Testaccio Market Morning Food Tour in Rome

Immerse yourself in Roman cuisine as you savor supplì, carbonara pasta and other regional delicacies

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5 / 5 See All 4 Reviews

· 3.30h · Rome, Italy

Looking to skip the tourist traps and discover where Romans really shop and eat? On this food tour, you will have an authentic culinary experience! Start off with a sweet treat, before touring the lively Testaccio Market and sample classic Roman street foods and regional wines! Finally, sit down at a hidden gem beloved by the locals for a mouthwatering plate of pasta. Leave the tourist traps behind as you dive into the true culture and cuisine of Rome on this unforgettable tour!

Testaccio Market Morning Food Tour in Rome

Happy People drinking wine with guide inside Mercato Testaccio

Group and guide enjoying breakfast in Testaccio

A plate full of maritozzo pastries in Rome

Man preparing a tradition sandwich in Testaccio Market

Group of people having a Wine Tasting in Testaccio market in Rome

Guide with food and people taking pictures in Testaccio market

A group of women and guide walking across Testaccio district

Meeting Point at Trastevere Train Station
Traditional breakfast
Roman Maritozzo
Testaccio Market
Roman Street Food
Wine Tasting

Roman Pasta
Local Roman life
End at local restaurant

Your gastronomic journey begins right outside of the Trastevere train station, where you’ll meet your food-loving guide and small group of only 10 other travelers at most. Your expert guide will start off by leading you to a local cafe for a sweet maritozzo– a classic Roman sweet bun stuffed with creme. Afterwards, roam through the lively Testaccio Market, where you’ll sample a variety of delicious Roman street food, along with three glasses of regional wine. Finally, end your culinary sojourn with a sit-down meal at a hidden gem in the neighborhood where you’ll dig into a decadent bowl of traditional carbonara pasta!

After your delicious tour, you’re free to continue exploring this bustling neighborhood with your newfound foodie friends!

Testaccio Food Tour Description

Your 3.5-hour tour includes:

Local, expert guide
Try over 8 traditional Roman dishes
Visit to Testaccio Market to sample classic Roman street food
Taste 3 delicious wines
Savor traditional Italian pasta from a sit-down restaurant
Small group with 10 people max

Roman Maritozzo

Your delicious journey through Testaccio begins right outside of the Trastevere train station, where your local guide and intimate group of fellow foodies will be waiting to greet you! Begin by satisfying your sweet tooth as your guide leads you to a fantastic cafe renowned for their maritozzo. This decadent sweet bun stuffed with cream is a Roman specialty, and a typical breakfast pastry in the region. Traditionally, mastering the art of making a perfect maritozzo was considered a valuable skill for Roman women, as it was believed that their ability to prepare this treat could even help them find a husband—hence the name maritozzo, derived from “marito,” meaning husband.

Testaccio Market

Next, eat your way through the bustling Testaccio Market, a vibrant hub of Roman life that dates back to the early 20th century. Located in the heart of the Testaccio neighborhood, this market has long been a cornerstone of the community, providing fresh produce, meats, and traditional Roman specialties to locals. The Testaccio district itself has deep roots in Roman history—it was once the site of the city’s ancient port, Emporium, where goods arrived from across the Mediterranean. The area later became known as Rome’s working-class quarter, home to butchers and traders, and it still retains an authentic, down-to-earth charm today.

Local Food and Wine

As you explore the market, you’ll dive into Rome’s thriving street food culture, sampling local delicacies that most tourists have never heard of, including delicious polpetta di lesso (a tender meatball made from slow-cooked, boiled beef), Roman tripe (savory, stewed cow’s stomach, cooked to perfection in tomato sauce), and mouthwatering supplì (fried rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella). In addition to these savory Roman dishes, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste a variety of bold, local cheeses!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Roman culinary experience without some wine! As you roam through the lively market, you’ll pair your spectacular tastings with three different glasses of regional wine.

Although you may be starting to feel full, be sure to leave some room for the final, delicious stop of the day!

Traditional Roman Pasta

Cap off your gastronomic journey with a hearty bowl of Roman pasta—one of the region’s most renowned delicacies! Depending on the season and the availability of fresh, local ingredients, the pasta dish may vary, but it will always be a classic Roman recipe. You might savor carbonara, a rich and creamy dish made with eggs, pecorino cheese, crispy guanciale (cured pork cheek), and freshly ground black pepper. Or perhaps you’ll try amatriciana, a flavorful tomato-based sauce cooked with guanciale and finished with a sprinkle of pecorino cheese. These traditional pastas, and others like them, showcase the simplicity and bold flavors of Roman cuisine.

Your expert guide will lead you to a hidden gem within the neighborhood, where you’ll sit down in an inviting restaurant for an exquisite meal. As you enjoy your delicious plate, your local guide will continue to share stories about Rome’s rich history, as well as explain more about what local Roman life is truly like. The tour will end at the restaurant in Testaccio after your meal.

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What you get with this tour

Local, English-speaking guide
Walking tour
Sample over 8 classic Roman dishes
Maritozzo, supplì and more
Testaccio Market
3 local wines
Sit-down meal
Taditional Roman pasta
Group size of 10
Pick up
Guide gratuities

See what people are saying

4 total reviews

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5.0/5 (based on 4 reviews)

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1 stars

Great tour -and guide !

01 September 2025

Reviewed by
Clara Spencer

Very interesting , tasteful , unique , relaxing from so many cathedrals and historical buildings ! Learned quite a bit about Italian foods , wines and food ! Extremely film when it ended with local gelato !! Great !

29 May 2025

Reviewed by
Kellie Krum

Giulia was an awesome guide and the tour was excellent

highlight of my trip to Rome!

26 February 2025

Reviewed by
Charles White

Testaccio Market is where real Romans eat, and I would have never known what to try without our amazing guide. Every stop was packed with authentic flavors—crispy supplì, fresh cheeses, and the best carbonara I’ve ever had. It felt like a deep dive into Roman food culture, not just a touristy tasting. If you want to eat like a local and learn the stories behind the food, don’t miss this!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Please bring comfortable walking shoes and your appetite!

What to bring?

Please bring comfortable walking shoes and your appetite!

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Rome.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have concerns about your mobility, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. Unfortunately, because this tour involves over 3 hours of walking through the city, it may not be suitable for guests with mobility concerns.

What happens if it rains?

We run our food tours rain or shine! However, if rainfall is extremely heavy and poses a safety concern, we may have to cancel the tour. If this happens, you will be promptly notified and we will work together on rescheduling or on a refund.

Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?

On the rare occasions this tour is canceled, you will be offered an alternative tour date or full refund.

Is there a dress code for this tour?

While there is no dress code for this tour, we do recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

How comprehensive is the Testaccio Market portion of this tour?

Your visit to the Testaccio Market will be quite comprehensive, as you will have the opportunity to sample food from several stalls, as well as try three glasses of regional wine. In addition to delicious tastings, you will also learn more about Roman life and history while visiting the market.

Does the Testaccio Market ever experience sudden closures?

The Testaccio Market is open every day and does not usually experience sudden closures. In the event of an unexpected closure, your expert guide would be sure to offer a delicious alternative.

Is lunch included in the price of the tour?

This tour includes 8 tastings of local products and a pasta meal. Most of our guests find it more than enough to replace a complete meal.

What if I have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements?

Unfortunately, because of the establishments visited during this tour, we are unable to accommodate vegan, gluten, or dairy free requirements. However, this tour can accommodate vegetarian or pescatarian diets. Please let us know in advance of any dietary requirement so we can accommodate you.

How many glasses of wine will I get?

You'll enjoy at least three glasses of wine with your tastings.

What if I don’t drink alcohol but I’d still like to join a food tour?

Not a problem. Please let us know in the comment box when you book your tour so we can make sure an alternative drink is provided.

Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?

Kids are welcome on our food tours, and children 5 and under may join for free. Children aged 6-10 pay a reduced fee. Please choose accordingly during the booking.