Rome: Jewish Ghetto Food & Wine Tour with Ancient Dinner

Summary

Rome’s Jewish Ghetto flavors, wine stops & ancient ruins at dusk

You’ll taste your way through Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and historic neighborhoods with a local guide—sampling seven different foods and wines along winding streets. Expect laughter over fried artichokes, stories by ancient ruins, and a rich dinner served among theater columns. It’s not just about eating; it’s feeling Rome’s layers come alive around you.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the smell—somewhere between fried artichokes and warm bread, drifting down those narrow streets in the Jewish Ghetto. Our guide, Paolo, waved us over by the old Portico d’Ottavia, grinning like he’d just spotted friends. He told us about his grandmother’s recipes before we even took our first bite. The light was gold on the stones, and there were locals laughing outside a bakery (I tried to say “carciofi alla giudia” properly—failed spectacularly, got a thumbs up anyway). Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so at home so quickly.

We wandered past Campo de’ Fiori as Paolo pointed out little details—like how you can still see scorch marks from an old fire if you look close enough at one of the corners. The day trip through this part of Rome felt like a slow drift between centuries; one moment you’re sipping wine in a tiny trattoria, next you’re standing where Julius Caesar was stabbed (Paolo got dramatic here—he does voices). At every stop there was something new: salty baccalà, chewy pizza bianca, sweet ricotta cake that stuck to my fork. I kept thinking about how many generations must have eaten these same things right here.

Dinner was tucked behind crumbling columns near the Theatre of Marcellus—honestly, it looked like a movie set but smelled way better. Plates kept appearing: pasta with just enough pepper to make my nose tingle, local wine poured without ceremony. Someone asked if Romans ever get tired of all this history; Paolo just laughed and said they complain about tourists but never about their food. I believed him. We finished late, wandering out into Piazza Navona under streetlights that made everything feel soft around the edges.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening food and sightseeing tour

• Meet guide in central Rome
• Explore Campo Marzio and Jewish Ghetto
• Visit historic sites and trattorias
• Sample local food and wine
• See Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori
• View Pompey Theatre and Julius Caesar site
• Pass Church of St. Eustace and Senate House
• See Theatre of Marcellus and Temple of Apollo
• Visit Portico of Octavia and Jewish Synagogue outside
• End with dinner among ancient theater ruins

Top questions

How long is the Jewish Ghetto food tour in Rome?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours in total.

Does this Rome food tour include dinner?

Yes, it ends with a rich dinner among ancient theater ruins.

Are drinks included on the Jewish Ghetto food & wine tour?

Wine, beer and soft drinks are included throughout the tour.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet your guide in central Rome.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Vegetarian options are available if advised in advance; gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan diets are not accommodated.

How many food stops are there on this tour?

The tour includes seven different food stops for tastings.

Will we visit inside the Synagogue?

No, you will see the Synagogue from outside only—not inside.

What’s included

Your evening includes meeting your expert local guide in central Rome for a walking food and wine tour through the Jewish Ghetto and surrounding neighborhoods—with seven tasting stops featuring traditional Roman-Jewish dishes and wines. You’ll end with a generous dinner served among ancient theater ruins before heading out into the city night on your own.