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Cheap Eats in Rome

Cheap Eats in Rome

Rome is not only a great place to travel, but also a great place to eat : its denizens know a good deal about freshness and authenticity, and can be very demanding when it comes to the quality of the dishes they are served. Consequently, eating out in Rome is a major, often hours-long, activity, and the meals you'll enjoy generally range from good to truly remarkable. You'll find that most city-centre restaurants in Rome offer standard Italian dishes, although a few more adventurous restaurants have been popping up of late. At the geographical centre of the country, there are also a numeber of establishments dedicated to a variety of regional cuisines in Rome , and a reasonable number of excellent ethnic restaurants. Rome is blessed with an abundance of good, honest pizzerias as well, churning out thin, crispy-baked pizza from wood-fired ovens. We've also listed a range of places serving snacks in Rome . One final caveat: although generally speaking it's hard to find truly bad food and rip-off prices in Rome , it may be wise to avoid places that are adjacent to some major monuments, such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona or the Vatican.

 

Grotte del Teatro Di Pompeo. Around the corner from Campo de'' Fiori, built over the theatre where Julius Ceasar met his destiny. The antipasto plate and the linguine al radicchio make a fine meal. A great place to go for fish. Closed Mondays.
Via del Biscione, 73; Tel:(06) 683-03686.

 

Il Nuovo Mondo. The piping-hot, thin crusted pizza could not be better, in this bustling pizzeria. Try the margherita with any of your favorite toppings, or the pizza bianca with rughetta, a fresh bitter green. If you want something to start with, order the Mexican-style spicy black beans. Closed Mondays.
Via Amerigo Vespucci, 9; Tel:(06) 574-6004

 

Da Fortunato Al Pantheon. Dine in an elegant establishment with the columns of the Pantheon to remind you where you are. Try the pasta with shrimp and rughetta or the linguine al pescatore. Closed Sundays.
Via del Pantheon, 55; Tel:(06) 679-2788.

 

Pierluigi. A delightful spot, both inside the restaurant and outdoors in the warmer months, where rows and rows of tables are set in a tiny piazza a few minutes walk from Campo de' Fiori. Well known for it's antipasto and fish. Try the carpaccio of octopus and the zuppa di pesce (fish soup). Closed Mondays.
Piazza De'Ricci, 144; Tel:(06) 686-8717

 

Armando Al Pantheon. A cozy neighborhood trattoria that serves satisfying dishes such as zuppa di farro and a delicious antipasto buffet and a variety of crostini. Try the fegato alla veneziana (liver and onions). Closed Saturday night and Sunday.
Salita de' Crescenzi, 31;
Tel: (06) 688-03034.

 

Galeassi. Since 1907, this trattoria, with the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere to accompany you, has been serving delicious food. Known for their seafood, but all the dishes are recommended, and the dessert of tiramisu is exceptional. If the weather permits, dining outside under the umbrellas for lunch or dinner is splendid. Closed Mondays.
Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, 3; Tel:(06) 580-3775.

 

Al Gran Sasso. A characteristic Roman trattoria that serves the typical dishes, all cooked by Mamma in her blue apron and slippers. A simple plate of pasta parpadelle with tomato or meat sauce and any of the second course specials are reasonable and satisfying. Leave room for the torta di mela, homemade apple cake. Closed Saturdays.
Via di Ripetta, 32; tel:(06) 321-48 .

 

Luna Piena. A delightful local Testaccio trattoria with a varied menu -- a peculiarity for Rome. Try the rice with pureed pumpkin and peas or the farfalle della casa, butterfly pasta in a rich tomato sauce. Closed Wednesdays.
Via Della Robbia, 15; Tel:(06) 575-0279.

 

Piccolo Arancio. This small, charming trattoria near the Trevi Fountain has Rome written all over it. Say "Ciao" to Mara and try the pasta fusilli con melanzane (with eggplant) or the orechiette con broccoli. Closed Mondays.
Vicolo Scanderbeg, 112; Tel:(06) 678-6139.

 

Trattoria della Stampa. This homey, unassuming spot serves savory, classic Roman dishes that Italian grandmothers made famous. The pasta fagioli (bean soup) and rigatoni amatriciana and meat dishes are house specialties. Frequented by locals and great for budget minded travelers. Lunch only, closed weekends.
Via dei Maroniti, 32; Tel:(06) 678-9919