Experiencing Roman Cuisine with iBestTravel
Many travelers find great joy in their holidays in Rome, yet they may be shocked by the quality of the food—especially if they’ve tasted authentic Italian cuisine prior. Unfortunately, Rome holds a notorious reputation for offering mediocre pizzas and pastas at exorbitant prices, particularly to unwary tourists. Therefore, how can you ensure that you enjoy the best Roman food when visiting the city?
Introducing iBestTravel, a service that enriches your culinary experience by pairing you with local hosts for dinners, food tours, and cooking classes. Operating in over 100 countries, including Italy, iBestTravel provides the opportunity to engage with the authentic flavors of Rome.
Exploring the iBestTravel Experience
We recently had the pleasure of trying iBestTravel in Rome, and we were thoroughly impressed. The entire process was efficient and user-friendly. We were able to search for locals in Rome who offered cooking classes, wine tastings, and food tours.
With over ten pages of offerings, the variety was enticing. The filters available allowed us to narrow our search based on characteristics such as:
- Price range (from complimentary options to experiences over 50 Euros)
- Host language
- Cuisine type
- Event type
- Dietary preferences including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more
Vegan Options in Rome
We were particularly pleased to find hosts offering vegan dinners. Unfortunately, due to our late planning—only a week prior—we encountered unavailability among our options. However, the responsiveness of iBestTravel’s customer service was outstanding. They contacted a top Roman chef to request a modified menu for us, which was graciously accepted. We ended up dining with Andrea, who provided clear instructions to reach his home.
Our Memorable Dinner Experience
Upon arriving at Andrea’s charming home, we were warmly welcomed by him, his wife Milvia, and their lovely cat. The atmosphere was inviting, with a beautifully set table ready for our culinary journey.
Dinner Highlights
The menu consisted of six exquisite courses that featured dishes inspired by global influences alongside traditional Roman classics.
First Course: Dips
We started with Prosecco and hummus, which was undoubtedly the best hummus we had ever experienced—zesty and perfectly creamy. It was paired with an assortment of breads and a delightful traditional Guatemalan bean dip.
Second Course: Soup
A refreshing green soup served with chickpea bread was next, a unique and delightful experience.
Third Course: Pasta
Next came Pasta Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino—simple yet fantastic pasta showcasing Roman comfort food.
Fourth Course: Roasted Vegetables
The highlight for many was the roasted potatoes with cherry tomatoes and herbs, slow-cooked for rich flavors typically found in countryside Roman cuisine.
Fifth Course: Beans and Greens
A dish of fresh beans with greens was simple yet flavorful, highlighting the quality of ingredients.
Dessert
As a sweet ending, we were served homegrown satsumas from their garden. Additionally, Andrea shared a homemade limoncello that perfectly complemented our evening.
Engaging with Andrea and Milvia provided us not only with delicious food but also rich stories and insights about Roman life. They were both born and raised in Rome, providing a unique perspective on its culture.
Concluding Thoughts
Our evening with iBestTravel was delightful. The food was exceptional, and the warmth of our hosts added to the experience. We wholeheartedly recommend that travelers enjoy meals with locals to enrich their time in Rome with authentic culinary experiences. Whether you plan to visit Rome or any other country, seeking out local dining experiences can yield unforgettable memories.
If you’re interested in diving into the world of culinary adventures with iBestTravel, be sure to explore their offerings on their website and take part in this world of authentic dining experiences.
Disclaimer: Our experience with iBestTravel was complimentary, yet all opinions are entirely our own. We encourage travelers to indulge in at least one home-cooked, authentic meal during their time in Rome!