As part two of our #LikeaLocal Series in Rome, we decided to take you through where to find the best Roman dishes, tiramisu, late night munchies after too many drinks, and more based on authentic recommendations of Romans.

Ready to wet your appetite?

Traditional Roman Food

1. HOSTERIA La Vacca M’Brianca

The name of this place means “The Drunken Cow” and my friend literally labelled this place as the “Best Everything”, and best everything it was! They serve traditional Italian and Roman Food, and the Romans usually order carbonara or amatriciana pasta and artichokes. When I had my lunch here I could only hear Italian so I guess that means no tourists were in sight.

Via Urbana 29/30 (6,735.24 mi) Rome 00184

2. Trattoria Pizzeria Luzzi

Situated close to the Colosseum, Luzzi is also a good place to go. They make gnocchis only on Thursday and ravioli with ricotta and spinach. I'm hungry just writing this.

Via San Giovanni in Laterano, 88 00184 Rome

Pizza

The typical pizza you usually get in your hometown is most probably like the one from Naples, which has a thicker crust. In Rome, the pizzas are much thinner and according to my local friend, tourists tend to not like it so you’ll rarely find Roman-style pizzas in the city center or tourist attraction areas.

1. Pizza CIRO

The first of two pizza with the signature thicker crust of Naples. Pizza Ciro has branches in several spots in Rome and Naples, but this location is what my friend recommended.

Via della Mercede, 43, 00187 Roma

2. PizzaRe

Try the pizza quattro stagioni, if you're overwhelmed with the choices. One pizza has four different toppings to represent the four seasons.

Via di Ripetta, 14, 00186 Roma

3. Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Another Roman recommended me to check out Baffetto. Located near Piazza Navona, Baffetto specializes in Roman-style thin crust pizzas.

Via del Governo Vecchio, 114, 00186 Roma

4. Pizzeria al Taglio

This isn't really a place, but more like a kind of pizza place that you can find in Rome, especially outside of the center. Here, pizzas are baked in rectangular trays and you just pay by weight. The most classic is just pizza with tomato sauce.

Tiramisu

Pompi

All my friend said was, “Google the address, you’ll thank me later.” The slogan itself is “Il Regno del Tiramisu” (The Kingdom of Tiramisu). The small shop is not far from the Spanish Steps and only offers it to-go as there are no seating areas. The tiramisu flavors include Classic, Strawberry, Banana and Chocolate, Pistacchio, and Hazelnut and sell for $4. I had them near the Spanish Steps and frankly I’m not a dessert person, but it was divine. I texted her a big thank you.

Gelato

Three gelato locations at three different locations! Remember three things to avoid when looking for a good gelateria:

Big plastic tubs or trays of gelato in huge mounds. This means that the gelato is not made fresh daily. Look for small containers and occasionally a lid.
Fluorescent colors. Use the pistacchio as your guide: if it's neon or bright green, run!
Artificial flavors. There's great gelaterias (like Punto Gelato) that does interesting flavors but they're focused on the natural ingredients. Avoid places that sell artificial flavors like bubblegum

My old yet very energetic Roman guide from the free walking tour takes his gelato very seriously and told us to have our gelato on a cone without a spoon to be like the locals.

1. La Romana

Via Venti Settembre, 60, 00187 Roma

Near Porta Pia

2. Punto Gelato

Great classic flavors, but also unique ones with ingredients sourced from different parts of the world. The pine tree flavor is surprisingly divine. Punto Gelato is located in Campo de'Fiori, a market that is known to have several good gelato spots.

Via Dei Pettinari 43, 00186 Rome

3. Fata Morgana

Try the basil, walnuts, and honey flavor! The one I got recommended is located near Piazza del Popolo but they have several branches.

Via Dei Pettinari 43, 00186 Rome

Coffee

Il caffè di Sant'eustachio

Located in Pizza Sant’Eustachio, not far from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon; this cafe is one of the oldest coffee places in Rome. They roast their own beans and blends it with water from an ancient aqueduct.

Late Night Snack

Dar Filletario

This place is tiny and definitely not fancy, and opens from 5 to 11 PM - perfect for a post aperitivo snack. They make the best fried fish called baccalà in the most traditional Roman way. This place is definitely a must-try since multiple Romans have recommended me this. One Roman I randomly met at 3 AM at McDonald’s in Singapore (don’t ask why) basically just told me I had to go here though he didn’t remember the name. He just said that it’s really close to Campo dei Fiori and ask a local, "Mi sai dire dove si trova il posto dove fanno baccalà fritto?" (“Can you tell me a place that makes fried cod?”).

Largo dei Librari, 88, 00186 Roma

Where to Avoid

Aside from the rule of thumb, Romans say to avoid restaurants near Piazza Venezia or Via del Corso "because they are [insert swear word here]."

Good local Roman food doesn’t have to be expensive and you’ll easily burn all the calories by walking around the beautiful streets, so you’re ready to have your next meal in no time.

Eat #LikeaLocal in Rome