No question about it: Rome is one of THE best places in the entire world to eat. Everything from the morning espresso with a warm cornetto to the mouthwatering pasta with that last sip of fine wine is an experience that will transport you.
If you’re a traveler who loves nothing more than a good meal, then Rome is your city and the amazing food tours in Rome should definitely be on your itinerary.
The wonderful thing about the food tours in Rome is that there really is something for everyone. Traveling with little kids? We’ve got the perfect thing! Want to geek out on some awesome history while you nosh? Absolutely! Can’t eat gluten? Believe it or not — no problem at all!
As a Rome Certified Travel Expert℠ and Itinerary Designer, I can help curate a gastronomic experience for you that fits your interests, curiosities, and the needs of you and your travel companions.
Let’s have a look at my favorite food tours in Rome, and how to find one that’s just perfetto for you.
Disclosure: There are some tour affiliate links below and I may receive compensation if you book through them (at no additional cost to you). This did not influence inclusion – these are tours I’ve vetted and truly recommend.
For the Locavore Who Also Loves Great Wine
The picturesque and lively Trastevere neighborhood in the heart of Rome is known for its artistic, bohemian vibe and its stellar food and wine. And with its swoon-worthy medieval homes and narrow, plant-adorned alleyways, it’s also an amazing place to sample some of the best local cuisine.
The Trastevere Gourmet Food & Wine Tour explores some of the best enotecas, osterias, trattorias, and ristorantes — and shows you what to order at each of them. You’ll learn the secrets to enjoying Italian wine, aperitivo, and dinner in Rome — so you’ll know your way around a menu for the rest of your visit!
Perks of this tour: 10 participants max, so it’s fun and intimate. This tour can also accommodate vegetarians and travelers who are dairy- and gluten-free.
Food Tour for the Whole Family
You might be thinking that food tours in Rome are not on the table (see what I did there?) if you have kids in tow. But not on the Original Kids & Family Rome Food Tour hosted by Mamma Mia Tours. This is becoming one of the most beloved family tours, and it’s not hard to see why.
A professional, kid-friendly tour guide incorporates games, trivia and treasure hunts to keep kids engaged while they explore the city and sample delicious pizza and gelato.
Perks of this tour: it’s scheduled in the evening, when the city is less busy, for maximum beauty and enjoyment. It’s also a private tour, so it’s just for you!
For Combining a Cooking Class with a Food Tour in Rome
If you’re a little pressed for time during your visit to Rome, you might be excited to know you can combine two food-centric tours into one with this Trastevere Food Tour with Pasta Making Class.
You’ll start by exploring Campo de Fiori, the oldest and the most traditional market in Rome, where you’ll learn about (and sample) the fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats, oils, balsamic vinegars, pates, liqueurs, and other typical products of Rome.
From there, you head to a pasta-making class in a restaurant in Piazza Navona, where you get to choose your sauce from two of the 4 pastas of Rome, Carbonara or Amatriciana (Amatriciana is my fave!).
Perks of this tour: This is for small groups (12 people max), so you’ll get lots of personal attention.
For the Traveler Who Wants to Experience an Authentic Market
If you’re interested in eating like a true Roman, you’ll love the Testaccio Food & Market Tour. Along with Trastevere, Testaccio is considered one of Rome’s best “foodie” areas. In addition, the Testaccio neighborhood has one of the best markets in Rome (along with Campo de Fiori).
On this small-group tour, you’ll discover what everyday life is like for Romans in this traditional, authentic neighborhood while trying many of Rome’s typical dishes. You’ll meet stall owners at the market who have been in business for 40+ years, and you’ll learn all about what goes into mealtime and what food means in Roman culture.
Perks of this tour: Testaccio is still a relatively undiscovered neighborhood by tourists, making it more of a “hidden gem” for those in-the-know.
For the Gluten-Free Foodie
When most people think of Italian cuisine, they think of pasta, pizza, and pastries — a holy trinity of deliciousness that’s also very off-limits if you’re one of millions of people who can’t digest gluten.
So what’s a GF foodie to do?
The small-group Gluten-Free Food & Wine Tour of Rome has come to the rescue, and it’s amazing.
You’ll tour local neighborhoods and enjoy mouthwatering snacks, drinks, dinner, and dessert — all gluten-free and prepared with care by families who have been in the restaurant biz for generations.
Perks of this tour: Those who have Celiac Disease may also join this tour. Though, it should be noted that the tour is not certified by any Celiac association and the risk of cross-contamination is always something to consider while taking this tour.
For Those Who Love History + Mystery
The surprises are all quite tasty on the Secret Food Tour in Rome!
This food tour lets you taste true Roman fare while exploring the city’s most authentic eateries in the Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, old Jewish Quarter, and Trastevere neighborhood.
As a bonus, your tour guide will share Rome’s fascinating history as you sip espresso and sample fresh pizza, fried risotto balls, pastas, salami, cheeses, and creamy gelato. At the end, you’ll enjoy a delicious Secret Dish, which will be revealed on the day of the tour.
Perks of this tour: While it’s already quite small (12 people max), you can also upgrade to a private tour if you like. Also, because this tour starts late morning, it’s perfect for avoiding crowds.
For a Combo Nightlife + Food Tour in Rome
Want to experience Rome after dark? The Twilight Trastevere Food Tour is just what you’re looking for.
You’ll get VIP access to a landmark eatery, and you’ll even get to skip the long line to sample their most famous dishes. Then stroll through this buzzing foodie neighborhood to try street food classics like supplì, porchetta, and artichokes “alla giudia.” To top it off, you’ll slip inside Rome’s oldest wine cellar for a tasting.
Perks of this tour: Especially if you’re visiting during the heat of summer, this evening small-group tour is a refreshing cool-down, as Rome after sunset is generally super pleasant.
For Tasting Sweet Treats
Last — but most definitely not least — it’s time for dessert! If you want the best sweetness that Rome has to offer, try the small-group Top Desserts Food Tour.
Your professional guide will show you the secrets of artisan coffee-roasting at legendary Roman cafes Tazza d’Oro and Saint’Eustachio (including a sweet coffee treat called Granita di Caffè con panna). Plus, you’ll get to sample world-class gelato and tiramisu.
Perks of this tour: This is another food tour in Rome with gluten-free options, and it’s also wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.
There are Food Tours in Rome for Every Tastebud!
In my opinion, the very best thing about food tours is that you don’t have to pick just one.
They’re a great way to see the city, learn about history and culture, visit the most iconic sites (and also see some that are off the beaten path), and come away satisfied and happy.
What could be better?
And, if you’d like help designing your perfect Rome travel itinerary – with a sprinkle of culinary magic included – check out my custom itinerary services. I’m a Certified Rome Travel Expert and can handpick the best food tours according to your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just want to enrich your travels with a Rome food tour, together, we can turn your food dreams into a mouthwatering reality. Saluti!
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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