Best ways to save money on food in Rome
Like many large, Western European cities, Rome can be very costly to be a tourist in. And around the touristy centers of the Trevvi Fountain, Pantheon and Colosseum not only will you be paying more than double what the locals would for a plate of pasta, you’ll also be hounded by these restaurants begging you to try their “amazing” foods. (If it’s so amazing, why do you have to beg me to eat here?) But, saving money on food in Rome is easier than you might think. You just have to know where to go to save money on food in Rome.
5 ways to save money on food in Rome
Though skipping the touristy restaurants is one of the easiest ways to save money on food in Rome, here are five of the best ways to save money in Rome:
Eat in the Trastevere neighborhood
Sometimes referred to as the student neighborhood because of its cheaper prices, just heading over the Tiber River will reward you with €6 pastas and a €2,5 Aperol spritz. The neighborhood was once outside of the Roman city walls and was the first Christian-base of the Roman civilization. The neighborhood doesn’t have the usual Roman ruins and nor did it ever. Instead, Trastevere is a Medieval city adorning plain walls with just hints of a fallen Roman Empire quarried within the early architecture. If you’re interested in a slower-paced trip to Rome, consider staying at one of the many hotel and Airbnbs within the neighborhood. Not only will you eat cheaper, you’ll also be rewarded with an authentic Italian city experience (no selfie sticks included).
La Norcineria di Lacozzilli | Reward yourself at this deli by purchasing some of their amazing porchetta.
Tonnarello | Casual pasta and other Roman classics with a fresh bowl of pasta costing under €10.
Mama Eat | Typical Italian pizzeria with affordable prices.
Suppli Roma | Amazing suppli, which are basically risotto with pizza filling. These handheld bites are small dinosaur-sized eggs and a perfect €2 lunch.
Enjoy a panini for lunch
Throughout Rome, cafes and many delis will serve a variety of Italian meats (with or without cheese) on bread. Like most Italian lunches, these paninis are charged by the gram, so hold the cheese if you’re really pinching pennies. A quality salami or prosciutto panini will cost you around €4-5. Be sure to get it warmed up for the best experience.
Fill up at the public fountains
Rome has one of the best networks of public fountains, where you can fill up your water bottle for free. And this water is amazing quality. These public fountains can be found on Google and Apple Maps, too. Just search, “drinking fountain” and you’ll find a network of fountains around the city to choose from. If you like sparking water, there is even a sparking fountain at the Colosseum.
Enjoy the aperitivo
Italians love their aperitivo, which is basically a fancy happy hour. Basically, you buy a drink and you’ll receive free snacks ranging from olives to chips to salamis. Sometimes these snacks come in the form of a free buffet, too. Depending on your hunger, you could likely enjoy an aperitivo as a meal. Aperitivo is before the meal, and with Italians eating on the later side the aperitivo is likely to run from around 6-9p, give or take an hour for the individual restaurant.
Camillo B Roma | Buffet-style aperitivo with purchase of a drink ranging from €10-12.
Momart Cafe | A classic aperitivo spot, Momart’s €11 buffet runs Mon-Sat with each additional drink costing you €6. You *might* have to wait in line outside, but it’s well worth it.
Bar Canova | Tasty cocktails with freshly made aperitivo daily at this famous Italian bar.
Explore the local markets
Recently, I had the best meatball subs of my life at the Mercato di Testaccio. Every morning, except Sunday, you’ll find a bustling market with an amazing assortment of lunch options. With sandwiches, pizzas and pastas at it or below €5 with a great seating area in the middle of the market, be sure to get smaller portions and try a couple items.
