Ticking off 92 global cities (and counting), Shan has lived in Southeast Asia for six years, including Vietnam and Thailand. She has previously called New York and Durban home. A traveling creative soul, Shan has a serious penchant for delicious words.
I say “Italy,” you say “Rome!” Usually one of the first places anyone thinks about when you hear the Italian country’s name, the Eternal City is the most popular in Italy. Not just Italy, but it’s one of the world’s most frequented travel destinations!
No matter the season, or month, Rome swarms with tourists. When any destination receives this much foot traffic, you know things aren’t going to be the cheapest around. For those traveling through the famous city with some sort of budget in mind, especially if it’s not your only stop through Italy, utilize this list of the best affordable restaurants in Rome.
Remember, you’re paying in Euros, and most times, menus comprise antipasti, primi (first course is always pasta in Italy), and secondi (seconds/mains). For lunch, you can get away with a bunch of antipasti, or a few starters and then, say, a pasta.
All of these restaurants include affordable antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolce (dessert) options.
Travel tip: Don’t be shocked to find that a glass of wine costs the same price as a pasta. This is very common in Italy. So, watch out!
In the mood for a typical Roman meal? From suppli (a classic street food of Rome; it’s a deep-fried rice ball filled with tomato sauce and minced meat) to trippa alla Romana (Roman-style tripe), all your must-eat dishes are here. Also, try the gnocchi, linguine al principe, and tiramisu.
For a ristorante close to the Trevi Fountain (300 meters to be exact) as well as the Spanish Steps I’d say the prices are great! This is, after all, the city’s tourist hot spot. Beyond being delicious, this is easily one of the best affordable restaurants in Rome.
Planning out what to do and see in the city? Here’s an epic 3-day guide to help you along!
(Source: sora_lucia_roma)
Another factor that I love is that despite its positioning, it feels like you’re taking a break away from the madness of the historic center. I won’t lie, it can become a bit much after a while, especially a couple hours sightseeing. Sora Lucia is open for lunch, and then later again for dinner.
Average price range: €4-€14
2. Pastasciutta: Pasta in minutes
I think that Pastaciutta’s concept is genius! Setting itself apart from the typical restaurant scene, pasta is served in less than three minutes — yes, you did read that right!
Think of this next spot as a pasta bar/restaurant. Bowls are served in an oversized poke-looking bowl. Slurp down classic Italian pasta either on-the-go, or if you do want to do the whole sit-down vibes, there are high chairs and tables where pasta is served to you in a proper glass bowl.
(Source: pastasciutta_roma)
Most choose to take their pasta to-go. Choose between six permanent homemade artisanal pasta dishes. These include Strozzapreti al Pesto, Strozzapreti al Tartufo, Pappardelle al Ragù, Fusilli al Pomodoro, Spaghetti alla Carbonara (crowd favorite), and Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe. That said, they have three city locations, and the six pasta options do vary slightly depending on location. Daily specials are also available.
Average price range: €7.50
Local tip: Another similar concept is Pastaeat. Takeaway bowls of pasta are ordered from a counter, and prices are about the same, served fresh and within a couple of minutes.
3. Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale: Try the gnocchi
Two words: pesto gnocchi! I’m a hardcore fan of gnocchi, and whenever I’m in Italy, it’s one dish that I love to try in every city. So, I’m always on the hunt for the best gnocchi in town. And everyone raves about Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale’s.
But it’s not just gnocchi that they do really well, and among the best affordable restaurants in Rome, this homely spot is another great option for trying a variety of Roman-style foods. In fact, it’s what they specialize in.
Starting, go for the Roman artichoke, — even if you don’t try it here, you have to at least once in Rome — grilled oven veg with mozzarella, eggplant parm, or caprese. The mains are majority pastas and gnocchis. Find them on the Vatican-side (a 16-min walk away). Don’t be put off if there’s a line from this little hole-in-the-wall joint; there’s limited seating and they don’t take reservations.
Average price range: €7-€12
4. Osteria Nuvolari: An extensive, affordable menu
Rustic and homey, Osteria Nuvolari is another option from this list of the best affordable restaurants in Rome if you’re near the Vatican.
The carbonara (a Rome original) is a firm favorite, as well as the cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) if we’re talking pasta!
Creamed cod served on a bed of fried polenta will have your taste buds tingling, along with dishes like oxtail, Roman-style meatballs, ossobuco, paccheri with pumpkin cream, beef cheeks, saffron tagliatelle with artichokes, and plenty more mouth-watering delights!
Average price range: €5-€15
5. La Famiglia: Open since 1968
Everyone is welcome at La Famiglia — which is so fitting for its name — and ismade to feel like family, no matter who you are!
This local gem produces generous portion sizes, which again, makes one feel as if you’re enjoying a large Sunday lunch with friends and, well, la famiglia.
(Source: ristorante_lafamiglia)
If you’re indecisive like me, good luck choosing from the menu…there are so many options, and everything looks as scrumptious as the next. Enquire about the off-menu items, offered Monday to Friday! Also how cool is this; half portions are offered at 70% of the original price! It’s one of our favorite of the best affordable restaurants in Rome.
Local tip: Always busy; always bustling, it’s best to book a table to avoid waiting (and waiting) in line to get in. Because of its popularity, the air is always filled with chit-chatter, FYI.
Average price range: €3.50-€12.50
6. Antico Falcone: Close-ish to the Vatican
I said it earlier, and if you’ve visited Rome yourself you’ll get why I am reiterating this particular fact…Antico Falcone is awesome if you’re hoping to escape the busy streets — and swarms of tourists. It can get too much at times! Especially if all you’re hoping for is a quiet and chilled-out meal. Antico is not far from the Vatican, and after I visited the Vatican City, all I wanted was a quiet reprieve afterward.
Other expectations? Great value for money, friendly staff, and classic Roman dishes. Choose from a few antipasti, share a pasta (always primi), and enjoy a main — there are many options to take your pick.
(Source: anticofalcone.it)
The average price of second courses is 10 to 13 euros. Polpette di bollito, abbacchio a scottadito (lamb cutlets), and pizzaiola are some examples.
Average price range: €2.50-€13
7. Trattoria Dal Cavalier Gino: Don’t miss the artichokes
I could eat antipasti seven days a week, and the antipasti from Trattoria Dal Cavalier Gino is excellent! It’s family-run and as authentic as ever.
Located down an alleyway behind the Piazza del Parlamento, i.e., the Parliament building in the Centro Storico area, locals love this joint. I’m not going to lie, sometimes service isn’t the greatest, but — and not making excuses — I found this to be quite common if you’re not Italian in Rome. Obviously not everywhere…but a lot of the time.
(Source: dalcavaliergino)
So if you’re looking for top-notch service among the best affordable restaurants in Rome, we can’t promise Michelin-worthy vibes here, but it’s the cuisine that truly matters, right? Interiors are a little kitsch (think repainted frescoes), but oh-so-Italian, but that doesn’t take anything away from how delish the food is here!
Average price range: €5-€14
8. Taverna Romana: Well-priced wines
While the decor might be a little outdated, it’s all about the food, food, food at this classic Roman taverna (in Italy, this refers to a rustic, more casual style eatery).
I love it when a restaurant offers a ‘dish of the day’ and so ensure you ask about Taverna Romana’s. Or, enjoy ordering from the authentic Roman-style menu, where dishes like guinea fowl served in a pan with olives, lamb chops, ravioli with lamb stew and truffles, or meatballs in tomato sauce are examples of mains. I’m also an absolute sucker for soups, so I say order the chestnut, porcini, and bean soup.
(Source: Taverna romana Monti 79)
From the best affordable restaurants in Rome, this one is right near the Colosseum in Monti if you’re visiting one of the most iconic sights of Rome. Service is great, particularly for its location, and the price of its wine list is reasonable as well.
Average price range: €5-€13
Whilst we’re on the note of Rome’s food scene, here are some fab spots for brunch o’clock in Roma. Or, tuck in Trastevere’s restaurant scene — an excellent area to discover either en route to or after a trip to the Vatican.
While Rome is the most visited city in Italy, you can’t help but fall in love with Florence, too. The City of the Renaissance allures with its own charm, from its restaurants to street food to nightlife to cafes, and of course, world-class museums! I also find myself returning again and again to Ravello, along the Amalfi Coast!
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