Pizza romana has its own proud tradition distinct from Naples. The Roman style features a thin, crispy crust (bassa e scrocchiarella) that shatters when you bite into it. The dough is rolled rather than stretched, resulting in a lighter, crunchier base that Romans prefer for its digestibility.
Beyond pizzerias, Rome invented pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) – rectangular pizzas sold by weight, perfect for eating while exploring the city. The best al taglio shops bake throughout the day, offering an ever-changing selection of creative toppings alongside classics.
For a sit-down pizza experience, Rome's historic pizzerias serve pies in a convivial atmosphere, often with paper placemats, house wine in carafes, and fried starters like supplì (Roman arancini) and fiori di zucca (stuffed zucchini flowers). These establishments are popular – arrive early or expect to wait.