3 Best Cities in Which to Explore the Food of Lazio
Rome, Italy
The three best culinary cities in Lazio demonstrate distinct elements of the local cuisine, and you can savor the regional flavors on your next trip to Italy.
The diverse landscapes spread from the seaside in the west to the eastern mountains, with the region’s rich culinary history embodied in traditions that were at the heart of Etruscan settlements, the Roman Empire, the cradle of Christianity, and the Baroque movement. The mountain slopes and plains allow farmers to cultivate unique ingredients, bringing culturally significant flavors to life.
Exploring the food of Lazio can be a fantastic lens through which to view Italian culture, whether dining in Rome or enjoying unique delicacies in Frascati.
1. Rome
Carciofi all Giudia
Rome, Italy’s capital, is a vibrant metropolis that represents the commercial, culinary, and cultural heart of Lazio.
The traditional cuisine of Rome features fresh, seasonal ingredients like peas, artichokes, fava beans, shellfish, and cheeses. The most traditional foods can be found in the Testaccio neighborhood, where many butchers continue to demonstrate the heritage of their families.
Typical dishes also include Jewish influences that date back 400 years, such as specially prepared zucchini or fried artichokes that you can sample when visiting the capital city.
Famous dishes of Rome: Tomatoes stuffed with rice • Rigatoni with broccoli • Pasta alla Carbonara • Carciofi alla Giudia
2. Viterbo
Acquacotta
Viterbo is a provincial capital that was constructed over ancient Etruscan and Roman ruins. The traditional cuisine of Viterbo reflects the medieval heritage of the preserved historic town that is celebrated for its revitalizing thermal springs.
Typical dishes in Viterbo include gastronomic traditions that have been carried over from Rome and Umbria’s culinary heritage, reflecting a deep connection to the changing seasons and shifting landscapes.
The flavors of Viterbo accentuate the beauty of a setting you have to experience to understand when visiting Lazio.
Typical dishes of Viterbo: Acquacotta • Coregone • Lombrichelli • Tozzetti
3. Frascati
Cacio e Pepe
The quiet and historic town of Frascati captures the spirit of the Castelli Romani and offers a refreshing escape into a wine and food sanctuary in Lazio.
With a focus on delicious food and drink, the town carries on the traditions of wealthy Renaissance and early Baroque families who vacationed in the hills outside of Rome.
The town sings with local wines and seasonal specialties, with each new dish capturing a unique perspective of the local landscape, with wine-tasting experiences a highlight.
Popular dishes of Frascati: Truffles • Porchetta • Cacio e pepe • Saltimbocca alla Romana
Explore the Best Cities in Lazio for Food
Viterbo, Italy
With local and seasonal ingredients that freshen traditional tastes and highlight evolutionary recipes, you can embrace the treasures of regional cuisine in Lazio or find information for your next trip with our Italy food and wine travel guide.
The towns and cities of Lazio bring to light the spirit of the Roman Empire and essential culinary perspectives of the Renaissance, all of which you can experience on our Italy food tours.
