Best Food and Wine Tours in Rome: The Eternal City’s Flavors

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Update Icon Jul 24, 2023

Ever dreamt of having a culinary adventure in Rome, savoring its iconic dishes and sipping its rich wines? Treat your taste buds to an odyssey with the best food and wine tours in Rome and top-notch gastronomic stays in the Eternal City!

A typical variety of Roman pizza or "pizzetta" topped with zucchini, a traditional food in Rome.
Photo credit: Unsplash

Rome: A Global Food Capital

Renowned for its rich history and captivating architecture, Rome‘s vibrant culinary scene has made it one of the world’s best food cities. With 82 Michelin-starred restaurants scattered across the city, the gastronomic landscape is as diverse as it is delicious. And it’s not just about the food — Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, turning out 4,796,600 tonnes of production per year!

To truly experience Rome, one must delve into its culinary treasures. That’s why we’ve curated this list of the best food and wine tours in Rome, designed to satiate your taste buds while delivering a flavorful slice of Roman culture and history.

So, ready to eat and drink your way through the Eternal City? Let’s go!

A woman holding a wine glass while eating
Photo credit: Pexels

Best Food and Wine Tours in Rome: A Curated List

Epicurean explorers, listen up! The Eternal City is not just about majestic architecture and ancient splendors. It’s also a paradise for food and wine lovers. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Rome by joining some of the city’s most popular food and wine tours.

EATING EUROPE. If you want a deep dive into Rome’s culinary scene, Eating Europe is your go-to. They offer a variety of tours that let you explore the city’s food culture, from daytime market tours to twilight food tours in Trastevere. Each tour promises an unforgettable journey through Roman cuisine.

THE ROMAN FOOD TOUR. Explore Rome’s gastronomic gems with The Roman Food Tour. Their 4-hour tour takes you through the best food spots in Rome, from family-run eateries to old-world gelaterias. It’s not just a food tour, but a culinary adventure.

WALKS OF ITALY. Offering a variety of food and wine tours, Walks of Italy not only lets you taste local dishes but also teaches you the history and traditions behind them. From pizza-making to wine-tasting, every tour is a culinary delight.

MONTI FOOD TOUR. Nestled in the heart of Rome’s oldest neighborhood, the Monti Food Tour provides a blend of local food tastings and historical insights. Get ready to savor the flavors of Rome while discovering the area’s hidden gems.

The balcony of one of the rooms at Hotel La Rovere, a place to stay near some of the food establishments in Rome.
Photo credit: Hotel La Rovere

The Wine Lover’s Guide: Top 5 Wine Tours in Rome

Raise a glass to the eternal city! Rome’s rich history extends to its winemaking, with vineyards dating back over two millennia. Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a seasoned connoisseur, these wine tours promise a delightful immersion into the city’s wine culture.

Sunset wine-tasting tour in Trastevere. There’s something magical about sipping wine as the sun sets over Rome’s cobblestone streets. This tour lets you do just that, pairing the golden hour with fine Italian wines.

Morning wine tasting with a visit to the food market. This tour is perfect for early birds! Start your day with a visit to a bustling food market before enjoying a wine-tasting session with local experts.

Gluten-free wine tasting in Rome. Who says gluten-free folks can’t enjoy the joys of winemaking? This special tour caters to gluten-sensitive wine lovers, ensuring a delightful, worry-free experience.

Wine tasting in Rome city center. Convenience meets sophistication in this wine-tasting tour. Experience the finest Italian wines without straying far from the heart of Rome.

Wine tasting in a medieval winery. Step back in time as you sip wine in a medieval winery. This unique tour combines the romance of history with the pleasure of wine tasting.

A closeup photo of carbonara on a white plate, a traditional food in Rome
Photo credit: Unsplash

Beyond Food and Wine Tours: Traditional Roman Dishes To Try

Dining in Rome is an adventure in itself. To help you navigate through its enticing culinary landscape, we’ve put together a list of traditional Roman dishes that are must-tries and where you can taste these delightful Roman classics:

Cacio e Pepe. This iconic Roman pasta dish is a glorious combination of Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and pasta. It’s a simple, yet profound dish that’s satisfying in its creaminess. Taste the best version at Trattoria da Danilo — their cacio e pepe is renowned in Rome.

Carbonara. Another Roman pasta classic, carbonara is a rich and flavorful dish made with guanciale (Italian cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, eggs, and pepper. You can enjoy a plate of authentic Roman carbonara at Da Enzo al 29, a family-run trattoria in Trastevere.

Supplì. A popular Roman street food, these crispy fried rice balls stuffed with ragu, tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella are a perfect on-the-go snack. To try some of the best supplì in town, visit Supplizio in Centro Storico.

Roman-style Pizza. Characterized by its thin, crispy crust and fresh toppings, Roman-style pizza offers a different take on the Italian classic. Get a slice at Pizzarium Bonci, where Gabriele Bonci, one of Rome’s top pizzaiolos, serves a rotating selection of creative toppings.

Gelato. Italian gelato needs no introduction. This creamy, heavenly dessert is a must-try when in Rome. Head over to Gelateria dei Gracchi for artisanal gelato in a variety of flavors. Pro tip: try the pistachio!

The open terrace in one of the rooms at Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie
Photo credit: Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie

Rome’s Foodie Neighborhoods: A Gastronomic Map of Where to Stay

Sampling the best food and wine tours in Rome is about much more than what’s on your plate and in your glass. It’s about the places where these epicurean delights are found. Get a real taste of Rome by exploring its food-centric neighborhoods. Here are our top picks, along with a recommended stay for the ultimate gastronomic escape:

TRASTEVERE. This picturesque neighborhood is renowned for its bohemian ambiance, charming cobblestone streets, buzzing nightlife, and an array of restaurants and gelaterias. Opt for a stay at the stunning Hotel La Rovere, to find yourself steps away from a cozy family-run trattoria or a chic wine bar.

AVENTINE. Known as the original foodie neighborhood in Rome, Aventine is home to a variety of authentic food markets, bakeries, and eateries. Consider staying at Palazzo Velbro, only a 3-minute walk from Campagna Amica Market. For a taste of local life, ditch run-of-the-mill hotels for these cozy vacation rentals in Aventine.

PRATI. Bordering Vatican City, Prati offers a more sophisticated dining scene with its stylish restaurants and trendy cafés. The district is also a haven for gelato lovers. Choose a stylish stay at Hotel Sant’Angelo, to turn your culinary trip into a fashionable Roman holiday.

PIGNETO. Often likened to Brooklyn, Pigneto is filled with vibrant street art, hipster cafés, and innovative restaurants. Secure a hipster loft at La Casa del Pigneto, to be at the heart of Rome’s modern culinary scene.

ROME CITY CENTER. Rome’s historical center is an epicurean treasure trove with famous eateries, elegant wine bars, and gourmet food shops. For a truly opulent experience, consider the luxurious Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie in the heart of Centro Storico.

A red car passing by a street in Rome
Photo credit: Pexels

Savor the Best Food and Wine Tours in Rome with Hotala

With its centuries-old culinary tradition, Rome is an undeniable paradise for food and wine lovers. From exploring the city’s foodie neighborhoods and savoring traditional Roman dishes to immersing yourself in some of the best food and wine tours in Rome, your Roman gastronomic journey is sure to be an unforgettable experience. 

Before you set out on this culinary adventure, let Hotala help you find the best accommodations in Rome, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. So, pack your bags, and let your taste buds guide your way through the Eternal City!

Buon viaggio!


TLDR

Indulge on a culinary journey through Rome, recognized as one of the best food cities in the world.

This blog post covers everything from the best food and wine tours in Rome, where you can taste traditional dishes like pasta alla carbonara and sample local wines, to exploring foodie neighborhoods like Trastevere and Testaccio, known for their vibrant food scenes.

For a hassle-free trip, Hotala offers the perfect accommodation options, making your gastronomic adventure a comfortable and memorable one.