Airport food has a bad reputation, but Fiumicino's dining program — more than 30 spots in Boarding Area A alone — is a genuine exception if you know where to look.
For real Italian food
Eataly is the obvious anchor if you want a proper sit-down meal or to bring something home. Rossopomodoro covers Neapolitan-style pizza, and Farinella (with locations in both Area A and Area E) and Bonci cover pizza by the slice if you're in a hurry.
For coffee that isn't an afterthought
Illy Caffè, Caffè Kimbo, Caffè Napoli, and Caffè Vergnano 1882 all have outlets — worth seeking out over a generic coffee chain if you're going to be in Italy anyway.
For something sparkling
Berlucchi Sparkling Bar and the Bottega Prosecco Bar both pour wine and prosecco by the glass — a reasonable way to start a trip or end one.
If you want something other than Italian
KFC covers fast food, Ajisen Ramen and Temakinho cover Japanese, and Bistro by Mastercard is a casual sit-down option. Gluten-free and kosher choices are supported across the dining program, not siloed into one venue.
Grab-and-go for a tight connection
If you don't have time to sit down, several of the same names — Farinella by the slice, Panella's baked goods, and the coffee counters listed above — work just as well as a fast grab on the way to the gate as they do for a proper meal. Buying before you reach the gate rather than at the gate itself usually means a shorter line.
Where to find each spot
Boarding Area A (Terminal 1) has the denser concentration of these options, reflecting the shorter Schengen and domestic routes it serves, while Boarding Area E (Terminal 3) carries its own version of several of the same brands — including Farinella — for travelers on longer intercontinental waits who'd rather not cross terminals for a meal.