🍝 Our Story
Sharing the Soul of Rome Through Food
We’re passionate locals dedicated to revealing the authentic flavors, traditions, and stories of Rome’s historic Monti neighborhood through unforgettable culinary experiences.
How It All Began
Monti Food Tour was born from a simple passion: sharing the authentic flavors and stories of our beloved neighborhood with curious travelers. Founded in 2015 by lifelong Monti residents, we started with a vision to create food experiences that go beyond typical tourist routes.
Growing up in Monti, we watched as our neighborhood transformed from a working-class district to one of Rome’s most vibrant areas. Yet through all the changes, the heart remained the same – family-run trattorias, artisan gelaterias, and century-old bakeries where recipes pass from generation to generation.
We realized that visitors were missing the real Rome – the hidden osteria where locals gather, the gelateria that’s been making pistachio the same way for 50 years, the market vendor who knows every customer by name. We wanted to bridge that gap.
Today, we’re proud to have introduced thousands of travelers to the authentic culinary soul of Rome, one delicious bite at a time. Every tour is a love letter to our neighborhood and the incredible artisans who keep Roman food traditions alive.
Our Mission & Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Authenticity
We only partner with genuine, family-run establishments that preserve traditional Roman recipes and techniques.
Community
We support local businesses and artisans, ensuring tourism benefits the people who make Monti special.
Education
We share the stories, history, and cultural context behind every dish, creating meaningful connections.
Sustainability
We promote seasonal ingredients, zero-waste practices, and responsible tourism that respects our neighborhood.
Our Promise to You
Every tour is carefully crafted to provide an intimate, authentic experience. We keep our groups small (maximum 12 people), work only with passionate local guides, and continuously seek out the best artisans and hidden gems. You won’t find tourist traps or rushed experiences here – just genuine Roman hospitality, incredible food, and stories that bring our city to life.
Meet Our Team
Passionate locals who live and breathe Roman food culture
Giulia Romano
Founder & Head Guide
Born and raised in Monti, Giulia’s grandmother taught her traditional Roman recipes. She founded Monti Food Tour to share her neighborhood’s culinary heritage with the world.
Marco Bianchi
Senior Food Guide
Former chef turned food guide, Marco brings 15 years of culinary expertise to every tour. His passion for Roman cuisine and storytelling creates unforgettable experiences.
Sofia Martini
Gelato & Pastry Specialist
Trained pastry chef and gelato expert, Sofia leads our dessert-focused tours. She knows every gelateria and pasticceria in Rome and their secret recipes.
Alessandro Rossi
Wine & Spirits Guide
Certified sommelier with deep knowledge of Italian wines. Alessandro’s wine pairing tours showcase the best of Lazio’s vineyards and Roman wine culture.
Elena Conti
Cooking Class Instructor
Third-generation Roman cook who learned from her nonna. Elena teaches traditional pasta-making and Roman dishes with warmth and patience.
Luca Ferrari
Market & Street Food Guide
Market vendor’s son who grew up in Campo de’ Fiori. Luca knows every stall, every vendor, and the best seasonal produce in Rome.
Why Choose Monti Food Tour
What makes our culinary experiences truly special
True Local Expertise
All our guides are born-and-raised Romans with deep neighborhood connections. We don't just show you Rome - we share our home with you.
Small Group Sizes
Maximum 12 guests per tour ensures personalized attention, meaningful interactions with artisans, and an intimate experience.
Carefully Vetted Partners
We only work with authentic, family-run establishments that meet our high standards for quality, tradition, and hospitality.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
We take you to hidden gems locals love - places you'd never find on your own, away from crowded tourist areas.
Flexible & Accommodating
Dietary restrictions? Special requests? We customize experiences to ensure everyone enjoys authentic Roman cuisine.
Award-Winning Service
Recognized by TripAdvisor, Viator, and food publications for exceptional experiences and outstanding customer satisfaction.
What Our Guests Say
Real experiences from travelers who’ve joined our tours
“Giulia’s passion for Roman food culture is infectious! She took us to places we never would have found and shared stories that made every bite more meaningful. Best food tour we’ve ever done.”
Sarah Mitchell
New York, USA
“Marco’s cooking class was the highlight of our Rome trip. Learning to make carbonara from a real Roman chef in a local kitchen was magical. We still make it at home!”
James Thompson
London, UK
“Sofia’s gelato tour was pure joy! She taught us how to spot authentic gelato and took us to the best gelaterias in Rome. Now I can’t eat regular ice cream anymore!”
Emma Rodriguez
Barcelona, Spain
“The small group size made all the difference. We felt like we were exploring with friends rather than being herded around. Authentic, intimate, and delicious!”
David Chen
Singapore
“Alessandro’s wine knowledge is incredible. He paired each dish perfectly and taught us so much about Italian wine regions. A must-do for wine lovers!”
Maria Santos
Lisbon, Portugal
“We’ve done food tours in many cities, but Monti Food Tour stands out. The authenticity, the local connections, the passion – everything was perfect. Highly recommend!”
Michael Brown
Sydney, Australia
Ready to Taste the Real Rome?
Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey through Monti’s hidden gems and
authentic flavors.