Food tour in Trastevere:
Trastevere is one of the up and coming areas of Rome noted for its food, the many historical churches, some of the best restaurants in Rome and the coolest and most hip bars. Trastevere, meaning, ‘beyond the Tiber’, was the 13th District created in Rome around the 6th century, is a tourist magnet with the narrow streets and the crazy cozy shops. Located on the west side of the Tiber, just south of the Vatican, it is easily accessible by walking from St Peters if you have the time.
Knowing that Trastevere is a popular neighborhood in Rome, we booked a food tour there. (We decided to walk from the Vatican and take our time, but you could easily take a cab.)
We have taken food tours in Venice and Florence, and in the US, including Hawaii, and love to sample the local food while getting hints on where and what to eat.
This one was billed as Budget Food Tour of Trastevere and it was!! The real name is “Budget-Friendly Street Food Tour of Trastevere Quarter in Rome”, and our guide, Virginia, was knowledgeable, local, and friendly.
The word “budget” is not used lightly here, because if you price around, you will find this tour is truly a bargain. There was nothing budgeted for the food or the tour guide, however.
This tour is scheduled through Trip Advisor:
Virginia first took us to a pastry shop to taste homemade cookies and crackers, then on to a suppli store (fried rice balls with a marinara and cheese center—amazing!).
Interestingly enough, both of these eating establishments had no exterior signs. Locals know where they are and no sign is needed.
In between the food offerings, Virginia treated us to a history of this neighborhood, and a visit to the Church of Santa Cecelia, the patron saint of musicians.
Next, it was off to a salami merchant to sample salami and cheese.
Wonderful with the crackers we had picked up earlier. We added some olives and shared them with the other members of our tour. By now we were already getting full, but we still had more to go.
Pizza is one of the oldest pizzerias in the area was next, which was another treat. Again, it was the crispy crust we found to be the trademark of Roman pizza. Then Virginia took us to a Gelateria for a lesson on how to select a good gelato stand, and to sample heavenly gelato.
No need for a formal dinner this night.
We all agreed this tour was well worth the time and money! And now we have a broader understanding of Italian food and Trastevere.
A food tour in Rome is just a small portion of the many sights and sounds of your time in Rome. Explore more in 3 Amazing Days in Rome.
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