If you’ve ever wandered the cobblestone streets of Rome and wondered where the locals really eat, you’re not alone. Chef Sarah Cicolini, a rising star in the Italian culinary scene, recently teamed up with Condé Nast Traveler to share her personal map of the city’s best bites. From a slice of pizza that feels like a hug in Fiumicino to tucked‑away trattorias serving dishes you won’t find on every tourist menu, her recommendations reveal a Rome that goes far beyond the classic carbonara and cacio e pepe.
Chef Sarah Cicolini’s Rome Food Guide
Sarah’s approach is simple: follow the aromas, trust the neighborhood vibe, and let the seasons dictate what ends up on the plate. She emphasizes that the city’s food culture is a living tapestry woven from market stalls, family‑run osterias, and innovative chefs who respect tradition while adding their own twist.
Pizza Perfection in Fiumicino
Just a short train ride from the historic center, Fiumicino boasts a pizzeria that Sarah swears by for its airy, blistered crust and toppings that change with the day’s catch. She recommends ordering the marinara con alici — a humble yet brilliant combination of tomato, garlic, oregano, and anchovies that lets the dough shine.
Hidden Gems for Authentic Roman Cuisine
Beyond the well‑trodden piazzas, Sarah points to a few under‑the‑radar spots where the menu reads like a love letter to Lazio’s countryside.
- Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere) – famous for its cacio e pepe but also serving a stellar abbacchio alla scottadito (grilled lamb chops).
- Osteria da Fortunata (Campo de’ Fiori) – handmade pasta made fresh each morning; try the tonnarelli cacio e pepe with a generous pecorino finish.
- Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (near Piazza Navona) – a deli‑restaurant hybrid where you can sample cured meats, cheeses, and a surprising carciofi alla giudia (Jewish‑style artichokes).
“Rome’s food scene is a conversation between past and present; the best dishes honor the roots while whispering something new.” – Chef Sarah Cicolini
Why It Matters
By venturing beyond the usual suspects, you get a taste of Rome’s everyday life — where nonnas still roll pasta by hand, markets overflow with seasonal produce, and chefs like Sarah are constantly reinterpreting classics. It’s a reminder that the city’s culinary identity is as dynamic as its history, and every bite tells a story.
