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How to Talk About Restaurants Like a Local: The Complete Guides to Rome’s Restaurant Types

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Table of Contents

There are many types of restaurants in Rome, and it can be confusing to know what they all mean. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to the different types of restaurants in Rome. We’ll start with trattoria, which is the most common type of restaurant in Rome. Then we’ll move on to other types of restaurants, such as salumerie and ristoranti. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to speak about restaurants like a local!

What is a salumeria?

A salumeria is a type of Italian deli that specializes in meats and cheeses. It’s a great place to go for a quick lunch, or to buy some snacks to take with you on your travels. The food at a salumeria can be a little expensive, but it’s usually of very high quality.

Salumeria derives from the Latin word salum, meaning “salt.” This is because salumerie originally served only salt-cured meats. These days, however, salumerie serve a variety of meats, cheeses, and other food items.

The most famous products in a salumeria are undoubtedly the meats and cheeses. Some of the most popular meats you’ll find in a salumeria are prosciutto, salami, and bresaola. As for the cheeses, some of the most popular varieties are gorgonzola, parmigiano reggiano, and mozzarella.

What is a trattoria?

A trattoria is the most common type of restaurant in Rome. It’s usually family-owned and operated, and the menu focuses on simple, traditional Italian dishes. Trattoria menus usually include items like pasta, pizza, roast chicken, and veal. Trattoria prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers. Trattoria derives from the Latin word trattoria, meaning “to treat.” This is because trattoria originally served only food that had been treated or prepared in some way. These days, however, trattoria serve a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, then a trattoria is the place for you. Just be sure to bring your appetite, as trattoria portions are usually quite large!

What is a ristorante?

A ristorante is a type of restaurant that is more formal than a trattoria. The menu at a ristorante typically includes items like seafood, steak, and salads. Ristorante prices are usually higher than trattoria prices, but the quality of the food is also typically higher. Ristorante derives from the Latin word restaurant, which means “to restore.” This is because ristorante originally served only food that was thought to be beneficial for your health. These days, however, ristorante serve a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, then a ristorante is the place for you. Just be sure to dress appropriately, as most ristorante have a dress code.

What is an osteria?

An osteria is a type of restaurant that is similar to a trattoria. The menu at an osteria typically includes traditional Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. Osteria prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers. Osteria derives from the Latin word ostiarius, which means “host.” This is because osterie originally served only food and drink to guests at inns or hotels. These days, however, osterie serve a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, then an osteria is the place for you. Just be sure to bring your appetite, as osteria portions are usually quite large!

What is a pizzeria?

A pizzeria is a type of restaurant that specializes in pizza. The menu at a pizzeria typically includes a variety of different pizza toppings. Pizzeria prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers.

Pizzeria derives from the Italian word pizzeria, which means “pizza shop.” This is because pizzerie originally served only pizza. These days, however, pizzerie serve a variety of dishes.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, then a pizzeria is the place for you. Just be sure to bring your appetite, as pizzeria portions are usually quite large!

What is an enoteca?

An enoteca is a type of restaurant that specializes in wine. The menu at an enoteca typically includes a variety of different wines. Enoteca prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers.

Enoteca derives from the Italian word enoteca, which means “wine shop.” This is because enoteche originally served only wine. These days, however, enoteche serve a variety of dishes.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, then an enoteca is the place for you. Just be sure to bring your appetite, as enoteca portions are usually quite large!

What is a Spaghetteria?

A Spaghetteria is a type of restaurant that specializes in pasta. The menu at a Spaghetteria typically includes a variety of different pasta dishes. Spaghetteria prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers.

Some of the most famous pasta dishes in Rome include:

– spaghetti alla carbonara

– spaghetti al pomodoro

– lasagna al ragù

– tortellini in brodo

What is a pesceria?

A pesceria is a type of restaurant that specializes in seafood. The menu at a pesceria typically includes a variety of different seafood dishes. Pesceria is a different word than pescheria which means fish shop. The word pesceria derives from  the Latin word piscis, which means “fish.”

Famous dishes you can eat in a pesceria in Rome are :

– spaghetti alle vongole

– insalata di mare

– fritto misto di pesce

– calamari alla griglia

What is a gelateria?

A gelateria is an ice cream shop. The menu at a gelateria typically includes a variety of different ice cream flavors. Gelateria prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers.

Famous gelaterias in Rome include:

– Giolitti

– Il Palazzo del Freddo di Giovanni Fassi

– San Crispino

– Fior de Luna

What is a pastry shop?

A pastry shop is a type of restaurant that specializes in pastries. The menu at a pastry shop typically includes a variety of different pastries. Pastry shop prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers.

Famous pastry shops in Rome include:

– Pompi

– Aleardi

– Biscottificio Innocenti

– Vizi & Delizie

– Antico Forno Roscioli

– Pasticceria Bruno al Vallebonella.

What is a rosticceria?

A rosticceria is a type of restaurant that specializes in roasted meats. The menu at a rosticceria typically includes a variety of different roasted meats. Rosticceria prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers.

Rosticceria derives from the Italian word rosticceria, which means “roast shop.” This is because rosticcerie originally served only roasted meats.

Some famous roast meat dishes in Rome are Prochetta  (roasted pork), Arista (roasted pork loin),

and Polpettone al forno (baked meatloaf).

What is a taverna?

A taverna is a type of restaurant that specializes in rustic, home-style cooking. The menu at a taverna typically includes a variety of different dishes. Taverna prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers. Taverns were originally just places where people drank alcohol (the Italian equivalent of a British Pub).

What is a pasticceria?

A pasticceria is a type of restaurant that specializes in desserts. The menu at a pasticceria typically includes a variety of different desserts. Pasticceria prices are usually very affordable, making them a great choice for budget-minded travelers.

Famous pasticcerias in Rome include:

– Pompi

– Aleardi

– Biscottificio Innocenti

– Vizi & Delizie

– Antico Forno Roscioli

– Pasticceria Bruno al Vallebonella.

If you go to pasticceria you should try  some of the most famous desserts such as:

– Tiramisù

– Cannoli siciliani

– Crostata alla marmellata

– Sfogliatella riccia

– Gelato

There you are. As promising, by reading this article you can now spot the difference between  trattoria, salumeria, ristorante, pesceria, gelateria, pastry shop as well as rosticceria and taverna. And not to forget the most important part: how to order like a local in each one of these different types of restaurants! Just remember the key words we gave you for each type of restaurant, and you’ll be good to go.

Ci vediamo! (See you later!)