24 Hours in Rome - Your Complete Food Itinerary
It might be an almighty challenge to fit the food of Rome into one day – but one we happily accept.
One Day Only in the Eternal City
Rome wasn’t built in a day. As one of the most historically significant cities in human history, we’re safe to say it will be difficult to discover all of it in one single day. There is much to see and do, and most importantly (considering the options for food in Rome), EAT.
But if we were to have only one day in the Eternal City, we’d want to make sure we ate well at only the best places. Because not only is Rome rich with actual history but it has some of the greatest food you’ll encounter – anywhere.
For the perfect day in this most beautiful of cities, you’ll want to carefully sandwich the finest food spots in-between the countless historical sites on your list like the sweet cream filling out and enriching a delicious maritozzi.
We recommend starting early so as not to waste a second of your time here. Rising with the sun to watch its golden rays flicker over the ancient sites like it has done for thousands of years.
There are copious places to explore, and this is just the food!
We’ve created a casual route around our favourite eateries beginning near the Colosseum, twisting toward the historical centre for coffee, lunch and some afternoon gelato. Then crossing over the River Tiber for an afternoon spent exploring the Vatican City and onto the popular Trastevere neighbourhood for an evening aperitivo and meal.
**Important Note**
In Rome, or Italy in general, you might find that many of the meals listed as vegetarian contain cheeses such as pecorino. Usually these are made with animal rennet and if you’re a strict vegetarian, even if it’s listed as veggie, you may want to double check with the waiting staff to be sure.
If you plan on staying a little longer – check out our ultimate guide to Rome.
ROMAN BREAKFAST
Start the day as the Romans do with a sweet pastry and a strong coffee. Regoli has been supplying locals with the classic roman maritozzi for over one hundred years.
The cream stuffed breakfast favourite often sells out quickly at this permanently popular spot. Another reason to rise early and get the most from this great city. Only a short walk from the coliseum – it’s perfect if you’re planning to start your sightseeing there.
COFFEE BREAK
Heading north toward the Pantheon you’ll find La Casa Del Caffe Tazza D’oro – a classic Italian coffee bar. We recommend their famous iced coffee granita with layers of whipped cream.
Pro tip: order an espresso and stand at the bar like a true Italian.
LUNCH
A heavenly lunch spot, especially if you manage to get a table on the sun-drenched terrace. The service is welcoming, and the food is beyond delicious. A proper sit-down restaurant to relax and recuperate after a long morning of traipsing the cobblestone streets of Rome, ticking off tourist boxes.
Plenty of vegetarian options (see earlier note re cheese) which are clearly labelled on the menu. We recommend the melanzane alla parmigiana (baked aubergines) and the le pinse for a true Italian feast. All washed down with an Aperol Spritz, of course.
GELATO PIT STOP
Since you’re already in the area for lunch, and likely conquering Rome’s historical centre one selfie at a time, you would be remiss not to cool down from the hot Italian sun with a creamy gelato cone.
A popular spot, you will indeed have to queue, but an abundance of flavours await you on the other side. We recommend trying a few flavours and saying “yes, please” when they ask if you want a dollop of cream on top.
**There are a ridiculous number of gelateria’s in Rome – if interesting and unexpected flavours are your thing (think liquorice and gorgonzola) then we also recommend Otaleg (perhaps on your way to the Vatican City).
PRE-DINNER SNACK
Roman pizza by the slice. Look we didn’t say it would be a light day of eating. We realise a pizza isn’t necessarily attributed to being a snack in most instances but to spend a fleeting day in Rome and not experience the iconic Pizzarium bonci would be a tragedy. Plus, Romans don’t usually sit down to dinner until 10pm and you’ll need something to see you through from lunch. If you are a pizza fanatic, you’ll find a way to fit this in, plus it need only be one slice (if you can resist).
Perfectly located just outside the Vatican City. Try to avoid going during the Roman lunch hour (12:30-2pm). Where you’ll find it just as busy as the Sistine chapel. The pizza is worth the wait and the crowds.
APERITIVO
The classic Roman predinner drink – usually with nibbles, and what’s better is that the nibbles often come free. Journeying back to Rome from the Vatican City we recommend stopping in Trastevere. The beautiful, bohemian neighbourhood is known for its nightlife and is the perfect place to spend the evening.
Freni e Friziono is a trendy cocktail bar that serves a free buffet with vegetarian options aplenty alongside your favourite drink. Outside in their terrace watching the Italian sunset is the ideal location to enjoy this tranquil Italian tradition before drifting toward your favourite restaurant.
DINNER
A short walk from Freni e Frizino you’ll find perhaps the most popular restaurant in all of Rome and an excellent choice for your evening meal. Forewarning: there is always a queue given its popularity with locals and tourists alike.
The food is outstanding, true Roman fare. Try the crispy roman artichokes – a roman classic. Vegetarian options are generously sprinkled throughout the menu, you will not feel second best to carnivores here.
LATE NIGHT STOP
A bite to eat on the stroll back to the hotel. The trapizzino and suppli are handheld snacks that will be the flavourful proverbial cherry on top of your food experience cake of Rome. Hot pockets filled with delicious Italian ingredients. Perfetto.
