Lazio is a paradise for food lovers: it offers a mix of traditional Roman cuisine, rustic dishes from the countryside, and seafood specialties from the coast. From iconic pasta dishes to mouthwatering street food, here’s a guide on what to eat in Lazio and where to find the best local flavors.

1. Pasta Specialties: The Roman Classics

Rome is famous for its four legendary pasta dishes, each made with simple yet flavorful ingredients.

🍝 Cacio e Pepe – A creamy pasta made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
🍝 Carbonara – A rich combination of eggs, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.
🍝 Amatriciana – A spicy tomato-based sauce with guanciale and Pecorino Romano.
🍝 Gricia – Known as the “white Amatriciana,” made without tomato, featuring guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.

🔥 Where to Eat:

Felice a Testaccio (Rome) – Famous for its tableside preparation of Cacio e Pepe.

Trattoria Pennestri (Rome) – A modern twist on traditional Roman dishes.

Lo Scarpone (Gianicolo Hill) – Great food with a breathtaking view.

Lazio’s cuisine is a perfect blend of rustic flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re savoring a creamy carbonara, a crispy supplì, or a juicy porchetta, each dish tells the story of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Food in Lazio isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience that connects you to centuries of tradition and local culture.

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2. Supplì: Rome’s Favorite Street Food

Supplì are crispy, deep-fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and sometimes ragù. These delicious snacks are an absolute must-try when exploring Lazio’s vibrant street food scene.

🌮 Where to eat:

  • Supplizio (Rome) – A gourmet take on the classic supplì, with traditional and creative variations.
  • I Supplì (Trastevere, Rome) – A historic spot known for authentic, no-frills supplì.
  • Trapizzino (Testaccio and other locations) – Famous for both trapizzini and excellent supplì with bold flavors.

3. Porchetta: The Juiciest Traditional Roast Pork

Originating from the town of Ariccia, porchetta is a slowly roasted pork seasoned with herbs, known for its crispy skin and tender meat. It is commonly served in a sandwich and is a popular street food throughout the Lazio region.

🥖 Where to eat:

  • Er Buchetto (Rome) – A small shop specializing in porchetta sandwiches.
  • Fraschette di Ariccia (Ariccia) – Traditional countryside tavern serving fresh porchetta accompanied by wine.
  • Norcineria Bernabei (Rome) – One of the best places for porchetta and cured meats.

Roman-style Artichokes & Jewish-style Artichokes

Artichokes are a Roman specialty, prepared in two famous ways:

🥗 Carciofi alla Romana – Braised artichokes with garlic, mint, and olive oil.
🥗 Carciofi alla Giudia – Fried artichokes alla giudia, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

🍷 Where to eat:

  • Nonna Betta (Rome, Jewish Ghetto) – One of the best places for Carciofi alla Giudia.
  • Armando al Pantheon (Rome) – Classic Carciofi alla Romana near the Pantheon.
  • Hostaria Costanza (Rome) – A historic restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori with excellent artichokes.

Maritozzo: the sweet Roman breakfast.

A soft brioche filled with fresh whipped cream, the maritozzo is a traditional Roman pastry to enjoy with morning coffee.

☕ Where to eat:

  • Pasticceria Regoli (Rome) – The most famous maritozzo in the city.
  • Roscioli Caffè (Rome) – A great place for a maritozzo and an espresso.
  • Il Maritozzaro (Rome) – Open until late, perfect for a dessert after dinner.

Fagioli con le Cotiche: A hearty winter dish.

This traditional Lazio stew is made with white beans and pork skin, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It is a rustic dish to enjoy during the colder months.

🍲 Where to eat:

  • Trattoria Sora Lella (Rome) – One of the best places for traditional Roman cuisine.”
  • Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio) – Serves authentic Roman comfort food.
  • Checchino dal 1887 (Rome) – A historic trattoria famous for dishes made with offal, like this one.

7. Abbacchio alla Scottadito: the best lamb dish in Lazio.

Abbacchio alla scottadito, one of the Romans’ favorite dishes, consists of grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. The name means “burnt fingers” because they are so delicious that people eat them directly from the grill!

🔥 Where to eat:

  • Ristorante Al Pompiere (Rome) – One of the best places for Roman-style lamb.
  • Da Cesare al Casaletto (Rome) – A family-run trattoria with excellent grilled meat.
  • Antica Trattoria della Pace (Viterbo) – A hidden gem for authentic Lazio cuisine.

8. Frascati Wine & Roman Castelli Wines

Lazio is known for its wines from the Castelli Romani region, particularly Frascati, a sparkling white wine perfect for pairing with pasta and seafood. Other famous wines include Cesanese del Piglio, a bold red, and Frascati. Est! Est!!! Est!!! from Montefiascone, a light white wine with a legendary history.

🍷 Where to taste Lazio wines:

  • Cantina De Sanctis (Frascati) – A family-run winery offering tastings and vineyard tours.
  • Casale Marchese (Frascati) – Offers Frascati wine tastings in a beautiful countryside setting.
  • Poggio Le Volpi (Monte Porzio Catone) – One of the best wineries in Lazio, producing high-quality reds and whites.

9. Tiella di Gaeta: The quintessential coastal dish

A specialty of the coastal city of Gaeta, the tiella is a delicious savory pie filled with seafood, vegetables, or cheese. It’s a must-try if you visit the seaside towns of Lazio.

🐙 Where to eat:

  • Pizzeria del Porto (Gaeta) – Famous for tiella filled with octopus or anchovies.
  • L’Anfora (Gaeta) – A traditional restaurant serving authentic tiella.
  • La Tiella (Formia) – A great place to try different variations of this dish.