Sitting in the heart of Italy, Rome is renowned for delicious Italian dishes that we could only dream of. From cheesy pasta to wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, if you’re planning your next cruise to Italy, make sure this culinary exquisite location is on your list.
Italy has been serving up delicious pizza dishes for hundreds of years but things haven’t always been the same. Traditional pizzas are round and typically eaten at dinner because wood-fired ovens took hours to heat up but more and more restaurants are serving these delicious slices at lunchtime too, so you’re never too far away from a cheesy feast. In this article, we uncover the best places to find some of these mouth-watering pizzas in the ancient city of Rome:
The best pizza in Rome
Alle Carette
Head to the Monti district, a stone's throw from the Roman Forum and you’ll stumble across Alle Carette, a traditional Roman pizzeria serving pizzas unlike any other. One of the prettiest streets in the city, the location of this small eatery is just the start of its excellence. We chatted with Elizabeth Minchilli who told us, “Every Roman has their favourite pizzeria. While their choice has a lot to do with taste, of course, it also has as much to do with location. Just like having a favourite neighbourhood bar, all Romans have their favourite corner pizza joint. This is where they head on a Sunday night when the family feels like going out for an inexpensive meal. Or where they can stop on the way home from work during the week, for a pizza to go. These dependable, local places rarely get written up in guidebooks or blogs. Mostly because they aren’t doing anything beyond the norm: good pizzas cooked to order in a wood-burning oven.
“While I’ve included all the best and trendy pizzerias in Rome in my app, EAT ITALY and in my book, Eating Rome, you’re more likely to see me on a Sunday night eating pizza at Alle Carette. Alle Caretta is typical of a good local Roman pizzeria. The dough is left to rise overnight, then rolled out super thin. The wood-burning oven is huge and its high temperature means that they can turn out pizzas fast and furious. Toppings are, for the most part, traditional. You’re not going to find any pumpkin or balsamic reduction here. Instead, this is where I order a Capricioas, which, in Rome, means prosciutto, mushrooms, artichoke heart, olives and a hardboiled egg. A bit of everything!”
Bonci’s Pizzarium
Not a pizzeria that you’re traditionally used to, Bonci’s Pizzarium has a plethora of fresh and seasonal produce served on a variety of pizza bases, from focaccia to traditional thin-crust dough, whatever you fancy, is on the menu.
Jet Set Christina loves visiting Rome and Bonci’s Pizzarium is one of her favourite spots, “Bonci’s Pizzarium is hands down the best pizza in Rome, maybe in the world! It’s casual, there’s no seating and it’s a must on any trip to Rome. It’s right near the Vatican - so an easy stop if you’re planning on seeing Vatican City.
“It may sound cheesy but I just love the romance of Rome. Everywhere you look, you see so much love. Families, friends, lovers, everyone in Rome is in love. People are holding hands, kissing in the street, laughing on Vespas, sightseeing together, smiling over Bellini’s. There’s live musicians playing romantic songs at night, candlelit patio restaurants with some of the best food you can find anywhere and, of course, endless wine.”
Dar Poeta
Located in the Trastevere neighbourhood, right in the city centre, Dar Poeta is known by locals and tourists alike for its friendly atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine. Unique pizza cooked in a wood oven is what makes the pizza totally delicious. Sara from Gathering Dreams loves visiting Italy and recommends trying the traditional pizza, “Rome is one of the most incredible cities in the world. Every time I visit, I am surprised by its history and beauty. Yes, it can be chaotic and hot but nothing compares to the magic of walking side by side to ancient Roman ruins next to a busy modern road.
“Plus, Italians really know how to cook! And in Rome, you can have some of the most delicious Italian food. If you want to eat the most fragrant, crispy mouth-watering Roman pizza, head to Dar Poeta. Keep in mind it’s not possible to reserve a table in advance so be prepared for a bit of a wait. But it’s well worth it. And remember: Roman pizza is quite different from Neapolitan pizza. The crust is thinner, and it tends to be crunchier due to the presence of extra virgin olive oil in the dough. Try the pizza bufala - you won’t be disappointed!”
Ivo a Trastevere
Ivo a Trastevere has been serving authentic Italian pizza to the city of Rome for over 50 years. Created by Ivo Stefanelli in the 60s, the restaurant outgrew its humble beginnings and moved into an enlarged kitchen in the 80s, the start of the legacy it holds today. Serving all the traditional combinations along with a few unusual twists and flavours, you’ll struggle to find fresher and tastier pizza anywhere else in Rome.
Cass from Loving Life With Cass loves the pizza from Ivo a Trastevere and can’t recommend it to friends and family enough, “I love exploring Rome! The beautiful city is filled with history, culture, art and, of course, delicious food. I am Italian, so every time I visit Rome, I get the chance to connect with my background. I always end up having unique experiences that allow me to feel like I am getting back to my roots.
“Being Italian, my favourite pizza will always be my Nonna’s classic homemade cheese pizza. However, while I was in Rome, I enjoyed a lot of fantastic pizza that was almost as good as my Nonna’s. One of my favourite places to eat amazing authentic Italian pizza is at Ivo a Trastevere. This great restaurant is located in my favourite neighbourhood in Rome, Trastevere. Trastevere is a charming little neighbourhood that is filled with narrow cobblestone streets. The medieval era neighbourhood is located across the Tiber River and is the perfect area to get lost in and enjoy delicious food.”
