Where to eat deliciously and inexpensively in Rome

Heading to Rome but on a tight budget? We will tell you how and where to eat in Rome to save money, but try famous Italian dishes. In this article, we have collected food prices in 2021, addresses of inexpensive restaurants and cafes, and nutritional advice.

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Prices for food in cafes and restaurants in Rome - 2021

Food prices in Rome are usually high, but you can save even here. A budget lunch or dinner costs 15 €, a three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant is 50 €.

The price of an inexpensive but hearty breakfast at a local bakery and cafe in Rome is 3-7 €. It is convenient when breakfast is already included in the price of your stay at the hotel - you don't have to look for a cafe for a long time. Lunch in a restaurant away from tourist spots costs 5-10 €.

On the menu in English you will find a description of the main ingredients that go into the dishes.

2021 food prices in Rome:

• pizza - from 10 €;
• pasta - from 10 €;
• main course (meat or fish) - from 20 €;
• McMeal at McDonald's - 8 €;
• local beer (0.5 l) - 5 €;
• imported beer (0.33 l) - 4 €;
• cappuccino - 1.2 €;
• Coca-Cola (0.33 l) - 1.9 €;
• water (0.33 l) - 1 €;
• homemade wine of local production (glass) - 1.5-3 €.

Street food prices

• fried chestnuts served with sauces, chocolate or sweet nuts - 1 €;
• Italian creamy ice cream (gelato) - 4 €;
• porketta - piglet roll baked with spices - 10 €;
• a slice of pizza - from 3 €.

We do not recommend eating only fast food - it can negatively affect your health, and you will never be able to taste the whole variety of local cuisine. The most convenient option is to alternate food from restaurants and street food, and sometimes cook something yourself.

Food prices in supermarkets

• milk (1 l) - 1.2 €;
• a loaf of white bread (500 g) - 1.1 €;
• rice (1 kg) - 2 €;
• eggs (12 pcs.) - 2.8 €;
• local cheese (1 kg) - 10.7 €;
• chicken breasts (1 kg) - 8.5 €;
• beef (1 kg) - 13.6 €;
• apples (1 kg) - 1.8 €;
• bananas (1 kg) - 1.6 €;
• oranges (1 kg) - 1.7 €;
• tomatoes (1 kg) - 2 €;
• potatoes (1 kg) - 1.1 €;
• salad (1 pc.) - 1 €;
• water (1.5 l) - 0.5 €;
• a bottle of mid-range wine - 5 €;
• local beer (0.5 l) - 1.2 €;
• imported beer (0.33 l) - 1.4 €;
• cigarettes (Marlboro) - 5.2 €.

In large supermarkets, prices are lower than in markets and shops on the central streets of Rome.

How and where to eat deliciously and inexpensively in Rome

The food in Rome is very tasty, but it costs differently depending on the place. If you don't want to waste time looking for cheap restaurants, then you can dine in tourist places, but then the check will be impressive.

Want to save some money but try as many unusual Italian dishes as possible? Then you are in inexpensive cafes where you can eat cheaply and deliciously - the inhabitants of Rome themselves eat there. To do this, you need to choose a place away from the center, from the usual tourist trails and from hotels, since there are often restaurants and cafes near them with a high average check.

Ask a local for a recommendation - most likely these places will be verified.

Another opportunity to save money is to dine at a cafe in a shopping center: prices are lower there than in a restaurant. You can order pasta, pizza, coffee, chicken wings, salad and snacks.

Street food, such as a slice of pizza or a sandwich, is a great option to keep your budget.

Remember that the coperto (table setting) and servizio (service) fees in Rome and the Lazio region are illegal: the former is prohibited, and the latter can be included in the check if it is written on the menu.

In Rome, you will not be able to save money by ordering set meals, usually they are not cheap - from 15 €.

If you save money, then in Rome you can keep within 14 € per day for two for food, for water - 1.3 €, for alcohol - 6.24 €. Meals in the middle price category cost 36 € for two per day, water - 2.7 €, alcohol - 15 €.

Inexpensive cafes in Rome

We have found several inexpensive restaurants and cafes where you can taste local and European cuisine and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere.

1. Pane e salame on Via di Santa Maria in Via 19

Average bill - 3.4-10.1 €.

A place to sample local food, including street food. Suitable for vegetarians. Opening hours - daily from 12:00 to 22:00.

2. Sfiziarte - The Art of Food on Via Leone IV 101

Here you will be offered dishes of Italian, Mediterranean and European cuisine, you can take food with you. The restaurant is suitable for families with children, vegetarians and vegans. Open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 am to midnight, Sunday is a day off.

3. Pizza e mozzarella at 32 Via del Pie 'di Marmo

At this pizzeria, you can sample Italian and Mediterranean cuisine or take out fast food. The institution is suitable for families with children. It works daily from 11:00 to 21:00, on Sunday - until 20:00.

4. Fuorinorma on Via Dei Serpenti 178

It offers a variety of local cuisine, takeaways and alcoholic beverages. Opening hours - every day from 11:30 to 23:30.

5. Bread-in at Piazza di Tor Sanguigna 9

Average bill - 3.4-10.1 €.

Try local, Mediterranean and European cuisine at this place. The food is suitable for children and vegetarians. Opening hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00.

6. Gelateria giolitti in Via Uffici del Vicario 40

Famous place to find great ice cream in Rome or sample Italian food. Ice cream costs 1.7-3.4 €. The restaurant is open every day from 7:00 to 2:00.