served as an appetizer at restaurants, but they also make for a great snack on their own.
What Makes Grissini Special?
Grissini are beloved for their simplicity and versatility. They can be enjoyed plain or flavored with herbs and spices, and they pair beautifully with a variety of dips, cheeses, and cured meats. Their light, airy texture makes them easy to snack on, whether you’re enjoying them as part of a meal or as a quick bite during a busy day of sightseeing.
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Where to Find the Best Grissini in Rome
For a taste of authentic grissini, head to Panella, an artisanal bakery in the Monti district. Their grissini are hand-rolled and baked to perfection, with a variety of flavors, including rosemary, sesame, and black olive. Another fantastic spot is Forno Campo de’ Fiori, where the grissini are thin, crisp, and lightly salted, making them an ideal accompaniment to a slice of prosciutto or a piece of aged cheese.
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5. Supplì: The Roman Comfort Snack
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Supplì, similar to arancini but distinctly Roman, are deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and ragù. These savory snacks are a beloved part of Roman street food culture and are often enjoyed as a quick bite or as part of an aperitivo.
What Makes Supplì Special?
The magic of supplì lies in its molten mozzarella center, which stretches beautifully with each bite. The combination of the crispy exterior, the rich ragù, and the gooey cheese makes for a comforting and satisfying snack that is uniquely Roman.
Where to Find the Best Supplì in Rome
For the best supplì in Rome, look no further than Supplizio. This small eatery is dedicated to perfecting this Roman snack, and their supplì are a crispy, cheesy delight. I Supplì in Trastevere is another must-visit spot, where the supplì are freshly made and bursting with flavor.
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6. Taralli: The Southern Italian Snack
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Taralli are ring-shaped snacks that hail from southern Italy, particularly from the regions of Puglia and Campania. These crunchy, savory treats are made from a simple dough of flour, olive oil, and white wine, and are often flavored with fennel seeds, black pepper, or even chili flakes.
What Makes Taralli Special?
Taralli are beloved for their versatility. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, paired with cheese and cured meats as part of an aperitivo, or even dipped in wine, similar to cantuccini. Their light, crispy texture and subtle flavors make them a perfect accompaniment to a glass of prosecco or an ice-cold beer.
Where to Find the Taralli in Rome
Luckily, you can find taralli in most supermarkets in Rome as they are snacks beloved by Romans as well!
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7. Fried Zucchini Flowers: A Roman Delight
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n the vibrant culinary scene of Rome, few snacks are as beloved and iconic as fried zucchini flowers (fiori di zucca). These delicate blossoms, typically harvested from zucchini plants in the early summer, are transformed into a crispy, golden treat that captures the essence of Roman street food.
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What Makes Fried Zucchini Flowers Special?
Fried zucchini flowers are a perfect example of how Roman cuisine elevates simple, seasonal ingredients. The flowers themselves are tender and slightly sweet, offering a unique base for various fillings.
In Rome, the classic preparation involves stuffing the flowers with a savory mix of mozzarella cheese and anchovies. The contrast between the creamy mozzarella, the salty anchovy, and the subtle flavor of the zucchini flower creates a harmonious balance that is both indulgent and satisfying.
The preparation of fried zucchini flowers is an art form in itself. Each flower is carefully stuffed, then dipped in a light batter made from flour, water, and sometimes a hint of sparkling water or beer to add extra crispiness. The flowers are then quickly fried in hot oil until they achieve a perfect golden hue. The result is a snack that is crisp on the outside while the interior remains soft and gooey, with the cheese melting beautifully into the flower.
Whether enjoyed as a starter, a side dish, or a quick snack on the go, fried zucchini flowers are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the true flavors of Rome.
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Where to Find the Best Fried Zucchini Flowers in Rome
While you can find fried zucchini flowers in many Roman restaurants and trattorias, they are also a popular item at local markets and food stalls, especially during the summer months. For an authentic experience, head to one of Rome’s traditional eateries where this Roman delicacy is prepared with care and tradition. Many street food vendors also offer fried zucchini flowers, making it easy to grab a quick bite while exploring the city.
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8. Cornetti: The Italian Croissant
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Cornetti are the Italian answer to the French croissant, but with a few key differences. These sweet, crescent-shaped pastries are often filled with cream, jam, or Nutella, making them a popular choice for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
What Makes Cornetti Special?
Cornetti are less buttery and more sweet than their French counterparts, with a soft, tender crumb that pairs perfectly with a cappuccino. The variety of fillings available means there’s a cornetto for every taste, from the traditional crema (custard) to the indulgent cioccolato (chocolate). Enjoying a cornetto in the morning is a quintessential Roman experience that sets the tone for the day ahead.
Where to Find the Best Cornetti in Rome
You can find cornetti at just about every cafe in Rome. Look for bakery-style plump cornetti for the best flavor.
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9. Trapizzino: A Modern Twist on a Classic
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Trapizzino is a relatively new addition to Rome’s street food scene but has quickly become a favorite. This snack is a hybrid between a sandwich and a pizza, with a triangular pocket of pizza dough filled with traditional Roman dishes.
What Makes Trapizzino Special?
Trapizzino combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying crunch of pizza crust with the rich, comforting flavors of classic dishes. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it a perfect snack for those looking to experience something new and delicious in Rome.
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What sets Trapizzino apart is not just the fillings, but the bread itself. The dough is made using a secret mother yeast that has been passed down through generations of Southern Italian bakers. This yeast, nurtured daily with water and flour, gives the bread its distinct taste and digestibility, making Trapizzino a standout in the world of street food.
Every visit to a Trapizzino location is an opportunity to explore the flavors of Italy. The fillings of Trapizzino are a celebration of Italy’s culinary heritage. From the first-ever Trapizzino filled with Pollo alla Cacciatora (Chicken Cacciatore) to other classics like Polpetta al Sugo (Meatball in Sauce) and Parmigiana di Melanzane (Eggplant Parmigiana), each one is crafted with care and authenticity. The fillings are the result of extensive research, blending family traditions, chef’s innovations, and the rich flavors of Roman cuisine.
Where to Find the Best Trapizzino in Rome
The original Trapizzino shop in Testaccio is the best place to try this innovative snack. This unique pocket-pizza concept was born from the imagination of Stefano Callegari, a Roman pizzaiolo (pizza chef) whose passion for food and creativity led him to reinvent a classic: pizza.
The idea was simple yet revolutionary: combine the beloved flavors of traditional Roman cuisine with the portability of street food. Thus, the Trapizzino was born—a triangular, pocket-like pizza filled with a variety of delicious fillings, each one a nod to Italy’s culinary traditions.
Here, you’ll find a variety of fillings that showcase the best of Roman cuisine. You can look up various Trapizzino shops throughout Rome with locations in Trastevere and near Ponte Milvio.
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10. Ciambelline al Vino: Wine Cookies with a Crunch
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Ciambelline al vino are ring-shaped cookies made with red or white wine, olive oil, and sugar. These crunchy, slightly sweet treats are a staple in Roman households and are often enjoyed with a glass of wine or coffee.
What Makes Ciambelline al Vino Special?
What makes ciambelline al vino special is their unique flavor, which comes from the wine used in the dough. The result is a cookie that is both sweet and slightly savory, with a crisp texture that is perfect for dipping. These cookies are a wonderful representation of Roman culinary tradition and are a must-try for any foodie visiting the city.
Where to Find the Best Ciambelline al Vino in Rome
For authentic ciambelline al vino, visit Forno Monteforte in the Monti district. This traditional bakery offers freshly baked ciambelline that are perfect for an afternoon snack. Antico Forno Roscioli is another great spot, where the cookies are made with care and have a delightful crunch.
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Rome’s culinary scene is a treasure trove of delicious snacks that are perfect for foodies looking to indulge in the local flavors. From the classic cantuccini to the modern trapizzino, these must-try snacks offer a true taste of Roman culture and tradition. So, the next time you find yourself in the Eternal City, be sure to seek out these delightful treats and enjoy the delicious journey through Rome’s rich culinary heritage.
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