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5 Must-Try Italian Dishes in Rome for Autumn

Rome, the Eternal City, is a culinary treasure trove that comes alive with seasonal flavors during autumn. As the weather cools, the city’s vibrant food scene offers a host of hearty, comforting dishes that are perfect for the season. Here are five must-try Italian dishes in Rome that will make your autumn visit truly unforgettable.

Quick Summary:

  • Cacio e Pepe: Classic pasta dish with a creamy, peppery sauce.
  • Porchetta: Savory roast pork, seasoned with herbs.
  • Carciofi alla Romana: Roman-style artichokes, tender and flavorful.
  • Fettuccine ai Funghi: Fresh pasta with a rich mushroom sauce.
  • Supplì: Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella.

Cacio e Pepe: A Classic Roman Pasta Dish

Cacio e Pepe is one of Rome’s most iconic dishes, known for its simplicity and rich flavor. This pasta dish, made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, is a must-try for any visitor.

Ingredients:

  • Pasta: Typically spaghetti or tonnarelli.
  • Pecorino Romano: A sharp, salty sheep’s milk cheese.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground for maximum flavor.

Where to Try:

  • Roscioli: Famous for its traditional Cacio e Pepe.
  • Felice a Testaccio: Renowned for its creamy and perfectly seasoned version.

Benefits:

  • Simple yet deeply flavorful.
  • Highlights the quality of local ingredients.
  • A quintessential Roman culinary experience.

Porchetta: Savory Roast Pork

Porchetta is a traditional Italian dish featuring a whole pig, deboned and roasted with a mix of herbs and spices until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.

Ingredients:

  • Pork: Traditionally a whole pig, but often a pork shoulder or loin.
  • Herbs and Spices: Rosemary, fennel, garlic, and black pepper.

Where to Try:

  • Er Buchetto: A small, famous spot known for its succulent porchetta sandwiches.
  • La Paninoteca: Offers a variety of porchetta-based dishes.

Benefits:

  • Rich, savory flavor with aromatic herbs.
  • Versatile: can be enjoyed in sandwiches or as a main dish.
  • A hearty and filling meal, perfect for autumn.

Carciofi alla Romana: Roman-Style Artichokes

Carciofi alla Romana, or Roman-style artichokes, are a beloved dish in Rome, especially during autumn when artichokes are in season. These artichokes are cooked until tender in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

  • Artichokes: Typically the Romanesco variety.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin.
  • Herbs: Mint, parsley, and garlic.

Where to Try:

  • Da Enzo al 29: Famous for its expertly prepared Carciofi alla Romana.
  • Armando al Pantheon: A classic Roman trattoria serving authentic versions of the dish.

Benefits:

  • Healthy and nutritious.
  • Bursting with fresh, herby flavors.
  • Perfect as a starter or side dish.

Fettuccine ai Funghi: Fresh Pasta with Mushroom Sauce

Fettuccine ai Funghi is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the earthy flavors of autumn mushrooms paired with fresh pasta. It’s a seasonal favorite that offers a taste of Rome’s rich culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

  • Fettuccine: Fresh, egg-based pasta.
  • Mushrooms: Porcini, chanterelles, or other seasonal varieties.
  • Garlic and Parsley: For additional flavor and aroma.

Where to Try:

  • Trattoria Monti: Known for its delicious pasta dishes, including Fettuccine ai Funghi.
  • Flavio al Velavevodetto: Offers a variety of pasta dishes with seasonal ingredients.

Benefits:

  • Rich, earthy flavors from the mushrooms.
  • Comforting and satisfying.
  • Highlights seasonal produce.

Supplì: Fried Rice Balls Filled with Mozzarella

Supplì are a popular Roman street food, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. These fried rice balls are filled with mozzarella, creating a deliciously gooey center when bitten into.

Ingredients:

  • Rice: Typically risotto rice, cooked and flavored with tomato sauce.
  • Mozzarella: Fresh and melty.
  • Breadcrumbs: For a crispy outer coating.

Where to Try:

  • Supplizio: A famous spot dedicated to perfecting the art of supplì.
  • La Casa del Supplì: Known for its wide variety of flavors and fillings.

Benefits:

  • Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.
  • Portable and perfect for eating on the go.
  • A delicious example of Roman street food.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Rome’s culinary landscape during autumn is a feast for the senses. From the simplicity of Cacio e Pepe to the hearty flavors of Porchetta, the tender Carciofi alla Romana, the rich Fettuccine ai Funghi, and the irresistible Supplì, these must-try dishes offer a perfect blend of tradition and seasonal flavors. Whether dining in a rustic trattoria or grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor, these dishes will make your autumn visit to Rome a delicious and memorable experience.