Does Rome really have the best food in the world?

Pirates, Rome has the very best of Italian culture to take on board. But with so many options to eat and tourist traps to avoid, where do you even begin?

Coffee

When you think of Italy, you think of a stylish, well dressed, vespa rider, with an espresso and a cigar. No? Just us then. But seriously, Rome's coffee offerings are HUGE. While the Italians strictly reserve a cappucino for before 11am, the choice of drinks in the local hotspots could really give your local Costa Coffee a run for its money.

Top pirate tip - When ordering coffee in Rome, stand at the bar like the locals do. Not only is it the best way to take in the atmosphere, it's actually cheaper! If you choose to sit at a table, you'll be charged more for the waiter to come take your order and to bring you your drink. So remember to head to the bar for Un caffè per favore!

📍Sant’Eustachio

What to order - A classic espresso here is a must but if you make it before 11am, their cappuccino is one of the best around.

📍Tazza D‘oro

What to order - They're famous for their iced granita with whipped cream layers.

Street food

Now, we get it, you want to go to Rome, eat pizza, drink Aperol spritz and live your best life, but hear us out. There is much more to Italian cuisine that a lasagne or a pizza. The best sandwich we've ever had in our life was in Rome. Sat on a roman staircase, with a bottle of wine and tears of joy. All'Antico Vinaio Firenze is life changing. We actually can't overstate that. With outlets across Italy and a couple in New York, owner Tommaso Mazzanti has managed to achieve things we didn't even know were possible between 2 slices of bread. Well focaccia, because you know, this is Italy.

📍All'Antico Vinaio Firenze

What to order - Can we say one of everything? No but seriously, you can build your own order or choose from the menu. Anything with truffle, pistachio and burrata is a win in our book. And the house red wine, glass or bottle, is the perfect partner.

Pizza

So when it comes to pizza in Rome, you've got a few options. The legendary Pizza bianca in a forno from the Jewish quarter, a trapizzino (a pizza cone served inside bread) or head to Dar poeta in trastevere. We're not going to tell you too much about pizza in Rome because we're pretty sure you know what makes a decent slice but here are a few alternatives.

📍 Trapizzino

What to order - Doppia Panna – Double burrata stracciatella and Cantabrian anchovies

📍 Antico Forno Roscioli

What to order - This is where you want to head for your bianca in a forno, which is essentially bread that has a crazy amounts of flavour, olive oil, and salt). Crunchy and chewy in all the right places, this is ideal.

The best of the rest

You really could just eat your way round Rome, and in our opinion, you should. Here is just a few more hotspots for you to check out.

📍Giolitti

What to order - Gelato at it's absolute best, you could order pretty much one of everything in here, but get there EARLY as they sell out daily.

📍La Bottega del Caffè

What to order - Very few people do happy hour like the Italians and aperitivo is the ultimate happy hour. The usual hours to enjoy an aperitivo are 7 to 9 p.m. While you can order anything you like, you’re likely to see Italians drinking sunset-hued Aperol or Campari spritzes.