Rome is the capital of Italy, the land of pizza, so of course pizza is a popular and widely available food. Believe me when I say you’ll see a pizza option every time you turn your head. Not only will you have to sift through the restaurants selling it, but you will also have to choose the type you want to eat.
That’s where I come in. In this article, I’d like to explain the 5 types of pizza you can eat in Rome. I will also share my experience, the pizzerias I tried, and suggest the best pizza places recommended by the locals.
Table of Contents
What Pizza Is Rome Famous For?
Rome is famous for 3 types of pizza:
- Roman Pizza
- Pizza al Taglio or by the meter
- Pinsa Romana
However, you’ll also be able to eat the classic Neapolitan pizza, prepared skilfully by Neapolitan pizza makers working and living in Rome.
Later on, I will also share another pizza type I came across in one of the restaurants I ate at in Rome.
Let’s now talk about those 3 Roman pizza types, so you can understand the difference between each one, know what to expect, and which one you are likely to enjoy the most. Having said that, I do suggest you try all of them, even if you share the large ones with a partner or friend.
Roman Style Pizza In Rome
Roman pizza has one key difference. Its dough is thinner, lighter, and crunchier, so much so that the locals call that type of dough “scrocchiarella”. It’s also flatter, and has a less pronounced edge or border than the Neapolitan “cornicione”.
In terms of flavors, you will find many local ingredients paired together deliciously. A few examples include cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and gricia.
As you can see these toppings are inspired by the iconic Roman pasta recipes. Don’t worry though, every restaurant will also give you the classic options you know and love, like margherita and capricciosa.
So, where should you try a Roman pizza?
When I am doing my own research this is one of the sources I like the most. It’s a local Italian foodie blog that recommends the best spots.
They have a long list of pizza restaurants they are suggesting, so you can either check them out all and make up your mind, or follow my lead and choose between my favorites.
These are the pizza places I recommend in Rome for Roman-style pizza:
- Pizza & Bolle San Martino – more on that below (menu)
- Ivo a Trastevere – more on that below (menu)
- L’Elementare – We had the tastiest aperitivo here (more on that experience in this article), and while we didn’t taste the pizza, we saw it and even smelled it. Based on that, on Roma Today’s recommendation, and on the positive Google reviews, I recommend it to you, and it’s definitely one I will try next time I’m in Rome. (menu)
- 180 Grammi – This is the number one recommendation by Roma Today and I can see why. One thing I have noticed by looking at the menu is that it is very similar to the one at Elementare. In both cases, I would like to try the Crostino pizza, plus the one with Potatoes, Provola & Pancetta. If you prefer tomato pizzas, they have a long list too. (menu)
PS: Unless you are staying in the Centocelle area, I’d suggest l’Elementare over 180 Grammi, as it’s located in Trastevere and much easier to reach.
What about me? Did I try a Roman pizza in Rome?
During our last visit to Rome, we tried a Roman pizza, just in terms of toppings; the dough was actually Neapolitan.
That’s because we chose to dine at the nearest Pizza & Bolle restaurant to us, in the Prati neighborhood. That outlet focuses on Neapolitan pizza, but they have many local toppings. If you are after the Roman-style pizza dough, go to Pizza & Bolle San Martino.
We chose one alla Gricia (with mozzarella, guanciale, pecorino cheese, and caramelized onions) and one named Cosacca (which was like a marinara but with the addition of local pecorino and parmesan).
It’s also here that we ate the best supplì in Rome, at least in my opinion. My husband had another favorite. You can read all about that in my article – Best Supplì In Rome.
I am sure you know that Pecorino is an elevated version of Romano cheese, which is an iconic cheese from Rome, so of course you are going to find it in nearly everything you eat in Rome. I love it, so I was very happy.
Best Pizza Al Taglio In Rome
Pizza by the meter was invented in Rome, so make sure to have at least one slice during your next visit.
The one on my list was Pizzeria La Boccaccia but I didn’t manage to stop by. They have 3 locations: 2 near Trastevere, 1 not far from the Colosseum, 1 in Prati, and another one in the center. Click here to see their exact address.
The one I tried is another popular option but I don’t recommend it. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t amazing. I am talking about Alice Pizza.
They are a huge chain, with at least 30 outlets in just Rome, and they also have high ratings on Google, so feel free to try it and see whether you like it. We tried 4 different toppings and I felt some of them were a little greasy. They were also supposed to heat them all up, but they only heated one slice.
When you are not having pizza by the slice for lunch, try the best sandwich in Rome. I share the different options and review the top 2 in this Best Sandwich in Rome article.
Pinsa Romana. What Is It & Should You Try It?
Pinsa Romana is the latest addition to the types of Roman pizzas. It was created in 2020 by baker Corrado di Marco.
The main difference from other types of pizza, lies in both the shape and the dough. This pizza has a rough oval shape, but it’s not usually a perfect oval, more so a rectangular with rounded edges.
For the dough, they use a special flour made up of soy, rice, and wheat flour. They also use brewer’s yeast but they leave the dough to leaven for up to 72 hrs, so there’s a lot of love and patience involved. Remember that next time you are waiting for your pinsa to cook and be served.
Where to eat Pinsa in Rome?
Two that look really good and are recommended by Il Gambero Rosso are il Ponticello in Via Ostiense and Loro, which is just outside the center of Rome.
If you want one that’s easier to reach and it’s also good, head to the one we tried. It’s Pinsa ‘mpo in Prati.
My husband had it for a light dinner and he really liked it. I tasted it too and my only complaint was that it needed more seasoning. The crust was delicious and crispy, but not too chewy as I had expected it to be.
He chose the one with potatoes and bacon. I think it came with mozzarella but it would have benefited from a sprinkle of pecorino cheese on top & a drizzle of high quality Italian extra virgin olive oil.
You can see the menu online here. They also deliver, in case you want to enjoy it that way.
A Fourth Pizza Type To Try in Rome – Eat It At Ivo A Trastevere
This pizza came to us by surprise. We ordered it expecting it to be a normal pizza dough, topped with just mortadella. Instead, we were brought a piadina style pizza, stuffed with mortadella and mozzarella.
I was initially disappointed as I hate mozzarella (it’s strange I know, but I really don’t like it and it doesn’t like me either; I get sick after eating it). However, I managed to enjoy 3 slices after removing most of the cheese.
The dough resembled a piadina but was slightly ticker; I am pretty sure it was homemade. And the mortadella, which I wouldn’t usually eat cooked, was really tasty.
It’s definitely a rich style of pizza, so it’s better to share this between 3 to 4 people. We only managed to eat two thirds and had to leave behind the rest, but it’s something I recommend tasting if you like mortadella a lot, as I do.
It’s called Focaccia Ripiena, in case you want to order it, and you’ll find it under the white pizzas (pizza bianca).
Roman-Style Pizza vs Neapolitan Pizza
My overall thought is that pizza in Rome is as delicious as Roman pasta, suppli, and tiramisu. If you love pizza, you are going to enjoy eating it here. Remember that Rome has its own varieties of pizza, different from Naples.
If you want a Neapolitan pizza in Rome look for a Neapolitan restaurant, there are plenty of them in Rome, including Pizza & Bolle San Isidoro in Prati.
My advice is to try the local varieties, and also opt for local fillings, as opposed to spicy salami, chicken or pineapple.
My favorite pizzerias in Rome are Pizza & Bolle and Ivo a Trastevere. I will be returning here every time I visit Rome, and I also want to try pizza at l’Elementare.
If you’d like to read about my experience of eating Pizza in Florence, head here.
Learn More About Italian Pizza:
Eat Pizza in Italy Like The Locals & Mistakes To Avoid
Italian Pizza Types – Favorite Toppings & Best Pizzerias
Other Awesome Food In Rome
Other than pizza, you obviously need to have breakfast in Rome too, and also enjoy a few lunches, and dinners. If you found this pizza in Rome article useful, check out these other foodie articles:
Best Sandwich in Rome
Best Tiramisu in Rome
Best Cacio e Pepe in Rome
Best Supplì in Rome
And if you want help planning your Rome itinerary, check out these posts: 5 Day In Rome Itinerary and How Many Days in Rome.
