The Olympic Stadium, nestled within the picturesque Foro Italico park, is not just a gigantic sports complex; it’s a monument to Roman passion. This architectural marvel, the city’s largest sports centre and one of Europe’s biggest, is a true sanctuary for sports enthusiasts. It’s the official home of the renowned football clubs A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, and it has hosted prestigious events like the UEFA Cup matches, the Golden Gala, and the Six Nations rugby tournament. Constructed in the 1930s, the stadium has undergone numerous renovations, most notably for the Italia ’90 World Cup and in 2007. Beyond its sporting prowess, the stadium also provides a platform for captivating concerts featuring world-renowned artists, further solidifying its status as a cultural hub.
Fueling Your Passion: Where to Eat Around the Stadium
A visit to the Olympic Stadium is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the energy of Roman life. But a sporting or musical experience isn’t complete without a satisfying culinary adventure. Luckily, the area around the stadium is brimming with delectable options, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Let’s explore some of the best places to savor the flavors of Rome near the stadium:
A Symphony of Seafood: Bistrot
Bistrot, a unique “fish wine bar”, is a haven for seafood lovers seeking contemporary culinary creations. This welcoming establishment boasts over a hundred wine labels, a tantalizing cocktail selection, and a menu that celebrates the freshest ingredients. Their signature sea tapas, perfect for a leisurely aperitivo or a delightful appetizer, will tempt your taste buds with a variety of fresh seafood preparations. From succulent oysters to expertly fried and raw dishes, Bistrot presents a captivating journey of flavors, with highlights including homemade cacio, pepper, and cod maritozzo. Don’t miss their innovative seafood dishes like octopus in BBQ sauce or amberjack tataki with prosciutto breadcrumb, or indulge in their delectable homemade desserts.
A Taste of Tradition: Restaurant
Nestled near the Olympic Stadium, Restaurant, a true Roman institution, has been a favorite since 1972. Recently revitalized with new management, it offers a charming ambiance and a convenient location, close to the MAXXI and the Auditorium. The menu, a blend of traditional Roman cuisine with a modern twist, offers an enticing selection of classics, from cold cuts and cheeses to whole grain rice fritters alla gricia. Savor the authentic flavors of water and flour spaghetti all’amatriciana, meatballs in sauce, or the iconic saltimbocca.
Street Food Delights: Two Wheels of Flavor
Massimo and Alessio bring a taste of Sicily to Rome with their Volkswagen T2 food truck, parked inside the Padel Club Bailey in Tor di Quinto. Their mobile eatery offers a delectable array of Sicilian specialties, from savory sandwiches and snacks to fresh salads and daily pasta dishes. Don’t miss their irresistible freshly fried arancini and cannoli, accompanied by wines, proseccos, and cocktails for a perfect aperitivo.
Fried to Perfection: A Golden Crisp
The Roman adage “fried is good for everything” rings true here, but only when done with the utmost care and precision. This street food gem ensures that each bite delivers a golden, crispy, and never-greasy delight. Indulge in their mouthwatering supplì (including those with amatriciana or cacio e pepe), meatballs, Ascolana-style olives, mozzarella in carrozza, panzerotti, and battered vegetables. A must-try is their carciofi alla giudia (Roman artichokes), available seasonally. A few tables are available for on-site dining, or you can enjoy your feast to go.
Roman Charm: Trattoria
Trattoria, a charming spot located just steps away from Ponte Milvio’s lively nightlife, offers a simple and genuine experience. Their menu features traditional Roman cuisine prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From classic fried dishes like the “saccoccio” (try their boiled meat meatballs) to seasonal favorites like spaghetti with asparagus, guanciale, and pecorino, every dish is a celebration of Roman flavors. Indulge in second courses like tripe, saltimbocca, or oxtail stew, perhaps paired with chicory or agretti. Don’t miss their delicious desserts and enjoy their friendly and efficient service.
A Wine Lover’s Paradise: Wine Bar
Wine Bar is a haven for wine enthusiasts in Rome, located near the Auditorium. Owner Ciro Borriello curates a meticulously selected wine list, featuring top-quality Italian and French wines, including small-batch productions and high-quality sparkling wines. These exceptional wines are complemented by a menu of simple yet flavorful dishes crafted with top-quality ingredients. Try their crostone with ciauscolo and friarielli, meatballs in sauce, or the Club Sandwich with salmon. The attentive and prompt service adds to the overall experience.
A Baking Legacy: Gourmet Break
Gourmet Break is a beloved neighborhood staple, formerly known as Gianfornaio. This bakery has been a local institution for generations, carrying on the tradition established by the owner’s grandfather, Nazzareno. Their dedication to quality is evident in their use of an old steam oven from 1890, fueled by hazelnut shells, to bake over twenty varieties of sourdough bread. From pizza alla pala to sweet and savory pastries, Gourmet Break provides an array of baked goods, as well as breakfast leaveners, coffee, and specialty breads for special occasions. The kitchen also offers lunch and dinner dishes, while the bar counter serves cocktails for aperitifs.
The Triangle of Delight: Street Food
Stefano Callegari’s legendary pizza bianca triangle, filled with traditional Roman and national sauces, has become a culinary icon celebrated beyond the capital. This street food gem deserves all the accolades it receives, offering a delectable array of classic and creative fillings. Indulge in the classic picchiapò, chicken with peppers, oxtail stew, or explore seasonal variations like eggplant parmigiana, Roman-style artichokes, vitello tonnato, octopus in sauce, and many more. Don’t forget to try their supplì. Open from 11:00 AM to 01:00 AM, this street food haven provides a taste of Rome around the clock.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Around the Stadium
The Olympic Stadium is more than just a sports venue; it’s a vibrant hub of Roman life. And a visit to this architectural wonder would be incomplete without exploring the culinary treasures that surround it. From authentic Roman trattorias to contemporary fish wine bars and street food gems, the area offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, a traditionalist, or a street food lover, you’re sure to find a culinary haven around the Olympic Stadium. So, come hungry and prepare to savor the flavors of Rome!
