10 Best Food Markets in Rome Italy

Of all the things Italy is most famous for (cars, music, fashion, movies, etc.), food is, undoubtedly, top of the list. Rome may well not be the whole Italy, but no Italy is whole without Rome... And the Romans, much as all their fellow-Italians, like it "fresco", hence the abundance of street markets ("mercati") in Rome, some of which have been in place since ancient times. For centuries, locals (and, as of recently, knowledgeable tourists as well) have rushed there each morning to grab some freshly harvested fruit & vegetables to pair with most delicious meats, spices, cheeses and olive oils, always present in great variety. This guide is to help those who intend to follow the old proverb - "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" - and explore the market scene of the Eternal City.

(To visit the venues mentioned in this article, check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome)

1. Campagna Amica Market at Circo Massimo

The friendly farmers' market is a treasure trove of local delicacies. Every vendor subscribes to the "0km" rule which means that all of their produce comes from Lazio. There is a huge variety of cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, pots of honey, mushrooms and other delicacies, and what's great is that you don't have to go home to eat it! At the back of the market there is an outdoor seating area where you can feast on your fresh bread and cheese, washed down with a regional wine served in cups by the door.

Where to find it:

Address:
74 Via di S. Teodoro, 00186, Rome

Working Hours:
Sunday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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2. Campo de' Fiori Market

In the heart of Rome's historic center, the open-air market in Piazza Campo de' Fiori is an eclectic mix of fruit, vegetables, spices, nuts, oils and cooking utensils. Though it is certainly one of Rome's more touristic offerings, the atmosphere is fun and friendly. Most markets these days in Rome are covered, so make the most of a sunny morning and see what this historic market has to offer.

Where to find it:

Address:
Piazza Campo de' Fiori, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 08:00 am- 01:30 pm

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3. Esquilino Market

For hundreds of years, the people of Rome have flocked to the market in Piazza Vittorio. In 2001, the market moved indoors to a nearby barracks which can be entered from each side. The market's produce has changed significantly over the years and it is now home to a truly international range of food stuffs. From China to Bengal and back to Italy, the market is a profusion of colors and smells. Not only are there spices, noodles and strangely shaped vegetables from the other side of the world, but there are also a number of fishmongers selling a variety of freshwater- and shellfish.

Where to find it:

Address:
184 Via Principe Amedeo, 00185, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 07:00 am - 02:00 pm

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4. Piazza San Cosimato Market

Not far from the main square in Trastevere (Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere), the market in Piazza San Cosimato has a relaxed feel and lacks the hustle and bustle often found at some of the larger markets in town. This makes for a pleasurable shopping experience where the usual, if somewhat limited, range of produce can be found. An added bonus to this open-air market is the book stall found on the north east corner.

Where to find it:

Address:
Piazza San Cosimato, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 06:00 am to 01:30 pm

5. Piazza dell'Unita Market

Held in an attractive white building from the late 1920s, this medium sized market in the up-market neighborhood of Prati is a relaxed and enjoyable place to buy your groceries. Along with the usual fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats and pastas, there are also several flower stalls. Conveniently, there is a car park beneath the market, which makes it popular with commuters and families alike.

Where to find it:

Address:
Via Cola di Rienzo, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday 鈥� Saturday: 6:30 am 鈥� 07:30 pm

6. Testaccio Market

Bright, lively and clean with a variety of items for sale, not just of the culinary kind. Having moved to its newly-built covered market in the summer of 2012, Testaccio market is unlike many of the others on this list. In the center of the striking building is a cafe where on Saturday you find families, couples young and old, and maybe even a live band. Meats, cheeses, pastas and vegetables are sold here at a number of stalls, as well as books, clothes, shoes, comics and pottery. There is also an underground car park which is handy for those coming from afar. A great place to while away the hours.

Where to find it:

Address:
Entrance from via Franklin, via Zabaglia, via Galvani and via Volta, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 06:00 am 鈥� 03:00 pm

7. Savoia Market

Though not much to look at from the outside, this market is definitely one of the more local places to buy your groceries. Not a tourist in sight, this market has a range of produce to suit the demands of a Roman. The market is particularly well-stocked in fruit and vegetables, but there are also butchers, bakers and plant sellers. If you find yourself staying in or visiting this neighborhood, forget the multitude of supermarkets nearby and pay Savoia Market a visit.

Where to find it:

Address:
Piazza Gimma, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday 鈥� Saturday: 06:00 am - 02:00 pm

8. Nomentano Market

Held in a 1920s brick building with huge wrought iron gates, Nomentano Market is a light and spacious place to do your shopping. In the center of the market there are a number of greengrocers, as well as a fantastic butcher who sells, along with fresh meat, ready-made meatballs and skewers. There is also a cafe serving delicious and cheap coffee.

Where to find it:

Address:
Piazza Alessandria, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday 鈥� Saturday: 07:00 am 鈥� 03:00 pm

9. Ex Mattatoio Market

All of the produce in this market are local to the Lazio region. There are delicious cured meats, cheeses and pots of preserved vegetables and sauces. The market only recently moved to its new and large premises and is still a bit empty, but you are sure to find some wonderful locally produced treats and farmers that will love to tell you the best way to prepare and cook your buys.

Where to find it:

Address:
Via Passino, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Saturday: 08:30 am 鈥� 06:00 pm
Sunday: 08:30 am 鈥� 02:30 pm (closed in August)

10. Gianicolense Market

Catering for locals, Gianicolense is one of the larger markets in Rome. It is certainly in need of modernization斜 but don't let the scruffy exterior put you off. Inside the market there is a large range of food - some produced locally, others - from further afield. The market has been there in various forms since the 1940s and the sense of history and family tradition remains alive till the present day.

Where to find it:

Address:
Piazza San Giovanni di Dio, Rome, Italy

Working Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 06:00 am - 02:00 pm

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