For many of us, the prospect of a long layover between flights conjures up images of airport fast food restaurants and hours spent waiting near the terminal.
But if you have a layover in Rome, you’re in luck! While you might think of Fiumicino only as the site of the airport and the gateway to Rome, there’s much more to this town than that. Fiumicino is about a 40 minute drive from Rome’s city center, which will cost you roughly 48 euros for a taxi ride. If you’re able, by all means take the time to spend a few hours in Rome before continuing on your journey. But if you’re short on time, there are plenty of culinary gems right in Fiumicino.
The Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) is the busiest airport in Italy and the tenth-busiest in Europe. The airport itself boasts dozens of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy Italian classics like pasta, porchetta, and pizza as well as a variety of other options. Just outside the airport, however, is the town of Fiumicino.
Fiumicino's Culinary Scene
Fiumicino is a fishing port, meaning you’ll find plenty of fresh, local seafood options in the area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes such as pasta with clams, grilled fish, fried calamari, and seafood risotto. Restaurants along the waterfront often specialize in serving freshly caught fish. Fiumicino also has numerous local trattorias and restaurants offering traditional Roman and Italian cuisine. These establishments serve dishes like pasta carbonara, spaghetti alla vongole (with clams), cacio e pepe, and Roman-style artichokes.
Fiumicino also offers charming wine bars where visitors can enjoy a glass of Italian wine paired with local cheeses and cured meats. Additionally, gelaterias abound, offering a delightful array of gelato flavors to indulge in after a meal. Fiumicino offers everything from pizza and simple trattorias to Michelin-star restaurants, so there’s something for everyone.
**Criteria for Selection **
During your Roman layover, you probably don’t want to have to travel far from the airport and risk not making it back in time for your flight. At the very least, you’ll want to spend more time enjoying your limited time in Fiumicino and less time in an Uber or taxi. Our list of top restaurants in Fiumicino are all within 5 miles of the airport.
While many restaurants located near the airport will cater specifically to tourists, there are some signs you can watch out for to help you spot the hidden gems. Authentic restaurants often attract locals. Look for places where you see a significant number of Italian diners, especially during peak meal times. Locals tend to know the best spots for quality food.
A menu written solely in Italian without translations or with minimal translations is often a good sign of authenticity. It suggests that the restaurant caters more to locals than tourists and is confident in its traditional offerings. Authentic restaurants often have a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere with simple decor that reflects the local culture and traditions. Avoid places that are overly flashy or heavily themed to cater specifically to tourists.
Top Eating Spots Within 5 Miles of Fiumicino Airport If you need some ideas on where to have a fabulous Italian meal in Fiumicino that’s still within close proximity to the airport, here are some great options:
Gina a Porto Romano - At just under the five-mile mark, this restaurant is 4.9 miles from the airport (about a 15 minute car ride). Gina a Porto Romano’s waterfront location is well worth the drive, especially if the weather is pleasant. In warm weather, dining on their outdoor patio is a must. The menu heavily features fresh seafood.Try the catch of the day, which changes regularly according to local suppliers, or go with a classic like spaghetti with clams.
**Pizzeria Marina **- After a long day of travel, what’s more satisfying than a truly excellent pizza? Located just 3.3 miles and a ten minute drive from the airport you’ll find Pizzeria Marina. In a country full of excellent pizza, this place is led by an award-winning pizza maker. Pizza is served in square-cut trays and sold by weight, so you can try as many topping combinations as you like. Beyond the traditional recipes, you’ll find inventive combinations of soft cheeses, cured meats, and of course, fresh seafood - all with a generous drizzle of olive oil.
Trattoria Le Romane - A 3.9 mile or 11-minute drive from the Fiumicino airport will take you to Trattoria Le Romane. If you’re only in Rome for a brief layover, this is a great, cozy spot to enjoy classic, can’t miss Italian dishes like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, carbonara, alla gricia, and fried artichokes.
Ristorante Miranda - Located 4 miles from the airport is one of the best loved restaurants in Fiumicino: Ristorante Miranda. Ristorante Miranda is a celebration of traditional, authentic Italian cuisine and family-cherished recipes. The menu here centers on fresh shellfish, pasta and risotto, and high-quality fish.
**Exploring Beyond the Airport: Additional Layover Tips **
Fiumicino has a wealth of great dining spots, no matter what you’re looking for. From fine dining at Borgo Salino or fried calamari at Porchetta da Tonino, you certainly won’t go hungry.
If your layover is long enough to warrant an overnight stay, there are plenty of airport hotels nearby. For proximity, you can’t do better than the Hilton, but the QC Termeroma offers an elegant, five-star experience at reasonable prices.
For getting around, you can take advantage of rideshare services, the Leonardo Express train service, the airport taxi, or shuttle service.
While Fiumicino may not be as renowned for its culinary scene as nearby Rome, it still offers visitors a chance to savor delicious Italian cuisine, particularly seafood, in a relaxed and picturesque coastal setting. And, Fiumicino offers easy access to all that Rome has to offer without battling the tourist crowds.