Fried Fish and Salt Cod Festival (Eataly Rome Ostiense)

A seafood festival in the heart of Rome Ostiense

The Fried Fish and Salt Cod Festival is the late-summer gastronomic event that brings the large outdoor square of Eataly Rome Ostiense to life, located at Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492, just a stone's throw from the Ostiense station and the Piramide metro B stop. For four consecutive evenings in early September, the open space fills with food trucks, the aroma of frying, and live music, offering locals and visitors a celebration dedicated to seafood cuisine in the Municipality of Rome, the capital of Lazio.

Fried fish, salt cod, and seafood specialties

The heart of the event is the large fried seafood selection, crispy and served fresh: calamari and shrimp, fish fillets, and, of course, the star that gives the festival its name, salt cod. From the classic Roman-style salt cod fillet to meatballs, seafood pasta dishes, and gourmet sandwiches, as well as exclusive recipes created for the occasion: each stand offers its own interpretation of popular Roman and Mediterranean traditions, in a format designed to let you taste a little bit of everything.

Food trucks, beers, and cocktails

From aperitivo time until late at night, the square hosts an area packed with food trucks and selected stands, accompanied by Italian craft beers, wines by the glass, and cocktails crafted to pair with the flavors of the sea. There are also non-alcoholic options and desserts to end the evening on a sweet note. The atmosphere is that of a typical summer open-air festival, with DJ sets under the stars providing a soundtrack of summer, afro, tropical, and electronic beats.

Free admission and token system

The festival offers free admission: you can enter the square freely, and food and drinks are purchased using tokens bought at the dedicated cash desks. This system makes it quick and easy to move between the different stands and build your own seafood menu, from appetizer to dessert, with no need for reservations.

An event for the whole family

Thanks to the spacious outdoor area and offerings suitable for all ages, the Fried Fish and Salt Cod Festival is a family-friendly event. Its location in the Ostiense district and within the Eataly food and wine hub makes it easily accessible by public transport and firmly establishes it as a must-attend event on the late-summer calendar in Rome and Lazio.