Juicy and fragrant, porchetta, for its preparation, requires a whole pig (about a year old and weighing no more than a quintal), emptied and deboned, seasoned with spices (salt and pepper) and herbs (rosemary and wild fennel), then tied with twine and slow-cooked in the oven at a low temperature. This way, the meat remains beautifully moist, while the skin becomes crispy. When it comes to pairing, you can opt for a glass of Verdicchio, Trebbiano, or, on the red side, Nebbiolo or a robust Cannonau.
Where to eat porchetta in Rome
Baccano
Bistro. A few meters from the Trevi Fountain, this establishment has a cosmopolitan style, ideal for a relaxed yet classy break at any time of the day. The extensive menu is divided into sections, offering not only classic appetizers, Roman and non-Roman first courses, and second courses but also various sections dedicated to Italian and international excellences, cured meats, dairy products, caviar, lobster, and so on. Among the appetizers, one more tempting than the other, stands out the croissant with Ariccia porchetta, French butter, and Cantabrian anchovies. The wine list is extensive and well-structured, and there's a selection of cocktails skillfully crafted.
Baccano – via delle Muratte, 23 – 06 69941166 – www.baccanoroma.com
Er Buchetto dal 1890
Sandwich shop. Located just steps away from the Teatro dell’Opera and Termini Station, this place, although small, boasts a product that reigns supreme – the Ariccia Igp porchetta, the only and undisputed queen since 1890. It is crispy on the outside and tender inside, to be enjoyed in the classic "ciriola" or sandwiched between focaccia, or even more simply, on its own on a sheet of oiled paper. To accompany, there's a selection of cheese, cold cuts, artichokes in oil, and pickled peppers, along with a good glass of wine. Note: Cash only is accepted.
Er Buchetto dal 1890 – via del Viminale, 2/F – 329 9652175 – facebook
Frezza
Trattoria. In the heart of the city, this establishment, opened just over a year ago by the renowned actor Claudio Amendola, offers first courses and dishes from the Roman tradition – cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, puttanesca, as well as chicken cacciatore, oxtail stew, meatballs in sauce, and cod. What sets it apart is the serving of some dishes in earthenware pots. The menu also includes delicious "bombe salate" (savory bombs), fried foods, bruschettas, and white and red pizzas with various toppings. A must-try is the "porchetta" with fiordilatte, porchetta, and broccoli, incredibly flavorful. Wine and cocktail pairings are also available.
Frezza – via della Frezza, 64 – 06 70452605 – www.frezzaromana.it
Pizzarium
Pizza by the slice. The realm of the king of Roman pan pizza, awarded Three Wheels in the 2024 Pizzerie d’Italia guide, Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci, open for over twenty years, is an address every food lover should know, even if it means waiting a bit during peak hours. The counter displays trays with a crispy and thin yet well-ventilated base, showcasing the excellent quality of the raw materials used for toppings. If you're lucky, you'll find their own production of porchetta filling the white pizza, either alone or in unusual combinations. There's also an excellent selection of fried foods, ranging from classic supplì to various delicacies.
Pizzarium – via della Meloria, 43 – 06 39745416 – www.bonci.it
La Renella
Bakery. A historic address dating back to 1890 in the heart of Trastevere, ideal for late-night shopping and a quick snack. Here, excellent bread is made throughout the day and until late at night (it is among the very few surviving wood-fired ovens in the city). You can also take away a slice of excellent paddle pizza, a crispy base topped with various condiments, and a fragrant white pizza filled with porchetta or mortadella or other delicious ingredients. Among the sweets, the various types of tarts and the delicious biscuit selection are worth a taste.
La Renella – via del Moro, 15 – 06 5817265 – @renella_trastevere
Antico Forno Roscioli
Bakery. Awarded Three Loaves in the 2024 Pane e panettieri d’Italia guide, it's an institution since 1972, when Marco Roscioli opened this bakery in Campo de’ Fiori. It doesn't show its age at all, thanks to the determination to always stay up to date with both offerings and the selection of raw materials. The counter offers an enormous choice: variously sized bread, pizza by the slice, focaccias, tarts, cakes, biscuits, and festive leavened treats. The high-quality porchetta is used to fill sandwiches or slices of white pizza, sometimes even paired with chicory. There are also proposals from the rotisserie, with chicken being a standout. Be prepared to wait a bit as the fans are numerous, at all hours, among Romans, Italian tourists, and those from every corner of the globe.
Antico Forno Roscioli – via dei Chiavari, 34 – 06 6864045 – www.anticofornoroscioli.it
Seu Pizza Illuminati
Pizzeria. One of the most frequented venues in the capital (important to book in advance), and awarded Three Slices in the 2024 Pizzerie d’Italia guide. The creators of its success, the pizza chef Pier Daniele Seu and his wife Valeria Zuppardo, can consider themselves satisfied. The pizza, reminiscent of the Neapolitan style, especially in the size of the cornice, captivates at the first bite. Many available toppings, which of course change throughout the year based on seasonality and creativity. Among the many variations, here is the "Porchetta and Mele" with roasted potato cream, porchetta, fiordilatte, apple, Parmesan, and coral mizuna (aromatic herb). The fried options are also excellent. Wine, beer, and cocktail pairings are available.
Seu Pizza Illuminati – via A. Bargoni, 10 – 06 5883384 – www.seupizza.com
LaVitaèunmozzico
Sandwich shop. In the heart of the city, a stone's throw from Piazza del Popolo, a small and highly frequented grocery store, often requiring patience in the queue. The reason is simple; they make sandwiches of all kinds, but the one with porchetta takes the podium, to be enjoyed in bread or on a slice of white pizza, "plain" or paired with sautéed chicory or even married to mozzarella and pesto. An economical, quick, and delicious way to solve lunch breaks or satisfy a sudden hunger attack.
LaVitaèunmozzico – via A. Brunetti, 4 – 06 3236644 – la-vita-e-un-mozzico.business.site
To be shared and enjoyed together. The return of Italian appetizers that have conquered Michelin-starred chefs
The 8 best Vitovska Wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia selected by Gambero Rosso
History of the hidden specialty coffee shop in an agricultural market in Rieti
"For me, making olive oil is an act of pure selfishness." The story of the small olive press that has made Cilento great
The best gelaterias in Venice chosen by Gambero Rosso
