Visiting the Eternal City of Rome is definitely a cultural experience and a great way to immerse oneself in the beauty and history of ancient Rome but, visiting this city also makes for a wonderful culinary experience, where you will be able to taste some of the most delicious food you will ever find. The city of Rome is commonly known for its famous pasta dishes like Carbonara, Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe and Gricia but another local favorite dish is definitely Carciofi alla giudia. Today we’ll go more in-depth about this fantastic dish and where you can eat it while visiting Rome.
Let’s find out something more about Carciofi alla giudia and why you should have them!
Carciofi alla Giudia: Unraveling the Origins and Flavors
Carciofi alla giudia is one of the most popular dishes in Roman cuisine and it consists of a fried artichoke. It was first made by the Jewish community that lived in Rome and, in fact, its name actually means “Jewish-style artichokes”. It is believed that this recipe originated in the Roman Ghetto and, to this day, it is one of the most delicious dishes that you can find in this place. If you’re interested in knowing something more about the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, you can book a private tour with us!
How to Prepare the Perfect Carciofi alla Giudia
Preparing Carciofi alla giudia takes a little while and it’s usually something that only more advanced cooks can make. The quality of the artichoke used for the preparation is very important and, because of this, the city of Rome cares strongly about using artichokes that come from their land. These artichokes are cleaned and opened to be left for a while in water with lemon juice (this prevents the loss of color). Once they are seasoned with salt and pepper they get deep fried in olive oil. To make them crispier, once they’re done frying, Romans usually sprinkle some water on them. This allows for the artichoke to achieve an extra level of crunchiness.
Top Restaurants in Rome to Eat Carciofi alla Giudia
If you’re planning on visiting the city of Rome and are looking for some of the best places to try Carciofi alla Giudia, we have your back! Here’s a list of some of the best restaurants where you will be able to find these amazing artichokes:
- TAVERNA VOLPETTI: Located in the Testaccio neighborhood, Taverna Volpetti offers a unique experience surrounded by locals. It is usually more associated with a classical Italian diner but their Carciofi alla Giudia are definitely worth trying. If you don’t like fried food, you could also try their Carciofi alla Romana, they are exceptional!
- NONNA BETTA: Located in the Jewish Ghetto, this restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere where you will be able to get a taste of Roman culture.
- DA ENZO AL 29: Located in the Trastevere neighborhood, Da Enzo 29 is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and it makes amazing Carciofi alla Giudia. Another thing we suggest you try in this restaurant is their tiramisù!
- GIGGETTO: Located in Via del Portico D’Ottavia, this restaurant is perfect if you wish to fully dive into Roman traditions. Their Carciofi alla Giudia are considered some of the best in Rome and you should definitely try them!
Conclusion
Visiting the city of Rome always makes for an incredible experience, mostly when you combine your sightseeing with eating great local food. If you want to get to know more about Italy and the city of Rome, make sure you check out our other blogs and book a private tour of the wonders of Rome with us for a full experience!
