Lazio is a food lover’s paradise, with a cuisine that ranges from traditional Roman specialties to rustic dishes from the countryside, to the seafood delights of the coast. From iconic pasta dishes to the tastiest 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, made with simple ingredients but intense flavors.

🍝 Cacio e Pepe – A creamy pasta made with Pecorino Romano and black pepper.
🍝 Carbonara – A rich mix of eggs, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.
🍝 Amatriciana – A slightly spicy tomato sauce with guanciale and Pecorino Romano.
🍝 Gricia – “Amatriciana in white”, made without tomatoes but with guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.

🔥 Where to Eat:

  • Felice a Testaccio (Rome) – Famous for preparing Cacio e Pepe right at the table.
  • Trattoria Pennestri (Rome) – A modern interpretation of traditional Roman dishes.
  • Lo Scarpone (Gianicolo Hill, Rome) – Great food with a breathtaking view.

Lazio’s cuisine is the perfect balance of rustic flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re enjoying a creamy carbonara, a crispy supplì, or a succulent porchetta, each dish tells the story of the region’s rich culinary heritage. In Lazio, food is not just a meal, but an experience that connects you to centuries of tradition and local culture.

2. Supplì: The King of Roman Street Food

Supplì are crispy fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and sometimes ragù. These delicious snacks are a must-try for anyone exploring the best of Lazio’s street food.

🌮 Where to Eat:

  • Supplizio (Rome) – Gourmet versions of traditional supplì.
  • Trapizzino (Various Locations) – Famous for both supplì and trapizzini (pizza pockets filled with traditional Roman dishes).
  • I Supplì (Trastevere) – One of the most famous places for “supplì al telefono” (named because the melted mozzarella stretches like a phone cord).

🌮 Where to Eat:

  • Supplizio (Rome) – Gourmet versions of traditional supplì.
  • Trapizzino (Various Locations) – Famous for both supplì and trapizzini (pizza pockets filled with traditional Roman dishes).
  • I Supplì (Trastevere) – One of the most famous places for “supplì al telefono” (named because the melted mozzarella stretches like a phone cord).

3. Porchetta: The Juiciest Roast Pork

Originating from the town of Ariccia, porchetta is slowly roasted pork, stuffed with aromatic herbs, with a crispy skin and tender meat. Often served in a sandwich, it’s a very popular street food throughout Lazio.

🥖 Where to Eat:

  • Er Buchetto (Rome) – A small shop specializing in porchetta sandwiches.
  • Fraschette di Ariccia (Ariccia) – Local country taverns serving fresh porchetta with wine.
  • Norcineria Bernabei (Rome) – One of the best places for porchetta and cured meats.

4. Carciofi alla Romana & Carciofi alla Giudia

Artichokes are a Roman specialty, prepared in two famous ways:
🥗 Carciofi alla Romana – Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.
🥗 Carciofi alla Giudia – Deep-fried artichokes, 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.

5. Maritozzo: The Sweet Roman Breakfast

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

☕ Where to eat:

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

6. Fagioli con le Cotiche: A Hearty Winter Dish

This traditional dish from Lazio is made with white beans and pork rind, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a rustic meal best enjoyed in the colder months.

🍲 Where to eat:

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

7. Abbacchio alla Scottadito: Lazio’s Best Lamb Dish

Abbacchio alla scottadito is a Roman favorite made of grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. The name means “burnt fingers” because they’re so tasty that people eat them straight off 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 meats.
  • 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 area, especially Frascati, a crisp white wine perfect with pasta and seafood. Other famous wines include Cesanese del Piglio, a bold red, and Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone, a light white wine with a legendary story.

🍷 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 Ultimate Coastal Dish

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

🐙 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 versions of this dish.