Trastevere Street Food: What to Eat and Where to Find It

Why Trastevere Is a Street Food Hotspot

Trastevere has long been known as one of Rome’s most picture-perfect neighborhoods, and what better way to explore the cobbled streets than with a snack or two in hand? In Trastevere, street food is everywhere, which is part of the reason why it’s become a focal point for my Rome food tours.

If you’re curious about the Trastevere street food scene, this guide is for you! Below, you’ll find details of all the most popular street foods in Trastevere, where to enjoy them, and much more.

Street Food You Have to Try in Trastevere

There are so many incredible Trastevere street foods to try, but these are some recommendations to get you started.

• Suppli: Suppli are deep-fried, oblong-shaped delights typically filled with a mix of rice, tomato sauce, and mozzarella and coated in crunchy breadcrumbs.
• Trapizzino: A relatively modern Trastevere street food, trapizzinos are pizza pockets that come stuffed with a variety of fillings.
• Pizza al taglio: Rome’s answer to pizza by the slice, pizza al taglio refers to a rectangle-shaped pizza with a thick crust and creative toppings.
• Baccalà fritto: Simple but delicious, these fritters consist of salted cod in a crispy batter.
• Roman sandwiches: Sandwiches come in a range of styles in Rome, including savory porchetta rolls and classic paninis with cheeses and cured meats.
• Polpette: Rich meatballs served in a luxurious tomato sauce.

Best Places to Eat Street Food in Trastevere

Trapizzino 

Photo credit: Trapizzino 

It wouldn’t be right to run through my recommended street food spots and restaurants in Trastevere without mentioning Trapizzino. This is one of many locations in the city for the pizza pocket dish of the same name, but it might just be my favorite. I went for the polpette version, which consisted of soft dough and beefy, tomato-covered meatballs.

Trapizzino – 00153 Roma – Open every Monday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, and every Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Sesamo

Sesamo is a pretty unique street food haunt, as their specialty is pizza burgers. While I was a tad skeptical about this concept at first, I was quickly converted after trying their carbonara-inspired option. The sesame bun was made from pizza-style dough, while the inside was packed with juicy beef, smoky bacon, runny eggs, and a heavenly pecorino fondue.

Sesamo – 00153 Roma – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:30 pm to 10:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

La Renella

Photo credit: La Renella

La Renella is a centuries-old Trastevere street food joint serving up some delightful pizza al taglio. This low-key spot also serves some quality sweet treats, but the pizza is where the team here really shines. I tried a couple of different varieties when I visited, but I was especially fond of the slice with tangy sundried tomatoes and delicate zucchini on a focaccia base.

La Renella – 00153 Roma – Open every Monday to Thursday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 7:00 am to 2:00 am, and every Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 am.

Bar San Calisto

Photo credit: Bar San Calisto

Bar San Calisto‘s extensive opening hours make it an excellent street food hub, no matter what time it is. Gelato, pastries, pasta; you name it, and they probably have it here. When I arrived at lunchtime, I was craving a sandwich, and the panini with salty prosciutto and milky mozzarella was just what I needed.

Bar San Calisto – 00153 Roma – Open every day from 6:30 am to 1:30 am.

These eateries are just some of the many Trastevere street food hotspots worth checking out. During your visit, make sure to venture to the likes of Piazza Trilussa and Vicolo del Bologna for more curbside snacks!

How Romans Enjoy Street Food: Culture and Etiquette

Before you dive into the world of Trastevere street foods, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with Italian food culture and dining etiquette.

• Like most culinary experiences in Italy, street food is savored and usually eaten at a slow pace.
• Some street food spots offer limited seating, but otherwise, it’s best to do as the Romans do and tuck into your snacks while standing or walking.
• For the best foods, stick to traditional, family-style spots.
• Some street food eateries will also offer drinks, and some time-honored pairings include light or medium-bodied red wines with pizza al taglio or baccalà fritto with acidic white wines.

Street Food Tours and Tastings in Trastevere

My affinity for Trastevere street food is what encouraged me to run many of my Rome food tours from this esteemed neighborhood.

If you’re keen to learn more about the area’s gastronomic offerings and storied history, you’ll be sure to love these food-focused walking tours. Get ready for seasonal treats, local favorites, and curated tastings of Italian wines!

Don’t Miss the Sweet Side of Trastevere

Trastevere street food isn’t just about savory treats; there are plenty of sweet snacks available for those looking for an on-the-go dessert or sugar kick.

Between decadent gelato, freshly baked pastries, and a host of other Italian desserts, you’ll be spoiled for choice! 

For ice cream lovers, few gelaterias compare with Otaleg. It’s a small, stylish shop with an eclectic blend of traditional and innovative flavors. Keep it classic and tuck into some hazelnut or pistachio, or branch out and try quirky alternatives like gorgonzola or licorice.

Another must-try dessert spot is Tiramisú Merisù. As the same suggests, tiramisu is the focus here, but the twists on the age-old recipe ensure there’s an option for every taste.

For pastries, cakes, and other baked goods, stop by Le Levain Roma. There’s a mix of Italian and French sweets available here, though the creamy, zesty lemon tarts are particularly delectable.

Final Thoughts: Eat Your Way Through Trastevere’s Streets

Not every meal needs to be a formal, sit-down experience, and in Trastevere, street food can be just as tasty. Stocking up on grab-and-go bites allows you to discover the historic streets of this neighborhood while savoring typical Roman flavors!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Rome food tours. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/rome/

Trapizzino. (n.d.). Trapizzino Roma Trastevere. https://www.trapizzino.it/en/trapizzino/trapizzino-roma-trastevere/

Sésamo Trastevere. (n.d.). Homepage. https://www.sesamotrastevere.com/en

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). La Renella. Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1095877-Reviews-La_Renella-Rome_Lazio.html

Bar San Calisto. (n.d.). Bar storico nel cuore di Trastevere. https://barsancalisto.it/

Otaleg. (n.d.). Homepage. https://www.otaleg.com/en/home_en/

Meri Sushi Trastevere. (n.d.). Homepage. https://www.merisu.it/

Le Levain Roma. (n.d.). Homepage. https://www.lelevainroma.it/