3 Best Cities to Explore the Food of Lazio
Rome, Italy
The three best culinary cities of Lazio represent the distinct elements of the local cuisine. The diverse landscapes spread from the seaside in the west to the eastern mountains with ingredients that thrive in the rich history embodied in the traditions at the heart of Etruscan settlements, the Roman empire, the cradle of Christianity, and the luxuries of the baroque movement.
The mountain slopes and plains allow farmers to cultivate the prevailing heritage of Cucina Povera with unique ingredients and cultural flavors brought to life from around the Roman and Christian world. Exploring the food of Lazio can be a fantastic lens to view Italian culture.
1. Rome
Carciofi all Giudia
Rome is a vibrant metropolis that represents the commercial, culinary, and cultural capital of Lazio and the national capital of Italy. The traditional cuisine of Rome features fresh, seasonal ingredients like peas, artichokes, fava beans, shellfish, and cheeses. The most traditional foods in Rome are located in the Testaccio neighborhood, where many butchers have continued to carry on 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 all 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 that reflect a deep connection to the changing seasons and shifting landscapes. The flavors of Viterbo accentuate the beauty of the setting that 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 brought by wealthy families of the Renaissance to the early Baroque period 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.
Popular dishes of Frascati: Truffles | Porchetta | Cacio e pepe | Saltimbocca alla Romana
How to Plan Your Italian Food Tour
Viterbo, Italy
The towns and cities of Lazio bring to light the spirit of the Roman Empire and essential culinary perspectives of the Renaissance. With local and seasonal ingredients that renew traditional tastes and highlight evolutionary recipes, you can embrace the treasures of regional cuisine with the most Popular Flavors and Ingredients of Lazio or find information for your next trip with Zicasso’s Italy Travel Guide. You can also speak with an Italy travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.
