Top 7 Best Food Markets in Rome And What to Eat There

Rome food markets have their unique charm and character, making each one a destination in itself.

The hundreds of indoor, covered, and sprawling outdoor farmers markets are deeply rooted in Rome’s culinary traditions.

Exploring the food markets in Rome on our authentic food quest left a lasting impression on us.

Each market we visited was an unforgettable journey into the heart and culinary soul of the Eternal City.

The best way to explore Roman food culture is in the city’s vibrant food markets brimming with flavors, colors, and local life.  

To help guide your Roman culinary explorations, here are the 7 best food markets to visit.

Rome Food Markets Map

Rome has markets in every neighborhood and for every taste. For lunch, dinner, or for a quick bite, go hungry to any of these top seven Rome food markets.

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Top Food Markets in Rome

1. Testaccio Market

Testaccio is one of the best markets in Rome and one of the oldest in the city.

It moved to its current location in 2021, though its been around for over 100 years. You’ll see impressive Roman ruins on the ground floor as you explore the food shops.

This modern covered market has 100+ stalls and artisans with some of the best Italian foods.

In addition to a huge variety of seasonal fruits and vegetable stands, you’ll also find cured meats, local cheeses, and more.

This is the best market in Rome for street food, allowing you to try the best of Roman and Italian cuisine. 

What and Where To Eat at Testaccio Market

For fresh pasta, stop at Le Mani in Pasta at stall 58 for the freshest Roman pasta dishes to go. ingredients that are both seasonal and fresh and that can come in a handy food box. 

If you are looking for a delicious slice of pizza, known as Pizza al Taglio, Casamanco at food stall 22 offers a variety to choose from. 

At Mordi Vai, towards the back of the market, offers a taste of Roman culture, with the Panino Romanesco sandwich.

Plan to have traditional Roman street food for lunch at Testaccio Market while exploring the Testaccio neighborhood.

Mercato di Testaccio Hours And Location

The Testaccio Market is easily reachable by the 83 bus, stop Zavaglia. If you take the Metro B line, exit at Piramide and walk about 10 minutes to the market.

Address: Via Lorenzo Ghiberti, 00153 

Hours: Open, Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm; Closed Sunday

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Testaccio is a culinary gem in Rome worth exploring deeper on a Rome food market tour. We recommend this Testaccio food and market tour with Devour Tours, whom we’ve taken other tours with in Rome. This 3.5-hour food tour takes you to the best family-owned eateries in Testaccio market for local Roman delicacies. In addition to the market, you’ll also explore the Testaccio neighborhood, learning why it is one of the best food districts in Rome.

2. Mercato Trionfale Market

Mercato Trionfale is one of the largest food markets in Rome. Located near the Vatican, this glass and concrete-covered market houses more than 200 stalls.

Trionfale Market is one of the best Rome market for local produce. This market caters mainly to locals, and has a huge variety of seasonal produce and local products.

You’ll find an entire corner dedicated to spices, as pepper is one of the most used spices in Roman cuisine.

The market is organized into different aisles, categorized by color. The green stalls are for fruits and vegetables, blue for fish, and red for meat.

Within this large Rome indoor market, you can find practically everything. 

The options are endless, from local wines, clothing, toys, and holiday decorations.

Offering an authentic and local experience, this is one of the best food markets in Rome to explore before or after a Vatican City visit.

What To Eat at Trionfale Market

One of the best things to eat at Trionfale Market is “Porchetta,” a delicious and flavorful pork roast. 

Have a local vendor cut you a few slices and either eat them by themselves or enjoy a Porchetta, one of Rome’s most popular street foods.

Other Roman specialties to try are fresh Roman cheeses and guanciale, a type of Roman bacon made from pork belly.

Mercato Trionfale Hours and Location

Even though there is a large and accessible parking lot at Mercato Trionfale, we recommend taking public transportation. Take Metro line A and stop at Ottaviano. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can reach it from Castel Sant’Angelo. 

Address: Via Andrea Doria 3

Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm; Tuesday and Thursday, closes at 5:00 pm

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you are planning on visiting the Vatican City, we recommend taking a small group tour for an intimate experience. We took a Vatican City tour with Walks Italy, who offer unrivaled Vatican City entry with expert Vatican guides. See all the Vatican tours available. 

3. Mercato Campagna Amica al Circo Massimo – Campagna Amica Market

Visiting Mercato Campagna Amica in Rome was one of our highlights while exploring local Roman food specialties.

It’s one of the largest farmers markets in Rome, notable for promoting local, sustainable, and organic products. 

Campagna Amica Market connects farmers from the Lazio region with locals offering “KM 0” foods and drinks with the highest guaranteed quality.

Besides being a food market, there are shows and events at Campagna Amica Market. This makes it an excellent stop for friends and families alike.

What To Eat at Mercato Campagna Amica

At the back of the market, you’ll find prepared foods made with the highest quality ingredients.

Get a pasta food box to go with traditional Roman pasta dishes like Amatriciana, Gricia, Carbonara, or Cacio e Pepe. 

You can also try Suppli, fried rice balls, or even mouthwatering fried cod fish. Pair your meal with biodynamic wines or craft beer for a delicious local lunch. 

Campagna Amica Market Hours and Location

In a central location, you’ll find  Mercato Campagna Amica next to the Circo Massimo (Circus) and not too far from the Colosseum. You can reach this market via bus line 51, stop Bocca della Verita, or you can enjoy a short walk from the Circus Maximus. 

Address: Via di San Teodoro, 74, Rome, 

Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

RELATED: Taste the Tradition: 15 Foods in Rome You’ll Want To Savor

4. Nuovo Mercato Esquilino

This covered market is one of Rome’s most colorful and it is located in Esquilino, Rome’s multicultural district.

You’ll find a mix of Italian, African, and Asian foods given the cultural diversity in the area.

It’s also one of the best markets in Rome for local shopping, frequented by many of Rome’s top local chefs.

The history of this Roman market dates back to the 19th century when it was located by the Termini train station. 

This popular market survived both World Wars, and thrived in the 1950s.  In the last decades, the neighborhood surrounding this market became more multicultural, welcoming people from around the world. 

Within the market, you’ll find fresh seasonal food, meat of any cut, and a variety of fresh fish and seafood.

This is the farmer’s market to come to for unique ingredients at affordable prices.

The motto at Nuovo Mercato Esquilino is “diversity is an element of life,” and you can see it all around you.

RELATED: Guide To Wine Tasting in Rome: 7 Best Wine Bars And Tasting Experiences

What To Eat at Nuovo Mercato Esquilino

For a traditional Roman breakfast before your morning food shopping, stop at Regoli Pasticceria. 

This bakery specializes in Maritozzo, a sweet dough and whipped cream pastry typically eaten for breakfast. This is the perfect way to begin your day like a Roman local.

Nuovo Mercato Esquilino Hours and Location

This farmer’s market is easily reachable via Metro line A, stop Vittorio Emanuele. 

Address: Via Principe Amedeo, 184

Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs; 5:00 am – 3:00 pm and Tues, Fri, Sat, 5:00 am – 5:00 pm

RELATED: 10 Best Cooking Classes in Rome: From Pizza, Gelato to Pasta Making

5. Mercato di San Cosimato Trastevere

The Trastevere neighborhood is one of the hottest destinations in the Italian capital. 

It’s a hip and sought out neighborhood and home to the local market, Mercato di San Cosimato Trastevere. 

San Cosimato is an open-air food market in Rome run almost as a family business. 

Established in 1913, the market stalls and stands have belonged to the same families for decades, passing down the business from generation to generation.

This is the best food market in Rome to enjoy local cuisine, the vibe of this Roman neighborhood, and its daily life. 

What To Eat at Mercato di San Cosimato Trastevere

This popular market is a great place to pick fresh fruits and produce as well as fresh meats, cheeses, cured meats, and more.

Covered on the inside, this is an open-air market with a few flea market stalls with new and used books on the exterior.

Only about a 3-minute walk from the market, is Suppli Roma, one of the best places in Trastevere to try this iconic Roman street food.

Mercato di San Cosimato Hours and Location

You can reach this Rome food market by tram, on line 8, or by taking the bus line H.

Address: Piazza San Cosimato, Rome

Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 6:00 am to 1:30 pm. Closed Sunday

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Outside of the morning hours, exploring the Trastevere neighborhood at sunset with a local guide is a delicious experience. We took this Trastevere at Sunset food tour and enjoyed eating our way through the neighborhood. See more in our detailed review Trastevere Food Tour: How To Eat Like A Local in Rome Trendy Neighborhood

6. Mercato Centrale – Termini  – Rome Indoor Food Market

An unmissable destination in Rome, Mercato Centrale or Central Market in Rome is one of the best Rome food markets.

Covering three floors with monumental 100-foot vaulted ceilings, the market is located in the Termini Station, Rome’s central station.

This Rome food market was designed to revive a historic part of the city and bring people back to this area of town.

Mercato Centrale has other sister contemporary food markets in Turin, Milan, and one in Florence we visited frequently.

From an architectural standpoint, the old railway dining hall is a giant marble kitchen hood known as “Cappa Mazzoniana.”

Architect Angiolo Mazzoni created this iconic chimney which provides both ventilation and lighting in the 1930s.

A destination for those looking for “deliciousness,” this food market aims to return to the basics and talk about the essence of food. Simple flavors and traditions.

What To Eat at the Central Market in Rome

Traditional and contemporary food options are available at this multi-level gastronomic center.

In addition to an amazing selection of Pizza al Taglio, sold by the slice, you can also choose delectable handmade fresh pasta.

Trapizzino, a  much-loved triangular pizza pocket stuffed with traditional Roman food should not be missed.

For contemporary food options try the Smashburger by world-renowned chef Joe Bastianich or the Ramen and Gyoza by Akira Yoshida.

The vegetarian and vegan selection is also quite impressive as is the bread and pastries by Gabriele Bonci. 

Coffee drinkers will want to stop at La Caffetteria for exclusive single-origin coffee blends. And, you can also accompany your meal with wines from the Lazio region at Il Vino al Bicchiere.

Mercato Centrale Termini Hours and Location

Located in Rome’s central rail station, it’s easy to get to this Rome food market no matter where you are staying in the Eternal City.

Address: Termini station, Via Giovanni Giolitti, 36

Hours: Open daily,  7:30 am to 12:00 am

RELATED: 7 Best Food Markets in Florence For A Gastronomic Feast

7. Mercato Campo de Fiori

Campo dei Fiori in Rome is the most ancient Roman food markets since 1869.

Before being a market, it was a meadow of flowers, hence it’s name roughly translating to “field of flowers.”

Initially selling fresh produce, fresh meat and local produce, Campo de Fiori market has also become a popular destination for souvenirs.

This bustling market has a unique atmosphere with the freshest ingredients and part flea market co-existing.

While it might feel a little touristy, going earlier in the day gives you a slice of local life in this open air market.

What To Eat at Mercato Campo de Fiori

By day, seasonal Roman vegetables like artichokes, peppers, and all kinds of colorful fruits are a feast for the eyes.

You can visit the fresh meat, fish, local cheese, cured meats, and traditional sweet stands for local delicacies.

Behind and around the market are food stalls where you can pick up fresh Roman pasta or pizza.

Colorful, vibrant, and full of life, the Campo de Fiori market is an excellent spot for people-watching. 

Campo de Fiori Market Hours and Location

The bustling Rome food market is located in the historic center not far from the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain. From Termini station, you can take bus line 64 and stop at Campo de Fiori.

Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Rome

Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. Closed Sunday

RELATED: The 10 Best Rome Food Tours: Eat Like A Roman in Italy

FAQs – Rome Food Markets

Have you been to any of these Rome food markets? Please let us know which ones you would like to visit in the comments below.

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