Real Food in Rome

Italy, one most everyone’s list of dream destinations. A country of passionate people, delicious food and rich history, this boot shaped mediterranean nation is one of my absolute favorites. And Rome is one of it’s most famous cities, filled with beautiful sites and yes, incredible food.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out my post on how to travel vegan and gluten free in Italy! But right now, we’re just talkin’ Rome!

First and foremost, here are my top site picks in what I think is the most romantic city in the world! (I love Paris but there is just something more warm and romantic to me here in Italy)

• The Colosseum – Worth the wait to get in! (Hint: Buy your combo tickets at the Forum ticket windows as they get you into the Forum as well as the Colosseum and the line is less than half as long!)
• The Roman Forum – Stunningly rad!
• Pantheon – Very cool during the day and the square is super romantic by night!
• Vatican City – No matter your religious beliefs, it’s pretty cool. Vist St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the very top where the stairs get crazy narrow & wonky! Then check out the Sistine Chapel!
• Piazza Navona – I love the fountains here! Great place to stop for an espresso, some people watching and general Roman life
• Trevi Fountain – Gorgeous but best to visit during non-peak tourist times as it’s in a very tight location
• Spanish Steps – A great place to start a day and make your way through Rome
• Castel Sant’Angelo – One of my favorite views of Rome is at the top of this castle in the middle of the city (next door to Vatican City)
• Circus Maximus – I love standing in an area where so much went on so long ago and now people can bring their dogs there!
• Trastevere District – Known as old or medieval Rome, it’s where you will find some of the best dining in the city. Every spot looks delicious and the streets are the epitome of European living!

Okeedokee, now, it’s time to talk food!

If you are looking for a place to stay as well as dine, The Beehive is a great place. An eco-conscious hostel that offers single and double rooms, some boasting private bathrooms, is also home to a great cafe that serves delish vegan and gluten free food for breakfast as well as throughout the day. Whether you stay at the hostel or not, it’s a fun place to pop into for a treat.

For an upscale, and out-of-this-world, dining experience, Il Margutta RistorAtre is a must. Totally vegetarian since 1979, this place is stylish, fun and innovative. Pairing art with healthy, seasonal and mega tasty cuisine, Il Margutta has so many delicious options, it’s hard to choose what to order! I ordered 2 appetizers, an entree and dessert and was so curious to try more ; ) And what I love about the menu is that the ingredients are explained by their healing and nutritional properties and every dish is prepared so well, that even the most skeptical of diners will feel like they are indulging. It’s definitely a veggie gem in Rome!

I was super excited to stumble across Universo Vegano, a healthy fast food concept with a few locations across Rome. Featuring fun sandwiches and snacks, I was delighted to check out the vast menu and even more so when I tried a bunch of stuff! I ordered a few different things to eat while I was in town like the Rustic Veghina wrap, Chocolate Veghina wrap and twice, had the Vegan Focaccia (amazing for breakfast!). The food is incredible and a great value and I loved chatting with the owner as he mentioned their food is all natural and GMO free! Well, apparently most of Europe is GMO free so it makes dining overseas extra exciting!

It was really fun to discover random places while sightseeing. It’s always hit or miss when you’re out and about and get hungry in an unknown city but places like Chef Express are always a happiness inducing find! Serving to-go sandwiches, salads and soups, Chef Express has clearly labeled vegan salads and sandwiches. The Vegano sandwich is darn good to grab on the go!

Now being in the land of gelato, I was worried it would be something I’d have to pass up while touring Italy. But I did cartwheels in the street when I walked into a Blue Ice out of curiosity and saw that they had a number of soy, vegan gelato flavors! Woohoo! With locations all over Rome, make sure you don’t deny yourself this delicious treat!

That’s not all, join  me next week for some more Roman bites!