If you ask us, the best way to learn about the food culture in any city is to visit its markets. It’s one of our top must-try food experiences in Italy and an integral part of our tours. More than just an errand, shopping at the local market is a ritual—a chance to chat with the vendors, exchange cooking tips or recipes, and find inspiration to use in the kitchen. In Rome, where our team is based, there are dozens of markets where locals go to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, bread, and other items. From a farmers market near the Circus Maximus to a gourmet food hall inside Termini Station, these are the best markets in Rome.
Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo
Via di San Teodoro 74, 00186 Roma RM
“Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo is my market of choice,” Elizabeth declares. “It’s only open on Saturday and Sunday, so I try to plan my weekly shop there. Everything there is local and comes from the region of Lazio, so it’s always super fresh and extremely seasonal. I stock up on vegetables of course, but also buy bread, meat, eggs and even pasta and some canned goods like tomato sauce.”
Sophie also loves this market and tries to go every Sunday morning to stock up her fridge. “I try to get here very early in the morning before the crowds arrive, and have my favorite vendors I’ve been going to for years. I enjoy going without a shopping list and just getting inspired by what I see,” she says.
Open Saturday & Sunday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mercato di Campo de’ Fiori
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Roma RM
“This is the market I grew up going to, and I still love strolling there on a sunny day,” Elizabeth says. “Unfortunately it has changed character quite a bit, and although there are a handful of historic stands I still visit, most of the stands now cater to tourists selling things like flavored limoncello and fake truffle everything.” For an insider’s look at this market, join Sophie for a tour.
Open Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This large covered market right across the street from the old slaughterhouse (now a cultural center) is still a favorite among Romans but has also become popular among tourists. There are around a hundred stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, and other ingredients, but there are also many stalls where you can get a quick bite to eat. For an authentic taste of quinto quarto (i.e. dishes made with offal) that the neighborhood is known for, stop by Mordi e Vai. Our favorite stall, though, is CasaManco, where Andrea and his wife Paola make fantastic pizza al taglio using fresh seasonal ingredients from the market. You can also join Sophie for a tour of this market.
Open Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Mercato Rionale Monti
Via Baccina 36, 00184 Roma RM
“Mercato Rionale Monti is our neighborhood market and I’ve been going there for better or worse for 35 years. It has definitely had its ups and downs, with stands opening and closing all the time,” Elizabeth explains. “At the moment there are three stands I love: The butcher is the only original stand from 35 years ago and has amazing meat. They have also started offering cooked food, like meatballs and stuffed zucchini. Pippo Tortellino has not just fresh pasta to take home, but also serves several dishes a day for lunch. There is also a very nice porchetta stand that makes panini and antipasto trays.”
Open Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays
“Even though I don’t get here as much, it is one of my favorite markets in Rome for size and quality. I could spend hours getting lost in this huge market, and if you happen to stop by at lunch time, it’s also perfect for a quick meal since there are many street food options as well,” Sophie says. “My favourite is the little coffee bar right in the center of the market that is always filled with the vendors on break, and I usually order one (or two) of their incredible tramezzini. Their fillings are always so fresh and creative.”
Open Monday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mercato Nuovo Esquilino
Via Principe Amedeo 184, 00185 Roma RM
“Mercato Nuovo Esquilino is where I head when I need something exotic for a recipe,” Elizabeth notes. “Many of the stands are operated by immigrants or Italians with different ethnic backgrounds, so this is where you’re likely to find things like coriander, Chinese or African vegetables, and all sorts of great spices and ingredients. They also have some of the lowest prices in town for fresh vegetables, meat and fish.”
Open Monday – Saturday from 5 a.m. – 3 p.m. with extended hours until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Mercato Centrale
Via Giovanni Giolitti 36, 00185 Roma RM
+39 06 46202900
Not so much a typical market but rather a gourmet food hall, Mercato Centrale is located inside Termini Station, making it a convenient place to grab a bite before or after catching a train. It has more than a dozen stalls, some of which are attached to renowned local chefs like Stefano Callegari and Arcangelo Dandini. In addition to pizza, pasta, supplì, and gelato, you can find international food like Argentinian empanadas, Chinese dumplings, and even burgers by Joe Bastianich.
Open everyday from 7:30 am – 11:30 p.m.
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