Discover Rome’s local markets, from traditional spots like Testaccio and modern hubs like Termini.
Rome’s traditional markets have become far more than just places to pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and meats. Over the years, they have evolved into vibrant spots, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re there to grab groceries, enjoy a lunch break from work, or meet friends, these markets have transformed into lively hubs of activity.
At the small market known as “de’ Calvi” in Monteverde you’ll find a wide range of options. Located in Largo Santa Eufrasia Pellettier, this market offers plenty of choices for those looking to grab a quick meal or sit down for an aperitivo or dinner. A local favorite, Santé, allows customers to purchase the same wines they can enjoy at the market’s tables. At the burger lab Raro, you can try organic meat burgers packed with cheddar cheese, bacon, homemade sauces, and even Southern-style fried chicken or veggie burgers.
Nearby, the Piazza Irnerio market is home to Box 71 – Ristorantino, which serves Mediterranean cuisine with a creative flair. Just a few metro stops away, you’ll find the Flaminio market. This market is popular with both workers from nearby offices and tourists. A standout here is Gramigna – Resistenza Culinaria, where you can enjoy a quick lunch or outdoor dinner.
In Parioli, the local market is home to Paco Bistrot, where you can kick off a meal with vegetarian meatballs and supplì, before moving on to pizza, and finishing with their signature “zoccolette” topped with hazelnut cream and chocolate.
Another favorite is the Nomentano market in Piazza Alessandria, where Ciao Checca, a popular slow street food stall, offers its signature pasta alla Checca alongside dishes like lentil soup with stracciatella cheese, tagliolini with pesto, and ravioli with butter and sage.
In Piazza dell’Unità, Fish & Chic combines the best of a fish market and chic dining experience, while Ostia’s Mercato Appagliatore offers traditional hot meals and rosticceria-style dishes. At the Garbatella market, YaLuz – Cucina di Vicinato is known for its vegetarian empanadas, Moroccan couscous, and vegan chicken with mustard and curry. And for porchetta lovers, the Primavalle market’s box 48 roasts its pork onsite in a wood-fired oven, serving up some of the freshest porchetta in the city.
Termini market
While it may not have the same authenticity as Rome’s traditional street markets, the Mercato Centrale at Termini Station is still packed with quality shops and food options. Here, you can shop for everything from fresh produce to artisanal products, but it’s also a great spot to grab a bite, whether it’s breakfast or a quick snack before or after a train trip.
Options include vegan and vegetarian dishes by Marcella Bianchi, Stefano Callegari‘s famous Trapizzino (perfect for a snack or lunch), sushi by Alessio Toiati, or ramen and gyoza from Akira Yoshida for fans of international cuisine. For gift ideas, there’s Luciano Savini‘s truffles, while Sabato Sessa’s pastries make a sweet treat to take with you. And for a pre-dinner aperitivo, Arcangelo Dandini offers beer and fried delights. Dinner choices range from pizza by Quintili to Joe Bastianich’s smashburgers and Dennys Rodrigues’ rotisserie chicken. To top it all off, you’ll find local cheese, salami, bread, wine, and ice cream by Gunther.
Testaccio market
Since 1935, Testaccio Market has been a staple of the neighborhood. Originally located in Piazza Testaccio, near the city’s old slaughterhouse (now the Ex Mattatoio), the market is a vibrant hub of fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Piazza Testaccio, once called Piazza Mastro Giorgio, is also home to the iconic Fontana delle Anfore, a fountain commemorating the broken amphorae found on Monte Testaccio. After being moved in 1935, the fountain returned to its original location in 2015.
In 2012, the market relocated to a new multifunctional center opposite the Ex Mattatoio. Many of the stalls are still run by families who have passed down their trade through generations, like the Sartor family butchers and the Mastroianni family fishmongers. The market continues to blend old traditions with modern offerings, like local farmer Marco, who sells produce from his family’s land, and Samuele, who now sells ceramics alongside secondhand books and t-shirts designed by his wife. While Testaccio may have changed over the years, with jacaranda trees blooming and the fountain bubbling, the spirit of its market remains alive.
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Piazza Irnerio
Piazza Irnerio’s market in Rome is transforming into a vibrant food hub, reminiscent of Barcelona’s Boqueria or London’s Camden Town. With stalls offering Mexican, Thai, and Roman cuisine, a cheesemaker, fruit vendor, pizzeria, and butcher, it offers a global experience in one place.
One standout is Lina Jimenéz’s Mexican Jalapeño, known for its authentic dishes like tacos Pastor, quesadillas, and seasonal specialties. Lina, a Mexican chef with a passion for gastronomy, has brought a taste of home to Rome. Jalapeño offers a relaxed atmosphere, with no reservations required, and even includes a cocktail bar—an unconventional move for a woman chef in Mexico.
Montagnola market
Rome’s Montagnola Market is a seafood lover’s haven, thanks to Maresca Pesce e Cucina. Founded in 1992 by two brothers from Castellammare di Stabia, Maresca serves fresh, high-quality seafood, including dishes like tonnarelli with octopus and seafood fritto misto.
Over time, Maresca has become a trusted name for locals, and their stall now offers both fresh seafood and ready-made dishes for takeaway. In recent years, they’ve expanded to evening dining, transforming the market into a lively dinner spot after the stalls close. Tables are set up along the side of the market that faces Viale Pico della Mirandola, and they fill up quickly. Families and friends gather to enjoy seafood grills and local wines, making the night market scene a beloved part of the community. Despite long hours, Maresca continues to thrive, driven by their passion for bringing fresh seafood to the neighborhood.
