Markets in Rome – Food Markets in Rome
We absolutely love to eat and write about food in Rome, and we've already written a lot about the topic (there's no stopping us!). Our next article is "cooked" especially for those who want to have a taste of the best food markets in Rome. Italians usually buy their food at the supermarket, but Rome still has a large market of food markets, and Romans love to go there and get the freshest and best quality products. You might be surprised to find that shopping in the markets is not only colorful, fun and connecting with the locals, but also one of the most important attractions in the city. That's what we're here for – to surprise you! Below is our gist list of food markets in Rome:
- Netanela Biton
- May 22, 2022
Testtacio
One of the trendy food markets in the city is located in the central Testaccio neighborhood, inside a closed and modern space with a cool atmosphere. It has no less than 100 food businesses with all the food stalls imaginable, from vegetables and fruits to meat and fish. It has also restaurants that offer fresh and seasonal dishes, gourmet and “artistic” street food. We recommend that you eat panini at Mordi & Vai and pasta at Le Mani in Pasta. This market is a must-visit and it’s open from morning to noon (except Sundays). It’s also a great place to mingle with the locals. If you also feel like shopping you’re in the right place, because there are stands that sell shoes, clothes, kitchen accessories and more. You will be amazed by this market!
The special detail – the street food
Address: Via Aldo Manuzio 66b
Centrale
Are you hungry and have time to kill until you catch your train at Termini station? Run to Mercato (market) Centrale! This is a large, innovative and indoor food market located on the lower level of the station. It is a veritable paradise for foodies and hosts some of the biggest names of the Roman scene. Here are some examples: Pier Daniele’s stall has a special pizza, a kind of pizza pie with unusual toppings; La Tavola il Vino e la Dispensa restaurant excels in gourmet dining and two Michelin stars, and the Luciano Savini shop sells truffles from a Montreal village famous for its mushrooms. Unlike other food markets, the current one is open all year round, from Monday to Sunday and from morning to midnight. Entering the train on an empty stomach is absolutely forbidden!
The special detail – open until midnight
Address: Via Giovanni Giolitti 36
Campo de Fiori
Campo di Fiori, a famous and beloved square in the city, is known for its lively night life and a lively market during the day. It’s located in the open air (unlike most food markets in the city) and was founded in 1869, a fact that makes it the oldest food market in Rome, maintaining its authenticity to this day. Due to its location in the historic beautiful center, it is intended for tourists and its prices are a little high (but worth it), with fine and fresh products that come mainly from the Lazio region. The market is full of bars, restaurants, ice cream and sandwich stands. In addition, you will find organic food stalls, flowers and a flea market selling souvenirs and other trinkets. It is also open from Monday to Saturday at noon and you cannot miss it!
The special detail – works in the open air
Address: Piazza Campo de’ Fiori
Eataly
Eataly is a nice pun that combines the English word “eat” with “Italy”, and the place is indeed dedicated to Italian food in all its colors. This is an international food chain located in other cities in Italy such as Florence and Bologna, and in international cities such as Munich and Toronto. Eataly in Rome is a huge gastronomic center spanning four floors, and is one of the largest food centers in the world (and the largest Italian food center)! On the first floor you will find bakeries and cafes, for example; on the second one pasta and seafood restaurants; on the third gourmet restaurants and on the fourth, cooking classes with some of the best Italian chefs. There is also a food market of course, which is one of the biggest ones in Rome, with more than 14,000 products produced in the country. The stands are open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., so if you feel like nibbling on some Italian delicacies, don’t sleep late!
The special detail – the world’s largest center of Italian food
Address: Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492
Trionfale
Next in line is the largest food market in Rome and one of the largest in Italy and Europe in general. The indoor market near the Vatican was founded in the 19th century, and it’s the first of its kind in Rome. It has more than 270 food stalls arranged by color (meat in red and seafood in blue, for instance). Among our recommendations: stall 266, which sells a variety of cheeses for more than 40 years, and stall 229, which sells various pastas. Furthermore, it has all of the products that Italy excels in, such as jams, eggs and nuts. If you feel like doing a different kind of shopping, there’s a department that sells toys, hats, accessories and the like. “Trionfale” means “victory” in Italian, and when you get here you will definitely feel victorious!
The special detail – the largest food market in Rome
Address: Via Andrea Doria 41
Esquilino
The last food market on our list is in the multicultural Esquilino neighborhood, hence its name and uniqueness. It is the most diverse and colorful in Rome, and it sells more than “just” Italian food! As befits its neighborhood, this market has food from all over the globe, from Moroccan and Indian spices to Romanian meats, and you have everything at affordable prices. This indoor market is close to Termini station and is one of the oldest in the city. It is also the most “classic” market on the list – noisy, dirty and it’s acceptable to bargain out loud. If you want an authentic and unpretentious market experience, you’ve come to the right place!
The special detail – sells products from all over the world
Address: Via Principe Amedeo 184
Going to the market is an experience that involves all senses. It allows us to see many colors and people from all backgrounds, touch different cultures, sniff diverse smells and taste special and exotic flavors. The markets of Rome provide the same delightful experience, only from a different angle and in the Italian language. Whether in Centrale, Testaccio, or even the ethnic Esquilino (along with other markets that are not on the list), we absolutely love going to the Roman markets, and we’re sure you will too!
