How to Read an Italian Menu (And Order Like a Local)

Plate of carbonara pasta

One of the best parts of traveling is experiencing the culture through food, and in many cases, eating out can be the highlight of your trip.  But how are you supposed to eat like a local if you don’t understand how to order off the menu? While understanding how to read an Italian menu can […]

7 Trattorias in Rome for the Italian Meal of Your Dreams

Velavevodetto is the best trattoria in Rome for cacio e pepe.

When we Romans want to indulge in authentic local cuisine, there’s no place like a trattoria: a rustic, family-run restaurant with generous portions. Cucina romana is known for its simple ingredients, and for the most heavenly antipasti, classic primi and hearty secondi, these no-frills, family-run spots are your best bet. So you don’t waste valuable […]

Hidden Rome: Dining in Centri Sociali

If you’re looking for cheap, local food, served with a side of politics, you’ve got to go to a Roman centro sociale Centri sociali are one of the great, hidden protagonists in Roman cultural life. There are Centri sociali all over Italy, but we’re going to focus on the Roman ones in this blog. Dining in […]

The 5 Best Cheap Eats in Rome That All Budgets Should Try

Pasta Chef is home to some of the all-around best cheap eats Rome has to offer.

Rome is a city full of high quality food bargains. A scoop of gelato is rarely more than €2.50, and an espresso costs about a euro. Street food and pizza are great options to save your food euros, but you’re probably craving a plate of pasta amatriciana and a glass of wine, too. Rome is […]

Where to Eat Dinner in Rome [2024 Guide]

Cacio e pepe is one of the most popular Roman pasta dishes today, but comes from humble origins.

In Rome, we take our food very seriously. There’s only one way we like our pasta—al dente—and don’t waste our time with overcooked fish or meat. Rome is packed with restaurants around every corner. But the more restaurants we try, the more we fall in love with our all-time favorites. If you want to get […]

The Ultimate Guide to Eating Gluten Free in Rome

If you're obsessed with Rome, you know not to add garlic to your amatriciana.

With pizza, pasta and bread around every corner, you might think that eating gluten free in Rome is impossible—but you’d be wrong! Although traditional Italian cuisine is largely wheat-based, there are many naturally gluten-free ways to eat in Italy. For example, secondo dishes (main courses) usually consist of meat or fish cooked simply. But what […]