Italy’s capital is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the many ancient ruins still standing today. But if there’s one reason you’ll want to come back, it’s definitely the food. 

We know that traveling around Europe can get expensive, and it might be tempting to cut back on meals to save some money. But the good news is, you don’t need to go to fancy restaurants to enjoy the best food Rome has to offer. If you’re wondering what to eat in Rome while looking for cheap food options, we’ve got you covered. This guide lists some of the best cheap food in Rome, Italy, all located in neighbourhoods where you’d visit to see some of the city’s most popular sights! 

Monti is one of Rome’s most popular and charming neighbourhoods, known for its bohemian vibe, artsy shops, and vintage stores. It’s also the place you’ll probably find yourself exploring on your way to the Colosseum!

Al42 by Pasta Chef rione Monti, also known as Pasta Chef, is a popular spot near the Colosseum, known for its fresh, affordable, handmade pasta, excellent for a quick lunch. Their motto, “The Chef takes to the street! Gourmet in a Box!” says it all – you can enjoy authentic Italian flavors without spending too much. It’s one of the best places for cheap food in Rome and offers a delicious experience all the same. 

Must-try dishes: Carbonara, Lasagna, and Tiramisu 

Address: Via Baccina, 42, 00184 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price range: ~€8 to €10 (USD 9 to 11.50)

Pizzeria La Boccaccia is a well-loved Roman pizzeria with several locations across the city, making it an easy stop during your visit. Here, pizza is sold by weight, so you can mix and match different freshly baked pizza slices and try multiple flavors in one go. Their pizzas are known for their thick, crispy crust and generous toppings. If you’re looking for what to eat in Rome without spending too much, this is one of the top cheap eats in Rome, Italy, that every pizza-lover should definitely visit! 

Must-try dishes: Margarita, Blue Cheese, and Mushroom 

Address: Via Leonina, 73, 00184 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price range: ~€1 to €10 (USD 2 to 11.50)

Located just a short walk from the Colosseum, Trattoria Pizzeria Luzzi dal 1945 or just Trattoria Luzzi, is a Roman eatery offering a classic Roman dining experience that ranks high on our list of top cheap food in Rome! Their menu features traditional Italian favorites such as pizza, pasta, and local specialties such as tiramisu. It’s a great place to enjoy dinner after a day of sightseeing, as it’s open until midnight.

Must-try dishes: Cacio e Pepe, Cannelloni, Tiramisu

Address: Via Celimontana, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price range: ~€10 to 20 (USD 11.50 to 21)

Prati is the gateway to the Vatican City as it sits right next to it. If your itinerary includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll most likely find yourself in this elegant Roman district. Unlike the ancient, winding streets found in other parts of Rome, Prati has a more refined and slightly Parisian feel. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find cheap food here. If you’re looking for what to eat in Rome while staying near the Vatican, Prati has some great options for cheap food in Rome, Italy! 

Things to do near Prati: Visit the Vatican Museum, etc, etc

Vuliò is an authentic Apulian street food spot serving traditional dishes from Puglia, a region in southeastern Italy. Here you’ll find local favorites like panzerotti, focaccia, and other tasty bites perfect for a quick meal. Just a short walk from the Vatican, it’s a popular stop for both locals and tourists looking for a light snack or sandwich on the go. It’s definitely one of the best cheap foods in Rome, Italy that offers delicious regional flavors without the high price! 

Must-try dishes: Bruschetta, Burrata, Suppli 

Address: Via degli Scipioni, 55, 00192 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps  

Price range: ~€10 to 20 (USD 11.50 to 21) 

One traditional Roman food you must try is the pinsa. It’s a flatbread that looks like pizza but has a lighter, crispier crust and a unique flavor of its own, with roots that actually trace back to Ancient Rome! La Pratolina is a popular spot to enjoy authentic Roman-style pinsa at reasonable prices, offering one of the best cheap foods in Rome, Italy, that offers both taste and tradition. 

Must-try dishes: Pinsa, Croquettes 

Address: Via degli Scipioni, 248/250, 00192 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price Range: ~€10 to 20 (USD 11.50 to 21)

Known for its signature “chocolate espresso,” Sciascia Caffè 1919 near the Vatican is a historic coffee shop that deserves a spot on your list. It’s been serving exceptional coffee for over a century and is the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a light snack, and experience a classic Roman cafè atmosphere without spending a lot! 

Must-try dishes: Cornetti, Chocolate Espresso, Pastries 

Address: Via Fabio Massimom n.80/1, 00192 Roma RM Italy | Google Maps 

Price Range: ~€1 to 10 (USD 2 to 11.50)

Home to the famous Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is one of the most visited areas in Rome. So you’ll likely find yourself wandering through its charming cobbled streets, especially if you’re in the mood for shopping. Since it’s a popular tourist area, many restaurants here can be a bit more expensive. Still, there are some great cheap foods in Rome that you can also find in this part of the city.

If you’re in the mood for dessert, then you definitely must visit Pompi and get yourself a takeaway tiramisu. While the classic version of tiramisu is coffee-flavored, Pompi also offers a variety of flavors of this popular Italian dessert, including pistachio and strawberries. Located conveniently near the Spanish Steps, it’s the perfect place to take a quick break from sightseeing and treat yourself to a well-deserved sugar rush! 

Must-try dishes: Tiramisu 

Address: Via Albalonga, 7 b, 00183 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price Range: ~€1 to 10 (USD 2 to 11.50)

Offering authentic Italian homemade pasta for only 5 euros, Pastificio Guerra is the perfect place to grab a quick and affordable meal when you’re visiting the Spanish Steps! They offer two pasta options daily: one with meat and one vegetarian, and have been delighting locals and tourists alike since 1918. While it’s a takeaway-only spot, many people enjoy their pasta while standing outside the shop or finding a nearby spot to sit. It’s definitely a great spot to enjoy cheap food in Rome that doesn’t sacrifice quality, quantity, or tradition. 

Must-try dishes: Pasta - the only dish on the menu!

Address: V. della Croce, 8, 00187 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps 

Price range: €5 (USD 5.70)

Pane e Salame is a popular sandwich spot just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain. Known for its quick service, it’s common to see hungry visitors ordering takeout and waiting outside for their number to be called. While the hearty sandwiches are the main attraction, their charcuterie boards are also worth trying. So if you’re up for a quick bite and searching for cheap food in Rome near top landmarks, this place is definitely worth a visit. 

Must-try dishes: Cheese board, Embutido, Paninis 

Address: Via Santa Maria in Via, 19, 00187 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price Range: ~€10 to 20 (USD 11.50 to 21) 

Centro Storico, or the Historic Center, is the heart of Rome and home to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks and places, including the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, and Piazza Navona. But beyond the ancient ruins and historic sights, this area also offers some of the best cheap food in Rome. Here, you can enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at affordable prices and enjoy the atmosphere of one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. 

Forno Campo de ‘Fiori is a bakery known for serving traditional Roman baked goods, both savory and sweet,  as well as pizzas by the slice! It’s particularly popular for its Roman pizza bianca or ‘white pizza,’ which is a focaccia-style bread with olive oil and salt. So if you’re wondering what to eat in Rome while exploring the ancient ruins, this spot is one you shouldn’t miss! 

Must-try dishes: Pizza Bianca, Mortadella

Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 22, 00186 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price Range: ~€1 to 10 (USD 2 to 11.50)

Supplizio is a quaint and charming place popular for their suppli, which is a classic Roman street food made of rice, cheese, and deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re also popular for their inventive twists on traditional Roman street food such as crocchetta, making it an ideal stop for when you need a quick bite between sightseeing in the Historic Center! 

Must-try dishes: Suppli, Crocchetta Affumicata, Cacio e Pepe 

Address: Via dei Banchi Vecci, 143, 00186 Roma RM, Italy | Google Maps

Price Range: ~€1 to 10 (USD 2 to 11.50)

If you’re looking to hit two birds with one stone on your visit to Rome, you can also consider joining local food tours! A food tour in Trastevere will bring you to some of the neighbourhood’s most popular and beloved eateries while meeting the families behind the extraordinary dishes you’ll be tasting. 

While Trastevere might not be home to Rome’s most iconic landmarks, it’s the heart of the city’s lively nightlife and has a traditional Roman vibe. This makes it one of the best tours to experience authentic local flavors and vibrant culture all at once. 

Now that you know where to find the best cheap food in Rome, Italy, all that’s left to do is plan the rest of your itinerary – no more guessing where and what to eat in Rome! To help make the most of your visit to the Eternal City, here are some of our best guides to get you started. 

You can expect to spend an average of between 5 and 20 euros (USD 5 to 17) per person for a meal in Rome. 

Try to avoid restaurants located right next to or near major landmarks, as they often charge higher prices. You’ll also find a lot of places offering takeaway pizzas and pastas that are of the same quality as the ones you might find in fancier-looking restaurants. And a good tip is to check if locals are eating there, as it’s usually a good sign that the food is both good and fairly priced! 

Rome is popular for pizza al taglio, which means pizza by the weight or pizza by the slice! These pizzas are often priced per 100 grams and can range from 2 to 3 euros (USD 3 to 4.50) depending on the toppings. 

Lunch is usually cheaper than dinner in Italy as many restaurants offer menu del giorno, which means menu of the day, and is often a set course meal priced between 10 and 15 euros (USD 11.50 and 17). Lunch is also typically served lighter than dinner so you can expect smaller portions at a cheaper price!  

While tipping isn’t required in Italy, it’s always appreciated, especially when the service is good! At sit-down restaurants, check your bill to see if a coperto or service fee is already included. If it is, then no tip is expected. But if you’d still like to show appreciation, it’s common to leave 1 to 2 euros per person for great service. On the other hand, if you’re just grabbing a coffee or drink at the bar while standing, then tipping is not expected at all.