Local Typical Products of Civitavecchia: Authentic De.CO. Certified Specialties

Dear Cruisers,

If you’ve just disembarked in Civitavecchia, get ready for an experience that goes beyond monuments and sea views: the authentic taste of local tradition. The city has created the De.CO. mark (Denominazione Comunale di Origine) specifically to protect and promote its gastronomic excellence — historic recipes and products that tell the story of this seafaring and rural territory.

Here are the most representative certified (or in the process of certification) De.CO. dishes and products you can enjoy during your port call.

The Great Seafood Classics

Zuppa di Pesce alla Civitavecchiese and Minestra di Pesce alla Civitavecchiese These are the signature dishes of the port city. Rich with scorpionfish, smooth-hound shark, octopus, mantis shrimp, mussels, and fresh daily catch, they are prepared with a fragrant sauté and tomato. The difference is in the texture: the zuppa is thicker and served with crostini, while the minestra is more brothy, often enriched with homemade pasta. An intense, authentic Mediterranean experience.

Spaghetti Polpo e Pecorino A surprising and irresistible combination: local tender baby octopus sautéed with garlic, tomato, and white wine, tossed with thick spaghetti and a generous grating of Pecorino Romano DOP. The contrast between the sweetness of the octopus and the sharpness of the cheese is a true Civitavecchia specialty.

Frittura di Pescato Locale Fresh local squid, shrimp, small fish, and baby octopus, fried until perfectly crispy. Simplicity and top-quality daily catch straight from the harbor.

Polpetti alla Civitavecchiese (or Polpetti Affogati) Small octopus slow-cooked in a tomato sauce with garlic, parsley, and chili. Tender and flavorful — the ultimate comfort food of local fishermen.

Lumache alla Civitavecchiese An ancient tradition (especially linked to the Feast of San Giovanni), these snails are purged, boiled, and cooked in a tomato sauce with wild mint and chili. A rustic, tasty dish that surprises visitors.

Bakery Specialties and Sweets

Pizza Coperta Civitavecchiese One of the oldest recipes recognized with De.CO.: two layers of leavened dough enclosing a filling of anchovies, tomato, and herbs. Simple, flavorful, and perfect eaten hot or warm while strolling along the seafront.

Pizza di Pasqua Civitavecchiese The local version of the famous Lazio Easter cake: tall, soft, enriched with cheeses and cured meats, with the typical Civitavecchia variations. Ideal for breakfast or a snack.

Maritozzi con la Panna The classic Roman maritozzi reinterpreted in Civitavecchia style: soft sweet buns generously filled with fresh whipped cream. An indulgent treat not to be missed.

Fave da Morto Civitavecchiesi Almond cookies shaped like broad beans, flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon. Typical of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, they are a symbol of traditional pastry-making.

Biscottini Civitavecchiesi “Le Biscuttine” Small, crunchy, fragrant dry biscuits, perfect for dipping in sweet wine or tea. Excellent as a tasty souvenir to take on board.

Tips for Cruise Passengers

You can find these specialties mainly in historic trattorias in the center, along the seafront, or in traditional bakeries and rotisseries. Many restaurants near the port and Forte Michelangelo offer tasting menus featuring De.CO. products.

Where to try them:

• Typical trattorias near the Cruise Terminal

• Historic bakeries in the center (for Pizza Coperta, biscottini, and sweets)

• Seafront restaurants for soups and fried fish

Practical Tip: If you’re short on time, go for a quick lunch with Pizza Coperta + fried seafood or take away some Biscuttine and Maritozzi. Many establishments proudly display the De.CO. logo — your guarantee of authenticity.

Tasting Civitavecchia’s De.CO. typical products means bringing home the true flavor of this maritime city: genuine, generous, and deeply connected to its territory.