Let’s explore what makes Roman pizza unique and uncover some of the top spots to find the best pizza in Rome. Having recently spent a week in Rome in August we can honestly say that you’ll find it very difficult to find anything other than fantastic pizza wherever you go.

When in Rome, the city’s iconic dishes simply have to be experienced. From the simple yet sublime cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper) to the hearty amatriciana (pasta with tomato sauce, guanciale, and pecorino cheese), Roman cuisine is all about minimal, fresh, and seasonal ingredients and bold flavours. Don’t forget about those irresistible supplì balls – crispy, deep-fried rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella and a hint of tomato sauce. They’re the perfect street food snack to fuel your explorations.

Enough about those other Roman favourites, we’re here to talk pizza. Rome has its own distinct style that’s unlike anything you have tried before. So, let’s dig in…

How is Roman Pizza Different from Other Pizza?

While Naples is often hailed as the birthplace of pizza (and no Neopolitan will let you forget it), Rome has its own pizza prowess heritage to boast about. Roman-style pizza, also known as pizza Romana, is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and sometimes rectangular shape. Unlike the soft, foldable Neapolitan pizza, Roman pizza is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork.

The dough is typically made with a high hydration level, resulting in a light and airy crust with a satisfying crunch. The toppings are simple yet flavourful, often featuring classic combinations like Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) or Capricciosa (tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, artichokes, ham, and olives).

Pizza from different regions in Italy each stem from centuries of traditions and bring their own personality to the table.

Best Pizza in Rome

Finding the best pizza in Rome is a worthy challenge but we realise it’s very subjective. On our week-long family trip to Rome we did our best to sample as much pizza as our stomachs would allow. Our only advice would be to try and explore a few different varieties rather than always sticking to what you know. You might just discover a new favourite.

Best Authentic Roman Pizza: 180grammi Pizzeria Romana

If you’re looking for a pizza experience that’s both traditional and innovative, 180grammi Pizzeria Romana is a must-visit. They take the classic Roman-style pizza and elevate it with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. This place is so revered that it has been awarded a spot among the top 50 pizza restaurants in the world in 2022 (nr17!). Their dough is made with a blend of flours, resulting in a light and airy crust that’s both crispy and chewy.

The menu features a variety of tempting options, from classic Margherita to gourmet pizzas topped with fresh seafood or locally sourced cheeses. And don’t forget to save room for dessert. This is a mouthful but they serve a pizza-brioche blend topped with bourbon vanilla chantilly cream, fresh figs,roasted fig jam with thyme and rosemary, coppiette powder and lemon thyme. In every sense of the word: sublime.

Must-try: The Vodka Sauce pizza. It is close to a classic margarita but with just enough flare to keep it interesting. Tomato, raw buffalo braid, vodka sauce, basil, curly parsley, provolone del monaco and mix of peppers.

Best Neapolitan Pizza in Rome: Pizzeria da Michele

If you’re craving a taste of Naples in Rome, head to Pizzeria da Michele. This is afterall the same pizzeria that made Julia Roberts realise what good food tastes like in Eat, Pray, Love. This legendary pizzeria, with its original location in Naples, is known for its simple yet exceptional pizzas. The pizzas are soft, foldable, and bursting with flavor, just how they do it in Napoli.

Obviously you have to order a classic margarita, with just the right amount of true buffalo mozzarella to not completely water down the soft crust. But you can also ramp up the authenticity with some anchovies and capers and order the Pizza Napoli.

Must-try: A personal favorite was their fried pizza options. Pizza fritto is akin to a calzone but this comparison is a great injustice to the former. The filling is white sauce and pancetta, and the dough is perfectly golden and fluffy.

Best Pan Pizza: Pizzarium (Bonci)

Pan pizza is the Roman answer to the question, “what if I want to eat my pizza on the sidewalk?” Pizza dough is spread out in massive square pans and topped with all kinds of interesting toppings. The ticker dough has much more structural integrity and you can load it up far more than a delicate Neapolitan pizza.

Pizzarium is one such modern pizzeria that has revolutionized the Roman pizza scene with its innovative pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). The toppings are creative and ever-changing, featuring seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations.

Must-try: The potato and rosemary pizza, a surprisingly delicious combination but one that is best left to folks who are not carb conscious.

Another option to consider if you’re near the Trevi Fountain and feel the hunger pangs is Comodo. Aside from delicious pizza we can also recommend their mojito!

Best Pizza Alternative: Trapizzino

When it comes to Italian cuisine, there haven’t been many groundbreaking changes in many decades (but if it aint broken, why fix it?). One exception is Trapizzino, a relative newcomer to the Roman food scene. It has quickly become a local favorite and the roughly €5 price tag is quite attractive too.

Named after its titular creation, Trapizzino serves triangular pockets of pizza dough filled with traditional and exotic Roman stews and sauces. It’s a delicious and innovative twist on classic Roman flavors. The most popular remains the meatball (when in Rome?) and the eggplant and stracciatella options.

Must-try: The Ethiopian stew was an unexpected favorite with a bold and hearty flavor. But the undeniable winner is the porchetta stew, a mouth-watering roast pork dish from Rome with vibrant rosemary flavors.

Honorable Mentions: There is no such thing as bad pizza

Who are we kidding? You are in Italy! Pizza is no laughing matter and wherever you will go, your tastebuds are in for a treat. Here are a few more of our favorite pizzerias around town.

La Gatta Mangiona: This cozy spot in Monteverde is known for its creative toppings and extensive menu, making it a favorite among locals seeking something beyond the classic Margherita. Also the cat theme is pretty cute!
Emma: Located near the Vatican, Emma boasts a stylish ambiance and a menu filled with gourmet pizzas crafted with high-quality ingredients. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a more upscale pizza experience.
Piccolo Buco: A hidden gem in the heart of Trastevere, Piccolo Buco serves up delicious Roman-style pizza in a charming and intimate setting. Their outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a warm Roman evening but they don’t take reservations, so come early!
Seu Pizza Illuminati: This trendy pizzeria in Trastevere is known for its experimental pizzas and vibrant atmosphere. Their creative toppings and playful approach to pizza-making have earned them a devoted following.

The Best Way to Enjoy Pizza in Rome. Make it Yourself

While we realise that you may sometimes be on a tight schedule, there may be other occasions when you have all the time in the world. If you love pizza and like the idea of making it yourself we can highly recommend one of the Pizza and Pasta making classes offered in and around Rome.

There are several to choose from. Our class was held around 45 minutes outside of Rome. There’s a pickup and dropoff at a central metro station if you don’t have your own transport. During the class, which lasts a2-3 hours, you’ll learn all about the art of both pasta and pizza making. You’ll get to roll your own dough, apply your favourite toppings, and watch with anticipation as your very own pizza sizzles in a 400c oven. We can tell you the results are absolutely delicious.

To conclude

So, whether you’re a purist seeking the perfect Roman-style pizza or an adventurous eater looking for something a little different, Rome has something to satisfy every pizza craving. Now go forth and indulge! And remember, in Rome, there’s no such thing as too much pizza.

Visit.Network

I’ve been creating content and applications online since 1996. I’ve created several successful online businesses and enjoy creating content and tools that people enjoy using. I love to travel with my family and have visited more than 50 countries across all continents. We’re building the Visit.Network to bring interesting travel guides to travellers around the world.