Rome is an area well known for its food. Lazio, the region in which Rome is located, is widely known for dishes featuring lamb, veal, ham, steak, and offal. Fish choices in Rome include sea bass and fried cod. Rome is also rich in markets, so vegetables are featured in dishes. A tip for tourists - most restaurants include a tourist menu, which offer a couple of courses. Tourists should know that main courses do not come with vegetables, they must be ordered separately.
Another tip for tourists is about the pizza in Rome. It is a hybrid between the North and Neopolitan styles. Also, away from the main tourist areas, it is only served around dinner time.
Coffee is available at almost every bar, but certain coffees should only be had at certain times. Most Italians consider cappuccino to be a drink for the morning, while espressos or macchiatos are good for the afternoon or evening.
It is important for travelers to pay attention when eating out, as the gratuity is including in the check at many places. This is also in addition to the cover charge. If the gratuity is not included, a 5 to 10% tip is considered customary.
Clothing is very important in Rome. Fashion is a very big deal in the city, so expect to see residents walking around in the latest styles. Depending on the area you are visiting, certain attire may be required, so be sure to check the rules. Most religious places require guests to be covered up, no shorts, shoulders and chest covered, no skirts above the knee.
Restuarants in Rome hold different hours than restaurants in America. Usually they are open for lunch, closing by 3p.m., then opening again for dinner around 7p.m. There are all different sorts of restaurants in Rome. Restaurants are considered the most expensive and fanciest. Trattorias are usually family owned restaurants. Osterias are like pubs or small restaurants, while a tavola calda is a cafeteria-style place. A pizzeria is probably the most obvious place, often being very similar to the pizzerias seen in the U.S.
Tourists must be careful when it comes to taking taxis around the city. Illegal taxis are a major issue in the city, with some charging more than triple the regular rate for trips. Make sure the taxi you are getting into is a legal one. Look for the taxi to be white or yellow and have a name and identification number. Also, legal taxis will be found at taxi stands. Drivers who come up to you and offer a taxi ride are probably illegal. Another thing to look for is the meter in the legal taxi, which will regulate your fare. Also look for the taxi to have the crest of Rome on it. If the taxi does not have the information mentioned above, or the driver solicits your business, it is mostly likely an illegal cab, and you should avoid it.
Places of Interest in Rome | Shopping In Rome | Weather | Museums in Rome – Musei Vaticani | Transportation in Rome | Inside Advice About Dining in Rome | Day Trips from Rome | Hotels | Local Customs – Rome | Public Holidays in Rome | Festivals and Fairs in Rome | Tips and Tricks in Rome |
