Eating the best pasta and pizza is, of course, an important part of any trip to Rome. After all, Italian dishes are some of the most popular around the world.
When you join a Rome food tour you’re taken on a journey of discovery of the best eateries in the Eternal City, its famous dishes and some surprises you may not have heard of.
In this article, we share the best Rome food tours and experiences in the city to add to your Rome itinerary.
What's in this article
Why take a food tour in Rome
Top food tours in Rome
Here are our pick of the best tours you can do in Rome that focus on food, wine and local food culture.
Rome’s Favorite Food Tour: the 10 Tastings by WithLocals
Get ready to taste your way around Rome with this tasty food tour that takes in the famous Campo de Fiori market and surrounds. This three hour food tour will have you navigating the best pizza, gelato and street snacks.
Choose your guide for Rome’s Favorite Food Tour: the 10 Tastings from the passionate city team at WithLocals. Start when you like and work with the guide to make sure the itinerary is just right for you and your companions. If there are 2 or more of you this tour costs around the same or even less than a small group tour so you’ll be able to ask all the questions you like and relax at your own pace.
Tour details:
- Days operated: Monday – Saturday except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
- Start time: Available between 12:00 midday and 17:00pm
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Group size: private – so up to you
Best tour for: an introduction to the best food in Rome – from pizza to suppli and the best gelato in town.
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Twilight Testaccio Rome Food Tour by Eating Europe
Food tour specialists Eating Europe take you on a stroll though Testaccio, the area of the city that has been known as Rome’s pantry since ancient times. This is a great tour to take if, like us, you’ve visited Rome several times and you want to discover a new area full of surprises.
On the Twilight Testaccio Rome Food Tour you’ll learn the evolution of the making three of the most famous Roman pasta dishes starting with one process, discover an underground cellar with ancient origins and learn what the latest street food sensation trapizzino is. By the end of your tour you’ll be plotting your return to this area to taste just one more bite of delicious cacio e pepe.
Tour details:
- Days operated: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thur,Fri,Sat, Sun
- Start time: Various times between 17:00pm and 18:45pm
- Tour length: 4 hours
- Group size: 12 or under
Best tour for: visitors returning to Rome who want to discover a new and lesser known neighborhood with an incredible food heritage
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Rome Street Food Tour by Raphael Tours on GetYourGuide
If munching on street food snacks is more your style of eating than sit down meals, the Rome Street Food Tour will keep your tummy happy. This tour walks through the Pantheon, Jewish Quarter and Largo di Torre Argentina areas on a mission to keep your hunger at bay with tasty snacks.
You taste suppli rice balls to pizza and gelato, all washed down with local wine or beer, while you take in the sights of these historic Roman neighborhoods dating back 2000 years. Choose from Jewish Quarter, Trastevere
Tour details:
- Days operated: Every day with a break over Christmas and some public holidays
- Start time: Jewish Quarter Tour 11:00am and 17:15pm / Trastevere Tour – 10:30am and 17:45pm
- Tour length: 2.5 hours
- Group size: 20 or under
Best tour for: people who like their food bite sized
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Rome’s Ultimate Vegan Food Tour by WithLocals
Italy’s food staples may not seem to lend themselves easily to eating a vegan diet but take this tour and you’ll learn that is a myth. Over 3 hours your guide will take you on a vegan friendly tasting expedition around Rome in search of the most delicious dishes.
The Ultimate Vegan Food Tour of Rome includes 8 tastings such as dairy free gelato, wine and even pizza. You’ll learn all about what dishes to look for on menus so you can continue your eating adventures on your own.
Tour details:
- Days operated: Wednesdays
- Start time: Between 10:00am and 15:00pm
- Tour length: 2 hours
- Group size: Private tour so up to you
Best tour for: vegan visitors to Rome – this tour is one of a kind!
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Twilight Trastevere Food Tour by Eating Europe
With street food tastings, pizza, pasta, gelato and a twilight walk through the picturesque Trastevere district, the Twilight Trastevere Food Tour gives you a great overview of Roman cuisine. You’ll learn about the tastiest local snacks and best pasta dishes as you walk through one of Rome’s favorite traditional neighborhoods.
Hosted by the fun guides from the Easting Europe, this tour makes four stops starting at bustling Campo de’Fiori and crosses the Ponte Sisto into Trastevere, where some of the city’s best restaurants are found. This tour is a great way to learn about the local area as well as discover restaurants and eateries you’ll return to during your time in Rome.
Tour details:
- Days operated: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thur,Fri,Sat
- Start time: 17:30pm
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Group size: 12 or under
Best tour for: discovering a pretty part of the city with fun food tastings. You can read more about this tour in our Rome food guide
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Best food experiences in Rome
Rome Food Tour with Pizza-Making, Trattoria Tastings & Gelato by Take Walks
This experience is so much more than a food tour – Take Walk’s Rome Food tour (formerly Walks of Italy’s) their tour covers pizza making skills as well. You’ll wander through the Jewish Quarter and taste iconic produce and dishes such as pecorino romano sheep’s milk cheese, cured meats and specialty baked goods.
At your pizza stop it’s time to get hands on with the dough as you learn pizza making techniques that have been passed down over centuries. Eat your creation straight from the oven as Romans intended. You’ll make a final stop for gelato and a recap of the history and traditions of Rome’s food culture.
Experience details:
- Days operated: Mon,Wed,Fri,Sat
- Start time: 16:45pm
- Tour length: 3.5 hours
- Group size: 12 or less
Best experience for: a combination of tasting and cooking
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Catacombs and Gianicolo food tour by EatWith
Explore 2,000 year old catacombs on Giancolo hill with your local guide Debora before returning to her home close by for an ancient Roman feast prepared by her family. The Catacombs tour and ancient Roman feast is a truly unique half day experience that we had the pleasure of trying on our last trip to Rome.
On this tour you go underground below a beautiful church dedicated to a special saint to view ancient burial grounds. You’ll learn some of the incredible secrets of Rome including something very special about Debora’s home. As you feast on your Roman meal, prepared according to ancient recipes, you’ll also have the opportunity to dress up as a gladiator or Roman aristocrat. So. much. fun.
Experience details:
- Days operated: Mon, Fri
- Start time: 09:30am
- Tour length: 4 hours
- Group size: 10 or under
Best experience for: history and food buffs wanting an unusual experience in Rome
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Rome Pasta-Making Class
Enjoy an amazing time in the charming Trastevere neighborhood, with Take Walk’s Cook, Dine & Drink Wine With A Local Chef experience.
Start off with a glass of prosecco and a couple of small Roman bites, the cooking class will teach you hands-on how to make incredible pasta which you can then re-create at home. Concludes with getting to eat your delicious dinner and enjoying some wine and gelato.
Experience details:
- Days operated: Daily from mid March (various weekdays in lower seasons)
- Start time: 16:15pm, 9.30am (from mid-April)
- Tour length: 3 hours
- Group size: 12 or under
Best experience for: a combination of cooking and tasting – enjoying the essence of Rome
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Rome Food Tour by Night
If you’re interested in foodie districts and the city’s most-loved establishments, join this 4-Hour Food Tour by Night.
With over 20 tastings, you get to try some of the best foods, wines, and local products that Rome has to offer. Highlights include tasting a 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar and the world’s most expensive ham and getting to meet the people and families behind the food.
Experience details:
- Days operated: Every day
- Start time: 15:30pm, 16:30 pm, 17:30pm, 18:30pm
- Tour length: 4 hours
Best experience for: foodies keen to try the best products
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Local Food Experiences with EatWith
Immerse yourself in the Roman food scene and culture with an EatWith experience. When you join one of these experiences you can get to taste things you may not find in a restaurant, as well as enjoying unique activities such as a Roman dinner party in a stylish apartment, a traditional Roman family feast, street food tasting tours to secret spots, learning to cook a variety of local dishes and dining on terraces with spectacular views. These are the kinds of experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.
Best experience for: those looking for personal, hyper-local experiences and home-cooked food
> Click here for latest prices and tour booking
Food tours and activities for families in Rome
Children love eating and learning about food and there’s no better way to get them acquainted with the local culture than let them taste their away around the cuisine. These days, tour companies have created special tours and experiences just for families that kids will love. Here are some favorites:
- Illuminated Rome Tour for Kids with Gelato and Pizza [GetYourGuide] – with engaging activities, this fun tour is perfect for all the family. You get to learn Roman History in a fun way, taste some delicious gelato and pizza and experience a Roman sunset > click here for details
- Pizza and gelato making class [Cookly] – learn to make Italian staples pizza and gelato. This is a fun class for children to learn about Italian food close to Piazza Navona > click here for details
Some tour companies like Devour Tours are happy for kids to join a standard tour. Prices are cheaper than adults for kids aged 5 to 12 and free for kids 4 and under. Our kids held their own on their Rome street food tour and loved every minute.
Recommended Rome food tour companies
Didn’t find quite what you were looking for in the list above? We have tried and tested tours and experiences by all these companies and recommend them wholeheartedly for their professionalism, customer service and of course deliciousness of their food tours.
- Eating Europe (Eating Italy) – are food tour specialists and experts at finding the best examples of local dishes and knowledgeable foodie guides. The company started in Rome over 10 years ago so it is fair to say they know a bit about the local food culture > browse all tours
- WithLocals – offer unique private guided experiences at very reasonable prices – sometimes less than small group tours. Choose your guide and customize set itineraries based on your interests and enjoy the expertise of passionate locals ready to share their city with you > browse Rome food tours
- Take Walks (Walks of Italy) – design wonderful tours and have a longstanding reputation for excellent service, groups under 20 people and guaranteed departures. So if you are the only person booked on a tour it will still go ahead. Cancelations and changes can be made up to 72 hours before departure > browse all tours
- Liv Tours – are a Rome based family run company specializing in very small and private tours and experiences across Italy. If you click on this link or use code ‘UntoldItaly’ on their website and make a booking, a 5% discount is applied at checkout
Top tips and FAQ about food tours in Rome
When should we take our food tour?
We recommend joining a Rome foodie tour early in your stay. You don’t need to research where to eat, as the best food tours of will give you a list of establishments your guide will let you know the perfect spot to dine depending on your tastes and preferences. After your tour you’ll know how to order a dish or two. You’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to explore on your own. No bad gelato for you!
Are there any markets we can visit on a tour?
Yes! Campo de Fiori and Testaccio markets are often included in food tour in Rome itineraries. If you’re interested in visiting markets then choose a tour during the day as the markets usually close before 5pm
Do tour companies cater for food allergies and intolerances?
Yes food tour companies generally cater well for allergies and intolerances. Gluten intolerance is increasing among Italians so you will find they can cater for that easily. If you are vegan you may like to look for a specific tour like this one that will cater to your specific needs.
Make sure you mention your dietary requirements when booking your tour.
How much will a food tour cost in Rome?
Expect to pay between €60 and €90 for 2.5 to 4 hours – this is excellent value considering you’ll get a guided tour and all the amazing food plus tips on where to eat next
How much food will I eat on the tour?
Lots! Eat light before your tour as you will be generously fed as we have been on all the food tours we’ve tried
I don’t drink alcohol – is a food tour still worth it?
Yes, it is. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on all that yummy food. If you don’t drink alcohol you will likely be offered mineral water as an alternative. Sodas and soft drinks are generally more expensive than good table wine so are not usually offered as inclusions in tours. Let the tour company know when you book that this is your preference
More fun times in Rome
Taking a food tour in Rome is a must do activity for your trip to the Eternal City. Food plays such a big part in the city’s culture that if you skip these activities you’ll miss out on understanding what makes Rome tick. We hope you found the perfect food tour for your trip in our list of tried and tested favorites.
We have lots more information to help you plan your activities in Rome in the articles below:
- Our guide to Rome
- Arriving in Rome – how to get to your accommodation from the airport
- 3 day Rome itinerary – plan your days in the Eternal City
- 5 days in Rome – itinerary suggestions and must do activities beyond your food tour
- Best tours in Rome – from must to tours of the Colosseum to the Vatican plus specialty tours
- Hidden gems – off the beaten path in Rome
- Where to stay in Rome – information on the best neighborhoods and places to stay and in specific areas:
- near the Pantheon (best for first timers)
- near the Colosseum
- and in Trastevere
And onwards through Italy
Join our free Italy Travel Planning Community where you can ask questions about your travels – itinerary suggestions, accommodation and restaurant recommendations and more.
Or for a step by step plan to assist your planning, visit our guide to planning a trip to Italy
Love Italian food? Read on…
The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy