Travelers in Rome have many options when it comes to food. Coffee shops and pizzerias are everywhere – there is rarely a block that you will travel without seeing one of the two places nestled among the buildings. Both of these are affordable and quick places to grab lunch or a quick dinner.
Coffee shops are great places to pop in and pick up things on the go. You can find everything from coffee to espresso to juice, pastries, sandwiches, and sometimes even gelato (which is amazing and a must try for all sweet toothed travelers!). A word to the wise though, in Rome there is a surcharge for sitting – so unless you’re willing to pay extra to eat at the tables in front of a café-shop, keep it moving and eat on the way to your next destination!
For an affordable sit down meal at on the go prices, I highly recommend L’Archetto di Fontana di Trevi. Located near the beautiful Trevi Fountain, this restaurant offers 105 items in the spaghetti section of the menu alone. This is a great restaurant to dine at on the days that you are exploring the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon because the local is very convenient to both, the service is quick, and the food is between $10 - $20 per person. Just keep in mind that the service charge is already included in your bill!
When dining at a restaurant in Rome, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you order fish, you are going to get the whole fish. Unlike the States where your fish come skinned and ready to eat, fish entrees in Rome come looking just as they did when they were caught. The same goes for seafood in pasta dishes, shrimp will not be shelled or de-veined and mollusks will be served in their shells.
Another helpful hint is the issue of gas when ordering. If you order a mineral water in Rome (there is no free tap water, you pay just as much for tap as mineral) you will be asked “Gas or no Gas.” Before you become flustered, this is only a means of asking if you’d like sparkling or flat mineral water – gas is a term for carbonated.
And lastly, most restaurants in Rome offer outdoor dining in the warmer months – take advantage of it! Outdoor dining offers many benefits for travelers, it allows you to continue taking in the sites as you eat – watching Roman life in action as it happens is a very enjoyable backdrop to your meal – while allowing you a little fresh air relief from the heavy cigarette smoking happening in the main dining room. If you are in the right place at the right time, you may even be treated to a serenade by traveling musicians walking down the street!
Places of Interest in Rome | Shopping In Rome | Weather | Museums in Rome – Musei Vaticani | Transportation in Rome | Inside Advice About Dining in Rome | Day Trips from Rome | Hotels | Local Customs – Rome | Public Holidays in Rome | Festivals and Fairs in Rome | Tips and Tricks in Rome |
