9 Popular Roman Dishes & Where to Eat in the Lazio Region

Lazio is a region located in the central part of the country, just south of Rome. It is home to many historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and a wide variety of interesting cities and towns. In this blog, I will be exploring the culture, history, cuisine, and attractions of the Lazio Region. I will be sharing stories and photographs of the places I have visited and the people I have met throughout my travels in this region. I hope you will enjoy learning more about the Lazio Region and join me in discovering its hidden gems.

The food here is a reflection of the region’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. From simple Roman dishes to more elaborate creations of the area’s old nobles, the cuisine of Lazio offers something for everyone. In this blog, I will be exploring the traditional dishes, ingredients, and flavors that make the cuisine of Lazio so unique and delectable. I will also be highlighting some of the region’s best chefs, restaurants, and recipes to give you an idea of how to enjoy the best of Lazio’s cuisine. So grab a fork and let’s dive in!

The cuisine of the Lazio region of Italy is one of the most varied and interesting in the entire country. Situated in the heart of the country, Lazio is home to the capital city of Rome and the famous areas of Tuscany and Abruzzo. The region has a long and varied history, which has had a huge influence on the cuisine of the area. The cuisine of Lazio is based on the abundance of fresh, local ingredients which are widely available in the region. Lazio has a rich agricultural tradition, with the coastal areas producing a wide variety of seafood, including clams, mussels, sea bass, and eels. Inland, the region is home to a range of vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. The cuisine of Lazio also has a strong focus on pork, as well as other types of meat. In addition to the abundance of fresh ingredients, Lazio is also home to some of the most famous Italian dishes.

Lazio Cuisine

Here are some of the most notable dishes to try out when you visit the Lazio region:

1. Carbonara di Amatrice – a classic dish that originated in the small town of Amatrice in the Lazio region of Italy. It is made with spaghetti, guanciale (cured pork jowl), eggs, black pepper, and Pecorino Romano cheese. The ingredients are cooked together in a pan to create a creamy sauce. The guanciale adds a salty, savory flavor to the dish, while the Pecorino gives it a sharp, nutty taste. The dish is traditionally served with freshly grated black pepper on top. Carbonara di Amatrice is a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to please any Italian food lover.

2. Cacio e Pepe – a simple pasta dish made with only a few ingredients of linguine pasta, Pecorino cheese, black pepper, and olive oil. It is a traditional Roman dish that is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The pasta is cooked al dente and then mixed with the cheese, pepper, and olive oil to create a creamy sauce. It is served as a main dish or a side dish and can be topped with additional cheese, pepper, and olive oil to enhance the flavor. It is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to be a hit with any crowd!

3. Saltimbocca alla Romana – a dish that consists of thin slices of veal, usually top round, that are topped with prosciutto and sage leaves, then rolled up and sautéed with butter, white wine, and a touch of lemon juice. The name of the dish comes from the Italian verb saltimbocca, which means “to jump in the mouth” due to the succulent combination of flavors. This dish can be served with a side of potatoes, pasta, or a salad.

4. Supplì al Telefono – fried rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and parsley. The name of the dish comes from the way the mozzarella cheese strings between the two halves of the rice ball when it is cut in half, resembling a telephone cord. It is usually served as an appetizer or snack. This dish is often served at parties, family gatherings, and even as a street food. It’s a delicious and simple way to enjoy Italian cuisine.

5. Bucatini all’Amatriciana – made with bucatini pasta, tomato sauce, guanciale (cured pork jowl or cheek), and pecorino cheese. The pork jowl is lightly fried in olive oil, then cooked in tomato sauce and finished with a sprinkle of pecorino cheese. The dish is served hot and is a favorite of many Italian families. It is also often served as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. Bucatini all’Amatriciana is a hearty and flavorful dish with a hint of smokiness from the guanciale.

6. Fettuccine Alfredo – a simple yet delicious dish consisting of fettuccine pasta tossed in a creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It is often topped with herbs such as parsley or basil and a pinch of black pepper. The dish is said to have been created in Rome in 1914 and is still a favorite throughout the region. Fettucini Alfredo is a comforting and flavorful meal that is sure to please.

7. Abbacchio alla Cacciatora – made with tender spring lamb that is slowly cooked in a sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The result is an incredibly tender and flavorful meal that is sure to please any palate. The lamb is braised in the sauce until it is so tender it almost melts in your mouth. Abbacchio alla Cacciatora is traditionally served with polenta or mashed potatoes and a glass of red wine.

8. Gricia – made with guanciale (pork cheek), pecorino cheese, and black pepper. The guanciale is first cooked in a skillet until it is crisp and golden. The cooked guanciale is then combined with freshly grated pecorino cheese and black pepper to form a creamy sauce. The sauce is then served over cooked spaghetti for a delicious and flavorful dish. Gricia is a popular dish in Lazio and can be served as a main course, side dish, or appetizer.

9. Gnocchi alla Romana- This dish consists of semolina gnocchi, which are boiled and then baked in a pan with a creamy béchamel sauce. The gnocchi are then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy flavors, sure to please any palate.

Where to eat in Lazio, Italy.

Migliori Ristoranti (Best Restaurants)

1. La Pergola: Situated in Rome, La Pergola is one of the most renowned restaurants in the Lazio region. It offers contemporary Italian cuisine with modern touches and outstanding local wines. 

2. La Veranda: Located in Ostia, La Veranda serves up traditional Roman dishes made with the freshest ingredients. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list, making it one of the top choices in Lazio. 

3. Il Casale: Located in the hills of Frascati, Il Casale serves up rustic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list and stunning views of the countryside. 

4. L’Osteria del Gatto e la Volpe: This picturesque restaurant in Anzio overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and serves up seafood specialties and traditional Italian dishes. 

5. La Taverna del Campidoglio: Located in the heart of Rome, La Taverna del Campidoglio is a popular spot for traditional Roman cuisine. The restaurant also features an extensive list of Italian wines.

Roma

The region of Lazio in Italy is home to some of the most iconic and traditional Italian dishes. It has been shaped by its Roman ancestors, who have left their mark on the region’s cuisine for centuries. Roman cuisine has had a profound influence on modern cuisine in the Lazio region, and many of the dishes that are now considered to be staples of Italian cuisine can trace their roots back to the ancient Romans. 

The most obvious example of Roman influence on Lazio cuisine is pasta. The Romans were the first to introduce pasta to the Italian peninsula, and it has been a staple of Italian cuisine ever since. From traditional Roman recipes such as spaghetti alla carbonara and spaghetti all’amatriciana to modern dishes such as lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo, pasta is a fundamental part of the Lazio region’s cuisine. 

Roman influence is also seen in the use of certain ingredients and cooking techniques. For example, the Romans were the first to use tomatoes in their cooking, which are now widely used in Lazio dishes such as pasta sauces and bruschetta. The Romans also introduced the technique of roasting meats, which is now a popular way of preparing dishes such as roast chicken and roast beef.

Vino Della Regione

The Lazio region is renowned for producing some of the finest wines the country has to offer. From the rolling hills of the Sabina region to the slopes of the Alban Hills, the Lazio region is home to vineyards that produce a wide range of wines. 

The Lazio region has a long history of viticulture, with evidence of vines being cultivated as early as the 4th century BC. The area is renowned for its red wines, particularly its Frascati, which is made from a blend of two local grapes, Malvasia and Trebbiano. This white wine is light and fruity with notes of honey and almonds, and it pairs well with fish and seafood dishes. 

The region also produces some excellent red wines, such as Cesanese and Montepulciano. Cesanese is a light-bodied red with a fruity nose and a dry finish, while Montepulciano is a full-bodied red with aromas of cherries and violets and a warm, spicy finish. These two wines pair perfectly with red meats or cured meats.

The cuisine of the Lazio region of Italy is truly unique and delicious. From the simple and rustic flavors of the Roman cuisine to the fresh seafood of the coastal towns, this region has something to offer everyone. With its rich history, culture, and traditions, the food of Lazio is an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a traditional Roman meal or a seafood feast, the food of Lazio is a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.