Eataly Rome: A Culinary Paradise in the Heart of the City
Located in the vibrant Ostiense district, Eataly Rome is a must-visit destination for food lovers. This expansive gourmet marketplace brings the best of Italian cuisine under one roof, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, high-quality meats, cheeses, seafood, and artisanal products from all over Italy. With a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and food counters, Eataly is not just a place to shop, but a place to savor the true flavors of Italy.
Eataly’s open-plan layout allows visitors to wander through its various sections, each dedicated to different Italian culinary delights. Whether you're looking to enjoy a delicious meal, pick up local delicacies to take home, or attend a cooking class, Eataly offers something for everyone. From fresh pasta to exquisite wines, this foodie haven celebrates Italian craftsmanship and culinary traditions.
Grocery Shopping at Eataly: A Food Lover's Paradise in Rome
Before you can truly begin your vacation, it’s time to stock up the fridge. While you can easily do your shopping at local mini, super, or hypermarkets, a much more interesting option is Eataly—a place where you can instantly slip into the role of a food tourist, making shopping feel far from a chore!
Depending on your perspective, Eataly could be described as a food paradise, a modern marketplace, an Italian food showcase, a tourist hotspot, a restaurant hub, a food market, an event center, or even a nightlife venue. Whatever you call it, Eataly is a three-story complex dedicated to high-quality Italian food and drink.
On the ground floor, you'll find a beautiful vegetable market where seasonal fruits and veggies are arranged with care. The latteria (dairy section) boasts an incredible variety of cheeses, including a chestnut-infused goat cheese I tried—perhaps the most pungent cheese I've ever tasted! The enoteca (wine shop) is a wine lover’s dream, offering a wide selection. After some indecision, I opted for prosecco, though I could have easily chosen a vino sfuso, wine dispensed directly from the tank into a couple-liter jug.
Upstairs, at the macelleria (butcher), we picked up a couple of costata con osso steaks. For dessert, we found ourselves drawn to a decadent three-chocolate mousse and a silky panna cotta.
If hunger strikes while you’re shopping, you’ll be pleased to know that Eataly has several restaurants offering a variety of delicious meals. There’s even a microbrewery, where you can taste craft beers in the birreria (beer hall), paired with fried small fish. I also recommend trying Eataly’s Neapolitan-style pizza, made with dough that rises for 24 hours with minimal yeast for the perfect texture.
Eataly also hosts a variety of themed events. On the weekend, there was an artisan beer event, where you could purchase tokens to try different beers along with some savory snacks. For the latest events, be sure to check out eataly.it for more information.
If you're looking for food souvenirs from your trip to Rome, Eataly’s shelves are filled with delightful options to take home. There’s pesto, pasta in jars and bags, and even a wide selection of natural cosmetics that might catch your eye.
Located near Eataly is one of the best flea markets in Rome, Mercato Usato Garbatella, which is definitely worth a visit before or after your food exploration.
How to Get to Eataly from Rome's City Center
Eataly is located in the Ostiense district of Rome, which is easily accessible from the city center. To get there from Rome's Termini Station, you can take the Metro B line (Blue line) toward Laurentina and get off at Piramide station. From there, it’s just a short 10-minute walk to Eataly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Termini or the city center, such as Bus 719, which stops near Eataly. The location is well-connected, making it a convenient stop for both food enthusiasts and those looking to experience a different side of Rome.