Explore Guides
Local food map
Rome (Italy)
Hotels in area
Main course
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
520kcal
20gProtein
68gCarbs
21gFat
3gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Allergens
🌾 Gluten
🥛 Dairy
Cacio e Pepe
How to order / say it
Say it
Cacio e Pepe — [kah-choh eh peh-peh]
Order
I'd like the cacio e pepe, please.
Locally
Vorrei il cacio e pepe, per favore.
Say locally
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
Why try it?
Symbolizing Roman ingenuity, Cacio e Pepe is revered for transforming basic pantry ingredients into a culinary masterpiece through technique and balance.
How it tastes
Cacio e Pepe offers a creamy texture with a peppery aroma; the rich Pecorino lends a nutty flavor, while the pepper adds warmth and depth.
Origin & History — first documented: 1800
Cacio e Pepe is an ancient dish, dating back to the Roman Empire. It was a staple for shepherds who could carry dried pasta and cheese on long journeys across the Lazio region.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🌾 200 g spaghetti
- 🥛 100 g Pecorino Romano cheese
- 🧂 1 tsp black pepper
- 🧂 to taste salt
- 🫒 1 tbsp olive oil
Method
- 1 Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
- 2 Toast black pepper in olive oil in a separate pan.
- 3 Combine cheese and some pasta water to make a creamy sauce.
- 4 Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
More from Rome
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Oxtail Stew
Coda alla Vaccinara
KOH-dah ahl-lah vak-chi-NAR-ah
A rich oxtail stew with tomatoes, celery, and spices.
🐟
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Stuffed Squid Roman Style
Calamari Ripieni alla Romana
kah-lah-MAH-ree ree-PYEH-nee alla ro-MAH-na
Squid stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, baked in tomato sauce.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Spaghetti alla Amatriciana
spah-geh-tee ahl-lah ah-mah-tree-chah-nah
A bold pasta dish featuring tomato sauce, guanciale, and Pecorino cheese.
© Wikimedia Commons
Starter
Vegetarian
Roman-style fried artichokes
Carciofi alla Giudia
kar-CHO-fee alla JOO-dee-ah
Whole fried artichokes with a crispy exterior and tender heart.
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegetarian
Maritozzo
mah-ree-TOH-tso
A soft Roman sweet bun filled with whipped cream, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Carbonara
kar-boh-NAH-rah
A classic Roman pasta with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper.
© Wikimedia Commons
Snack
Meat
Supplì
soo-PLEE
Fried rice balls filled with tomato, cheese, and meat.
© Wikimedia Commons
Starter
Vegan
Artichokes alla Romana
Carciofi alla Romana
kar-CHOH-fee ah-lah roh-mah-nah
Roman-style artichokes braised with herbs and olive oil.
© Wikimedia Commons
Soup
Vegetarian
Roman-Style Chickpea Soup
Pasta e Ceci
PAH-stah eh CHEH-chee
A comforting chickpea and pasta stew in a savory broth.
🐟
Snack
Fish & Seafood
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Fiori di Zucca
FYOH-ree dee TSOO-kah
Delicate zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese and anchovies, then fried.