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A (Vegetarian) Walking Food Tour Through Rome

When I planned my trip to Italy, I knew food was number one on my agenda. I absolutely had to try the best pizza, the best pasta, the best gelato and the best panini! Oh wait, also the best cappuccino! I also love walking tours in Europe, because they serve as a great introduction to the city, and allow you to learn little bits of trivia from a local, that you wouldn’t otherwise come across. So what better way to check off both these activities than to take a walking food tour through Rome (that promises TONS of vegetarian food)?  Warning: this post will make you hungry!

My trip to Italy included visits to Rome, Florence and Venice. Based on all the research I had done, it seemed like the best cities for food were definitely Rome and Florence , with Rome having a slight advantage. I looked up food tours in both these cities, and let me tell you… there are TONS! You will probably get really confused, and spend hours reading up reviews for several tours (just like me). I even got tempted by the idea of taking a cooking class , but I only wanted to do one with other students in the class – for me, half the fun of such experiences is meeting other travelers and bonding during the class. Sadly, since I was traveling in the middle of the winter season, every cooking class I contacted had open slots and weren’t expecting any other students. I decided to drop the idea and stick to a walking food tour. But if you’re interested in cooking classes in Rome and Florence, I’ll be putting together a list of highly-reviewed ones I came across during my research and posting them soon.

After TONS of research, and HOURS poring over TripAdvisor reviews and blogposts by fellow travelers, I chose Eating Italy Food Tours . They have three food tours in Rome, two in a neighborhood called Trastevere, and one in what used to be the food capital of the city, Testaccio. I decided to go with the Testaccio one , simply because I had plans to explore Trastevere by myself anyway (it’s a great neighborhood, away from the tourist center, with tons of restaurants, outdoor bars and funky boutiques).

The tour is so well-organized! 7 food outlets and 12 tastings spread over 4 hours , so that you never feel too sick to try out the next dish! Special shout out to them for taking extra care of everyone’s dietary restrictions – when you make your booking online, they will ask you for any food allergies or restrictions . They made sure to have eggless alternatives for me at every outlet so I wouldn’t miss out!

The day started at 9:45am at a café in Testaccio, a quiet and fairly rundown neighborhood (but don’t let this scare you – this was one of the major ports for food entering Rome, so it has all these amazing hidden food gems)!

Stop 1: Cornetti and Tiramisu at Barberini

At one of the best bakeries in town , we were served cornetti and tiramisu cups. Cornetti is a lighter and sweeter version of the croissant, that Italians dunk into their cappuccino for breakfast. There were special eggless cornetti waiting for my mum and I when we got to this stop (thank you Eating Italy!!!).

Stop 2: Cheese and Vinegar at Volpetti

This deli sells over 50 types of cheese , delicious extra virgin olive oils, and vinegar that’s aged anywhere from 1 to 100 years . Can you believe the oldest bottle of vinegar in this store costs 459 euros?!

We tried slices of parmesan, ubraico al vino (cheese soaked in white wine) and truffle pecorino… DELICIOUS! I won’t tell you how much truffle pecorino I brought back home with me 😉

Stop 3: Pizza at Volpetti Piu

Rated one of the top ten pizza spots in the city , Volpetti Piu serves pizza “al taglio” – a concept you’ll get familiar with in Rome. Pizza by the weight – not by the slice – so you can have as much as you want! We had a slice of margarita pizza, and one of Rome’s specialties (that I had never heard of before) – potato pizza ! HEAVEN! Crispy slices of potato and cheese on warm focaccia bread – I can’t even finish writing this sentence without my mouth watering.

Fun facts about pizza:

• Pizza originated in Naples as food of the poor, where leftover ingredients would be spread over dough to prepare the next meal.
• The first pizzeria to open outside of Naples was actually in New York! WOAH! Yes, Lombardi’s is famous for a reason.
• Pizza was actually brought to Rome by American soldiers during WW1.
• Pizza in Rome is much thinner than in Naples, because the dough was stretched out as far as possible due to the lack of food!

Stop 4: Bruschetta and Caprese salad at Testaccio market

This was a real local market – no one speaking in English, just locals going about their daily business. The market is 100 years old, and has around 103 family-run stalls, selling super fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, oils, breads and other gourmet items.

Did you know the average Italian consumes 98 kg of fresh tomatoes every year, along with 23 kg of cooked tomatoes??! No wonder they have SO many varieties of tomatoes…

We had some bruschetta made on fresh focaccia, hot from the oven.

Then we tried some caprese salad with the freshest buffalo mozzarella I’ve ever had – the couple that runs the stall gets a fresh batch of mozzarella everyday! So creamy and milky!

We took a break from all the eating, and walked around the neighborhood, visiting some major sites and learning a little bit about the history of the neighborhood. Good way to make space for the next few tastings that awaited us!

Stop 5: Pasta at Flavio al Velavevodetto

When food was brought into Rome via Testaccio, it came in clay pots, and when these pots cracked, they were thrown into a pile that eventually grew into a huge hill of broken pots. The people in the neighborhood soon realized that the temperature inside the hill was several degrees cooler than outside (because of the pots), so they started building wine cellars and storing wine in the hill! Slowly, restaurants and bars started cropping up to take advantage of this unique story !

We stopped for pasta at one of the restaurants in the hill – you can actually see the clay pots through its glass windows!

There were two types of pasta: cacio e pepe and pasta pomodoro, but I could only try the pomodoro one because the cacio e pepe had eggs 🙁 I wasn’t a fan of any pasta I had in Italy to be honest, because they take al dente to the next level. I asked my tour guide about this, who said that the al dente cooking helps digest the pasta much more easily. That’s probably why Italians haven’t put on weight despite all that pasta and pizza! I’m still a biased New Yorker – no one does Italian food like Manhattan 😉

Stop 6: Eggplant Parmesan at Trapizzino

Next stop was to try some suppli, an Italian snack made of fried Arborio rice balls, cooked in tomato sauce, cheese and beef. Obviously they had a vegetarian alternative for me – a little cup of some of the best eggplant parmesan I’ve ever tried ! I don’t even like eggplant but this was so good!

Stop 7: Gelato at Giolitti

Considered one of the best gelato spots in town, Giolitti has been running since 1921 (don’t mistake this for Café Giolitti in the city center that’s run by this guy’s brother – great spot for coffee).

Gelato fun facts:

• 80% of gelaterias in the city sell you “fake” gelato! All the stuff that looks very fluffy and fluorescent, and is piled in huge heaps – it’s fake! Don’t have it! It’s got tons of artificial coloring
• “Real” gelato has very little air in it, making it much flatter than ice cream, so it will almost never rise above the container it’s in

I had some strawberry gelato, because it was the only eggless option around (sadface) but it was SO good! It was like fresh strawberries exploding in your mouth!

This was one of the best food experiences I’ve ever had , and I would highly recommend this tour!It’s definitely pricey (€75 per person) and I wouldn’t ordinarily spend so much on a tour, but it was SO worth it! It’s not likely you’ll end up in Testaccio by yourself just to try out a couple of these dishes. Plus what made this tour amazing wasn’t just the food tastings, but all the trivia that our guide provided – something you can only experience on the tour, and not by yourself. Check it out!

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The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

The Roman Food Tour guide to the best vegetarian restaurants in Rome, is full of wholesome plant-based dishes and appetizing meatless meals.

Italian cuisine is not known for vegan and vegetarian recipes. However the number of vegetarians in Italy is 6.2% and on the rise.

Consequently the vegetarian-dining scene in the Eternal City, is as diverse and vibrant as it is delicious; full of flavor and texture. 

Below is a list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Rome, dived into categories ranging from breakfast, brunch and lunch spots, to food shops, casual restaurants and fine dining. 

It concludes with popular vegetarian dishes, you could expect to find on the menu in the Italian Capital.

A Vegetarian Breakfast in Rome

Il margutta vegetarian food & art.

Il Margutta Vegetarian Food & Art, is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Rome offering tasty and organic food. 

Located in between Piazza de Popolo and the Spanish Steps, it is both a restaurant and art gallery creating a multi-sensory experience. 

It opens at 8:30 a.m making it ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner .

The menu is completely vegetarian and vegan, offering high quality ingredients and dishes.

They provide a wholesome and hearty breakfast, consisting of Scrambled eggs, quiche and fresh juice. 

For lunch they have a €25 all you can eat buffet , full of delicious and healthy food.

Address: Via Margutta, 118 Phone:  +39 06 3265 0577 Hours:  Mon – Sun 10:30-23:30

Ginger Sapori e Saluto

Ginger Sapori e Saluto is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant, located a couple blocks from Via del Corso, parallel to Via Condotti . 

There are fruits and vegetable overflowing from the counters, with smoothie machines constantly producing delicious healthy juices.

Breakfast options include, eggs, pancakes, yogurt, croissants and acai bowls.

To drink they have organic coffee and tea, as well as a large selection of vitamin packed smoothies.

Address: Via Borgognona, 43-46 Phone:  +39 06 6994 0836 Hours:  Mon – Sun 10:00-23:00

Babington’s Tea Room

Babinton’s is a tea-lovers paradise located by the Spanish Steps . 

They have the finest tea selection including green, herbal, black, white, oolong and mixed fruits. They also offer delicious iced tea for warm mornings.

The menu is mostly vegetarian comprising of scones, muffins, cakes and pastries. The savory options include eggs benedict and toast. 

Prices are not cheap due to the location and high quality; you’re also paying for the experience and the atmosphere. 

Address:   Piazza di Spagna, 23 Phone:  +39 06 678 6027 Hours:  Mon – Sun 10:00:-21:00

Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome for Lunch

La nicchia cafe.

La Nicchia Cafe is a healthy eating establishment, located by the Cipro metro station and the Vatican Museums. 

The menu has vegan and vegetarian options such as fresh salads, avocado toasts and gourmet sandwiches, made from local and organic ingredients.

A local favorite for tour guides and local employees, with good prices and friendly English-speaking staff.

Address:   Via Cipro 4L Phone:  +39 06 9761 5109 Hours:  Mon – Sat 08:00-18:00

Pasta Chef Monti

Pasta chef is an ideal restaurant in Rome for pasta lovers. 

They offer natural and organic pasta including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. 

Located within a 10-minute walk of the Colosseum, in the neighborhood of Monti .

Favorite vegetarian dishes include porcini mushroom with black truffles, as well as tomato, basel and Genovese pesto. 

The restaurant is eco-friendly using rice based cutlery and paper plates and cup

Address:  Via Baccina 42 , Phone:  +39 06 488 3198 Hours:  12:30 – 15:30, 18:30 – 21:30 CLOSED TUESDAY

Pizzarium, owned by celebrity chef Gabriel Bonci , offers one of the best pizza al taglio in Rome. He is known as the Michelangelo of pizza .

The dough is let to rise for 72 hours , providing a deliciously light, crispy texture. 

Popular vegetarian toppings include potato and mozzarella, artichoke with chickpea sauce and tomato with sweet green peppers.

Address:  Via della Meloria 43 , Phone:  +39 06 3974 5416 Hours:  Mon – Sun 11:00 – 22:00

In 2009 pizza chef  Stefano Callegari , launched this innovative Roman street food.

A trapizzino is a triangular-shaped soft pizza bread, filled with slow-cooked gourmet ingredients.

Popular vegetarian options include eggplant parmesan and Roman artichokes.

Trapizzino offer 3 variations of suppli ; original, courgette flowers and pumpkin. There is a good selection of fine wine and craft beers.

There are 4 Trapizzino venues in Rome; Testaccio , Trastevere , Prati and Mercato Centrale (Termini station).

Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome for Dinner

Mater terrae.

Mater Terrae is an iconic vegetarian restaurant in Rome, located on the rooftop of the Raphael Hotel by Piazza Navona. 

It offers a vegetarian menu based on a mediterranean cuisine. Swiss chef  Pietro Leeman makes creative dishes using organic and biodynamic ingredients. 

Popular dishes include asparagus risotto, raviolli filled with burrata and tomatoes, as well as spaghetti with mushrooms and truffles. 

The lunch buffet serves over 40 dishes and costs just €15 on weekdays and €25 on weekends. There is also an impressive wine list. 

Expect excellent food, fantastic service and beautiful views.

Address:  Largo Febo 2 , Phone:  +39 06 682 831 Hours:  Mon – Sun 12:00-15:00, 19:00- 23:00

Ma Va? Is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant located near the Vatican city, offering traditional Roman cuisine.  

The have an open kitchen , creating a delicious and tasty menu to satisfy any palate. 

Popular dishes include linguini with ginger and pasta with pistachio cream. Expect generous portion sizes and fantastic service. 

Address:  Via Euclide Turba, 6/8 Phone:  +39 06 9761 5109 Hours:  Mon – Sun 12:30-15:00, 19:00- 23:00

Flower Burger

Flower Burger is a popular vegan burger restaurant. The burgers are nutritious, succulent and delicious.

The Colorful burger buns are fun and the bread is soft and fluffy. They also have delicious baked potato wedges, which come with homemade sauces. 

Address: Via dei Gracchi, 87 Phone:  +39 06 372 9134 Hours:  12:30-15:00, 19:00- 23:00

The Trionfale Food Market

The Trionfale maretta is the largest food market in Rome , with over 275 stands.

You can find everything here from fruit and vegetables, truffles, honey, eggs, cheese and much more.

For a complete guide to food markets in Rome click here .

From stand 229,  Anna   sell various types of fresh pasta including delicious melanzane alle parmigiana.

Michelin Star Restaurants in Rome

Imago is a michelin-starred restaurant, located on the top floor of the Hassler Roma Hotel, providing breath-taking panoramic views.

The chef is Naples born Francesco Apreda , serving customers a true fine dining experience.

There is an impressive vegetarian tasting menu called sapori di viaggio. From the regular menu the cacio e pepe pasta is a great choice.  

Address: Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6 Phone:  +39 06 9761 5109 Hours:  12:30-15:00, 19:00- 23:00

La Pergola is Rome’s only three-michelin-starred restaurant .

Chef Heinz Beck creates creative, flavorful and visually stimulating dishes, including a 6 course vegetarian menu.

It is also possible to order specific meat-free dishes upon request. 

Address:  Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101 Phone:  +39 06 3509 2152 Hours:   19:30- 23:30 CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY

To conclude with, there are many fantastic vegetarians options throughout Rome. Let me know in the comments section your favorite vegetarian restaurants.

For vegan restaurants in Rome click here . 

The Roman Food Tour offers options vegetarian-friendly food tours, where all food restrictions and allergies can be catered for. 

For more information regarding Rome, see our Rome Travel Guide .

For more information the The Happy Cow website is a useful resource. 

7 Vegetarian Dishes to Try in Rome

Carciofi alla romana  – Translates to Roman style artichokes. A popular side dish when in season

Carciofi alle giudia – Jewish-style artichokes ( deep fried artichokes)

Caprese – mozzarella (usually buffalo) tomatoes and basil 

Parmigiana di melanzane – a popular dish comprising of sliced deep-fried eggplant, layered with cheese and tomato sauce, then baked.

Cacio e Pepe  – One of Rome’s most iconic pasta dishes, using aged sheep milk cheese and black pepper

Spaghetti al pomodoro  – Spaghetti with tomatoes

Spaghetti aglio olio e pepperoncino  – Spaghetti with garlic, oils and chili peppers

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23 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Rome – UPDATED 2024

Meat-centric capital of spaghetti all’amatriciana and coda alla vaccinara , due to the always higher demand from both locals and tourists, the capital, too, had to adapt and start offering vegetarian options. And now, some of the best vegan restaurants in Rome have become popular eateries among both residents and travelers.

Careful not to disappoint those who expect the best from Italian food in Italy, the vegetarian restaurants in Rome serve an absolutely mouthwatering selection of eats that will make everyone happy, vegetarians and not.

If you are interested in vegan as well as other types of restaurants in Rome, check out my eBook “ Tasting Rome by Neighbourhood ” where I suggest five itineraries with the best restaurants and top things to do in five different neighborhoods.

Italian food is very diverse, so if you are a vegetarian or following a plant-based diet, also in normal restaurants you are bound to find dishes that will meet your dietary needs. Plus, now with the increasing demand, everyone is adapting and vegan/vegetarian choices are always more frequent on most menus.

However, if you want a wider choice of vegan, vegetarian, plant-based and even raw food choices, keep reading and take note!

Table of Contents

Margutta RistorArte vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Rome’s city center (Piazza del Popolo/Via del Corso)

Iconic vegetarian restaurant in Rome, Margutta is open since 1979 and has never shown any sign of cooling. This is a luxury eatery and art gallery. Here you will find an absolutely mouthwatering selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes made with ingredients carefully chosen and strictly fresh, seasonal and local.

The same restaurant, in fact, runs also a rich garden in the Parco Veio north of Rome for the vegetables and the fruits that come from local Latium’s producers.

Not only food of the highest quality but also an exclusive location. The name, in fact, was given after the street this restaurant is on, Via Margutta, a historical narrow road off the famous Via del Corso and near Piazza del Popolo. Initially just the backroad of the palaces in Via del Babuino where the aristocrats would park their carts and horses, an artist who opened his own workshop making fountains and portraits kicked off a new era for Via Margutta and now it seems a green oasis in the heart of Rome.

The restaurant contemplates a variety of dining options.

Every day from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm there is a buffet with some fifty recipes and four nutritional “routes” (light&detox, protein, vegan and gluten-free). A bistro-style menu from 6.30 to 11.30 pm is perfect for a light meal and street-food-style courses for an affordable dinner. Finally, they offer fancy dinner formula with elegant dishes, haute cuisine, light and tempting.

There is also a Bio Bar open from morning to evening that serves coffee, a wide range of teas and herbal teas, pastries, cakes and fruit juices and smoothies.

Even though the menu changes depending on the season, some of the dishes you won’t want to miss are pasta on a celery, truffle and apple extract sauce, fennel stew with carbonara foam, seitan crust, and spinach powder, or grilled mushroom and soy burger served with fresh French fries, freshly made veg mayonnaise, ketchup and chilli mustard.

• Address: Via Margutta 118
• Phone: +36 06 3265 0577
• Opening hours: every day 10.30 am-11.30 pm.
• Nearby landmarks: Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia, Pantheon.

Mater Terrae gourmet vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Rome (Piazza Navona)

Mater Terrae is the exclusive fine-dining restaurant of the 5-star luxury Bio Hotel Raphael, one of the best hotels near Piazza Navona . Along with an à la carte menu, Mater Terrae offers a few tasting menu options complete with appetizers, first and main courses, and dessert.

The ingredients used to prepare each and every gourmet dish come from organic and biodynamic farming, in line with the green and environmental-friendly building and design of the hotel.

As seasonal produce is preferred, the menu changes frequently. Depending on the season, among the starters, you can find butternut pumpkin cream with gorgonzola foam or diced Russian-style vegetables and colorful salad, complemented by good artichokes, confit tomatoes and a tempura shiso leaf, raspberry citronette.

Some of the first courses include specialties like porcini mushrooms risotto with Calabrian biodynamic saffron, creaming of cauliflower and wild puffed rice, or artichoke tortello dumpling, with pecorino emulsion, truffle, purple potato chips, and dill.

The mains range from a scrumptious eggplant parmigiana “classic but not too much”, with smoked scamorza cheese and basil leaves, and Sicilian caponata, breaded and roasted seitan, green celery pesto, sprouts, and delicately spicy yellow datterini tomato sauce.

To add to the already perfect scene is a breathtaking 360-degree view of the domes and rooftops of the Centro Storico that makes this one of the absolute best rooftop restaurants in Rome .

• Address: Largo Febo 2
• Phone: +39 06 682831
• Opening hours: Bistrot bar every day 11 am-11 pm, restaurant every day 12-3 pm and 7.30-10.30 pm.
• Nearby landmarks: Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, Campo de’ Fiori.

Romeow Cat Bistrot vegan restaurant in southern Rome (Ostiense)

If you love being cuddled by our furry friends while enjoying a nice vegetable mousse, crunchy seitan, delectable curry couscous, or some delicious velvety soup, Romeow Cat Bistrot is your place.

Inspired by the Japanese tradition of cat cafes, Romeow is one of the best vegan restaurants in Rome. Its owners added a mouthwatering menu for lunch and dinner to an always-open bistro and coffee shop where you can enjoy a coffee, an afternoon tea with homemade cakes, or a nice smoothie. Everything strictly vegan, everything strictly organic.

Pretty hard to suggest a dish to try as the menu changes constantly depending on seasonal ingredients, but for example, in autumn you will want to try dishes featuring pumpkin, chestnuts or mushrooms, while in summer something with zucchini, eggplant or bell pepper. New season, new menu. The only element that is never missing are the six lovely cats that wander around and sometimes approach you for some cuddles.

• Address: Via Francesco Negri 15
• Nearby landmarks: Romeow is in the hip Ostiense neighborhood and in nearby Blu’s street art along Via Ostiense and more street art along Via dei Magazzini Generali and Via del Commercio. In this area is also Rome’s old gasometer, and since you are here, do stop at La Romana for gelato, not exactly a landmark but you will thank me later.

Nativa macrobiotic plant-based restaurant in northern Rome (Valle Aurelia)

The fantastic Nativa vegan restaurant is not in the immediate city center but it’s quite close to the Vatican and very well connected via Rome public transport with metro, train and buses. They serve completely plant-based dishes that include starters, first and main courses as well as side dishes and fantastic cakes.

Their philosophy is inspired by the macrobiotic lifestyle so you will also have the option of ordering a Buddha bowl complete with all the macronutrients including proteins, carbs and veggies. Their cakes are also 100% plant-based and sweetened with fresh and dried fruits instead of white sugar. Definitely, a place to try if you are curious about this type of food or if you are a vegan yourself.

• Address: Via Umberto Moricca 100
• Phone: +39 06 6400 8399
• Opening hours: 12-3 pm and 7.30-11 pm
• Nearby landmarks: Vatican Museum is 20 minutes’ walk away and Villa Pamphilj park is a short bus ride away.

Ops! vegan buffet restaurant in Rome (Trieste/Nomentano/Piazza Fiume)

Ops! is not really surrounded by tourist landmarks, but I absolutely recommend it. This delicious vegan restaurant in Rome prefers the buffet formula, which has a twofold effect: positive because you can try a wider selection of recipes, and negative because you want to try them all. Been there, done that, so I can give you a little tip. Don’t fill your dish the first time so you can still eat if there is something you want to have a bit more of!

At Ops!, too, the selection of dishes populating the buffet depends on the seasonal produce and it’s huge. Among the ingredients, you are likely to find tofu, seitan and pasta all cooked and dressed in many different ways, and cooked and raw veggies that are seasonal at that moment. My last time there was delighted by a pumpkin carpaccio, lasagne with seitan ragù sauce, polenta with herbs, baked potatoes with paprika, delicious spicy tofu with veggies and many other delicacies.

Their selection of cakes is also pretty tempting. If you are even a little like me, you will try to resist and then you will succumb. The last one I tried was a delicious cream flavored with cardamom and cinnamon and berries on top, but I struggled between this and an original version of vegan tiramisu.

Before you enter, you grab the sign you will place on your table and you go directly to the buffet. You fill your plate as much as you like and then you place it on the scale, where the waiter will take note and put your weight on your table. The price is 2.60 € per 100 g, water and cakes are not included.

• Address: Via Bergamo 56
• Phone: +36 06 8411 769
• Opening hours: Every day 12.30-3.30 pm and 7-10 pm. Monday open only for lunch.
• Nearby landmarks: Coppedè Quarter, Villa Torlonia, Casino Nobile, Casina delle Civette, Serra Moresca, Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura Complex, Porta Pia Gate.

Ma Va’? vegan restaurant in Rome (Prati)

Among the top vegan restaurants in Rome, Ma Va’? vegan eatery opened some two years ago and became popular pretty quickly. Their offer consists of dishes from the Italian and Mediterranean traditions prepared with organic ingredients as local as possible.

Among the starters, try the Mediterranean appetizer made of chickpea hummus, eggplants, and tabouleh or potato soup with ginger, beans, and sesame seeds.

For the first course you can choose among delicacies such as whole-grain spaghetti in a pistachio pesto sauce, pasta with ginger, or purple potato gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, rocket salad, and veg cheese, while as a second course, you can order dishes like soy stew in coconut milk, potato stuffed with radish, red onion, olives and cherry tomatoes, or burger of eggplants, beans and mushrooms. You can also choose a side dish and a delicious dessert.

All dishes are available in their gluten-free version. Pets are welcome as long as they are small.

Address : Via Euclide Turba 6/8; phone : +39 06 3729 134 or mobile +39 392 341 8551; website : http://www.ristomava.com/; hours : lunch 12-3 pm, dinner 8-11.30 pm.

Nearby landmarks : located in the lovely Prati neighborhood, this vegetarian restaurant is close to the Vatican, Piazza Mazzini, Piazzale Clodio, and well-connected with public transport.

Le Bistrot vegan restaurant in southern Rome (Garbatella)

Charmingly tucked away in the lovely Garbatella neighborhood (a traditional Roman working-class area), this vegan restaurant in Rome is a stylish bistro that offers a selection of original and refined courses such as amuse-bouche of Marsala-flavoured chestnuts, vegan goulash with potatoes, or radish dumplings with veg cheese and toffee onions, just to give you a hint on what to expect.

Here you can relax and enjoy true delicacies matched by top-notch wines in a candle-lit atmosphere. They also have a selection of gluten-free dishes.

• Address: Via delle Sette Chiese 160
• Phone: +39 06 5128 991 or mobile +39 338 2686 540
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday only for dinner, closed Sundays and holidays.
• Nearby landmarks: Close to Via Cristoforo Colombo, it’s not really close to the city center, more to some catacombs area, such as Domitilla and St. Calixtus ones. This is mainly a locals’ area, and that’s why it’s insightful to the curious explorer.

Grezzo raw vegan pastry shop in Rome

Finally, we are at the dessert. Where? At Grezzo , raw, vegan, delicious. Here you can stop for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, it’s a bit pricey but you can bet on the quality and on your tasting buds’ happiness.

In summer, you can also taste their artisan gelato, obviously raw, vegan, sugar-free, and soy-free.

Grezzo is open in three locations in Rome. Their historic shop is in Monti, and the two new ones are one in the Jewish Ghetto and one in the posh Parioli neighborhood.

• Address: Via Urbana 130 (Monti), Piazza Mattei (Jewish Quarter), Piazza Euclide (Parioli).

Vega Food Ayurvedic vegan restaurant in Rome’s Centro Storico (Piazza Navona)

This was a lovely discovery we have done recently while strolling around the Centro Storico. When we are out all day, we tend to eat out because we find it a great opportunity to try new places. But since we are out and about exploring Rome quite often, we can’t always tuck into heavy meals such as amatriciana or coda alla vaccinara oxtail.

This is why when I saw Vega Food’s little entrance and understood it was a plant-based restaurant, I had no hesitation. Only when ordering, I found out that it was not only vegan, but they also followed the Ayurvedic nutrition and cooking principles. I was sold. Ayurveda and yoga are two big passions of mine, so Vega Food has quickly become one of my favorite vegan restaurants in Rome’s city center.

Needless to say, being Indian-inspired and cooked by Indian chefs, the dishes are rich in spices and herbs, there are several curry options, and beans and grains are perfectly cooked and combined. The rice, one of the staples of their menu, comes in different forms such as Basmati and whole-grain round-shaped ones. Among the other ingredients are also nuts and dried fruits such as raisins.

Some of their dishes include the always popular samosa fried starters, paratha and chapati flatbreads, first courses such as whole-grain rice with veggies, dahl soup, and Basmati rice with cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, and raisins. They also serve mains and side dishes such as salads, steamed veggies, spicy tofu stew with nuts, and rich dosa crepes.

If you are sightseeing in Rome’s city center and are not sure where to eat, I would definitely give Vega Food a try. Their rates are more than affordable and their dishes are nutritious and light, perfect to carry on with your tours for the rest of the day.

• Address: Via di Monte Giordano 1
• Phone: (+39) 06 6819 2847
• Opening hours: Every day 11.30 am-11 pm.
• Nearby landmarks: Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Chiostro del Bramante, Santa Maria della Pace church, Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza church, Museo Nazionale Romano at Palazzo Altemps.

Rifugio Romano vegan restaurant near Termini

This is something of a benchmark restaurant among vegan locals and travelers. Located near Stazione Termini, the rustic-looking Rifugio Romano is not entirely a plant-based restaurant. Actually, they serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Their menu includes the dishes of the tradition made with the standard ingredients such as guanciale cured pork cheek and Pecorino sheep-milk cheese. At the same time, they offer a plant-based version of the traditional recipes in a mix of tradition and modernity.

So on the traditional menu, you will find side by side traditional tonnarelli cacio e pepe and the vegan version of the same dish, and so for gricia mezza manica pasta and bucatini amatriciana, and spaghetti carbonara.

Among the vegan mains, you will find several dishes made using seitan, tempeh, Beyond Meat burgers, and chickpea flour in an omelet/frittata, dear to vegan eaters to replace egg frittatas.

The vegan menu continues just like the traditional including plant-based pizza, salads, side dishes, and desserts.

• Address: Via Volturno 39/41
• Phone: +39 06 488 0945
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12.30-11 pm, closed on Monday.
• Nearby landmarks: Piazza Barberini, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri church, Museo Nazionale Romano in the Baths of Diocletian, Piazza della Repubblica,

Col Cavolo vegan bistrot in Rome (Trieste/Nomentano/Piazza Fiume)

The motto and purpose of Col Cavolo vegan bistrot are clear: if you think vegan food is merely grilled zucchini and sad little salads, think twice!

From lasagne to crepes to stews and braised seitan, this cozy vegan bistro will make everyone happy, whether you are a vegan or not.

Here, you can have lunch, afternoon snack (the cherished Italian merenda !), aperitif, and dinner. Minimalist at the core, foods and dishes are fully handmade and rich in flavor.

• Address: Via Cesare Bosi 7.
• Phone: +39 340 863 8176
• Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday 11 am-10.30 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday 11 am-3.30 pm.
• Nearby landmarks: Villa Torlonia park, Casino Nobile, Casina delle Civette, Serra Moresca, Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura Complex, Quartiere Coppedè, Porta Pia Gate.

Le Bistrot plant-based vegan restaurant in southern Rome (Garbatella)

Le Bistrot is a vegan restaurant in the modern Garbatella southern Roman neighborhood. Their frequently changing menu is very rich and offers a wide array of starters/appetizers, first courses, mains, side dishes, and sweets for desserts.

Their specialties are made with seasonal products, so their dishes change quite often. The goal of Le Bistrot vegan restaurant located in a traditional Roman district is to introduce healthier and more ethical eating habits to a larger part of the population. They aim to do this by offering a hearty, tasty menu of entirely plant-based dishes strongly rooted in the Italian tradition.

The customers of Le Bistrot vegan restaurant will already be familiar with the flavors because often the dishes are a plant-based version of traditional local recipes. This is how the restaurant successfully caters to everyone, whether you are a meat eater or already a staunch vegan.

The decor is the one of a classy parlor. As soon as you enter, you will feel at home, pampered and cozy.

• Phone: +39 06 512 8991
• Opening hours: Every day 8-11.30 pm, closed on Sundays and holidays.
• Nearby landmarks: San Paolo Fuori Le Mura Basilica, Garbatella neighborhood.

Veg-Joy vegan bistrot in central Rome (San Giovanni/Re di Roma)

Hip bistro in the vibrant San Giovanni quarter serves the dishes of the tradition (Italian and international) in the vegan version as well their original plant-based creations.

Some of the appetizers on their frequently changing menu include chickpea hummus served on a warm piadina flatbread , crunchy cannoli with chicory froth, and puff pastry fagottini pasta Oriental-style. The scrumptious first courses range from whole-grain farro pasta with borlotti beans and veggie ragout sauce, quinoa with seasonal veggies and chickpeas served on pink pepper cream, and red lentils dahl with basmati rice.

The offer carries on with seitan filet Wellington-style with baked potatoes and miso-flavored crunchy tofu stick served with basmati rice and veggies seasoned with umeboshi vinegar. To round off a healthy and tempting meal, pick one of their desserts such as a dairy and egg-free vegamisu, vegan version of the most famous tiramisu, dairy-free banana and red berries (no)cheesecake, and elder and raspberry tart.

Here, you can also opt for a casual meal with one of their hearty sandwiches served with or without potatoes.

• Address: Via Vasto 4.
• Phone: +39 06 8913 4914
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 12-4 pm and 6-10.30 pm, Sunday closed.
• Nearby landmarks: San Giovanni in Laterano Basilica, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Basilica.

Buddy Veggy Restaurant Cafè in Rome (Campo de’ Fiori/Piazza Navona)

This is a very central vegan restaurant and cafè in Rome’s large and busy Corso Vittorio Emanuele road. Even if you don’t plan it, you are very likely to end up getting past this road more than once during your stay. The street connecting the Vatican area to Largo Argentina, Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter, Corso Vittorio Emanuele is also a busy bus hub connecting central Rome with the Vatican, Stazione San Pietro train station, and northern Rome.

Open as a pub in 1995, the place evolved into an omnivore restaurant to finally land in the current form of vegan restaurant/cafè following the be-the-change-you-want-to-see Gandhi-like ethical vision of the world. Their vegan choice wants to be a voice against unsustainable intensive farming cattle are subject to and where they live a life of suffering.

In this international Buddy Veggy Cafè, you can come to enjoy a rich breakfast contemplating both sweet and savory options, you can have morning brunch, or stop for lunch or dinner. Their menu includes fares like beetroot hummus served with baked seasonal veggies and toast, falafel, fried black rice supplì ball as starters, or truffle spaghetti or veganized classics such as amatriciana, carbonara, and cacio e pepe as first courses.

Among the mains are lemon-flavored chickpea and lentil balls, smoked seitan, vegan chicken burger, and mixed BBQ inclusive of Beyond Meat vegan burger and bean-based vegan bacon. If none of these is of your liking, you can opt for pizza or a rich salad, or a nutritious bowl.

For dessert, the choice of sweets and cakes is pretty wide ranging from carrot cake to vegan cheesecake, brownies or muffins, to vegan tart or vegan tiramisu.

• Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 107A
• Phone: +39 06 8772 8433
• Opening hours: Every day 10 am-11 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am.
• Nearby landmarks: Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Farnese, Largo Argentina, Sant’Andrea della Valle church, Jewish Quarter.

Veghometro Plant-Based Restaurant (Ostiense)

There is a new plant-based eatery in town! Launched in September 2022, Veghometro quickly became the first fully vegan buffet restaurant in Rome specialized in plant-based pinsa, the Roman-style pizza.

From Monday to Friday, for lunch you will have a wide choice for a light and fulfilling meal for a healthy break for 10€ with water, coffee, and barley coffee included. For dinner, you can tuck into their plant-based platters and finger foods, as well as sample their incredible pinsa rich in creative and innovative toppings.

Veghometro will be my next stop when eating out in Rome for many reasons. Apart from being a big fan of plant-based food, I love the Ostiense neighborhood. This is a perfect stop if you want a nourishing, healthy, and light meal during your sightseeing around Ostiense murals , Rome’s industrial archaeology , the Gasometer, and the fascinating Centrale Montemartini .

• Address: Via del Gazometro 38.
• Phone: +39 388 86 86 778
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12-3 pm and 6-11.30 pm. Monday only 12-3 pm.
• Nearby landmarks: Gasometer, Ostiense street art, Centrale Montemartini, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Flower Burger, plant-based burgers in Rome (Prati and Salario)

Flower Burger is a fantastic vegan restaurant in Rome, a healthy version of fast food. We tried the one in the Prati area and immediately fell in love with it, even my husband who’s not particularly in love with everything plant-based.

The burgers and sandwiches of Flower Burger appear nice and colorful but no chemical additives were used. The bun of their new green “Elf” burger is green because of the spirulina alga they used in the dough, the bun of their “Cherry” burger acquired that shade because of the beetroot used to make it, while the purple hue of their Flower and Purple Cheesy burgers is given by the extract of black carrot added to the dough.

The burgers are all made with legumes and plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, barley, seitan, beans, lentils, and such. Complete the meal with fresh veggies, fantastic sauces, and a side dish of your choice between potatoes, crunchy eggplants, and edamame.

• Address: Via dei Gracchi 87 (Prati), Via Alessandria 21 (Salario).
• Phone: +39 06 4566 6538 (Prati), +39 06 8961 7725 (Salario).
• Opening hours: Every day 12.30-3 pm and 7-10.30 pm.
• Nearby landmarks: Prati: Saint Peter’s Square and Basilica, Vatican Museums. Salario: Villa Torlonia, Porta Pia, Quartiere Coppedè, Villa Borghese.

Ecru Raw Food in Rome’s city center

Apart from being plant-based, Ecru is where you can eat fully raw vegan in Rome. The promise is to tickle your taste buds with innovative dishes entirely made with raw ingredients for natural and healthy cuisine in Rome’s city center.

Open every day from morning, at Ecru’s you can enjoy all the meals of the day from a healthy breakfast to a light and fulfilling dinner with a feast of sprouts, fermented veggies, salads, and refined vegetable carpaccio and tartare.

• Address: Via Acciaioli 13.
• Phone: +39 06 6880 4282.
• Opening hours: Every day for lunch and dinner.
• Nearby landmarks: Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona.

Bibliothè, Indian and Ayurvedic vegan food in Rome

This cozy restaurant was founded as a tea room, cafè and cultural center where you could consult books about yoga and ayurveda. With time, and also seeing its success, it became a restaurant serving food strictly plant-based and following the Ayurveda food principles.

We went there for lunch and we opted for the option of a mixed plate to sample more recipes. We paired it with a pot of Indian tea and it was delicious.

• Address: Via Celsa 5.
• Phone: +39 06 678 1427.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 12.30-10.30 pm. Closed on Sunday.
• Nearby landmarks: Largo di Torre Argentina, Jewish Quarter, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain.

Centopercento Bio, organic vegan restaurant in Rome

We were very pleased to discover Centopercento Bio a few years ago. Open from breakfast to dinner, here you can also enjoy a nice aperitif. All plant-based and all organic. For breakfast, they also give the option to use cow milk for your coffee and cappuccino.

Their lunch is in a buffet formula and it’s very diverse. You pay by the weight of what you add to your plate and you can fill it with a great array of cereals, legumes, cooked and raw veggies, nuts, seeds, and round off everything with fantastic vegan desserts.

• Address: Piazza di Porta San Paolo 6a.
• Phone: +39 06 57 47 778.
• Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 8 am-9 pm, Thursday-Saturday 8 am-11 pm, Sunday 8 am-4 pm.
• Nearby landmarks: Testaccio neighborhood, Protestant Cemetery, Pyramid of Caius Caestius, San Paolo Gate.

Indigeno, plant-based restaurant in Rome’s Pigneto

Indigeno is located in the cool and revamped Pigneto district not far from the Esquilino neighborhood and the Prenestino-Labicano area.

It’s a small Osteria-type restaurant and on their menu are fully-plant-based dishes. From their soups to pasta and gnocchi to tantalizing appetizers, their offer is not endless, but limited and tasty like a proper family-run osteria.

• Address: Via Renzo De Ceri 6/6a.
• Phone: +39 389 435 8878.
• Opening hours: Thursday to Monday 6 pm-12 am. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Vrindaa, vegan Ayurvedic restaurant in Rome

This is one of the vegan restaurants in Rome with an Ayurveda influence. Don’t expect dishes limited to rice and beans because here you will find innovative fine dining and original combinations.

• Address: Via Salaria 203.
• Phone: +39 06 8693 2756.
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12.30-3 pm and 7-11 pm, on Monday only for dinner, on Sunday only for lunch.
• Nearby landmarks: Quartiere Coppedè, Villa Borghese.

La Puntarella Pazza, vegan pizza and meals in Rome

This is a delicious vegan restaurant in Ostia Lido, so perfect if you are spending a day on the beach near Rome . Here, you can enjoy Italian and Roman traditional dishes plant-based and also vegan pizza.

• Address: Piazza Vega 10, Ostia Lido.
• Phone: +39 347 9947509.
• Opening hours: Every day 12.30-3 pm and 7-11 pm, on Monday only for dinner.
• Nearby landmarks: Ostia Antica.

Status Quo Vegan, plant-based cuisine in Ostia Lido near Rome

Another vegan restaurant in Ostia Lido near the beach. The dishes here are 100% plant-based, organic and gluten-free. Ingredients are as local as possible and definitely seasonal.

Along with veganized traditional fares, their menu also offers original recipes from the chef’s imagination.

• Address: Corso Regina Maria Pia 27, Ostia Lido.
• Phone: +39 331 133 9499.

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Home / Blog / Destination / Italy / Rome / The Complete Vegetarian Guide to Rome

The Complete Vegetarian Guide to Rome

Whether eating in one of the specialist vegetarian restaurants in rome or a mainstream one, you’ll be sure to eat well..

Only a few years ago, it was hard to find vegetarian food in Italy. However, with 7–10% of the population estimated to live meat-free lifestyles, vegetarians are a demographic that Italian restaurants can no longer afford to ignore. And there are some very fine specifically vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

Photo Credit: Marc Climent , Text Overlay: Devour Rome Food Tours

Traditional vegetarian food

You don’t have to find specialist vegetarian restaurants in Rome to eat vegetarian food. Many traditional Italian dishes, which you will find on the menus of a large number of restaurants, are vegetarian. Apart from the obvious, pasta con sugo di pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce); spaghetti aglio, olio peperoncino (spaghetti with garlic, oil and chile pepper); minestrone ; carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes); caponata (sweet and sour stewed vegetables); penne all’arrabbiata (pasta quills with spicy sauce); carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes); pasta alla norma (pasta with aubergine, tomato and basil).

Italian cheese

For dishes made with cheese, you have to be careful. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, for example, is never vegetarian, so no cheese on your pasta. Mozzarella, can be, but it’s better to check first. Ricotta is always vegetarian, which is great news if you like cannelloni or ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach. Most restaurants will mark vegetarian dishes on the menu or you can just ask. Many of them are happy to adapt dishes which are easily adaptable too.

There are also some wonderful specialist vegetarian restaurants in Rome to suit all occasions. Here are five of our favourites.

1. Il Margutta

Il Margutta has been a Roman institution since 1979, making it one if the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Rome. It’s famous for its fashionable and artsy atmosphere, containing, as it does, an art gallery as well as the restaurant. Located centrally, a stone’s through from the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo, it’s also a great location for Rome’s recent fashions: brunch and apericena .

The menu changes according to the season but features both classic dishes such as cavatelli a cima di rapa (pasta with turnip greens) and cappellacci farciti di ricotta e castagne (pasta stuffed with ricotta and chestnuts).

2. Mater Terrae

Situated on the top floor of the five-star Hotel Raphael near Piazza Navona, Mater Terrae has a terrace with views to rival any in Rome. The space was designed by American architect Richard Meier and speaks of luxury, and wins the prize for the poshest vegetarian restaurant in Rome.

The cuisine, using only organic ingredients, is modern and innovative, With prices to match it’s perfect for a special romantic dinner. And did we mention the views? The dishes, conceived by Swiss chef Pietro Leeman , all have romantic names such as “Il cielo di Bramante” (Bramante’s sky: a potato millefeuille with tomatoes, stracciatella, mayonnaise and olive oil crackers.)

3. La Sciuscella

Situated in Trastevere , La Sciuscella brings you down to earth again. A café-style, no-nonsense restaurant, it’s popular with a local crowd. With prices averaging 22 per-head, it’s also friendly on your pocket. Open for both lunch and dinner you can try such dishes as their signature sciuscelle (bread balls with a tomato and mint broth) and ristotto ai Carciofi (artichoke risotto). Their honey and cinnamon tiramisù is an interesting dessert choice.

4. Flower Burger

Part of an Italian chain of veggie burger restaurants, Flower Burger has a wide range of chickpea, seitan or tofu patties in a bun. The restaurant has a modern, trendy interior with green as its dominant color. The Rome branch is situated conveniently near the Vatican. Their signature Flower Burger consists of a black bun, with a bean and seitan patty, salad, bean sprouts, tomato relish, vegetarian cheddar, and proprietary magik sauce.

5. Da Michele

Da Michele is not specifically vegetarian but is one of the best places to eat pizza in Rome and so should not be missed. Their pizza marinara is the vegetarian choice: tomato sauce and garlic on the thinnest pizza base with a thick, cloud-like crust. Already established as one of the premier pizzerias in Naples, Da Michele now has two branches in Rome, one close to the Trevi fountain. Be warned, you may have to queue as they don’t take bookings, but the fact that many locals happily stand in line for up to an hour tells you something about their pizza.

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10-Day Adventure

Rome, Tuscany and Venice

Ancient Ruins, Amazing Scenery and Art

Visit Italy’s Most Iconic Cities on This Multi-Day Vegan Tour

Get a taste of Italy on this 10 day tour that takes us to three of Europe’s most extraordinary cities! In Rome, we will wander the Eternal City , teeming with ancient ruins of the Roman Empire amidst a thriving modern city. Over in Florence enchantments await us among the gorgeous scenery, with day trips to nearby Siena and San Gimignano . Finally, Venice floats like magic as we explore its islands and canals.

Each city we’ll visit is very vegan-friendly, and to ensure we savor every delicious bite, Wendy Werneth, the Nomadic Vegan, will be our guide. Wendy speaks fluent Italian and loves to share her second home with visitors, especially the Italian vegan delights , such as where to find the best vegan gelato. To top it off, our culinary exploration will get hands-on with a vegan pizza-making class !

Why You’ll Love This Tour!

Visit the center of the Roman Empire and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring architecture and historic sites like the Colosseum, which is still the largest amphitheater in the world today and Palatine Hill, where the city of Rome was founded

Hop on a train ride to Florence, the capital city of Tuscany, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to Michelangelo’s “David” and Boticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”

Enjoy a gondola ride through the canals of Venice, “Queen of the Adriatic” (among many nicknames the city has), and a water bus trip to the islands of Murano and Burano, famous for their traditions of glassblowing and lace making respectively

Click the Tabs to Find Out More

Essential info, good to know.

$5500 USD/per person

*A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the tour cost, along with a registration form, are required in order to join the tour. Your space is not guaranteed until both of these are received.

October 18-27, 2025

Tour duration

9 nights/10 days

7-10 people

• 9 nights hotel accommodations
• Based on having your own room
• 9 breakfasts
• 9 dinners (one is a pizza making class and one is a picnic)
• Sightseeing and activity admissions (except free time)
• Transit passes in Rome and Venice
• All logistics are taken care of for you

Not included

• Wine, beer and drinks
• Travel insurance

What to bring

We recommend bringing as little as possible! You will need to manage your luggage for up to a distance of a half mile, or a 10-12 minute walk to and from our hotels. If you need any packing tips, please contact us.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for any unexpected emergency expenses.

About your guide

Wendy Wernerth, the Nomadic Vegan

Trip Overview

This tour starts with a shared transfer from the Rome airport to our hotel before the group gets acquainted with each other at a welcome dinner. Our first full day includes a walking tour followed by some free time to explore the city on your own and an optional group dinner. Day three takes us to a quaint and less tourist-y neighborhood of Rome, lunch at a traditional spot and a pizza-making class for dinner!

The next day, we make our way to Florence by train and get to know the city with a lunch, walking tour and optional group dinner in the evening. Our second day in Tuscany, we will take a trip to Siena to see the sites and have lunch at a vineyard, then we’ll visit the beautiful town of San Gimignano before we head back to Florence.

On Day 6 back in Florence, you’ll have the day to explore and there’s plenty to see! We’ll meet up in the evening for a vegan picnic as we watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. The next morning, we will head to Venice by train for the last leg of our trip.

Our time in Venice includes a gondola ride through the canals, a visit to St Mark’s Basilica, trips to the islands of Burano and Murano and plenty of free time to explore the spots that excite you most!

Interspersed with all the sightseeing and activities will be all the most well-loved vegan restaurants in your destination. You will never have to worry about what you’re going to eat on a Veg Jaunts and Journeys tour. All the restaurant research will be done for you, so you can have an interesting and exciting vacation, with some time to relax too.

The three hotels we’ll be staying at will provide a vegan breakfast for our group, and in Rome, the hotel is less than a 10 minute walk from Rifugio Romano, a favorite trattoria with an amazing vegan menu. And a tiramisu that can’t be missed!

The Republic Hotel Hotel Perseo Leonardo Royal Hotel Venice Mestre

Our Italian adventure begins with a shared transfer to the hotel from the Rome airport. Check-in begins at 2 pm, but if you arrive earlier, feel free to store your bags at the hotel and go for a wander. Perhaps check out the vegan menu and tiramisu at Rifugio Romano for lunch! Then, we’ll officially begin our tour with a welcome dinner so we can all get acquainted.

Our first full day in Italy together is filled with Rome’s greatest hits! We’ll start with a three-hour walking tour that will take us to the embodiment of the Roman Empire today – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. As you look at these mighty monuments, feel the history and the awesomeness, as this may be the perfect time for that word! Take plenty of pics, and don’t worry, you’ll have free time to explore more later. In fact, after lunch, you’ll have a few hours to explore, shop, or just relax. You may want to use this time to plan your free afternoon the following day. In the evening, there will be a group dinner, and then Wendy will take anyone interested on a stroll around the illuminated fountains and buildings.

The next morning, Wendy will take us to her favorite neighborhood in Rome, Trastevere. Explore where there once was a Jewish ghetto, and discover a quaint, colorful residential area still mostly undiscovered by the crowds. After lunch at a traditional local spot, the afternoon is yours. There’s enough time to visit a few museums or take a tour of Vatican City or Villa Borghese, with its gorgeous gardens. We can help you purchase tickets, including skip-the-line ones so you make the most of your time. You may want to work up an appetite – this is the night we learn how to make pizza, and then feast on our hand-crafted work!

Meals Included Day 1: Dinner Day 2: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 3: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (pizza-making class)

After breakfast, on day 4 of our trip, we’ll depart Rome by train for Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, we dive right in with a walking tour of this captivating city, visiting its many highlights, including its lively piazzas and lovely bridges as well as Florence Cathedral with its iconic dome structure and Michelangelo’s marble masterpiece, the statue of David. After our walking tour we’ll settle in at the hotel, and you can then join our group dinner.

The following day features the medieval charms surrounding Florence. First, we will head by private van to Siena, which sits gracefully over three hills overlooking the famous Piazza del Campo. Known for its medieval art and architecture, legend has it that Siena was founded by Senius, the son of Remus, one of Rome’s founders. We’ll be on the lookout for statues of the she-wolf that allegedly suckled the founder’s father and his twin. Then we’re off to a beautifully scenic Tuscan vineyard for lunch before we head to San Gimignano, with its magnificent towers and panoramic vistas stretching across the valley. Your time is your own back in Florence, or you’re welcome to join our group dinner planned.

Meals Included Day 4: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 5: Breakfast, winery lunch and dinner

On the sixth day of our trip, after breakfast, the daytime is yours for exploring the various treasures of Florence. Wonder at the spectacular works of art, such as Boticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation” at the Uffizi Galleries. Stroll past the sculptures and landscaping at the 250-year-old Boboli Gardens or perhaps wander across the historic Ponte Vecchio, brimming with small shops over the Arno river. We will meet up in the early evening to head over to Piazzale Michelangelo for a vegan picnic as local musicians gather to serenade visitors enjoying the most glorious of sunsets. Past tour guests have praised this as a highlight of the tour.

Meals Included Day 6: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, on Day 7 of our trip, we will depart by train to Venice, “The Floating City”.

We’ll spend the morning on our train ride to Venice. After dropping off our bags at the hotel, we’ll have a tasty lunch and then get familiar with the city on a walking tour through Venice. We’ll top off our afternoon with a 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s iconic canals. Take note of where you might want to explore more during your free time tomorrow afternoon! We will have dinner before we all head back to the hotel on Venice’s mainland.

The next day, we head back to Venice’s islands and start the morning with a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, the city’s most famous church. This stunning example of Italian, Gothic, and Byzantine architecture is also a revered Catholic site. It overlooks the lively St. Mark’s Square, with cafés, street performers, and waterfront views. After lunch together, discover your Venice! Explore the romantic canals, or visit the Bridge of Sighs, where convicts would cross over the canal to prison to serve their sentence. Enjoy the arts, culture and antiquities at the Museo Correr or Teatro La Fenice (Venice Opera House). Our dinner this evening will be near our hotel on the mainland.

Meals Included Day 7: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 8: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Our last full day in Italy begins with a free morning. Pack, relax, or explore the area around the hotel. We will head back to Venice Island for lunch and then we’re off on a water bus trip to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano Island is famous for its glassmakers and their sparkling creations, and we’ll have the chance to visit some exceptional galleries. Burano is famous for its colorful houses and tradition of intricately designed lace-making. When we return to Venice Island, please join our last group dinner to swap stories and experiences before we head back to the hotel.

On the last day of our tour, we’ll end our trip with one final breakfast together before parting ways.

Meals Included Day 9: Breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 10: Breakfast

Amount of walking: 8-10 miles per day (approximate)

Your tour cost includes hotel (based on single occupancy; no need to share a room unless you are traveling with a partner, family member, or friend); meals indicated in the itinerary; all sightseeing and activities mentioned above; all bus and train transportation between cities; city bus and/or subway transportation; all logistics taken care of for you.

Previous Guests Praise Veg Jaunts and Journeys

Jeff and denise h., a happy customer.

We wanted to drop you a “note” to tell you we had a wonderful time on the trip to Italy. Thank you so much for your great work in putting it all together!

It was a special experience to explore Italy with like-minded, compassionate travelers. We saw the sights, plus we got to explore a cat sanctuary in Rome and a vegan cheesemaking business. This trip was a top 10 life experience.

Thank you Kim and Wendy for such a wonderful trip through Italy. I was so nervous traveling alone overseas but really enjoyed getting to know everyone in the group. Would love to keep in touch with all and maybe see you on another trip.

Check Out Our Other Vegan Tours

Portugal (lisbon and porto), amalfi coast.

• Oct 21, 2023

12 Must-Visit Vegan-Friendly Spots in Rome (Rome Vegan Guide)

Rome, the Eternal City—home of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, St Peter's Cathedral—thousands of years of ancient to modern history! It's one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a home to some of the best vegan food in all of Europe! Join me as I explore the 12 must-visit vegan-friendly spots in Rome from my last visit in October 2023 :)

But First, My Love Note About Rome

I had lived in Rome briefly between January and March 2020 (I left because of COVID), so I was super excited to come back almost four years later with my now-husband and now as a vegan! Rome was, really, where I was introduced to the world veganism for the first time. I spent time every day at the food market by my apartment in Trastevere picking and choosing new vegetables, spices, pastas, and wines. It was an extremely formative time for me and was directly responsible for me beginning this blog.

I don't know if I could've fallen in love with veganism just anywhere. There is something special about standing square in front of ancient ruins of one of the most powerful empires of the world and then stepping just a few hundred meters in the opposite direction and finding quaint residential neighborhoods teeming with nonna's effortlessly carrying heavy bags of groceries up and down intense flights of stairs. Rome is a scrapbook is old and new, elegant and rugged, full of life! Veganism is kind of that way too. It connects us throughout time and place and it has the power to transform ourselves and others.

Rome is a wonderful travel destination for vegans. The Roman classics: gelato, the four main pastas, soy cappuccinos, and even cornetti are available easily throughout the city!

12 Must-Visit Vegan-Friendly Spots in Rome

Rifugio romano.

Castro Pretorio

Serving Roman classics such as Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, Buccantini All'Amatriciana, Mezzamanica alla Gricia, and Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, this all-vegan spot is a MUST-VISIT for any vegan visiting Rome. Just a few minutes walk from Termini station, Rifugio Romano boasts an amazing selection of Italian dishes including appetizers (such as Arancini), pasta, salads, mains, pizza, local wines, and dessert (like tiramisu). They have seating inside and outside, but the outside seating is nicer. Reservations are preferred for the best seating. We loved this place so much, that we came back a second time during our three-day stay in Rome! Between our two visits, we enjoyed the following dishes:

Buccantini All'Amatriciana

Mezzamanica alla Gricia

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe (probably my favorite!)

Appetizer Sampler

Ecru Raw Food

Raw veganism meets seasonal eating at Ecru, a 100% plant-based bistro, market, and coffee bar. We visited for our second wedding anniversary and sat outside on their adorable terrace. Ecru is close to the Tiber, right across from Castel Sant'Angelo. Their order rotates throughout the year, but they should always have their most famous dish: their raw cheese plate/sampler. We ordered the:

Raw Cheese Plate (it was a fun activity to compare and contrast them!)

Nut Pesto Zucchini "Pasta"

"Qui - Fu": Quinoa w/ Veggies and Housemade Tofu

Grezzo Raw Chocolate

Monti, Jewish Ghetto, Piazza Euclide

Because having a vegan chocolatier wasn't enough, Grezzo Raw Chocolate had to wow us all by pulling off being a raw vegan chocolatier. You can buy vegan chocolates, tarts, and gelato at any of their three locations around the city. We visited their location in the Jewish Ghetto, by total chance. I got their:

Raw Chocolate and Salted Caramel Gelato

It was pretty much a transcendental experience. If you visit Rome as a vegan and don't visit Grezzo, I don't know if I can forgive you.

Buddy Veggy

Piazza Vidoni (Near Camp Di Fiore)

We enjoyed cappuccinos and brunch al fresco at Buddy Veggy on our first morning after visiting Campo Di Fiore. I truthfully cannot tell you if they do something special to their soy cappuccinos or not, but I felt transported to another realm drinking this after a long day of travel the day before. We didn't get to visit for dinner, which is what they are best known for, but we did share one of their traditional brunch plates and a dessert. We ordered:

Vegan Brun ch (Tofu scramble, vegetable bacon, beans, green salad, vegan herb cheese + avocado + pineapple juice)

Carrot Cake

Romeow Cat Bistro

Mish-mash "cat cafe" with "English tea room" and you will, more or less, imagine Romeow Cat Bistro in Ostiense. If you are a cat lover, you'll want to check this out. In this super cute restaurant a bit outside the city center of Rome, you'll find high-quality 100% vegan fare that rotates every few hours. The cats are playful and social, and patrons are given a booklet (in their own language) upon arrival, setting expectations on how to interact with the felines. We came for breakfast, which meant they only had their ' mood menu ' available. The best way to explain the 'mood menu' concept, to me, is like a Panera You-Pick-Two. You choose two of the following: beverage, sandwich, tart, or cocktail. We went with the:

Savory Mood Green (sandwich with rye bread, dried tomatoes, black olive cream, avocado and rocket and a hazelnut-milk cappuccino)

The Gelatist

Many Locations

Turn onto any main street in Rome, and you'll eventually run into a location of The Gelatist. They're everywhere. This is a convenient, delish way to end any night in the Eternal City and that is just what I did when I ordered a:

Dark Chocolate and Rice Milk-Pistachio Gelato

Vegan flavors rotate, but you can pretty much expect a vegan chocolate option at any location you go to.

Ba' Ghetto

Jewish Ghetto

We came to the Jewish Ghetto on a mission: to get Jewish-Style Artichokes. I have such fond memories crossing over the bridge from Trastevere to the Jewish Ghetto to feast on Jewish-Style Artichokes while I lived here. I will be honest: I've had better than the ones I had at Ba' Ghetto. I'd probably recommend the unfortunately-named neighbor of Ba' Ghetto, Bella Carne for better vegan options, including their Jewish-Style Artichokes. But I digress. We still enjoyed our time, I just knew that better ones existed in the Ghetto. We ordered:

Jewish-Style Artichokes (because they are the best)

Roman-Style Artich0kes (which my husband liked better, but he is wrong)

Gnocchi with Rocket and Tomatoes

Cremilla Gelateria

Prati (Near Vatican City)

You guessed it... more gelato! This adorable gelateria directly straddles Vatican City, making it an excellent choice if you want to indulge in Italy's favorite sweet treat as you walk down Via della Conciliazione. I got:

Vegan Chocolate and Raspberry Gelato

Italians make vegan chocolate gelato differently... it is SO GOOD.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

After visiting Romeow Cat Bisto, venture a few minutes toward the train station to enter the Disney World of grocery shopping experiences: Eataly. This four-floor market has the largest collection of Italian veggies, chocolates, pasta, rice, and pre-packaged foods I've seen anywhere... ever? They also have several restaurants and cafes inside the grocery store if your feet tire out and need to refuel.

La Casina dell'Orologio

Borghese Gardens

If you committed yourself to the struggle of reaching the Borghese Gardens from Piazza del Popolo, you're going to need a minute to sit down and recharge. We caught our breathe at La Casina dell'Orologio, which has a nice coffee menu and vegan milk options. The view is amazing, the whole vibe is so worth stopping for a bit.

Termini Station

Unfortunately, even I, sometimes tire of pasta and wanted to get a taste of some Asian flavors before I got back home. On the way back from our day-trip to Assisi we grabbed a bite to eat at Wagamama, located inside Termini Station, before heading back to our Airbnb.

If I Could Only Remember The Name... But They Have Vegan Cornetto

I am ashamed to admit I don't have any memory of the name of the place where I got this amazing vegan-by-default cornetto (croissant) in Termini Station. It is upstairs by the signage that tells you what track the trains are on. This was a REALLY good croissant.

Truth be told, finding vegan croissants in Rome was super easy. I even got one at FCO airport on the way back home. I'd always recommend keeping an eye out, because you'll be surprised where they will be served!

Rome is a wonderful travel destination for vegans. The Roman classics: gelato, the four main pastas, soy cappuccinos, and even cornetti are available easily throughout the city. Our favorite spots were Rifugio Romano and Grezzo Raw Chocolate .

If you use this guide in the future, let us know at [email protected] or tag us on Instagram at @TheSanfordVegan!

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• Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

Vegetarian Restaurants In Rome You Will Love

By Elyssa Bernard

August 17, 2024

Looking for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Rome?

Now more than ever before, the Eternal City offers lots of great options for vegans and vegetarians alike.

Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Rome

Eating vegetarian in Italy in general is pretty easy in just about any restaurant.

You just have to know a little bit about Roman cuisine and Italy food customs.

But Rome is also packed with excellent vegetarian restaurants or at least restaurants that offer lots of options for vegans and vegetarians, not just cheese and veggies.

• Find out how to navigate the menu at Rome trattorias
• Vegan and vegetarian Rome bloggers and vloggers share their favorite spots
• More great places to try

Roman cuisine already offers lots of vegetarian (and vegan) options

Much of Roman cuisine is or can be vegetarian all by itself, so you don't need to feel too restricted about where to eat in Rome.

I was vegetarian for several years recently, and found myself always able to find plenty to eat when going out with others (who were not vegetarian), to just about any Rome restaurant, bar or pizzeria.

We didn't need to look for specific vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

There was never an occasion when my friends or husband would say, oh, we can't go THERE because Elyssa doesn't eat meat.

Meaty Rome restaurants

It can be tricky when you go out with serious carnivores, such as to one of Rome's oldest restaurants, Checchino , which is famous for their use of offal pretty much throughout their menu.

And yet, I saw something a vegetarian could eat there - vegetables and cheese.

For vegans, this place would have been a bit stickier to navigate.

Another difficult place for vegetarians, especially vegans, is Santo Palato , a recently-opened, much-lauded Roman trattoria serving up traditional Roman food that's mostly focused on pork and offal.

I had a Roman artichoke, and cacio e pepe pasta ( a typical Roman dish that has cheese but no meat).

Even in situations like that, if you don't like cheese or are vegan, you could simply order a few of the contorni , or side dishes, which are usually vegetable based. 

How to Eat Vegetarian Food in Rome Restaurants and Bars

If you visit a Roman trattoria , take a look at the vegetable bar, or the  contorni (side dish) option on the menu, and you'll find that it is often comprised almost entirely of vegetarian, if not vegan dishes, like cooked vegetables, beans, and potatoes.

There is almost always a vegan or vegetarian pasta choice.

Of the four traditional Roman pastas , one has only cheese (cacio e pepe, which is sheep's milk cheese and black pepper).

For vegan pasta, you'll often find fettuccine with funghi porcini (porcini mushrooms), penne arrabbiata (short pasta with a spicy tomato sauce), or some version of a simple basil-tomato sauce.

And at most (but not all) Roman restaurants, you can usually just ask them to make you a simple dish with just tomato and basil, or as my dad loves, with  aglio, olio e peperoncino (garlic, olive oil and hot peppers. Simple is good!)

Some common vegetarian items you will often find on the menu in Roman trattorias include:

• Eggplant parmesan
• Scamorza (a kind of grilled, melty cheese)
• Caprese (tomato and buffalo-milk mozzarella, in season, i.e. summer)
• Eggs (not that common but you can also ask for them)

Vegan dishes you will often find on Rome menus include:

• Bruschetta with olive oil or tomatoes
• Grilled funghi porcini (in season)
• Grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchine, peppers)
• Spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce

I would not expect to start seeing a flurry of "Vegetarian" menu headings anytime soon at traditional Rome trattorias .

Which is not to say you cannot eat there as you would at dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

You will just have to be selective.

Foods to be careful of in Rome if you are vegan/vegetarian

Roman cuisine today is in part based on ancient Roman cuisine.

This means that to flavor food and give it saltiness, one of two common ingredients are often used (never together): anchovies and pork.

These are often incorporated into Roman dishes in small amounts and chopped up.

So you will have to either know it's there, or ask to make sure it's NOT there.

It's important not to ask if something "has meat", but rather to ask if it's vegetarian.

For many Italians, the word  carne , or meat, implies beef or lamb.

I've been told by many a barman that a ham-and-cheese tramezzino (little half-sandwich on white bread that you will find at bars/cafe's all over Rome ) does not have meat.

Likewise, I've been told by many Italian restaurant waiters that something does not have meat only to find out there are small bits of anchovy in there.

When confronted, the response from the not-understanding waiter: "Well, just a little, you know, for flavor."

Which is fine if you are like me and love anchovies.

But not fine if you hate fish or are vegetarian.

So the correct question to ask is "is it completely vegetarian?"

You can ask in English.

If you want to ask in Italian, say this: " Il piatto è completamente vegetariano? "

Here are some places meat or fish is "slipped" into the food in Roman restaurants:

• Supplì - Classic Roman breaded-and-fried rice balls. Supplì are mostly made with rice, tomato sauce and cheese. But many places also serve a "classic" version that has some form of meat (beef, or chicken innards). 
• Fiori di zucca - Fried zucchini flowers. They are nearly always filled with mozzarella (more rarely with ricotta) and 1-2 anchovies "for salt". One place I know of that offers this dish on the menu specifically without anchovies is Pizzeria Emma .
• Mixed fried things as appetizer - You often find a fritto misto on a menu where fried things are served, especially at pizzerias . It should be clear if the dish is JUST mixed vegetables or if there are meaty things involved (like fried zucchini flowers, fried cod, and stuffed olives). But if you are not sure, you should ask because once a platter of fried things arrives, it's not easy to tell what's inside.
• Vignarola - this seasonal spring dish of sautéed artichokes, fava beans and peas can be served vegetarian, but is often "flavored" with guanciale (pork jowls), so always ask.
• Many minestre (soups), especially if beans are involved - just as with split pea soup or chili, people add meat/pork for flavor, so too do Italians often flavor soups and stews, either with pork or shellfish.
• Pastries - For a long time I thought I was "safe" having my morning cappucino e cornetto (like a croissant). But it turns out the pastries are often made with lard (strutto). By law, bars/cafés have to place a list of ingredients used in their food, someplace visible. So I checked one day and saw strutto  all over the place. You will need to check the ingredients list, or go someplace that serves vegan pastries.

Bottom line with the above:

Ask if it's not clear or you are not sure.

Rome's Vegan and Vegetarian Bloggers Recommend their favorite Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome + our own recommendation

Many of my wonderful Rome blogging/vlogging friends are vegan or vegetarian, and have added to this page by sharing their favorite vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

Below are their suggestions, in their own words, along with one of our own.

I've included photos and websites where possible. 

Livia Hengel

"Being vegetarian in Rome is a little different than being vegetarian in the US - you won't find tofu, tempeh or seitan on the menus here, or even big bowls of chopped salads dressed with interesting vinaigrettes.

On first impact, it can be difficult to navigate past all the pastas, bruschetta and pizza but my favorite trick is to flip to the back of the menu where the contorni lie."

"Italians are so good at preparing flavorful vegetables that I often feel like I'm indulging in something as delicious as dessert: between broccoli rabe sautéed with olive oil, garlic and red chili flakes, braised Roman artichokes flavored with lemon and mint, grilled radicchio with melted taleggio cheese and crispy roasted potatoes served with fresh rosemary, it's hard to pick my favorite side dish.

I also have to admit I eat a lot of cacio e pepe and pizza margherita . I love carbohydrates!

I can always find vegetarian options on the menu but if I'm eating out with veggie friends, I like to go to Il Margutta near Piazza del Popolo for dinner with a chic atmosphere."

Livia Hengel - Follow her travels on her website , Instagram , or other social media (Twitter/Pinterest: @liviahengel, Facebook page: @liviainitaly).

by Zoey Arielle

" Romeow Cat Bistrot  is a must-visit for all of the animal lovers out there on a trip to Rome.

Located in the Ostiense/Piramide area of the city, your journey there will bring inspiration through the lively streets, Rome's piramid and famous street art.

Romeow itself has a very charming vibe and this includes the furry friends you can see sleeping in unique beds throughout the restaurant.

The food is all vegan and tasteful."

"The menu changes with the season, however always contains vegan versions of famous Italian cuisine (and of course delicious deserts!).

For an afternoon treat or a delicious meal Romeow is an excellent choice!"

Details : 

• Address:  Via Francesco Negri, 15 (Ostiense)
• Phone:  +39 06 5728 9203
• Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday-Sunday: 10:00-23:00
• Reservations strongly suggested, it's always full

Zoey Arielle Poulsen - Follow her adventures on her YouTube channel, on her blog , and on her beautiful Instagram  profile.

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

Linda Martinez

"I find I can eat well almost anywhere so I'm not one to go to specifically vegetarian restaurants in Rome.   

However, when I do one of my favorites is Bibliothè.

Bibliothè  is a hidden gem -  an Indian restaurant run by an American & Italian couple Trina & Enzo on a little side street near Largo Torre Argentina.

Everything is homemade with organic ingredients and Trina makes amazing American-style decadent  cakes and pies for dessert."

"Their Ayurvedic tea is a delicious way to end the meal or just stop by for tea and some cake in the afternoon. For lunch, they have their "curry in a hurry" which is a fast track sampler of different menu items of the day on one platter."

• Address:  Via Celsa, 5
• Phone:  +39 06 678 1427
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12:30-23:00 | Sunday CLOSED

Linda Martinez runs the Beehive hostel along with her husband Steve Brenner.

The Beehive hostel is one of my favorite places to recommend in Rome. 

The Beehive is a hostel with a small cafe which serves vegetarian breakfast daily from 07:30-10:30.

The café is open to guests and non-guests alike. 

Everything is à la carte, made to order.

There's everything from in-house homemade bread, cakes, and pastries to omelets, French toast, porridge, and more.

Ingredients are organic and coffees & teas are fair trade.

In addition, there are family-style vegetarian & vegan set menu dinners starting 19:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday that are based on donation.

For the dinners, reservation is required before 17:00 on the day of the dinner.

• Address:  Via Marghera, 8 (near Termini)
• Phone:  +39 06 4470 4553

Sofia Medina

"I love the aperitivo at  Freni e Frizioni  because not only is it super affordable, but it's 100% vegetarian (and vegan friendly!)

With the purchase of one drink, you can choose as much food as you'd like at the buffet station.

It's a perfect option for vegetarians and vegans who are visiting Rome because they can experience the Italian "aperitivo," without having to ask, "Is there any meat?" 

The buffet has a huge selection of salads, pastas, legumes, dips and so much more."

"My favorite time to come here is during the summer, where you can take your drink and plate of food and sit outside in a very casual and laid back environment.

I never leave Freni e Frizioni hungry!"

• Address:  Via del Politeama, 4
• Phone:   +39 06 4549 7499
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 18:00-02:00

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Sofie and her husband live in Florence - Follow Sofie on her  YouTube  channel and on her Instagram page.

Ready to plan your trip?

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Use Booking.com to choose between hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments in neighborhoods throughout the Eternal City.

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Gian Pietro Gentilucci Leonardi

"Rome is increasingly becoming the capital of plant-based cuisine.

More and more new and trendy restaurants are opening and the older ones are changing their menus to include vegan options.

But there is a place that manages to perfectly combine traditional Roman cuisine and delicious vegan food:

I'm talking about Rifugio Romano , a few steps from Termini Station.

A very friendly place where you can taste Roman food in its vegan version and new specialties created specifically by the chef.

The wine list is also vegan friendly and well-priced.

A special mention to the staff, very welcoming and with the typical Roman liveliness.

It is better to book in advance. Highly recommended."

• Address:  Via Volturno, 39/41
• Phone:   +39 06 488 0945
• Opening hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 12:30-23:00

Gian Pietro Leonardi publishes the blog  Queerographies  - Follow his wanderings on  Instagram .

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"I definitely recommend Flower Burger .

Gosh, I love this place!

It is a little out of the centre, but the vegan ceci (chickpea) burgers are so delicious. "

"The atmosphere of this tiny place is very cute, brightly coloured and with adorable quotes on the walls.

Apart from their amazing fresh burgers, the staff are friendly and it just has such a welcoming, easy going atmosphere. "

• Address:  Via Dei Gracchi, 87 (Vatican)
• Phone:   +39 06 4566 6538
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00

Follow Sian on her healthy lifestyle blog  Live The Wonderful Life  and on Instagram .

ROMEWISE TEAM

This vegan restaurant is one our team's go to spots in Ostia Lido when looking for a healthier lunch or dinner , any time of year.

The menu changes regularly with seasonal produce and all wines are organic and/or natural.

Details:  

• Address:  Corso Regina Maria Pia, 25/27
• Phone:   +39 331 133 9499
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 19:30-22:30

Rome is now overflowing with options for vegans and vegetarians

In recent years, the city has filled up with restaurants catering to you!

Besides new (specifically) vegetarian restaurants in Rome popping up right and left, many more traditional Rome restaurants are now offering some form of vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. 

When it comes to recommending specific vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Rome, I have to actually NARROW down the list here, and include the places I know best, and in the most central or at least accessible parts of Rome.

Vegetarian Food tours in Rome

The best way to enjoy a food tour in Rome as a vegetarian is to book the general food tour you want, and just let them know your restrictions.

Roman food tours have become so popular that there are now many different options, from pizza-specific, to kid-friendly, to market-exploring, and much more.

Many Rome food tours can be modified to accommodate vegetarians and vegans, so make sure to inform the company when you book.

Some more great vegetarian restaurants in Rome

I've already listed a few excellent vegetarian restaurants in Rome, or at least, places where it's easy to eat if you are vegetarian or vegan.

Here are a few more of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

Sit-Down Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

The below are all sit-down restaurants, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, and/or dinner.

Some are regular restaurants with a good vegetarian selection, and others are all vegan or all vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

Ops! is a 100% vegetarian (and almost totally vegan) casual restaurant not far from Via Veneto or Termini.

I go here often with Roman friends for brunch.

And none of these friends is vegetarian.

We just love the atmosphere, the brunch special, and the fantastic food.

Try some of their vegan desserts too!

• Address:  Via Bergamo, 56
• Phone:   +39 06 841 1769
• Opening hours: Monday: 12:30-15:30 | Tuesday-Sunday: 12:30-15:30, 19:00-22:00

Il Margutta

Most of my vegetarian blogging friends mentioned this as one of their favorite vegetarian restaurants in Rome, and I love it too.

Il Margutta Vegetarian Food & Art  is probably the most famous of the specifically vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

I love it at lunchtime, but it's also a great option for a slightly upscale, even romantic dinner .

Their chef is gifted at creating delicious dishes that even omnivores love.

Bonus - the whole place doubles as a modern art gallery, so you have the pleasure of being immersed in a beautiful setting while you eat.

• Address:  Via Margutta 118  (near Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps)
• Phone:  +39 06  3265 0577
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:30-15:30, 19:00-23:30
• Reservations recommended, especially for Sunday brunch and weekend dinner.

Ever since Ginger came upon the Rome dining scene, hip Romans have been flocking here for the healthy-food menu, the bright, cheery atmosphere, and the "something new and different" factor.

It's also pretty nice to know you are eating at a restaurant that adheres to a strong sustainability philosophy.

Ginger has something for everyone, including those avoiding gluten.

Near the  Spanish Steps : 

• Address:  Via Borgognona, 43-46
• Phone:  +39 06 6994 0836
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00-23:00

Near the  Pantheon :

• Address:  Piazza di S. Eustachio, 54
• Phone:  +39 06 686 4995
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 08:00-23:00

Orto  is a relative newcomer in the vegetarian restaurants in Rome scene. There's a casual, warm, cozy atmosphere with a creative menu full of fresh vegetarian, vegan and bio ingredients.

It's one of the nicest vegetarian restaurants in Rome to enjoy an  inexpensive  vegetarian lunch, brunch or dinner.

Even my Roman carnivore friends love it.

Check out the all-you-can-eat lunch during the week (9€) and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (15€).

• Address:  Via Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli, 142 (Prati)
• Phone:  +39  06 4567 8050
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 19:00-24:00
• Reservations recommended

Not far from the Vatican , Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona ,  Ecru  Raw is perfectly located to enjoy raw, biological, vegetarian food in a lovely, serene setting.

Look for smoothies, vegan cheeses, soups, natural wines and much more.

• Address:  Via Acciaioli, 9
• Phone:  +39  06 6880 4282
• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 12:00-20:00 | Friday: 12:00-23:00 | Saturday: 12:00-20:00 | Sunday CLOSED

Fast Food Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

The below vegetarian restaurants in Rome are more "fast food".

Some have limited seating available but otherwise, they are mostly take-out.

Ciao Checca

Ciao Checca is a great option for eating healthy , right in the center of Rome near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona . 

Omnivores, vegans, and those with gluten-intolerance will all feel at home here.

• Address:  Piazza di Firenze, 25-26
• Phone:  +39 06 6830 0368
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 09:30-22:30 | Saturday: 10:30-22:30 | Sunday: 11:00-22:30

Duecento Gradi

Duecento Gradi is a small sandwich shop with a huge menu offering choices for everyone, including specific vegetarian and vegan menus.

Details: 

• Address:  Piazza del Risorgimento, 3 (Vatican)
• Phone:  +39 06 3975 4239
• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 10:00-02:00 | Friday-Saturday: 10:00-04:00 | Sunday: 10:00-02:00

La Zazie is an Italian franchise of health-food juice bars.

Everything is vegetarian or vegan.

• Address: Several locations around Rome. 
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 11:00-15:00 | Saturday-Sunday CLOSED 

Dessert Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

I think it goes without saying most desserts are vegetarian.

If you're looking for vegan desserts, start with those at some of the dedicated vegetarian restaurants in Rome.

One of my favorites is Romeow Cat Bistrot (above).

Here are a couple of other excellent spots:

For vegan dessert at its best, head to Grezzo , a chocolatier in Monti neighborhood offering raw, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free (yes you read that right!) desserts, gelato, truffles, cookies, and more.

It's not inexpensive, but you get quality for the price. 

• Address:  Via Urbana, 130
• Phone:  +39 06 483 443
• Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 12:00-13:00, 13:30-20:00 | Friday: 12:00-13:00, 13:30-23:00 | Saturday-Sunday: 12:00-23:00

Il Gelatone Gelato

There are now lots of great gelato spots in Rome , and some of them offer lactose-free, sugar-free, vegan choices, and more. 

Il Gelatone is one of the best gelaterias in Rome to find vegan gelato flavors. Let your taste buds go crazy!

• Address:  Via dei Serpenti, 130
• Phone:  +39 06 482 0187
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 09:30-24:00

The Happy Cow

The Happy Cow is a great resource for finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Rome, but also around the world.

They also list shops, hotels, and anyplace you could buy food, so you have a complete resource for vegetarian eating wherever you travel.

Map of Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

There are even more vegetarian restaurants in Rome than those I've listed on this page.

This should be a great start though.

Click here to visit a Google map with all the vegetarian restaurants in Rome I have listed on this page .

It opens in a new window.

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Vegan and Fabulous!

Rome’s Vegan Food Walking Tour

August 14, 2015 By Lyn Cowie

Our local tour guide Marta watched us in delight saying, “I wish all my clients were as enthusiastic as you lot are!” Well, that’s proof we’ve travelled far to appreciate Italy’s summer flavours!

Perhaps our family’s enthusiasm for revisiting Rome’s local foods is attributable to our culinary awakening. Let’s face it, being reintroduced to food choices as an abundance of whole foods gives us healthy vegans cause for celebration!

Stepping into this hub of oven-baked breads and pastries weakened my resolve for gluten abstinence. The butterfly wings were among three sweet vegan options and the yeast-free breads too tempting to resist. Roscioli staff apparently work around the clock to supply michelin-starred restaurants and Rome’s other fine hotels.

Once my daughters, mother and I finished our tasters, we headed off to Campo de’ Fiori market . Every morning from 7am to 2pm one can find the best local and seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s certainly a fresher option than buying at a small InCoop dotted around the city. Tasters of nectarines, peaches, figs, and spotting fresh borlotti beans, delighted us.

Then came pure bliss. Through more tastings, we learnt about the differences of aged balsamic vinegars, leaving us in no doubt to the tastier traditional preparation method (which involves direct fire cooking) rather than the original process of fermentation.

Next we headed over to a pizzeria and, positioned in front of a fiery oven we, as novices soon realised there’s a lot of skill involved in pizza making. Let’s just say that our delicious self-made pizzas were testament to great ingredients and guided supervision!

The piece de résistance, the coffee! Again Marta proves she knows where to find the tastiest as she leads us into Rome long since established, Sant’Eustachio il Caffè . They roast their beans weekly and grind them daily. As we did, be sure to take your own milk, as they offer only cow’s milk. Standing at their counter is a traditional way to enjoy a coffee, while outdoor seating costs more.

We found the tour pricy for 4 persons, € 510 (U.S. $610) yet worth its weight in experience! For more information contact Donna Zeigfinger of Green Earth Travel .

About Lyn Cowie

Lyn offers a fresh look at how to bring lasting style into everyday choices! Highly relatable, tangible and upbeat is her signature expression when delivering her know-how on conscious living! As a fashion stylish, mother of two beautiful vegan daughters, home trainer chef, and vegan lifestyle coach & educator, Lyn's views to living abundantly are oh so compassionately elegant!

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9 Delicious Roman Food Tours to Take in the Eternal City (2024)

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: July 31, 2024

Home >> Europe >> Italy Travel Guide >> 9 Delicious Roman Food Tours to Take in the Eternal City (2024)

Whether you are a passionate foodie or just looking for an interesting way to explore Rome, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best Roman food tours.

Food tours are one of our favorite tours in any destination. Food helps you connect with the destination, its culture, and history in a way few other experiences can.

See our Guide to The Best Neighborhoods in Rome for Food Travelers

From private tours and tastings of artisanal Roman delicacies, vegan food tours, private chef dinners, discovering specialty food shops in vibrant neighborhoods, and sipping on Italy’s finest wines – these experiences provide a unique culinary journey that will leave lasting memories. After all, eating is one of the best things to do in Rome .

If you’re ready to get your gastronomic bearings in one of the world’s most renowned cities, book one of these incredible foodie tours in Rome today. You may even take some authentic Italian recipes home as a souvenir.

If you want more than a food tour (or both), you can see our selection of fantastic Cooking Classes in Rome here .

Table of Contents

The Best Food Tours in Rome

Rome street food tour.

2-Hour Flavours of Rome Market Food Walking Guided Tour

The most popular Rome food tours are street food tours. They are relatively short and incorporate sightseeing with culinary exploration.

Explore the streets of Rome and discover its delicious street food while learning about ancient Roman food trucks and the role of street food in Italian history.

Pass famous sites such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Campo dei Fiori and eat at historical and contemporary eateries.

Looking for More Tours in Rome? We’ve rounded up the Best Vatican Tours to make the most of your day in the Holy City.

A 2 hr guided Rome Street Food Tour will take you off the beaten track and introduce you to Romans’ love affair with street food.

Meet local sellers and hear their stories while enjoying some of Italy’s iconic dishes like pizza, cured meats, cheese, wine, ice cream, and espresso.

This walking food tour offers a unique opportunity for foodies to embark on an unforgettable Italian culinary tour in one of Europe’s oldest cities.

Another great alternative, is the Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours . The Secret Dish is revealed at the end of this tour. It’s a fun experience and the Secret Dish is always changing!

Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide of the Jewish Quarter or Trastevere

2.5 hr Walking Food Tour

A walking food tour is a great way to visit famous sites and discover delicious food. Choose between a guided Rome Street Food Tour through the Jewish Quarter or Trastevere to experience the flavors of Rome’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

This 2.5-hour top-rated walking food tour will take you on a delicious journey to indulge in five street food tastings, from cheesy supplì to delicious cannoli.

On this unique culinary adventure, you can discover Rome’s most picturesque districts – Trastevere or the Jewish Quarter – full of beautiful squares, charming shops, and plenty of tasty treats.

You’ll get to try five different street delicacies, such as supplì (fried rice balls), cannoli (pastry shells filled with ricotta cream), paired with wine and beer, and finish your foodie adventure on a sweet note with the perfect Roman gelato.

Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for vegans or those who are gluten intolerant. Vegetarian options are available with prior notice.

Taste of Testaccio Rome Food Tour

Discover Testaccio, the original food district of Rome, where Roman cuisine was born on this Taste of Testaccio Rome Food Tour .

The first authentic local food tour in Rome, this food tour has been running since 2011. You’ll get to try 15 samples of delicious Roman food at five different tasting locations, including wine, craft beer, and water.

Try traditional dishes like supplì at Trappizino, and visit one of the neighborhood’s best restaurants where you’ll enjoy fresh pasta and wine.

Explore the local Testaccio Market, where you can sample authentic, fresh buffalo mozzarella and craft your own bruschetta. Here, you’ll have the chance to chat with the local vendors who have worked in the market for generations.

Visit iconic stores such as the Barberini pastry shop to try the baked treats that have been made there for more than 50 years, Giolitti Caffe and Gelateria, where they have been making artisan gelato for more than 100 years (and learn how to spot real from fake gelato), and the Volpetti Cheese Shop, where you’ll discover 150 kinds of cheese.

This is an incredible local food experience dotted with an intriguing insight into some of Rome’s lesser-known history and loaded with delicious highlights.

Farm to Table Dinner-A Trip Through Italy in Trastevere

2.5 hrs from 8.00 PM

Experience the best Italian cuisine right in Rome. Enjoy an unforgettable 2.5-hour Farm to Table Dinner-A Trip Through Italy in Trastevere . The meal takes you on a 5-course food journey of Italy, highlighting seasonal produce and homemade pasta paired with local wine selection.

This unique communal dining experience for 4 to 30 people was named “the Best Home Restaurant in Rome” according to the star chef celebrity Alessandro Borghese , Italian TV Show “4 Ristoranti”.

The multi-course meal takes you on a culinary experience – “a cultural and sensory journey to discover the rich regional cuisine from Italy.” All dishes are prepared with traditional Italian fresh ingredients that support local micro-farms

One of the top-rated food tours in Rome, guests described their evening as the best food tour experience and the best thing they did in Rome.

This is a popular food tour experience with groups traveling together – Imagine a private chef experience in Rome where you can taste and understand the different flavors and ingredients to appreciate an array of typical Italian dishes, including the chef’s family recipes.

All dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request.

Vegan Food Tour Experience in Rome

The Vegan Food Tour Experience in Rome is a wonderful way for vegans to explore Rome’s unique flavors and culture. On this 3-hour food excursion, you’ll be guided through the buzzing Monti neighborhood near the Colosseum, sampling some of Rome’s finest plant-based cuisine while taking in local sights.

You’ll visit four restaurants, enjoying alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and small bites of vegan dishes crafted by local chefs.

Your knowledgeable guide will share insider knowledge about the best vegan-friendly spots around Rome and help you find your way around the area for more vegan culinary discoveries.

With a limit of eight people per tour, it’s an intimate journey filled with delicious food.

Sunset Rome Food & Wine Tour around Prati District

Experience the best of Rome at night with a local guide on this 4-hour Sunset Food & Wine Tour around Prati District .

This Roman food tour offers an exclusive and unique experience to explore the culinary side of the Prati district, a neighborhood relatively free of tourists—sample gourmet foods from artisanal food makers who will share recipes and Italian food tips.

With samplings of more than 20 foods, highlights of this food tour are tastings of 30-year-old balsamic vinegar, Genovese pesto, truffles, and pizza from Pizzarium – Rome’s number-one pizzeria.

An unforgettable Roman food experience, this small group tour is limited to 13 people, so you can get the most out of your tour.

Sunset Trastevere Food Tour with Guide

Experience a unique evening food tour in the charming Roman district of Trastevere while indulging in 20 delicious tastings with an experienced guide.

During this 4-hour twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour , you’ll visit four venues favored by locals to sample some of Rome’s finest culinary delights.

Visit an award-winning salumeria and sample 30-year-aged balsamic vinegar, truffles, sweet Gorgonzola, and Pecorino Romano.

Dine at a local favorite neighborhood restaurant, where you will enjoy fresh handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza from the oldest wood-fired oven in the area.

You’ll also create your own Trapizzino , a famous street food sandwich from Rome, taste artisanal gelato, and learn how to spot authentic gelato.

This one-of-a-kind food tour is perfect for anyone interested in exploring Roman cuisine and discovering the hidden gems of Rome’s most vibrant neighborhood.

Rome Private Food Tour with 10 Tastings

Some of the best food tours in Rome are private tours. Discover the unique flavors of the Eternal City on this private 3-hour Rome food tour .

Experience the culinary attractions of Rome on a private food tour focusing solely on Roman delicacies. Embark with an experienced local guide through Campo de Fiori and the old Jewish quarter for ten indulgent tastings.

Learn about the history behind each dish as you discover a plethora of specialty local shops and eateries to appreciate why Rome’s cuisine is celebrated around the globe.

Whether it’s your first time or a returning visitor, this food tour offers an authentic gastronomic experience – perfect for any foodie looking to get their culinary bearings in Rome, as guides will give you great tips on what and where to eat during your stay.

Being a private tour, you can customize the experience if you have special interests or dietary requests.

Tuscany Day Trip from Rome including 3-Course Lunch and Wine Tasting

If you prefer to take a day trip from Rome , this T uscany Day Trip from Rome, including 3-Course Lunch and Wine Tasting at a Tuscan vineyard, is a fantastic experience for food travelers looking for more than just a food tour of Rome.

You’ll board a luxury coach at 7.30 in the morning and travel through the captivating rolling hills of Tuscany to Val d’Orcia. You can expect to sample some of the region’s finest wines, including the celebrated Brunello di Montepulciano, produced in Montepulciano since the 14th century.

You can taste local Tuscan produce during a locally sourced three-course lunch accompanied by carefully selected wines at an authentic Tuscan winery as you explore this iconic area.

Your day will include a guided tour of Montepulciano, home to several Romanesque buildings, churches, and palaces, before winding down with some leisure time in Pienza – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in all that Tuscany has to offer while enjoying stunning views, delicious food, and delectable wine.

While this tour is a long day, it is a fantastic day offering a wealth of experiences.

FAQs About Food Tours in Rome

Depending on the type of Roman food tour, you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of traditional Roman dishes like Pasta alla Carbonara, Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Roman-style pizza, Pizza al taglio, Porchetta (deboned, slow-roasted pig), supplì (fried rice balls), trapizzino (street food style pita sandwich), fresh mozzarella, local cheeses, and cured meats, cannoli (pastry shells filled with ricotta cream) and of course gelato. Street food tours and traditional food tours may vary in the type of dish you try.

Food tours in Rome can range from half-day to full-day experiences and typically last 2.5 hrs for a street food walking tour to 4 hours for a neighborhood or an evening food tour, or, up to 12 hours for a full-day tour with winery visits.

Depending on the tour style, if they have prior notice, most food tour operators can tailor the experience to accommodate different dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, allergies, or religious beliefs. However, many street food tours cannot cater to certain restrictions, such as vegan, due to the nature of the cuisine and tour. Most will specify this in the tour information.

Most food tours will include water and a glass of wine or beer, whereas others may offer the option of alcoholic drinks for an additional fee. Check the tour details or contact the operator directly for more information about this.

Whether you are on a foodie tour of Italy or simply interested in experiencing local delicacies, you can learn about traditional dishes and modern interpretations while exploring some of Rome’s most iconic locations while sampling delicious Italian flavors.

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through one of Europe’s oldest cities – your taste buds will thank you later.

Rome Food Tours

Apr 20, 2024 | Walking Food Tours Rome

A gastronomic journey through the eternal city

Rome is one of the world’s most renowned food destinations. It offers a rich variety of flavours, traditions, and culinary heritage waiting to be explored. That’s why the best way to explore Rome is a food tour!

A Rome food tour serves as a gateway to this vibrant culinary landscape, providing visitors with immersive experiences that go beyond mere dining . These tours offer a curated journey through the city’s diverse Roman neighbourhoods, local markets, and eateries, allowing participants to sample a wide array of authentic dishes, ingredients, and cooking styles.

Moreover, gastronomic tours play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Rome’s culinary traditions. By highlighting local producers, artisans, and traditional recipes, these tours help support the city’s food ecosystem and ensure the continued vitality of its gastronomic heritage. With food tours you’ll find the best places to eat in Rome, we promise!

Gastronomic tours also offer a platform for cultural exchange and storytelling. Through interactions with chefs, vendors, and fellow food enthusiasts, participants gain insight into the cultural significance of food in Roman society , as well as the historical, social, and environmental factors that shape its culinary identity.

In essence, gastronomic tours provide a delicious and memorable way to experience Rome like a local while enjoying culinary delights and contribute to the city’s identity as a global epicentre of food culture.

What are the best walking food tours in Rome?

Now you have an introduction to why you should choose a food tour in Rome, you should also know that there is a wide range of culinary experiences you could have. Here you will find our best Rome food tour proposals:

• Trastevere Walking Food Tour: that’s a fantastic start for a vacation to discover the best places and taste typical Roman cuisine. Food starts from here, in the charming neighbourhood of Trastevere. Mouthwatering specialities from Roman street food and family-run eateries, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district make the tour in this area an invaluable experience. We offer you two types of Trastevere food tours, a classic version that is now well-known and the brand-new prime edition which includes more stops and more tastings. We recommend the second option only for real foodies! 
• Rione Parione Food Tour: a delightful 3-hour private food tour through the IV Rione of Rome, Parione, a neighbourhood renowned for its lively food scene and historic landmarks. This is an excellent experience for the whole family as the food tour can satisfy all palates, even the ones of little ones. Along the walk, you will visit two of the city’s most beautiful squares, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori. What else is better than learning all the history and culture of this Rome neighbourhood insight while savouring magnificent food?
• Jewish Ghetto Food Walk: a full history journey unveiling layers of Rome’s multifaceted identity. In the Jewish Ghetto Walk, we explore the lively market, showcasing fresh ingredients for Roman Jewish cuisine. Along the Tiber River, we discover how the city’s landscape evolved with barriers. Our journey includes the magnificent Synagogue and historic landmarks like Portico d’Ottavia. Indulge in iconic dishes like Concia di Zucchini and Red Pizza. End your culinary adventure with a traditional Ricotta Pie and Roman-Jewish Artichokes, concluding with a tasty Supplì snack.
• Art’n Craft! Art & Beer Tour : a guest defined this tour as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience!”. This tour uncovers the creative side of Rome with a walk-through of Roman street art while sipping local craft beers and, you know, street art masterpieces and artisanal beers from local breweries are a perfect match. Carlos Atoche, Maupal and Alice Pasquini are some of the best artists you’ll discover during this unique tour.

• Masterchef Tour: Rome’ Michelin-star restaurants are waiting for you. This is a unique experience to savour 4-starred dishes in three premium restaurants. Our expert foodie will guide you through a proper sensorineural experience in a Michelin-awarded atmosphere.
• Roman Food Walk: the best local bites in a 3-hour private food tour. A comprehensive food tour that showcases the city’s culinary diversity from supplì, cold meat platters, gelato and much more.
• Testaccio Food Tour: the Testaccio neighbourhood is beloved by foodies for its vibrant markets and traditional trattorias. This 2-hour tour includes three tastings: fresh pasta, authentic Roman second courses, and a cheese platter accompanied by a glass of local wine.
• Rome Vatican Food Tour: a particular tour, different from the classic Vatican tours you will find elsewhere, but you know, we like travelling through the taste buds! Let’s not add anything else, contact us to find out what this unique experience includes.
• Roman Vegetarian Food Tour: Experience the charm of a vegetarian food tour in Rome, where the richness of traditional cuisine shines through the ingredients’ simplicity. Try seasonal fresh fruits and a diverse array of produce at local markets. Explore how wheat may transform into culinary delights and savour the iconic Jewish-Roman Artichokes. Treats include the exquisite flavours of Cannoli Pistacchio and Ricotta from a renowned Sicilian patisserie. Our guests also enjoy the delightful combination of cheese and pear, a nod to the farmer’s wisdom. The tour includes a stop at the city’s top gelateria for an authentic taste of gelato and a sampling of homemade chocolate from an award-winning patisserie. To conclude, you are invited to savour the Italian espresso blend essence, completing a memorable gastronomic journey through the streets of Rome.

What is the best food to try in Rome?

Some of the main local dishes you can expect to taste during culinary walking tours in Rome are:

• Supplì: deep-fried rice balls typically filled with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella cheese, and sometimes a hint of tomato sauce. Supplì are a popular street food snack in Rome, known for their crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful centre.
• Trapizzino: a hybrid of pizza and sandwich, trapizzino features fluffy pizza dough filled with savoury Roman classics like braised oxtail, chicken cacciatore, or eggplant parmigiana. It’s a convenient and delicious option for a quick bite on the go.
• Gelato : culinary walking tours often include stops at artisanal gelaterias where participants can sample a variety of flavours, from classic staples like stracciatella and pistachio to inventive creations like tiramisu and ricotta with figs.
• Cold Meat Dishes: Roman cuisine is renowned for its cured meats and charcuterie. Participants may taste specialities like porchetta (roast pork), salumi (Italian cured meats), and prosciutto di Parma, paired with local cheeses and bread.
• Carciofi alla Romana: artichokes are a staple of Roman cuisine, and this dish showcases them at their best. Carciofi alla Romana features artichoke hearts marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then braised until tender. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Overall, culinary walking tours in Rome offer a delightful journey through the city’s culinary landscape, allowing you to taste their way through centuries of tradition while gaining a deeper understanding of Roman culture and cuisine . 

Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about Italian gastronomy, food tours in Rome provide an unforgettable experience that engages all the senses.

To read more about walking tours, go to the next article! >> Rome Walking Tours

Book now your food tour in Rome!

Rome Walking Tours

Peroni brewery tour in rome, beer in rome: a historical perspective, the top breweries in rome [updated 2024], exploring the rich craft beer scene in rome.

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10 Vegetarian Restaurants in Rome

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1. the restaurant “ma và”.

by John Cummings – Wikimedia Commons

The restaurant is located in Via Euclide Turba, number 6/8. For information and reservations contact 06 372 9134

2. a vegetarian tavern in rome.

Per informazioni contattare il numero 392 334 9048

3. the restaurant “orto verde e goloso”.

For more info call their number +3906 45678050 or you can write a mail to [email protected]

The restaurant is open 19:00 – 24:00.

Vegan by silviarita da Pixabay

For information contact 06 841 1769 or

5. le bistrot restaurant.

Vegan by Jill Wellington da Pixabay

For more information call them on 06 512 8991. The restaurant is open from 20 to 23 pm every day. 

6. margutta vegetarian food .

vegan by RitaE da Pixabay

The restaurant is located in Via Margutta 118 for info about the menu click here

Vegan congerdesign da Pixabay

The restaurant is located in  Via Vasto n. 4/6 

8. verde pistacchio.

Vegan by Free-Photos da Pixabay

For more info call them on 06 4547 5965

9.  solo crudo restaurant.

food by silviarita da Pixabay

Call 02 38294510 for more info. To reach the restaurant use the yellow line and stop at Repubblica. 

10.  romeow cat bistrot.

Cat by Luis Wilker WilkerNet da Pixabay

For more information about their menu or opening times please visit the website here 

A little bonus .

Food by Free-Photos / 9078 images

For information about Zazie check out their website. You will find many posts with recipes and information about healthy food for a proper diet.  To reserve your seat at the table, call 06.42013796

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Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour

Discover trastevere, rome’s most vibrant and creative neighbourhood..

Daily Morning / Afternoon / Evening

Taste history with Julius Caesar’s favorite dish and visit a wine cellar older than the Colosseum.

Explore picturesque streets and indulge in traditional Roman foods, one bite at a time.

Gain exclusive access to two of Rome’s favorites, ‘Da Enzo al 29’ and ‘Spirito Divino’.

Dine at award-winning venues venues like ‘I Supplì’, and sit down for a pasta meal paired with wine at Rione 13.

Eat a gourmet gelato in Trastevere, and learn how to distinguish it from the ‘fake’ alternatives.

Tour Description

Trastevere is Rome’s answer to Paris’s Left Bank – a buzzing neighborhood filled with exciting nightlife, local favourite restaurants and tasting rooms, and the city’s most authentic street food. Skip the waits and immerse yourself in this enchanting twilight tour of Rome’s trendiest nightspo t .

This food tour was the highlight of our week long trip in Italy! It was really special to be able to walk around Trastevere while learning about its history and trying the local food at the same time. This is a must do if you are in Rome!

Note : itinerary & tastings subject to change due to seasonality, day of the week, departure time and local holidays. More information upon selection. Regardless , your experience will be unforgettable!

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.

Why Eat with Us?

1. Expert Local Guides : Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Rome locals. 2. Rome’s Hidden Gems : Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family. 3. Culinary Diversity : Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food. 4. Cultural Immersion : See Rome through the eyes of a local. 5. Established Expertise : Since 2011, simply the best food tours in Rome!

Adult (From 18) From €133

Adolescent (13-17 years) from €113, child (4-12 years) from €92, book now and save on your next culinary adventure.

Book a food tour and get a special loyalty code for 10% off future tours in 14 beautiful European cities. Don’t miss out!

The Flavors You'll Taste

• Burrata, Jewish-stlye fried artichoke, Bread & oil
• Julius Caesar-style pork stew
• 2 types of biscotti
• Pizza bianca with porchetta
• Amatriciana & Cacio e pepe pasta
• Fine Italian wines

Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Meeting Point

Piazza S. Bartolomeo All’Isola, 22 Rome, Rome 00186

Your welcome guide will be waiting in front of the statue with a purple Eating Europe bag or sign.

#1 food and drink experience in Rome - 13 years. 450,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Rome’s food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

With us you are treated like family everywhere we go!

Private tours

If you are coming to Rome with your entourage and you’d like to take a private tour just for you and your group – we can make that happen! 

Our guide was amazing, Best thing we did in Rome, and yes, we visited the Colosseum and Vatican. We did it on our first night and the information we learned helped us order food for the rest of our trip. - Kevin Ruth

Toni was the perfect host! We learnt so much about the area, ate delicious food and had the most wonderful time walking the beautiful streets of Trastevere. Highly recommend this tour especially if you’re staying in the neighbourhood. Make sure you ask for Toni. - Les Widmark

Toni was fantastic. She gave us so much information, made the walk around Trastevere fun. The food was really great but also the history behind the food and the buildings and area was really interesting and fun. We ( all four of us girls) enjoyed every minute. - Cyndi Connolly

We had a wonderful experience with Dario. The locations were all very special and the food and wine was great. I would recommend the tour without hesitation. Thank you for the experience! - Linda Ducousso

The venues were excellent, the food fantastic, but of course nothing would be the same without the outstanding tour guide Luca. His tone, information, history referrals and stories behind made this tour complete. I have been in Rome many times but first time at night in Trastevere. I Will Recommend my friends and clients to enjoy. - Cessy Meacham

Valentina was absolutely AMAZING! The food was incredible, as was the history lesson throughout Trastevere. Our family of five, including a very picky teenage eater, enjoyed every stop along the tour. Our favorite stops were different from one another, showing the wide array of food. We even discovered a new favorite wine! We would highly recommend this tour and especially Valentina! - Matthew Ferlito

Excellent tour, well worth the money! This made my trip to Rome go from amazing to a special experience of a lifetime. Cobbled Italian residential authentic streets of Rome with authentic as well as modern food! The experience made it! - Karina Devlin

Our whole family loved the food, drink, and friendly neighbourhood feel that Rish created in this tour. From the very start everyone felt comfortable and Rish’s insights and humour kept us engaged and eager to try the next delicious item. - Matt B. (TripAdvisor review)

We had an amazing time eating like locals on our food tour in Rome. Our guide, Eric, was incredibly knowledgeable about the city as a whole, the food we were eating, and the wine/beer pairings. This was one of our favorite activities in Rome! - Amy M.

Luca was absolutely AMAZING! We had a whirlwind vacation with travel through London, Paris, Rome and a cruise through the islands of Greece. We saw a ton on our vacation, but everyone in our group of 4 actually rated the Trestavere Twilight food tour as #1 of all the things we did and saw over our entire trip! - Julie

Meet Your Local Rome Tour Guides

Our team of Rome Food Tour Guides includes local experts that speak several different languages.

EATING EUROPE INC. CANCELLATION POLICY

Small Group Tours

A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.

Private Tours

A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure

Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™

Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.

LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS

Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.

CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS

Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!

DISCOUNT CODES

Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.

AMENDMENT POLICY

We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.

CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.

If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:

E-mail: [email protected]

Adult From €133

12 Best Rome Food Tours & Why You’ll Love Them

• Post author: Lisa Garrett
• Post last modified: September 13, 2024
• Post category: Cruise Ports / Europe Getaways / Italy

Looking for an unforgettable experience while visiting the Eternal City? Love food? (I do!)

A Rome food tour is the perfect way to go!

I was just in Rome last November and was amazed by just how good a simple fresh pasta dish can be. And of course, I had to sample gelato daily. For research, you understand.

I’ve got the scoop (pun intended) on all the best Rome food tours!

From culinary sightseeing tours to exploring Rome’s incredible markets to street food tours — and even gluten-free food tours! – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Ready for some fabulous food (with a side of sightseeing)? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

Disclaimer :  This page may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links (at no additional cost to you).

Table of Contents

Our Top 3 Picks: Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

#1 TOP PICK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sunset Prati Food & Wine Tour ✔️ Award-winning tour! ✔️ Rome’s best pizzeria ✔️ Tiramisu

Twilight Trastevere Food Tour ✔️ Homemade fresh pasta ✔️ Visit a family-owned cookie factory

Taste of Testaccio Food Tour ✔️ Fresh Pasta ✔️ Italian Pastries ✔️Artisan gelato

12 Best Rome Food Tours

1. sunset prati food and wine tour (top pick).

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (1900+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

⭐ Tasty Treats You’ll Enjoy on This Tour:

• Genovese Pesto
• 30-year aged balsamic vinegar
• Fresh basil mozzarella
• Pizza from Rome’s best pizzeria (over 80 daily varieties!)
• Cured meats
• Fresh homemade pasta

The best way to experience the sights and flavors of the Eternal City is by taking this award-winning sunset Rome walking food tour .

Visit the hidden gems of the Prati neighborhood, away from the tourist crowds, while sampling some of the finest Italian dishes.

Taste truffles, aged balsamic vinegar, and pizza from Rome’s number one pizzeria.

Yes! You absolutely want to do this! Took this food tour my first night in Italy. It set me up to eat fabulously for the rest of my trip. Raluca did an amazing job introducing us to all things tasty in Rome. My new favorite thing is buffalo mozzarella. And gnocchi! This tour is an absolute must! Bethany R ( read more reviews )

Discover recipes, food-making tips, and local specialties as you chat with artisanal food makers around the neighborhood.

Given the location of Rome , summer days can get pretty hot. So, taking a Rome food tour at night is a great way to beat the heat! Plus, sunsets are so romantic…

Group sizes are limited to 13 people, providing an intimate atmosphere and plenty of personalized attention. With so many delicious things to explore, you’ll love this Rome food and wine tour !

✔️ Key Information:

• Tour offered in English
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Special substitutions offered for those with dietary restrictions including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free and lactose-intolerant . Please advise your tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking
• A maximum of 13 people will be on your tour

2. Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

• Enjoy 13 tastings at 7 stops (no need for dinner after this tour!)
• Homemade fresh pasta:  amatriciana and cacio e pepe
• Street food snacks such as suppli and artichokes “alla giudia”
• Porchetta (roast pork)
• Wine, beer, and water
• Visit a family-owned cookie factory

Explore the Eternal City’s vibrant culinary scene and avoid the midday heat with this Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour !

Enjoy VIP access to some of the best restaurants in Rome, sampling iconic dishes along with street food classics. Explore Trastevere’s winding streets and back alleys in search of local gems.

“Every stop was accompanied by wonderful food, and at least a story or two to complement the food and drink. The fried artichoke and the burrata at the first stop alone were worth the price of admission for the tour! It was a fun night with plenty of interesting bites and drink.” Lisa V. ( read more twilight Trastevere Rome food tour reviews )

I definitely recommend you come hungry — you’ll need room for supplì, porchetta , artichokes “alla giudia”, gelato, and more.

With all these tastings — plus a stop at Rome’s oldest wine cellar for some liquid refreshment — you won’t need dinner after this food tour!

Along the way, you’ll learn about Trastevere’s unique atmosphere and see many of its highlights. This Twilight Trastevere Rome food tour is the perfect way to discover one of Rome’s most vibrant neighborhoods!

✔️ Key information :

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Please email your tour operator in advance if you have any dietary restrictions such as vegetarian or gluten-free
• A maximum of 12 people will be on your tour

3. Taste of Testaccio Food Tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (1400+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Authentic buffalo mozzarella
• Italian pastries
• Artisan gelato
• Suppli (fried rice balls)
• Fresh Pasta: Carbonara, Amatriciana and Cacio e Pepe
• Wine and craft beer

Discover the flavors and secrets of Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood on this 4-hour food-lover’s tour .

Led by an experienced guide, you’ll savor nine tastings of this foodie neighborhood’s best cuisine including gelato, cheese, pastries, and fresh pasta.

Get ready to experience Romans’ love for food! Meet local vendors and restaurant owners to learn about their passion for Italian food and hear the secrets of traditional Roman recipes .

“This was our third trip to Rome and the third time we have done this food tour…it’s that fantastic! The market is always my favorite, but the pasta is a close second. If you are unsure about booking, just do it! It’s a great way to see the Testaccio neighborhood and eat authentic Roman food.” Lisa M ( read more reviews )

Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you explore the Testaccio neighborhood, sample delicious food, and learn about the history and culture of Rome in an authentic way.

For anyone who loves Italian food, this amazing tour will take you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey. So, book this Taste of Testaccio Food Tour and get ready for a foodie adventure!

Looking for another memorable way to explore the Eternal City? Rome golf cart tours are great since you can see all the top sights without walking ten miles a day to do it!

4. Walking Food Tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, & Jewish Quarter

⏳ Tour Length: ~3.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (2000+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Sample menu:
• Pizza: pizza bianca with mortadella, pizza rossa
• suppli, fried artichoke or zucchini flower
• roman salami, mozzarella di bufala, pecorino romano
• Pasta: cacio e pepe and amatriciana
• Artisanal gelato
• Alcoholic beverages

Explore the vibrant culture and cuisine of Rome on this Rome market tour through Campo de’ Fiori, Trastevere, and the Jewish Quarter.

Led by an experienced guide, you will embark on a journey to discover local secrets and sample some of the best food that Rome has to offer.

Visit Campo de’ Fiori’s market on this small group tour and meet local vendors who are passionate about quality produce.

(I love visiting markets in Europe, the array of cheeses and fresh produce is amazing. On every trip, one day we’ll just pick up bread and cheese from a market and have a picnic for two — with a great view!

And as a bonus, it’s also a great way to save some money in Italy during your vacation.)

“The entire tour was just exceptional! The guide is a gem! We had so many tastings that we skipped dinner that night. The guide clearly had excellent relationships at each of the tastings and detailed knowledge of the markets. A very happy day!” Thomas A. ( read more reviews )

Then head to Trastevere for a classic Roman pasta dish, delicious pizza, and local specialties such as fried artichokes. And don’t forget the luscious artisanal gelato , the perfect ending to this culinary tour!

With a maximum of 12 people on the tour, you’ll enjoy an intimate sightseeing experience with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get to know the city.

So if you’re looking for an exciting way to explore the local food scene, this Rome walking food tour is the perfect choice. Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure — they’ll thank you!

• Tour offered in English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German
• Vegetarian or dairy-free options are available , please advise at time of booking if required (not recommended for vegans)
• Gluten free options are available , with different selection for tastings
• Note: The market visit is not included in the afternoon tour. If you choose the afternoon tour option, you will have free time to browse shops instead.

5. The Roman Food Tour in Trastevere

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (1300+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Pizza from the oldest wood-fired oven in Trastevere
• Homemade pasta
• Cured meats and ham
• Aged balsamic vinegar
• D.O.C.G. fine wine (the highest classification of wine quality)

Experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood on this award-winning half-day walking tour !

Sample some of the area’s finest delicacies, including local cheese and cured ham, as well as traditional pizzas, pastas and aged balsamic vinegar. Savor some of the highest quality fine wines and local beers.

The food was delicious!! The fact that it was plentiful, abundant and delicious is an understatement. Come hungry. Beautiful, fun neighborhood to visit. I would absolutely recommend this tour if you love food and drink!!” Kathy B. ( read more The Roman Food Tour reviews )

Finally, finish off the tour in style with delicious gelato (no day in Italy is complete without some gelato!).

Along the way, your guide will share stories and insights about Roman food culture and traditions, leaving you with a rich understanding of this lively Italian neighborhood. Book now for a delicious journey through Trastevere !

✔️Key Information:

• A maximum of 105 people will be on your tour

6. Tuscany Day Trip with 3-Course Lunch and Wine Tasting

⏳ Tour Length: ~12 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars (3500+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

⭐ What You’ll Experience on This Tour:

• 3-course lunch and wine tasting at an authentic Tuscan winery
• Brunello di Montepulciano wine
• Visit a Romanesque Abbey
• Visit to the hill town of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Guided visit of Montepulciano
• Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle
• Stunning Tuscan scenery

Discover beautiful landscapes, culture, history — and of course, food! — on this exciting Tuscany day tour from Rome .

With a local guide to show you the best of Val d’Orcia, visit famous hill towns, farms and vineyards like Montepulciano and Montalcino.

Enjoy a delicious three-course lunch at a Tuscan farm featuring locally grown produce. Savor the region’s best wines such as Brunello di Montepulciano in a picture-perfect vineyard setting.

“The tour was the highlight of our vacation and an educational extravaganza for our kids. The food delicious the bus clean and the venue FANTASTIC!!!! Lovely day!” Patricia T. ( read more reviews )

Afterward, make your way to Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can explore at leisure. Be sure to stop by a cheese shop for some pecorino cheese , one of Pienza’s most highly sought-after products.

This gastronomic tour near Rome is a great chance to experience more the beauty of Italy without the hassle of having to rent a car and figure out the best places to visit!

• Please advise of any dietary restrictions at time of booking
• Alcoholic beverages will only be served to people who are at least 18 years of age (the legal drinking age in Italy)
• Appropriate dress is required for entrance to some sites (Knees, shoulders, and backs must be covered)
• A maximum of 50 people will be on your tour

7. Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Campo Dei Fiori Market Food and Wine Tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (250+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Balsamic vinegar
• Salumi and prosciutto
• Italian coffee

Explore Rome’s beautiful and historic Trevi district on this half-day sightseeing and food tour that combines the best of both worlds!

You’ll visit the world-famous Trevi Fountain (definitely one of Rome’s best Instagram spots !). You’ll also explore Piazza Navona and the 2nd century Pantheon , part of Rome’s UNESCO World Heritage site .

As you stroll through the streets of Trevi, you’ll enjoy some of the area’s specialties, including cheese, wine, prosciutto , pizza and gelato.

“We had a great time exploring some of the most famous Roman sites. We had a great guide who has a ton of history on each place. We walked away very full from all the delicious food too. Highly suggest for anyone visiting Rome for the first time, or that loves the local food.” Julie G. ( read more reviews )

You’ll also have a chance to explore Campo de’ Fiori’s farmers market , where stalls offer fresh produce and other local delicacies.

And you’ll not only savor some of Rome’s finest cuisine, but you’ll walk away with insider tips on Rome’s best restaurants and sightseeing spots to enjoy during the rest of your stay!

So join us on this food and landmarks tour of Trevi and make sure to bring your appetite – because you’ll definitely sample some of the best food Italy has to offer!

• Dress code: smart casual; shoulders and knees must be covered for entrance into the church
• Vegetarian options can be accommodated if advised in advance, please notify your tour operator at time of booking
• This tour does not accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan participants.
• If you are taking this tour on a Sunday, note that only a few of the market vendors will be open
• A maximum of 15 people will be on your tour

8. Private Food Tour of Campo de Fiori & Trastevere

⏳ Tour Length: ~3 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (780+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Buffalo mozzarella from a specialty cheese shop
• 10 tastings in total, curated by your foodie guide
• Plus see Rome highlights in between tasting stops

Explore the delicious world of Italian cuisine on this private food tour of the Eternal City. Start by heading to the Campo de’ Fiori area and Jewish Quarter with a knowledgeable local guide.

Sample regional treats such as buffalo mozzarella, Italian gelato made from traditional family recipes , and more delicious selections recommended by your foodie guide.

“This was the best food tour we’ve been on! Gabrielle was an amazing host and guide. We learned so much history in addition to tasting so much delicious food! From pizza to suppli’ to porchetta to tiramisu! All amazing.” Vicki B. ( read more reviews )

As you make your way through Rome’s neighborhoods, learn about the history behind each dish and its significance in Roman culture.

This private culinary tour will guide you through the Trastavere neighborhood where you can enjoy the sights of the squares, fountains, and churches as you enjoy the flavors of Rome!

• Tour offered in English, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese
• Alternatives offered for those with dietary restrictions; please advise your tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking
• Vegetarian alternatives available
• Private tour : only your group will be on this tour

9. The Roman Food Tour with visit to the Trionfale food market

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (360+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Freshly made cannolo (with your choice of toppings)
• Pizza from the top pizzeria in Rome
• Genovese pesto
• Fresh buffalo mozzarella
• Fine wine (D.O.C.G Vermentino)
• Tastings at the Mercato Trionfale

Imagine feasting on 18 delicious dishes from the bustling food market, shops, and restaurants of Rome as you indulge your taste buds on this 4- hour food tour .

Explore the city with an experienced guide, starting off with a Roman breakfast of coffee and a fresh cannolo . (Yes! Pastries for breakfast! That’s my favorite way to start the day!)

In Italy , the quintessential breakfast is a cappuccino or espresso with a cornetto or other pastry, taken standing up at the bar. FOOD AND WINE

Then savor a slice at the famed Pizzarium, home to the so-called “Michelangelo of pizza”. (He might give Naples a run for its money!)

“The food was fresh and delicious and plenty. I loved everything, from the trapizzini to suppli, pasta and pinsa and savoured the gelato in the end.” AnaMaria S. ( read more reviews )

Visit Paciotti Salumeria, the best gourmet shop in Rome , where you can sample cured meats and cheeses. Afterwards, enjoy a sit-down meal at an award-winning trattoria and savor some delicious pasta and wine.

Finally, finish off your tour with a scoop of gelato – the best way to end this foodie adventure in Rome. So join us and get ready to indulge like a true Roman! Buon Appetito !

✔️ Key Information :

• Wheelchair accessible **
• Please advise your tour operator of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking
• A maximum of 40 people will be on your tour

10. Rome Street Food Tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~2.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (1500+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Street foods
• Seasonal produce

Experience Rome’s favorite tastes on this street food walking tour — it’s perfect for everyone from first-time travelers to Rome or avid Italian food lovers. Enjoy a variety of local treats as you take in the iconic sights of ancient Rome.

Start your journey at Campo de Fiori, one of Rome’s famous market squares. Meet some of the local food vendors and sample locally made cheese , cured meats, wine and seasonal fruits.

“This was our very first food tour, and based on this experience, will not be our last. We started off with wine and different cured meats, tried delicious suppli, had fried artichokes, Roman pizza, and topped it all off with gelato.” Bernadette R. ( read more reviews )

Continue to the Jewish Ghetto and Theatre of Pompey where you will see impressive remains of ancient Roman structures. Here you can sample some of the city’s best pizza and tasty street foods like suppli.

Finish off your tour on a sweet note tasting some of Rome’s best gelato at a family-run gelateria. You’ll even learn how this classic Italian dessert is made.

(I think it would be too dangerous to my waistline to know how to make gelato! As it is, my pants mysteriously shrink every time I’m on vacation in Europe..)

Whether it be lunch or dinner, this sightseeing street food walking tour in Rome is an ideal way to explore the city and sample some of its most delicious culinary treats.

• Please advise your tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking.
• This tour can accommodate vegetarians (with advance notice) but not vegans, gluten free or dairy free diets.
• Note: If you select an evening tour time, the local market is closed in the evening

11. Rome walking tasting tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~2.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (720+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• Three different flavors of pizza
• Suppli (fried risotto balls)
• Italian cheeses
• Italian wines
• Two Roman pastas
• Artisanal Gelato
• Delicious Secret Dish

Explore the historic side of Rome with this culinary walking tour and get a true taste of Roman cuisine!

Follow your local guide through the city’s fascinating districts as you feast on some of the region’s best-loved delicacies. Explore Piazza Navona (one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome ), Campo de’ Fiori, the old Jewish Quarter, and Trastevere neighborhood.

“This was such a wonderful fun tour. The Pizza Rossa was mind-blowing…Best Pizza in Rome. Best Cannoli I have ever had. Ethereally crisp and rich pastry cream inside. The pastas we sampled were fantastic as well as the gelato. HIGHLY recommend.” Gordon N. ( read more reviews )

From artisan-crafted cheeses and salami to traditional espresso , fresh pizza, risotto balls (known locally as ‘suppli’), pasta dishes, and creamy gelato, you’ll have the opportunity to try them all!

And to top it all off, you’ll get to indulge in a Secret Dish – the details of which will be revealed only on the day of tour.

So join us today on this walking tasting tour of Rome and discover the Eternal City through its mouthwatering flavors!

• Tours offered in English
• The minimum drinking age in Italy is 18 years

12. Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food, Wine and Sightseeing Tour

⏳ Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (340+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now

• “Carciofo alla giudia”, a crispy fried artichoke
• Cured meat and local cheese platter paired with wine
• Traditional pizza from a family-run bakery
• Award-winning Italian beer
• Several Roman main courses, served in a traditional trattoria
• Tiramisù (choose from 3 flavors)
• Italian coffee with house-roasted beans and water from an ancient aqueduct

Discover the unique flavors of Rome on this half-day Rome food and wine tour through Campo Marzio and the Jewish Ghetto.

Explore historical sites and iconic monuments as you sample delicious local dishes. Savor classic Italian pasta dishes , fresh-caught fish, mouthwatering pizza and delectable desserts.

(Tiramisu *and* gelato? That sounds like an excellent menu to me!)

“This tour exceeded my expectations! Fun, passionate, and knowledgeable tour guide. Amazing variety of food, wine, and beer. Great flow between historic sites and restaurants.” Brianna D. ( read more reviews )

Enjoy Italian wines with your meal and finish your tour with insider tips on Rome’s best kept secrets.

This sightseeing walking food tour of Rome is a must-do for any foodie looking to experience the flavors of the Eternal City. Get your taste buds ready to experience Rome like a local!

• Dress code: Smart casual
• Please advise at time of booking of any dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian options can be provided with advance notice. This tour cannot accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan guests.
• A maximum of 15 people will be on this tour

Rome Food Tour Tips and FAQ

The 4 classic pasta dishes in Rome are Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Gricia, and Amatriciana. Carbonara used to be my favorite, but lately I’ve really started to prefer Cacio e Pepe. Try them all to see which one you like best!

If I’m in Rome for only 48 hours, I would consider it a sin against God to not eat Cacio e Pepe, the most uniquely Roman pasta, in some crummy little joint where Romans eat. I’d much rather do that than go to the Vatican. That’s Rome to me. Anthony Bourdain

Yes, it is definitely worth doing a food tour in Rome! It’s more than just the delicious food and drink that you will enjoy on your tour. You’ll also get the experience and knowledge of a local guide and visit local favorite restaurants that you’d never find on your own!

The best time to take a food tour in Rome is on the first day of your trip, so that you can learn tips on all of the best local places to eat!

Just like with any guided tour, if you enjoyed your food tour you should definitely tip your tour guide ! A good guideline is to tip 10% of your tour cost.

The legal drinking age in Italy is 18 years old.

DOCG is the highest classification of wine in Italy. D.O.C.G. stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. Many food tours of Rome include tastings of DOCG wine.

Supplì are fried rice balls with mozzarella (and sometimes tomato sauce) at the center. Supplì are a traditional and beloved Roman street food, delicious and easy to eat on the go.

No, tips are not included in the cost of a food tour in Rome. If you enjoyed your tour, it’s always appreciated to tip your Rome travel guide. Always carry some Italian currency for tipping!

Final Thoughts..

A food tour is certainly an awesome way to treat your taste buds with some amazing food when you’re visiting Rome.

But you’ll also want to explore all the amazing sights of the Eternal City. (You do need to burn off some of those food tour calories, after all!)

I think you’ll love visiting the most beautiful piazzas in Rome . And if you can’t walk 20,000 steps a day anymore, taking a Rome golf cart tour may be perfect for you!

• Beautiful and Famous Piazzas in Rome
• Best Rome Golf Cart Tours
• Best Instagram spots in Rome Italy

Are you ready to book your trip to Rome?

Looking for the top picks for your trip to Rome ? Here are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to help you plan the perfect vacation!

Top Tours and Experiences in Rome

• Rome in a Day with Vatican and Colosseum (Perfect if you’re short on time!)
• Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour (Top-rated private sightseeing tour)
• Rome Sunset Food & Wine Tour (Best-selling Rome food tour!)
• Skip-the-Line Vatican & Sistine Chapel (Amazing small-group Vatican tour)
• Small group Colosseum Arena & Underground (A must-see attraction in Rome!)
• Rome Vespa Tour by Night (An unforgettable way to see the Eternal City)
• Tuscany Day Trip with Wine Tasting (See the gorgeous Italian countryside)

Top Hotels in Rome

• Starhotels Metropole (I stayed here! 4-star hotel with convenient location near Roma Termini)
• P arco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa (5-star splurge on the Borghese Gardens!)
• Palazzo Navona Hotel (4-star hotel with fabulous location on Piazza Navona!)

Planning a trip to Rome and getting hungry just thinking about all of this delicious food? Pin this for later!

You might also enjoy these posts about my favorite Mediterranean cruise ports:

• How to spend a day in Naples
• Should you visit Nice or Marseille?
• Fun Things to Do in Nice and the French Riviera
• How to Spend a Weekend in Barcelona
• Explore Barcelona’s La Rambla

Lisa Garrett

Lisa Garrett is the founder of Waves and Cobblestones. She has taken 18 cruises ranging from a multi-generational Caribbean cruise to solo Alaska cruises to fabulous Mediterranean cruises.

She lived in Ireland for 4 months and has taken over a half-dozen multi-city vacations in Europe (primarily relying on train and public transit). Lisa helps people plan amazing vacations to Europe and popular cruise destinations.

Learn more about Lisa !

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