Rome Food Tour: Trionfale Market, Bonci Pizza & Pasta Lunch

Summary

Bonci pizza, Trionfale market colors, and real Roman pasta with wine

You’ll sip real Roman coffee in a buzzing local café before tasting Bonci’s legendary pizza and exploring Trionfale Market’s wild energy—think truffles, balsamic vinegar, and fresh mozzarella everywhere you look. Finish with classic Roman pasta and house tiramisu at a family trattoria, sharing laughs over endless wine. It’s messy in all the right ways.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through our first espresso when our guide, Marta, waved us over with a grin that said she knew what was coming. The café was busy—locals elbowed up to the counter, tossing coins and orders in a mix of Italian I could barely follow. My cappuccino came with a tiny biscuit that crumbled before I even got outside. Marta asked if anyone had tried “caffè corretto” before. Someone did—a brave soul—and the rest of us just laughed nervously.

Next stop: Bonci’s pizzeria. I’d heard stories about this place—something about the “Michelangelo of Pizza”—but it’s different when you’re standing there, watching them slice huge slabs topped with things like zucchini flowers or mortadella and pistachio. I picked something green and oily (still not sure what it was), but the crust was so light I almost forgot I was eating pizza. Marta explained how each topping came from nearby farms or markets—she even introduced us to one of the bakers, who gave a shy nod but seemed proud we liked it.

The Trionfale food market hit me like a wall of noise and color—vendors shouting prices, old women haggling over tomatoes, kids darting between stalls. At one point I lost track of our group because I stopped to smell some basil (it really does smell different here). We tried slivers of truffle cheese, dipped bread in thick balsamic vinegar that stung my tongue just a bit, and tasted mozzarella so fresh it squeaked between my teeth. There was a moment where an old man handed me a slice of prosciutto without saying anything—just nodded—and honestly that felt more Roman than anything else.

By the time we sat down at Il Segreto for lunch, I wasn’t sure if I could eat more—but then the pasta arrived: cacio e pepe, glossy and peppery, plus tiramisu that somehow tasted lighter than air. They kept pouring wine until someone finally said basta (not me). The owner’s daughter came out to ask if we liked everything; her English was shy but her smile wasn’t. Walking back out into the sun after all that food felt surreal—I still think about that view down the street lined with scooters and laundry flapping above us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rome's food market and tastings

• Meet guide at local café
• Enjoy authentic Italian coffee
• Visit famous pizzeria by chef Bonci
• Choose pizza toppings and eat
• Taste truffle, balsamic, and pesto
• Explore Rome's largest food market
• Sample foods at market stands
• Dine at local restaurant with pasta
• Enjoy dessert and wine

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Rome food tour?

The tour includes over 25 tastings across six locally loved venues.

Is the Trionfale food market part of the tour route?

Yes, you’ll visit Trionfale Market for multiple tastings at top stands.

Does this food tour include Bonci pizza?

Yes, you get to try pizza at Bonci’s famous pizzeria during the tour.

Are drinks or wine included in this Rome food tour?

Coffee is included at the start; unlimited wine is served during lunch for those who want it.

Is lunch part of this Rome food experience?

Yes, you’ll sit down for fresh pasta and tiramisu at Il Segreto restaurant.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

You can advise any specific dietary needs when booking your spot.

Where does this Rome food tour start?

The experience begins at a local café near Roma Termini station.

What’s included

Your day includes coffee to start things off right, tastings from Bonci’s famed pizzeria and gourmet shops (think truffles and aged balsamic), samples from several top stands inside Trionfale Market, plus a leisurely lunch with fresh pasta dishes and homemade tiramisu—all paired with as much local wine as you’d like before heading back out into Rome’s lively streets.