Italy’s one of the culinary capitals of the world, and its street-food scene is no exception. From pizza al taglio (by the slice) to oh-so-creamy gelato, when in Rome, it’s only fair to eat as the Romans do. There’s a meal for every mood, so settle in as we serve up our most finger-licking finds.

Maritozzi

Melt-in-the-mouth maritozzi can be devoured at any hour: for a blissful breakfast alongside a steaming cappuccino, or as a lunchtime energy boost after tackling the city’s monuments. These baked buns, studded with raisins and pine nuts, deliver a sweet surprise filling of whipped cream. If you’ve got more of a savoury tooth, you can try alternatives like anchovies or cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper).

Supplì

Crispy yet gooey, fried yet flavourful, supplì takes the snacking crown. These risotto balls, traditionally filled with beef ragù, have charmed travellers for well over a century. It’s full name, supplì al telefono, comes from its melted mozzarella centre, which stretches out like an old-school telephone wire when you bite into it. Cheap, delicious and easy to gorge on-the-go? There’s no wonder these are a winner among locals and tourists alike.

Pizza al taglio

No list of street eats would be complete without mentioning an Italian staple: pizza. If you’re short on time, grab yourself some pizza al taglio, usually carved up into rectangular slabs then inhaled in a few chomps. While Naples is famed for its doughy crusts, biting into a Roman equivalent should elicit a satisfying snap. When it comes to toppings, choose from ever-popular classics like milky mozzarella and peppered prosciutto or try creative concoctions such as smoked salmon or pumpkin.  

Porchetta

Slow-roasted pork stuffed with garlic, seasoned with rosemary and enveloped in a fluffy roll… sandwiches don’t get much tastier than this. And did we mention the crispy crackling treat waiting inside? Porchetta trucks pop up on most street corners and are a staple at Rome’s markets and festivals, so you won’t have to travel far to find one.

Gelato

Whether you’re a cone connoisseur or tempted by a tub, in a city that’s home to over a thousand gelaterias, you’re sure to find your flavour. In our experience, gelato is best slurped on a perch in a postcard-perfect piazza, watching the world go by. It’s hard to go far wrong with traditional treats like stracciatella and fior di latte, but if you’re feeling adventurous, seek out spots selling scoops with a twist. Avocado gelato, anyone? Nowadays, there are plenty of vegan and dairy-free options too.

Carciofi alla giudia

This vegetarian recipe hails from the historic Jewish quarter and should be top of your hungry hit-list. Artichokes are flattened and deep fried until golden, ready for you to munch your way through the crispy outer leaves to reach the hearty centre. They are delightfully moreish and will soon have you undoing a belt loop or two.

Don’t miss

Rome’s food markets are a wonder of sights, sounds and smells, where dozens of vendors set up shop to simmer and serve the evening away. Trionfale is the largest – ravioli-to-go, pyramids of artisanal gelato, meat-packed paninis, you name it, you can try it here. Farmer’s market, Mercato Testaccio, is another to add to your palate-pleasing pilgrimage. Order a cup of tangy fruit juice, then browse the endless maze of stalls overflowing with seasonal vegetables harvested from farms nearby.