Rome, the Eternal City, is not only famous for its historical architecture and world-renowned art museums but also a culinary paradise with countless delicious dishes. Besides the iconic pizza and pasta, breakfast in Rome is also an unmissable experience. From classic cafes to fragrant pastry shops, Rome always has delightful surprises for food lovers.
So, where are the best breakfast spots in Rome that you shouldn’t miss? Let’s explore the unique flavors, traditional dishes, and unique spaces to start a perfect new day in this beautiful city!
Discovering Traditional Roman Breakfast Cuisine
Breakfast for Romans is not just a meal but also a distinctive cultural feature. Unlike many other countries, Italians usually start their day with a sweet and quick breakfast. Here are some traditional breakfast dishes you should try when visiting Rome:
Maritozzi – An Irresistibly Sweet Treat
Maritozzi is a traditional sweet bun from Rome, dating back to ancient Roman times. The bun is oval-shaped, soft, and fluffy, cut in half and filled with whipped cream. The sweetness of the bun combined with the richness of the cream creates an irresistible flavor.
A close-up of a Maritozzi, a Roman sweet bun filled with whipped cream, displayed on a white plate.
Before cornetti (Italian croissants) became popular, Maritozzi was the top choice for Romans for breakfast. Today, you can still find this pastry in many cafes and pastry shops throughout Rome. One of the most famous places to enjoy Maritozzi is Pasticceria Regoli, a historic pastry shop located near Piazza Vittorio.
Cornetto – The Italian Croissant
Cornetto is the Italian version of a croissant, similar to the French croissant but sweeter. It comes with various fillings such as cream, jam, chocolate, or simply plain. Cornetto is often enjoyed with cappuccino or espresso, creating a perfect breakfast.
Pizza Bianca – Simple Yet Refined Flavor
Pizza Bianca is a white pizza from Rome, made only with flour, olive oil, salt, and rosemary. The crust is crispy, the inside is soft and fragrant. Pizza Bianca is often eaten with cold cuts, cheese, or simply a drizzle of olive oil.
The Best Breakfast Spots in Rome
Here is a list of the best breakfast spots in Rome, where you can enjoy traditional dishes and experience unique atmospheres:
Pasticceria Regoli – A Pastry Heaven
As mentioned above, Pasticceria Regoli is one of the oldest and most famous pastry shops in Rome. It is renowned for its signature Maritozzi, delicious pastries, and excellent coffee. The cozy atmosphere, with its classic style, is an ideal place to start a new day.
Roscioli Caffè e Pasticceria – The Perfect Combination
Roscioli Caffè e Pasticceria is a popular spot known for its combination of a cafe and a pastry shop. Here, you can enjoy pastries, pizza bianca, and excellent coffee. The place also serves lunch and dinner with dishes typical of Roman cuisine.
Forno Campo de’ Fiori – The Best Bread in Rome
Forno Campo de’ Fiori is a famous bakery located right in Campo de’ Fiori square. It is famous for its pizza bianca bread, sandwiches, and traditional pastries. The bread here is handmade, using fresh ingredients and has a distinctive flavor.
Barberini – Gelato and Exquisite Pastries
Barberini is a renowned gelato and pastry shop in Rome. It is famous for its delicious gelato (Italian ice cream), refined pastries, and excellent coffee. Barberini is an ideal place to enjoy a sweet breakfast or a dessert after a meal.
Antico Forno Roscioli – Traditional Flavors
Antico Forno Roscioli is another historic bakery in Rome, famous for its pizza bianca bread, sandwiches, and traditional pastries. The bakery uses high-quality ingredients and family recipes to create delicious and unique products.
A plate of Fettuccine Alfredo pasta, a classic Roman dish, served in a white bowl with a fork.
Tips for Enjoying Breakfast in Rome
- Arrive early: Popular cafes and pastry shops are often crowded in the morning, especially on weekends. So, arrive early to avoid queuing.
- Try many dishes: Rome has many delicious and unique breakfast dishes. Try different dishes to explore the city’s distinctive culinary flavors.
- Drink coffee the right way: Cappuccino is usually drunk in the morning, while espresso is usually drunk after meals.
- Learn a few Italian phrases: Knowing a few simple Italian phrases will help you communicate more easily with locals.
Conclusion
Breakfast in Rome is not just a meal but also a unique cultural experience. Take the time to explore the classic cafes, fragrant pastry shops, and enjoy traditional dishes to start a perfect new day in the Eternal City. Surely, the best breakfast spots in Rome will bring you unforgettable memories on your culinary journey in Italy.