Rome on a Budget: Where to Find Delicious Cheap Eats

Rome is a city that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet. From gelato that costs less than €2.50 a scoop to espresso for around a euro, you can indulge in Italian delights without breaking the bank. While you might be tempted to splurge on a pasta amatriciana and a glass of wine, Rome also boasts an array of budget-friendly options, perfect for enjoying authentic Italian flavors without emptying your pockets.

A person breaking a fried croquette in half to release a string of melted cheese.

Table of Contents

Hidden Gems: Cheap Eats with Restaurant-Quality Food

Pasta Chef: Fast Food with a Flair

Imagine restaurant-quality food served in a fast-food setting – that’s Pasta Chef! This gem, with locations in both Monti and the Jewish Ghetto, offers delicious organic dishes. Enjoy generous portions of pasta like carbonara and pesto for around €7 or try the fresh tagliolini with prawns for just €10. Their daily specials often include a vegetable side dish, and you can always find a selection of wines and beers. This is a perfect spot for a quick and affordable lunch or dinner.

Suppli: More Than Just a Snack

Suppli, a popular spot in Trastevere, is famous for its namesake snack – gooey, crunchy, deep-fried rice. But they also serve up daily changing pasta dishes and stick to Roman tradition by offering fish on Tuesdays and Fridays and gnocchi on Thursdays. Other specialties include rotisserie chicken with roast potatoes and Jewish-style artichokes. While there’s only a tiny table available, the real charm is in taking your meal to go and enjoying a picnic or enjoying it at home.

Roscioli: A Foodie Paradise

The Roscioli name is synonymous with delicious food in Rome. With a restaurant, cafe, and bakery located near Campo di Fiori, and another hidden gem in the Esquilino neighborhood, there’s always a Roscioli nearby. Forno Roscioli Pietro is a must-visit for its hot pizza bianca and pastries. But it’s also known for its long glass case filled with fresh vegetables, pasta, and meat dishes. Grab a table and enjoy a quick and affordable lunch.

Suppli is home to some of the best cheap eats in Rome, selling everything from their namesake rice croquettes to gnocchi.

Food Market Magic: Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is much more than just a food court. Open seven days a week, this vibrant market boasts over 20 stations offering an incredible variety of food and drinks. From Roman-style artichokes and potatoes to Tuscan farm-to-table prosciutto and grilled meats, there’s something for every taste bud. Don’t forget to check out the wine shop for a selection of wines by the glass. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can indulge in a plate of white truffle pasta for €20.

Secondo Tradizione is home to some of the best cheap eats in Rome, and all their food is top of the line.

Fine Dining on a Budget: Secondo Tradizione

While not exactly “cheap eats,” Secondo Tradizione is a true gem for those who want fine dining quality without the hefty price tag. This stylish restaurant in the Prati neighborhood is a collaboration between La Tradizione (one of Rome’s best salumerias) and Anthony Genovese (Rome’s only two-star Michelin chef). Enjoy classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe and trippa alla Romana alongside more creative options like beet spaghetti and tuna tartare. Their cured meat and cheese plates are extraordinary. During aperitivo hour, grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a glass of wine with fried anchovies and ginger mayonnaise.

Conclusion

Rome offers a treasure trove of delicious and affordable food options. Whether you’re craving a quick gelato or a hearty pasta dish, you can experience the true flavors of Italy without breaking the bank. From hidden gem trattorias to vibrant food markets, Rome is a city that satisfies both your taste buds and your wallet. So, embrace the culinary adventure and explore the many hidden treasures this beautiful city has to offer!