Let’s see what makes Roman pizza distinctive and highlight 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 it’s very difficult to find anything other than fantastic pizza wherever you go.
Complete GuideWhat do I need to know before I visit Rome?Read the full guide
When in Rome, the city’s 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 focuses on minimal, fresh, and seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. 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 a great street food snack to fuel your adventures.
Enough about those other Roman favorites; 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…
While Naples is often hailed as the birthplace of pizza (and no Neapolitan will let you forget it), Rome has its own pizza 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.
"In Rome, the best pizza is often found in the small, family-run pizzerias where old and new passion. For a truly authentic taste, try Pizzeria La Montecarlo—its thin, crispy crust coupled with fresh, local ingredients captures the essence of Roman culinary heritage beautifully."
Giovanni Rossi - Culinary Historian
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 flavorful, 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 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 see a few different varieties rather than always sticking to what you know. You might just find a new favorite.
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Rome
Where to find pizza in Rome, Italy
Best Authentic Roman Pizza: 180grammi Pizzeria Romana
If you're looking for pizza that is both traditional and innovative, 180grammi Pizzeria Romana stands out. They take the classic Roman-style pizza and elevate it with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. This place 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. 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 flair to keep it interesting. Tomato, raw buffalo braid, vodka sauce, basil, curly parsley, provolone del monaco, and a 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 the same pizzeria that made Julia Roberts realize 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.
You have to order a classic margarita, with just the right amount of true buffalo mozzarella to not completely water down the soft crust. 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 thicker dough has much more structural integrity, allowing for a greater variety of toppings compared to a delicate Neapolitan pizza.
Pizzarium is one modern pizzeria that has changed 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 distinctive flavor combinations.
Must-try: The potato and rosemary pizza, a surprisingly delicious combination best left to those who are not carb-conscious.
Best Pizza Alternative: Trapizzino
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there haven’t been many groundbreaking changes in many decades (but if it isn't 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.
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Named after its titular creation, Trapizzino serves triangular pockets of pizza dough filled with traditional and exotic Roman stews and sauces. It's a tasty 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 lively rosemary flavors.
Honorable Mentions: There is no such thing as bad pizza
Pizza is serious in Italy, and wherever you go, your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are a few more of our favorite pizzerias around town.
• La Gatta Mangiona: This 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!
The Best Way to Enjoy Pizza in Rome: Make it Yourself
While we realize 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 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 drop-off at a central metro station if you don't have your own transport. During the class, which lasts 2-3 hours, you'll learn all about the art of both pasta and pizza making.
You'll get to roll your own dough, apply your favorite toppings, and watch with anticipation as your very own pizza sizzles in a 400°C oven. The results are absolutely delicious.
To conclude
So, if you are a purist seeking the perfect Roman-style pizza or an adventurous eater looking for something a little different, Rome has options to satisfy every pizza craving. Now go forth and enjoy! And remember, in Rome, there's no such thing as too much pizza.
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External Links
Turismo Roma
Official tourism site for Rome, featuring dining recommendations including pizza.
Rome.info
A comprehensive guide to the best pizza places in Rome.
Italia.it
Explore the best pizza spots in Rome with this informative guide.
CoopCulture
While primarily for Colosseum tickets, they often feature local dining options including pizza.
