Rome has no shortage of excellent dining options across its 22 Rioni (historic districts), but travellers seeking an authentic taste of the Eternal City’s culinary culture shouldn’t miss Testaccio, a foodie haven that many consider to be the birthplace of Cucina Romana. Many of Rome’s most iconic trattorias can be found in Testaccio, and its bustling food market has long been a hub for fresh, local ingredients and street food, reinforcing the neighborhood’s role as a culinary epicentre. Our private food tour allows you to delve into the history of Testaccio and trace its evolution into a gastronomic powerhouse, sampling its most emblematic dishes along the way.
On your private half-day food tour, you will:
- Discover Testaccio neighbourhood, one of Rome’s most beloved culinary hubs, with a local guide;
- Hear the remarkable story of how Testaccio was built on a huge hill of broken and disused ancient Roman amphorae (clay jars);
- Learn about Testaccio’s long and fascinating history and how this has shaped its food culture;
- Get a crash course on Cucina Romana and its key ingredients and recipes;
- Step inside the iconic food market ‘Mercato Testaccio’, famous for its fresh produce and delicious street food stalls;
- Sample a variety of delicious tastings, including Italian cured meats, artisanal cheeses and Roman street food;
- Meet the vendors who have worked the market for generations;
- Sip on Italian coffee, followed by local wine and prosecco;
- Finish with dessert at a neighbourhood gelateria and find out how to tell if your gelato is the real deal.
Discover one of Rome’s most exciting and authentic culinary neighbourhoods on a delicious journey through Testaccio, the district Romans themselves turn to when they want to eat well. In the company of a passionate local guide, you’ll uncover the stories and flavours that have shaped this vibrant corner of the city for centuries, beginning with a classic Roman start to the day: coffee and a pastry at a neighbourhood café.
From there, you’ll dive straight into the beating heart of the area: the Mercato Testaccio. This lively food market is the epicentre of the district’s gastronomic life, where generations of vendors proudly display their fresh produce, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and irresistible street food specialities. As you wander its stalls, your guide will introduce you to the characters who make the market tick, sharing insights into the seasonal ingredients and family recipes that define Cucina Romana. Along the way, you’ll sample a generous variety of tastings, which might include crispy supplì, a slice of trapizzino, bruschetta topped with fragrant olive oil, or a refreshing caprese salad with creamy buffalo mozzarella. Each stop tells a story, linking the food on your plate with the history of the neighbourhood around you.
Beyond its food, Testaccio has a remarkable past. Built upon Monte Testaccio, a man-made hill formed entirely from broken ancient Roman amphorae (clay jars which were once used to transport oil), the area is steeped in history that continues to influence its culinary culture today. Between bites and sips, perhaps a glass of local wine, beer or prosecco, you’ll discover how this working-class neighbourhood helped shape the food traditions that Rome is famous for. The tour ends on a sweet note at one of Testaccio’s best gelaterias, where you’ll not only indulge in a scoop of gelato but also learn how to tell when you have found a truly authentic version of this beloved frozen treat.
Designed for curious travellers with a love of food and culture, this tour offers an immersion into the flavours, people, and stories of Testaccio, a neighbourhood that remains one of Rome’s best-kept secrets.
