Why Rome's Centocelle Neighborhood Is A Must-Visit For Food Lovers
Add Centocelle to your list of must-visit travel spots — if you want to dine like you've never dined before. A reinvented quarter on the outskirts of Rome, the neighborhood has come onto the scene as the it spot for food, drinks, and fun during the last several years (via La Cucina Italiana). Both hardened critics and casual foodies will agree that Centocelle is a haven for all things gastronomy.
Like much of Italy's culinary landscape, Roman cuisine is based on cucina povera, which Eataly describes as a zero-waste cooking style that was created by poor people in rural areas of the country. However, this humble fare is anything but boring. Incredibly hearty and extremely flavorful, some typical Roman dishes that highlight local delights include peppery gricia pasta, bitter puntarelle greens, pecorino-filled supplì, saucy pajata (offal), and fried artichokes and zucchini flowers. Naturally, Rome's iconic pizza al taglio also deserves a mention.
It may go without saying, but the absolute best way to learn about a place is through food. Rooted explains that by using cuisine as a cultural looking glass, we can come to better understand what makes a certain place so unique. That said, in Centocelle, Roman cuisine is inescapable. However, it's not the only thing that's being served to hungry locals and passersby, which is what makes the zone so special.
Tradition and modernity come together in Centocelle
While tradition reigns in the ancient city, Rome's evolving cuisine speaks to modernity, especially in Centocelle. What was once a borough where the working class lived, the otherwise plain-looking neighborhood has become significantly more urban, having undergone waves of gentrification that reshaped its food scene into the marvel it is today (via Eater).
Curious foodies looking for local institutions with an abundance of character can stop by a number of pasticcerie, pizzerie, and osterie heavily frequented by locals like Bar Orazio or Pizzeria Da Giustina, per Romeing. Meanwhile, those searching for authenticity in a more contemporary setting can instead pay a visit to specialty shops that double as eateries like Pro Loco Dol or enjoy a glass of wine over dinner at a locale like Menabò — both of which champion regional fare (via La Cucina Italiana).
However, there's also no shortage of nontraditional options. In fact, La Cucina Italiana reports that anything from fried chicken (Legs) to raw meat sushi (Fassangue), ramen (Waraku), and even savory entrées made with gelato (Gelato d'Essai) can be found in Centocelle. Plus, there's a bunch of funky brewhouses, bars, and late-night bites to be explored. With so many new and exciting places to dine and imbibe, it's no wonder that Centocelle has been attracting the attention of many — it's almost tempting enough to pack our bags right now and fly out for an aperitivo.