For many, experiencing the food scene in Rome is just as important as seeing the Colosseum or visiting The Vatican.
Food and wine are ingrained in Roman culture and sampling some of the best dishes the city has to offer doesnโt have to cost the earth! From crunchy deep-fried artichoke drizzled in olive oil and flawlessly thin charred pizza to creamy al dente cacio e pepe topped with lashings of parmesan and rich chocolate tiramisu; you can easily try the best of these Roman classics on a budget.ย
Doing your research, avoiding restaurants too close to tourist spots, and eating where Italians do, are key to the quality of the meals you have and the total cost of your bill. Here’s my top ten budget-friendly eateries in Rome to get you started!
Le Mani in Pasta
Le Mani in Pastaโs entrance is tucked away down a side street in Trastevere.
Begin your meal with a bottle of Primitivo before ordering a starter of sliced seabass sprinkled with truffle. For main, go for the sharing platter of lobster pasta (โฌ40 for 2). Prepare to get messy as you crack and scoop out the lobster and slurp down the perfectly cooked pasta.
The fish is fresh, the service is charismatic, and the bill is always surprisingly low.
Via Dei Genovesi 37 – 00153
Piccolo Buco
Located down a side street near the Trevi Fountain, Piccolo Buco is a small pizzeria with a big reputation. The owner of the restaurant takes such pride in the process of creating their pizza dough, and it shows – the pizzas are works of art!
Each pizza has a puffed-up, crunchy crust framing the base and toppings. You can choose from a white or red base and an impressive selection of toppings including a whole ball of burrata and nduja sausage drizzled with homemade pesto. Pizza prices range from โฌ12 – โฌ18.
Via del Lavatore 91 โ 00187
Pastificio Guerra
Representing the fast food of Italy – homemade fresh pasta to-go!
Pastificio Guerra is a small pasta shop just around the corner from the Spanish Steps. From 1pm daily, they open their doors to hungry Italians and tourists desperate to sample their pasta dishes of the day. There are only two types of pasta on offer each day and a takeaway box costs a bargain โฌ4.50.
Via della Croce 8, Piazza di Spagna – 00187
Da Enzo al 29
The inescapable queue outside of Da Enzo al 29 is evidence that this trattoria is legendary.
Da Enzo al 29 is famous for perfecting two popular Roman dishes – deep-fried artichoke and cacio e pepe. Accompany these with the sharing plate of burrata, tomatoes, and basil, and a bottle of your waiterโs recommended red wine, and youโll soon see why people happily wait over an hour for a table. Mains cost around โฌ12 โ โฌ18.
Via Dei Vascellari 29 – 00153
Tonarello
Tonarello sits in a delightful spot opposite the grand Basilica di Santa Maria of Trastevere and its menu relies heavily on recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
โNonna Nadiaโ (โฌ8.50) is a firm favourite pasta dish consisting of al dente spaghetti tossed in a tomato sauce with aubergine, olives, and capers, as well as their selection of different types of meatballs, served with chicory and roast potatoes (โฌ14.50).
Via della Paglia 1, 2, 3 – 00153
Dar Poeta
Dar Poeta is the epitome of how youโd envision an Italian pizzeria in Rome.
Start with a bottle of their house red wine (โฌ16) and a plate of bruschetta before moving on to the star of the show. Go for the radicchio and gorgonzola pizza (โฌ8.50) if you fancy something rich or the parmigiana (โฌ8.50) for a no-frills tasty topping. Make sure you also leave room for their famous Nutella calzone.
Dar Poeta is affordable, and fuss-free dining in quintessential Italian surroundings.ย
Vicolo del Bologna 45 – 00153
200 Gradi
200 Gradi is located just around the corner from The Vatican and specialises in fast, affordable sandwiches filled with top-quality Italian ingredients.
If you want to stick with the best of Italian, go for the โCavourโ โ parma ham, mushrooms, Italian smoked cheese, rocket, and their home spicy sauce (โฌ7) or, if you fancy something a bit different go for the โNicosiaโ โ gorgonzola, grilled aubergine, rocket salad, and walnut cream (โฌ7). Each sandwich tastes as fresh as it looks and can be eaten in or taken away.
Piazza del Risorgimento 3 – 00192
La Tavernaccia da Bruno
La Tavernacca da Bruno in Trastevere is a family affair. The original owners, Persianiย Bruno and Giuliacci Giovanna opened the restaurant in 1968 and now it is run by their two daughters.
The menu boasts affordable, ancient Roman and Lazio recipes using the best locally sourced ingredients. Go for one of their specialties – pappardelle with wild boar, or slow-roasted suckling pig and a bottle or two of their regional wine.
Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese 63 – 00153
Ai Marmi
Ai Marmi is a pizza institute in Trastevere.
The large restaurant is filled with marble tables that are pushed together to accommodate the masses of people who flock here for cheap, crispy thin pizza.
The menu is extensive, affordable, and includes some interesting toppings such as, courgette and pumpkin flowers. Donโt be surprised if you walk past at 1am and the place is still heaving โ itโs the go-to pizza spot day and night. A Pizza will set you back around โฌ6 – โฌ10.
Viale di Trastevere 53, 00153
Pompi
Rumour has it Pompi serves the best tiramisu in Rome!
This patisserie shop has several locations across Rome and serves everything from cakes, desserts, and cannoli to ice cream, coffee, and tiramisu (โฌ5 per slice). You can choose from a selection of tiramisu flavours including original, pistachio, and strawberry and each one is as soft, rich, creamy, and coffee soaked as youโd hope.
See their website for all locations: www.barpompi.it
I hope these top 10 budget-friendly eateries give you some inspo for your trip to Rome!
