7 Best Food Markets in Rome: Market Guide for 2024

Looking for the best food markets in Rome? This market guide is for you!

With over 100 Rome food markets, you may not know where to start. But I do!

As a chef, foodie, and a food travel blogger, I always have the local markets on my list of where to explore and shop when visiting the Eternal City. After years of research, I whittled 100 down to the Top 7!

Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, pastries, foodie souvenirs, fish stalls, salumi, or street food, you’ll know the best Roman markets for you after checking out this guide.

Best Food Markets in Rome

Mercato di Testaccio (Testaccio Market)

Mordi e Vai is one of the reasons the Mercato di Testaccio is the best Rome food market.

All-Around Best Food Market in Rome!

My favorite Rome food market, Mercato Testaccio, is the perfect mix of Roman street food and local raw ingredients.

This is one of the best markets for lunch. Come hungry and try as much as you can!

One of the best things about the Testaccio food market: Mordi e Vai, one of the best cheap eats in Rome!

For you meat-eaters, the Allesso di Bollito is the bomb! Add sautéed greens and salsa verde to this delectable sandwich and you will understand why this is a must-eat. I usually add a Roman artichoke on the side, but they’re also delicious spread on a roll with cheese—and that’s how they’re offered in one of the tasty vegetarian sandwich options here.

Roman artichokes from the Testaccio Market make a delicious snack.

Salumi, cheeses, and more great sandwiches like traditional porchetta await at La Prosciutteria di Enzo e Lina (Box 89) and Alimentari (Box 52). These are both also popular Testaccio food tour stops for buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto tastings.

For some of the best pizza in Rome, there’s Casa Manco at Box 22.

In addition to an abundance of yummy food stalls (known as “boxes” here), there are plenty of drinks of every kind. From a selection of local wines to Italian coffees and cocktails, you’ll have many beverage choices with which to quench your thirst.

What else to buy at Testaccio Market? It’s a great place for grocery items like fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, Italian cheeses, and fresh pasta (for which Le Mani in Pasta is a great choice).

The one downside to this market: Unless you’re staying in the Testaccio neighborhood, which is outside of Rome’s city center, you’ll need a taxi, ride share, or mass-transit option to get there. However, it’s easy to find near the Macro Museum and definitely worth the trip!

Address: Nuovo Mercato Comunale di Testaccio, Via Beniamino Franklin, 12/E, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 7:00 am–3:30 pm

2. Mercato Centrale (Central Market)

Pizza al taglio at the Central Market, one of the best Rome markets for a meal

Best Rome Food Market for a Sit-Down Meal!

Located in the Roma Termini Train Station—Rome’s main train station—the Mercato Centrale is one of the best Rome food markets for on-site eating.

Of Rome’s many street food markets, the Central Market goes above and beyond and offers traditional Roman meals too. It’s like a food hall Rome calls a market.

Since it’s open every day from early morning until midnight, it’s the perfect place to come if you’re hungry during one of those breaks in the day when many of the city’s restaurants are closed. Needless to say, with its location inside the Termini Station, Mercato Centrale is also an incredibly convenient spot to grab a meal while waiting for your train or if you arrive in Rome via rail on an empty stomach.

The best way to decide what to eat is to take a loop around all of the offerings first. Will it be pizza al taglio (rectangular pizza sold by the slice), cacio e pepe, or one of the many delicious meat dishes of Italian cuisine? Of course, you can’t go wrong with one of Rome’s signature street foods: a meatball Trapizzino smothered in tomato sauce!

The Mercato Centrale is one of Rome’s best food markets for pastries and desserts.

This is also one of Rome’s food markets that’s a popular place for sweets. Leave at least a little bit of room for dessert. Baked goods include popular Italian pastries like sfogliatella, maritozzo, and cannoli. As an alternative, there’s always Rome’s favorite dessert, gelato!

Address: Via Giovanni Giolitti, 36, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Daily: 7:30 am–Midnight

3. Mercato Trionfale (Trionfale Market)

An assortment of salumi at Mercato Trionfale, Rome’s best market in the Pratti District — An assortment of salumi at Mercato Trionfale, Rome’s best market in the Prati District

Best Food Market Near the Vatican!

Mercato Trionfale (sometimes called the Nuovo Mercato Trionfale) in the Prati neighborhood near Vatican City holds two impressive titles. It’s both the largest food market and the oldest covered food market in Rome, Italy.

Dating back to the late 19th century, this local market boasts over 270 stalls. You can probably find anything you’re looking for—from fresh fruits to cold cuts to grains to clothing and household items.

Don’t be intimidated by the size. For easy navigation, the aisles are color coded, with blue for fish, red for meat, green for produce, etc. Trionfale is like numerous markets in one.

This is the food market Rome chefs and locals flock to for fresh ingredients. Nicknamed “mercato di populari” (popular market), the Trionfale is the ideal place to soak up some true Roman food culture.

A traditional Italian breakfast at the largest food market in Rome is always a great morning idea.

Come in the early morning and grab a coffee and a pastry for a typical Italian breakfast. It may not be the best coffee in Rome, but it’ll get you through shopping. Order a double espresso and you may even have enough energy for the Vatican Museums afterward.

Address: Via Andrea Doria, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Friday: 7:00 am–2:00 pm; Tuesday & Saturday: 7:00 am–7:00 pm

4. Mercato Campo de’ Fiori (Campo de’ Fiori Market)

The Campo de’ Fiori Market is one of the most picturesque food markets in Rome.

Best Food Market Near Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain!

It’s hard to imagine that the Piazza Campo de’ Fiori was once a field of flowers like its name suggests.

Nowadays, the piazza houses one of the most famous markets in Rome, the Campo de’ Fiori Market. Even more impressively, it’s one of the most famous food markets in all of Italy. Having opened in 1869, it’s also the oldest outdoor market in Rome.

It’s just a short walk from the Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, so many Rome food tours stop at Mercato Campo de’ Fiori for a rewarding outdoor market tour.

Even without a tour, with its central location in the heart of Rome, you’ll most likely find yourself at this open-air market at some point on your trip.

You can still find beautiful flowers at the most famous food market in Rome, Campo de’ Fiori.

Although the meadow is gone, flower stalls are one of the main draws at the Campo de’ Fiori, as are fruit and vegetable stalls.

However, in recent years, many of the vendors selling flowers and local produce have been replaced by stalls selling local products and souvenirs of the Lazio region, the region in which Rome is located.

Foodies should check out the olive oil, limoncello, balsamic vinegar, and truffle products that can all be purchased here. Just don’t buy anything without tasting it first!

Address: Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy 
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 7:00 am–2:00 pm

5. Nuovo Mercato Esquilino (New Esquilino Market) 

Some spices you can find at the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino in Rome

Best Food Market Rome, Italy, Has for Ethnically Diverse Ingredients! 

For over a hundred years, the Mercato Piazza Vittorio thrived as one of the local outdoor markets catering to a multicultural melting pot neighborhood.

In 2001, however, this Rome food market moved from the Piazza Vittorio to the former Sani barracks and in its new digs needed a new name: Thus, the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino was born.

Even in its new location, it has retained its reputation as one of the most ethnically diverse markets in the city.

Dried fruits and nuts make a great snack at Rome food markets.

I love that in addition to traditional Italian products, you can purchase anything from Chinese noodles and sauces to Senegalese spices. If you’re looking for non-Italian groceries in Rome, this is the place!

Address: Via Principe Amedeo, 184, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 5:00 am–3:00 pm; Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday: 5:00 am–5:00 pm

6. Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo (Campagna Amica Market at Circus Maximus)

Look for unique vegetables at the Circus Maximus Farmers’ Market.

Best Rome Market To Meet Farmers!

Rome's largest farmers’ market, Campagna Amica Market is located between the Roman Forum and the Mouth of Truth at Circo Massimo.

It seems this market has many names, and often it is simply called the Circus Maximus Farmers’ Market.

This is mainly a fruit and vegetable market, but there are also some products available that are made from organic farm products. These include olive oil, cheeses, honey, and specialty breads. The market sees itself as a meeting point for farmers and consumers.

Bread made with organic flour is sold at the largest farmers’ market in Rome, Campagna Amica Market.

At first glance, you’ll wonder if this really is the largest farmers’ market around. Indeed it is, with the keyword being “farmers.” It is not the largest food market in Rome, Italy.

Of all the food markets Rome has that offer fruits and vegetables, most only have a handful of actual farmers in attendance offering up the jewels of their own harvest; the Circo Massimo Market has over 60 such farmers. 

And they’re quite impressive. For example, the “Sigilli di Campagna Amica” designation at stands identify farmers who saved certain vegetables like the Onano lentil, Atina cannellini bean, and Pontecorvo pepper from extinction.

Address: Via di S. Teodoro, 74, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am–3:00 pm

7. Mercato di San Cosimato (San Cosimato Market)

When in season, zucchini flowers are a popular grocery item at the food markets of Rome.

Best Food Market in Trastevere!

The Piazza San Cosimato Market in Trastevere today is how the Campo de’ Fiori used to be. It’s a local food market where people in the neighborhood buy their groceries—everything from fresh meat and fish to cheese and Italian cured meats.

The majority of the food stalls at this traditional market have been passed down from generation to generation for more than 100 years. Melnik’s fish stall, Franco’s fruits and vegetables, and Claudio’s butchery are among the longest-operating vendors operating here.

Mercato di San Cosimato, one of the food markets Rome locals shop for fish — Mercato di San Cosimato, one of the food markets where Rome locals shop for fish

These stalls are a wonderful opportunity to see what’s in season and learn about what Romans eat and cook at home.

Pro Tip: If you’re renting an apartment in Trastevere, purchase some of Claudio’s pre-made meatballs for a delicious easy meal.

This is also one of the best outdoor markets at which to see neighbors greeting each other and interacting with their favorite vendors—a centuries-old Italian ritual that lives on in here in Trastevere.

Address: Piazza di S. Cosimato, 64, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 6:00 am–1:30 pm

Rome Food Markets FAQs 

1. What is the best foodie tour for visiting the food markets of Rome?

There are two food tours I recommend for foodies in Rome that include market visits: 
Small Group Walking Tour (Mercato Campo de’ Fiori)
Taste of Testaccio Food Tour (Mercato Testaccio)

2. What is Trajan’s Market in Rome?

Trajan’s Market was Rome’s first covered marketplace. Built in ancient times around 110 A.D., this once historic market now houses the Museum of Imperial Forums (Museo dei Fori Imperiali).

3. What is the best street food market in Rome?  

You can literally find every traditional Roman street food at the Mercato Centrale. You can easily taste Jewish artichokes. supplì, pizzas, zucchini flowers, fried baccala, pastries, and more in one visit.

Jewish artichokes at the best street food market in Rome, Mercato Centrale

4. What is the best time to visit Rome’s markets?

Each of the Rome markets has their own hours. It’s a good idea to know what they are before you go since some will close in the early afternoon, and many are closed on Sundays.

5. Which of the best food markets in Rome are open on Sunday?

Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Campagna Amica are the only two Rome food markets on this list that are open Sundays.

6. What is Rome’s famous flea market?

Porta Portese is the largest and most famous of the flea markets in Rome. This is one of the best places for used books, vintage clothing, and antiques.