Fried Starters (Fritti)
"Fritti are fried appetizers served before pasta or pizza, including supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella), fiori di zucca (fried zucchini flowers), and potato croquettes. They're crispy, hot, eaten with hands, and central to Roman dining. It's a social ritual: you order one plate for the table and everyone picks."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Crispy, communal
Duration
Quick bite
Best For
Groups
The Backstory
Fried food culture in Rome dates to the Jewish Ghetto, where frying in olive oil became an art form. The technique matters: oil must be extremely hot, batter light, items served immediately.
Local Secret
"Order supplì al telefono—the mozzarella stretches like a telephone cord when you bite it. Fiori di zucca must be eaten within 2 minutes or they get soggy. Found at any trattoria or friggitoria."