The cuisine of Rome is a reflection of the country of Italy and the rural origins that it has. Many of the dishes have rich and savory tastes, making Roman cuisine both enjoyable and filling. Many of the tastes come from the fruits and vegetables that are grown locally. Even some of the delicacies have backgrounds that trace back to the hardworking people that farmed the land.

Much of Roman cuisine stems back from a period when ordinary Romans weren't able to afford regular meat with which to make a meal. Instead, they had to use the parts that were considered offal, which were easier to afford (though considered much lower quality.) However, the dishes that stemmed from this improvisation constitute some of the finest delicacies available in Rome today. Such dishes include oxtail in wine with tomatoes and peppers (coda alla vaccinara) and veal offal with tomato sauce (la pajata). If you are interested in trying out some of the Romanesche specialties, Testaccio is one of the best places to find great restaurants. For more high class cuisine, some of the best quality restaurants can be found in the most exclusive hotels in Rome.

One of the most popular places to dine in Rome is the pizzerias. A pizzeria is a perfect choice if you are looking for more affordable dining or an informal setting, but would still like to have delicious food and excellent service. Unlike the Neapolitan pizza with the thick raised crusts that are most familiar to people in other areas of the world such as the United States, pizzerias in Rome generally serve pizza alla romana, which is distinguished by a thin crust with a crispy edge. Pizzerias often serve other delicious items as well. Why not try bruschette, (pieces of toasted bread with either tomato or olive oil and garlic) fried cod fillets, fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella (supplì al telefono), potato croquettes, fried pumpkin flowers, and other dishes? There are pizzerias all over Rome, but some of the best are located in Trastevere, especially if you are looking for pizza restaurants that use wood fuelled ovens.