Greetings. I have a nephew doing a semester abroad in Rome this fall and I was hoping some folks here might have some good, value hotspots that I could relay to him? Just remember, he’s on a college student’s budget!
Thanks much!
Brad
There are a million cheap pizzerias and sandwich shops all over town.
Yes and I was looking for specific recommendations from participants here as I value the in-the-know foodie knowledge and expertise of folks here. Any spots you would care to suggest?
Rome is 2071 sq miles. Care to narrow it down a bit?
A few from memory -
Pizza Rossa at Forno Campo di Fiori (and other stuff there as well) - dream worthy
Pizza and breads at Antico Forno Roscioli
Pasta - Amatriciana and others from Le Mani in Pasta in Mercato Testaccio (the proper restaurant is supposed to be good, as well)
Trattoria Pennestri - maybe more of a splurge for a student, but its a cool spot for that
Il Sorpasso - Reasonable and popular wine bar and salumeria
What a great place to spend time as a student - exciting!
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Near the Vatican, in Prati.
Hi Brad,
A couple of years ago, looking for a great pizza near the Piazza Novona, I turned to the local Carabinieri. We bailed up a couple of officers of the law on the street and after serious debate between them, that went on for more than 5 minutes, their recommendation for the best pizza in the area was Sofia. It is probably the best Pizza I have ever eaten.
kind regards
Jeremy
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Not sure how cheap is cheap but Armando al Pantheon has pasta for around 16 euro and mains for around 20 euros.
But definitely the pizza’s that Jack mentioned, both are must stops for me if I’m even in the area.
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Panifico Bonci near the Vatican has a formidable pizza al taglio
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I’ve not been to Rome, but did dig through Il Golosario for some friends who honeymooned there last week.
One place that sounded like it fitted your brief well (and theirs FWIW) was:
Panella L’arte del Pane, via Merulana 54 it’s within 10-15 minutes walk of the Colisseum.
It’s described as a bakery with cafe, and does lunchtime pizzas as well as pastries etc. so it looked like a good modest all-rounder. If they made it there, I’ll report back.
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Trattoria Da Enzo in Trastevere. Always a line up but well worth it.
Also, plenty of restaurants to choose from in and around the indoor market at Testaccio.
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It has been five years now but we spent five days in Prati and randomly picked lunch places. I would say all were good and relatively inexpensive but I wasn’t in a college budget mindset. I don’t recall the names and looking at a map didn’t help but we were staying a block from Castel Sant’Angelo and all the places were nearby. Sorry, I can’t be more help but I think that he can do fine in that area.
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Luciano in campo di fiore serves a mean cacio pepe and certainly isn’t pricey.
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Many thanks for the suggestions!
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Two separate people that have dined at restaurant Grappolo d’Oro said it was a good value. It is listed as a Bib Gourmand by Michelin for whatever that’s worth. Still a good deal, per my daughter (also a college student). They were playing rock music.
My daughter still describes ‘best sandwich ever’ from Paninoteca Sòppieno near the Vatican (address is Borgo Pio 149, currently with a goofy name on Google Maps).
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We regularly stay in Prati. There’s some interesting spots.
L’Archetto pizza (Prati). Always an great local spot. These days resy is a must on weekends because they will save better tables for regulars and you may find yourself in the covered outdoor section without.$ Prati central by Vatican
Pizzarium as mentioned here above. $. Prati West side
I Supplì dei Coronari is on via di Coronari and he can eat very well for under 10-11€ with a local beer. Suppli rocks! Twll him to get the classico.
The area has some great aperativo spots. Il Sorpasso comes to mind. $$ Prati central
Cross the river at the Sant Angelo bridge and find Cul de Sac. Great spot for pate, wine and charcuterie. Just east of Piazza Navonna $
Many of the enoteccas have great options and usually read only priced. Buccone is our favorite. Great food, wine and atmosphere with mostly locals. They have a sausage bruschetta I could die for.
Fileto di Bacala is a good spot for fried Bacala. Hours are spotty but worth when finding open. By Campo di Fiori.
Then there’s Roscioli for the pizza and the cafe for the marritoza.
When he’s adventurous (a treat for a college student), make a resy at Dino & Tony (Prati) Not the most amazing food but basic Roman staples. Allow time because they move at a pace and serve pretty much what they want. Watching the staff is like a cross between Benny Hill and Marriage of Figaro. It’s an experience he’ll talk about for years. $$
Prati North West side
Back in Prati. Tigre is a local grocery store where he can get a hundred grams of this and two hundred grams of that and create his own spread for very little. Peanuts actually. I was getting a well known and downright respectable Barolo for €20. A bottle. Great prosciutto for cheap. All types of breads and focaccia, cheese etc. A true gem he must keep in his head.
I recommend do not stand in line at All’antico Vinaio for it’s famous sandwiches. There are so many places in town where he can have a true Roman sandwich made like Volpetti. Great prosciutto and cheese selections. One thing he can do is get 100 grams prosciutto, 100 grams of a cheese or two and some salumi and bread. Sit in the park and watch Rome go by.
In Prati there is also a market where the locals shop. It’s a great spot for some porchetta on an early Saturday. Fresh pastas if he has access to a kitchen and is so inclined. Mercati di Roma Mercati di Roma
There’s a Jewish quarter and in that quarter is the greatest 100 year old bakery called L’Antico Forno Boccione that makes a tasty item called Pizza Ebraica. It’s a must have. If he has a sweet tooth they have other items like a sour cherry and sheeps ricotta tart that’s to die for. A must visit. $
My daughter reminded me of a college haunt called Mondo Arancino. The St John crew get the coupons and eat cheaply and decently. On my first trip I had half a roasted chicken and potatoes for like €8-9 great rice balls as well. Prati East side
I love Rome.
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Thanks, Mike!
Mercato Trionfale on the border of Prato and Trionfale near the Cipro metro stop is the largest neighborhood market in Rome. When I last visited, there were a dozen or so porchetta vendors, among other food stalls of all kinds. Box 102 is the most famous of the porchetta vendors and their sandwiches are delicious.
I also like the porchetta sandwich at Cantina dei Papi, close by Trevi.
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