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In Rome, food is not just a meal; it is a way of life. Eating like a Roman involves not only savoring delicious dishes but also understanding the rich traditions, local ingredients, and the passion that goes into the food. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this vibrant culinary scene is by taking a guided food tour. These tours provide a unique behind-the-scenes look, allowing you to explore bustling markets, hidden gems, and beloved family-owned eateries that only locals know. A food tour in Rome is not just about eating; it’s about discovering the soul of the city through its cuisine. Buon appetito!
Summary
In this episode, we host Denyse Pantaleo from Devour Tours, an award-winning food tour company. Devour embraces a philosophy that celebrates the love of food, diversity, and its connection to a city’s history. In Italy, food is a constant topic of conversation; therefore, a food tour is a perfect extension of this cultural dialogue. Food tours in Rome reveal a different perspective on the city and its culture, showcasing wonderful local products and dishes. Denyse shares both well-known and hidden treasures of Rome’s dynamic food scene – including the best restaurants, street food, and markets, as well as indulging in treats like the mouth-watering Suppli.
Devour Tours offers three delightful food experience tours in Rome:
They also provide opportunities for pasta making and pizza making at their custom cooking school in Rome.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Katy has known Denyse from Devour Tours for some time, having participated in several of her wonderful food tours in Rome. Denyse hails from Treviso and has lived in Rome for 20 years, designing food tours across various Italian cities with Devour Tours.
- Devour encourages people to explore cities through their culinary offerings, emphasizing unique local restaurants and supporting small family-run businesses.
- A common mistake among tourists is over-planning their brief visits to Rome. Denyse advises a more relaxed approach, encouraging visitors to slow down and embrace the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
- Denyse’s favorite spot for people-watching is Bar San Calisto in Trastevere, renowned for its old-world charm and diverse clientele.
- While Trastevere has become more touristy, it still retains hidden gems like the traditional family-run restaurant Checco Er Carettiere and Enoteca Ferrera, known for its lovely wine selection and traditional cuisine with a twist.
- Testaccio is another area worth exploring for food enthusiasts, boasting a fantastic market and excellent restaurants.
- The large Prati Market (Mercato Trionfale) may appear like a shopping mall from the outside, but inside it’s full of amazing local produce such as cheese and prosciutto, along with a genuine vendor vibe. The Campo de’ Fiori Market has evolved from a local marketplace to a more tourist-focused one, yet still offers some fruit and vegetable stalls.
- Artichokes, once considered street food, are now predominantly found in restaurants like Bona in the Jewish ghetto.
- Suppli, a delightful Roman street food option, is a rice croquette filled with melted mozzarella – perfect for families and children, with popular locations including Roscioli and Fiore. Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) is another fantastic street food choice.
- When seeking a restaurant in Rome, avoid establishments that have someone outside trying to lure you in, those with multilingual picture menus, and especially the restaurants in the Trevi Fountain area (as locals do).
- There are lovely options in the Piazza Navona/Pantheon area, including Denyse’s favorite, Da Francesco, and a great wine spot, Vinaietto – they have limited seating, but follow local custom by enjoying your drink standing at the high tables.
- For those planning to visit during the Vatican Jubilee 2025, you will see the city at its best, but be sure to book restaurants in advance, visit the Vatican early or late in the day, and steer clear of large events (check the events calendar here).
- Devour offers three food tours in Rome: Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour, Trastevere & Historic Center VIP Food Tour with Rooftop Spritz, and Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour, along with pasta and pizza making classes at their cooking school.
Timeline Overview
- 05:02 Denyse warns tourists against over-planning and rushing, which detracts from experiencing Rome’s essence. She suggests taking time to appreciate the city’s vibrant daily life and food culture.
- 09:51 Trastevere is ideal for leisurely morning strolls and delightful dinners.
- 17:46 Enjoy quick and tasty treats such as Pizza al taglio and Suppli, available on the streets without the need for reservations.
- 25:20 Testaccio is a historical food hotspot, continuing to thrive with its market, local take-out options, and fantastic restaurants.
- 34:19 Be sure to book a table in advance at the popular central eatery, Da Francesco.
- 38:43 Devour Tours provides a range of food tours, including street food experiences, market exploration, and rooftop spritz adventures, along with cooking classes at their tailor-made school.
About Our Guest – Denyse Pantaleo
She joined Walks in 2014 and has since been sharing her culinary expertise by teaching cooking classes both in-person and online for eight years. In 2022, Denyse became the product developer for Devour Tours in Italy.
For Denyse, a recipe transcends a mere list of ingredients and steps; it represents a living tradition, a secret passed down through generations, or a cherished experiment noted in her recipe book. Her passion for pasta is extraordinary, although she occasionally craves Asian cuisine as her comforting reminder of travel.
When she’s not crafting new culinary experiences, Denyse loves to revisit the flavors of her adventures through her favorite dishes and seeks out new dining and drinking spots in Rome.
Follow Devour Tours Here
Italian Places, Foods, and Concepts Mentioned
Places
- Campo de’ Fiori – which literally means “field of flowers”, is a square south of Piazza Navona, famous for its market.
- Trastevere – a vibrant district in central Rome, south of the Arno, known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
- Bar San Calisto – a charming café bar in Trastevere, loved by Denyse, that has maintained its original vibe since the 1950s, run by Marcello Forti.
- Checco Er Carettiere – a family-run restaurant in Trastevere, now in its fourth generation, known for serving classic Roman dishes.
- Enoteca Ferrera – a cozy spot operated by two sisters – one a sommelier and the other a chef.
- Vinaietto – a fantastic place for wine tasting in Rome (often enjoyed while standing).
- Forno Roscioli – a renowned bakery by the Roscioli family located in central Rome, famous for its Suppli and other delicious baked goods.
- Forno de Campo di Fiori – an amazing bakery ideal for take-out treats.
- Fiore – another excellent location for Suppli in Rome, operated by a Neapolitan family.
- Pigneto, Tor Pignattara – dynamic Roman neighborhoods.
- Testaccio – the kitchen of Rome, located close to the Centro Historico, offers fantastic food experiences.
- Mercato Trionfale – a bustling market in the Prati district.
- Bona – a pizza restaurant in the Jewish Ghetto, also famous for its fried artichokes (Via del Portico d’Ottavia).
- Da Francesco – an exceptional restaurant in the city’s heart.
Food / Drink
- Pizza al taglio – a traditional Roman-style pizza sold by the slice, available throughout the city.
- Suppli – a local variety of fried rice balls, specifically stuffed with mozzarella.
- Cicoria alla Romana – chicory, a commonly enjoyed side dish in Roman cuisine.
- Spritz Select – a spritz similar to Aperol but made with Select, a bitter from the Veneto region.
Words / Concepts
- Friggitoria – shops in Naples that specialize in selling fried snacks.
- Calendario Giubileo – the calendar of events for the Jubilee.
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