The food in Rome is the best in the world, and I promise I’m not saying this just because I’m Roman. According to TimeOut Magazine, the capital of Italy is renowned for having the finest cuisine on the planet.
And what better way to acquaint yourself with and uncover the wonders of this magnificent city than through a food and wine tour?
What are Food and Wine Tours?
If you’re not familiar with the concept, let me explain. A food and wine tour is an incredible experience where you have the opportunity to explore the local gastronomy and indulge in delicious dishes and wines, all while being expertly guided by knowledgeable professionals.
It’s a delightful way to immerse yourself in Rome’s culinary delights and create unforgettable memories. So, come join us on this incredible adventure and let your taste buds relish the very best of Rome.
Types of Food and Wine Tours
Finding a Food and Wine Tour to do in Rome won’t be difficult because plenty of options are available, catering to all tastes and preferences.
Guided Food and Wine Tours
These tours offer a structured and informative experience. They are led by knowledgeable local guides, ensuring an authentic and enjoyable time. The fascinating aspect of these tours is that, accompanied by a local. You’ll discover many exciting anecdotes about both the food and the city.
Typically, guided food tours include the cost of all tastings in the tour price. And since the guides are well acquainted with the establishments they work with, you can expect special treatment during your tour, including interactions with owners and chefs.
Self-Guided Food and Wine Tours
If you’re up for an adventure and love planning things yourself, organise your own food and wine tour of Rome.
To plan for the perfect self-guided food and wine tour of Rome, you should consult reliable and up-to-date websites that recommend interesting spots to visit. Alternatively, you could follow food-themed influencers – that’s how I still discover some hidden gems in town.
Jot down the most intriguing addresses, save them on Google Maps, and then categorise them based on the theme or the day you plan to visit.
Tip: When organising a self-guided food tour, remember that Rome is a very large and sometimes chaotic city. Spread the tour over multiple days or visit restaurants and bars in the same area. You’ll avoid spending the whole day walking or using public transport.
Themed Food and Wine Tours
If you’re looking for a unique food and wine tour or prefer an actual food experience, you’ll love a themed food and wine tour. Among the options that you’ll find there are:
- Food and wine tasting in the countryside: take a break from the chaos and enjoy the amazing culinary traditions of the Roman countryside
- Aperitivo tours: the perfect tour if you enjoy a nice Aperol Spritz or a glass of prosecco before dinner
- Bicycle food and wine tours: cycle through the city and stop at various food and wine spots along the way.
- Terrace restaurant tours: if you love panoramic views, these tours will make you happy
- Tiramisu tours: if you have a sweet tooth, you should go on a tasting of the best tiramisu in the city.
- Gelato-themed tours: probably the best food tour during the scorchy summer months. Visit renowned gelaterias to sample a variety of exquisite gelato flavours.
- Pasta tours: discover pasta-making and taste all the traditional Roman pasta dishes.
- Pizza-focused tours: discover the secrets of authentic Roman pizza – by the slice or round, thin, and crispy.
- Cooking classes: engage in a hands-on cooking experience, learning from Italian grandmothers or professional chefs who will teach you traditional recipes and techniques.
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Food Tours
If you follow a plant-based or gluten-free diet, fear not. You’ll find several tours entirely dedicated to those following a specific dietary style.
Rome is a city deeply rooted in its traditions, but luckily, there are more and more venues and restaurants catering to customers’ needs who choose to eat plant-based or gluten-free. Because of this, you’ll quickly come across guided food and wine tours in Rome that fully respect your dietary choices.
Florence, Naples, and Surroundings
Rome has a strategic location for visiting other marvellous tourist cities. Naples and Florence are just a few hours away by train from Rome. That’s why you’ll find several day-trip food tours from Rome, allowing you to discover the food and wines of these amazing cities.
Food and Wine Tour in Naples
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and to this day, Neapolitan pizza is honestly the best in Italy. If you truly love pizza and want to try some amazing street food, I highly recommend taking a tour in Naples, perhaps with a guide, to avoid wasting time or falling into tourist traps.
Food and Wine Tour in Florence
Florence is easily reachable from Rome, and you’ll find so much more than just the Uffizi Gallery. During a food and wine tour of Florence, you’ll get to taste traditional dishes such as Florentine steak, ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), lampredotto (a tripe sandwich), and cantucci (almond biscotti). It’s even better when paired with a sweet dessert wine called Vin Santo.
How to Pick the Best Food and Wine Tour
When choosing a food tour, it’s best to play it safe. The most reliable option, albeit possibly more expensive, is to select one of the food and wine tours offered by tour operators.
This way, you can guarantee that you’ll be accompanied by a professional. Additionally, professional tour operators provide better guarantees when it comes to cancellations, refunds, and customer service.
If you prefer a more down-to-earth and authentic experience, you can try websites like Viator, TripAdvisor Experiences, or the Experiences section of Airbnb. You’ll find various food and wine tours organised by regular people or small cultural organisations. And rest assured, these experiences will be just as memorable.
Food and Wine Tastings in Rome
As you’ll soon discover, in a city brimming with culinary culture like Rome, the line between a tour and a tasting is quite thin. Many food and wine tours involve tastings at multiple venues, while others are dedicated tastings at a single location.
Either way, rest assured that choosing a gastronomic experience in Rome is one of the finest ways to immerse yourself in local culture and learn about the history, customs, and traditions of ancient and modern Rome.
Etiquette and Tips
Insider Tips
- Many of the food and wine tours will involve a lot of eating: make sure you come hungry so you can have a taste of everything that is offered
- Group tours are sociable events: be prepared to chat a lot.
- Go on a food tour early on your visit to Rome so you can appreciate the city’s culinary traditions during your whole stay.
- If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, ensure the tour caters to this before you book.
How to Book
Booking online is the best and most convenient way to secure your place on a food and wine tour. If you’re already in Rome, you might also ask for a food and wine tour at your hotel desk, a travel agency, or a specialised tour operator.
What Costs to Anticipate
You should expect to pay around €90 roughly for a guided food and wine tour in Rome. The prices may differ a bit, especially if there is something besides the tour, like an added experience. Obviously, if you decide to go for a self-guided tour, the price will be limited to the cost of food tastings.
What to Expect
Most food and wine tours generally visit more than a few restaurants and bars. A guided tour will also include learning about the history of the area and information about food and wine. If you pay for a small group tour, it can be quite sociable. But if you’re dreaming of an exclusive experience, upgrade to a private tour.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals and Experiences
There are many online sites that offer bookings for food and wine tours in Rome. The prices are competitive but roughly the same: shop around to find the best deal.
If you’re staying at a hotel, try asking your receptionist if they can suggest any tours within your budget. Often they are in contact with tour operators and can offer last-minute deals on tours and experiences.