When it comes to pasta, two of the most iconic culinary capitals in the world—Paris and Rome—offer distinctly different takes on this beloved dish. Rome, the heart of Italian cuisine, is known for its traditional, simple, and flavorful pasta dishes made with time-honored techniques and high-quality ingredients. Meanwhile, Paris, with its deep-rooted appreciation for gastronomy, has embraced pasta with a more refined, fusion-driven approach, often incorporating French culinary techniques and influences. But which city truly serves the best pasta? I traveled to both and indulged in some of their finest offerings to find out.
In Rome, pasta is a way of life. Every dish is prepared with a dedication to tradition, focusing on a few core ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. One of the standout experiences was at Roscioli, a renowned trattoria that serves some of the best Carbonara in the city. Made with guanciale, Pecorino Romano, eggs, and black pepper, this dish was creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced—without a drop of cream in sight. Another Roman classic that stole the show was Cacio e Pepe, a deceptively simple dish made with pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. At Felice a Testaccio, the Cacio e Pepe was prepared tableside, creating a velvety sauce that coated every strand of pasta flawlessly. The beauty of Roman pasta lies in its authenticity—no unnecessary embellishments, just pure, bold flavors.
Paris, on the other hand, brings a different kind of elegance to pasta. While not traditionally French, pasta has been embraced by some of the city’s top chefs, who have incorporated local ingredients and refined techniques to create something uniquely Parisian. At Le Rigmarole, a Michelin-recognized restaurant, I had a life-changing plate of Lobster Tagliatelle, where the fresh seafood paired beautifully with a light, buttery sauce infused with herbs and white wine. Another memorable experience was at Il Brigante, an Italian trattoria in Montmartre that served an exquisite Truffle Pasta, rich with creamy sauce and topped with generous shavings of black truffle. Unlike Rome’s minimalistic approach, Parisian pasta often leans toward luxurious ingredients and intricate presentation, making it a more elevated, fine-dining experience.
So, which city takes the crown for the best pasta? It ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. If you want rustic, soul-satisfying, and traditional pasta made the way it has been for centuries, Rome is unbeatable. Every bite is a tribute to Italian culinary heritage, with dishes that have stood the test of time. However, if you prefer a refined, innovative take on pasta that blends Italian tradition with French sophistication, Paris offers an exciting and elegant alternative. In the end, both cities serve extraordinary pasta in their own way, proving that whether you’re indulging in a classic Roman dish or savoring a Parisian twist, great pasta knows no borders.