Last updated on December 9th, 2024
If you are traveling to Rome – the Eternal City – hold on to your hat! You have a lot of sightseeing and eating to do.
Rome is grande (large) and can be overwhelming, so leave plenty of time to recharge with some of Italy’s most beloved and famous foods such as gelato, pizza pinsa and pasta!
And while doing so, pick up some food souvenirs to remember your trip by or to give to families and friends.
These are my favorite food souvenirs and gifts that I always pick up when I’m in Rome. I live just a short 1 ½ hour drive from Rome, so I visit often.
Let’s take a look at Rome’s best foodie treats and where you can find them!
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Where To Buy Food Souvenirs in Rome
These are some of my favorite spots to pick up food souvenirs in Rome. Most have been around since the beginning of time, making them reliable staple shops for both locals and tourists alike.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
La Salumeria Roscioli is a salumeria, Italian deli, restaurant, and wine bar all in one.
The shop is stocked well with famous Italian foods like balsamic vinegar, canned tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, pasta, rice, extra virgin olive oil, and other condiments.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu, featuring dishes such as mozzarella with seasonal produce, caponata, pasta carbonara, meatballs, and several other local specialties. I love this spot not only for food but also for takeout food items and for an easy going lunch without waiting too long!
Castroni
Castroni is a local chain gourmet food shop renowned for its wide array of Italian and international food products.
The shelves are packed with cheeses, olives, pasta, risotto, coffee, jams, truffle goods, chocolates and more!
Castroni also sells an extensive selection of wines, beers, liqueurs, and imported ciders.
Sant’Eustachio
A must-visit near the Pantheon, Sant’Eustachio is a famous coffee shop that sells fair-trade Arabica coffee from South America. Be sure to get a coffee while you are here (note that they make it secretly so you can’t see how they do it!).
Valzani Chocolates
Situated in Trastevere, Valzani Chocolates has been crafting artisanal chocolates and cookies for a century now. This is the best spot for chocolates ‘off the beaten path’ in Rome.
Regoli Pasticceria
Regoli Pasticceria is most famous for its maritozzi, a Roman pastry made from a sweet, simple bun filled with sweet cream. This century-old bakery also offers other Italian classics, including cookies and desserts.
Bring home some of their pre-packaged cookies as souvenirs and also sit down for coffee and dessert while you are at it!
Antica Pizzicheria Ruggeri
Across from the Campo de Fiori market, Antica Pizzicheria Ruggeri is a historic butcher shop that has become more of a gourmet grocery store over time. Opened since 1919, this food shop has a wide selection of cured meats, cheese, olives, canned goods and other Italian deli specials. It’s a great central place for both food souvenirs from Rome and to get picnic items.
In addition, shop at these kind of Italian specialty shops for food souvenirs from Rome:
- Enoteca – wine shop
- Supermercati – grocery stores
- Torrefazione – sweets/coffee store
- Mercato – open air markets
- Pizzicheria – deli
- Caseificio or negozio di formaggio – where cheese is produced but often sold as well/cheese shop
My Favorite Food Souvenirs from Rome
Pecorino Romano DOP
Where To Buy It: Antica Caciara Cheeses, La Norcineria, Mercato Trionfale, Mercato Testaccio
If you want to bring Italian cheese back from Rome then it should absolutely be Pecorino Romano DOP, the most famous cheese from Lazio. It’s what’s used to make several regional dishes including the famous cacio e pepe pasta. This sheep’s milk cheese is sharp and aged for various months, making it ideal for grating over pasta dishes.
Tip: Cheese should be vacuum packed in order to bring it back to your home country. To learn more about pecorino cheese, don’t miss A Comprehensive Guide To Pecorino di Pienza.
Artisan Chocolate
Where To Buy It: Quetzalcoatl Chocolatier, SAID, Valzani, Moriondo Gariglio chocolates
Rome has a surprising number of small artisan chocolate shops located throughout the entire city. You can choose from dark to light, truffles to bars.
Tip: If you can’t make it to one of these artisan shops but are a chocolate-lover, you can opt for more affordable and accessible chocolate brands readily available in Italian grocery stores.
Canned Artichokes
Where To Buy Them: Jewish quarter at small shops
Artichokes are huge in Rome which is evident by the dishes you see made with them, the menus you read and the piles of fresh artichokes at markets and food stores (especially in December, January and February).
Tip: Although you can’t bring fresh produce back with you, you can buy artichokes preserved in olive oil. These can be added to meat dishes, pastas and even enjoyed fresh out of the jar with cocktails or a Spritz.
Roman Cookies & Sweets
Where To Buy Them: Biscottificio Innocenti, Forno Campo de’ Fiori, Antico Forno Stelletta, Valzani
Roman cookies travel well and are great snacks to share with friends and family upon your return from Rome. Look for pre-packaged cookies that you can pop into your carry-on (better than checked baggage as the cookies can break easily).
These are some of my favorites:
- Pangiallo Romano – a rich, dense cake more than a cooking made from nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, honey and raisins
- Panpepato – a different version of the pangiallo made with chocolate and spices
- Mostaccioli – a spiced chocolate Christmas cookie
- Torrone Romano – a type of nougat with pistachio, almonds, and chocolate
Cookie Lovers: For other cookies to try in Italy, read 10 Most Popular Italian Cookies.
Locally Roasted Coffee
Where To Buy It: Castroni (several locations throughout city center), Sant’Eustachio
Rome prides itself on its coffee, making it one of the best food gifts or souvenirs to bring back from Rome. You can look for beans, ground coffee or specialty coffee-inspired products such as chocolate covered coffee beans. No matter how you like to drink your coffee, there is something for you at either Castroni or Sant’Eustachio.
For Coffee Hounds: Be sure to check out 47 Ways to Drink Coffee in Italy and How To Order Coffee in Italy.
Frascati DOC
Where To Buy It: Trimani
Frascati is referred to as the “wine of the Popes,” for its light, refreshing notes perfect for daily consumption and aperitivo (as legend has it the popes always did in Rome).
Cesanese Wine
Where To Buy It: Roscioli Salumeria
For red wine lovers, Cesanese wine is a must-try. This bold wine features a bouquet of dark berries and spicy undertones, making it a great match for grilled meats and aged cheeses. With roots tracing back to ancient Rome, Cesanese has a long history in Lazio, making it one of the best food souvenirs.
Gifting Italian Goods: If you are hoping to give some of these souvenirs as gifts, it’s nice to create a small basket filled with goodies, which you can learn how to do in How to Make an Italian Gift Basket and DIY Italian Wine Gift Basket.
Curious to learn what else you should bring back from other cities and regions in Italy?
Find the best souvenirs and gifts from Amalfi Coast – Cinque Terre – Dolomites – Emilia-Romagna – Florence – Milan – Naples – Piedmont – Puglia – Rome – Sardinia – Sicily – Tuscany – Umbria – Veneto – Venice.
Or, check out my Condensed Region-by-Region Guide.
Gifts and Souvenirs: Be sure to check out all of my gift guides and souvenir guides!