Charlotte’s “You’d Be Crazy Not to Eat Here” List
While we would all love to sip some tea at Babington’s and then hop over to a street café in Piazza Navona, money has unfortunately not started growing on trees. But have no fear – it is still possible to grab a bite to eat throughout the city! Below are some of the best places to chow down even when on a tight budget. Hope you get to enjoy some of them during your stay in Rome!
Pompi
1. Pompi Bar (Via Albalonga, 11 – metro: Re di Roma)
Probably one of the best places ever! This restaurant is known for its fantastic tiramisu. With a variety of types ranging from classic to strawberry or banana, this typical Italian dessert is truly mouthwatering. This spot is also great for a little aperitivo before a late night out as you can grab a plate of food from the buffet along with a cocktail for the bargain price of 8 euros!
2. picnic in Villa Borghese
Sure, you can pay an arm and a leg for a nice meal in Piazza Navona but grabbing some bread and cheese and chilling with some friends in the park is just as nice. Meet up with some friends at Termini Station, grab a blanket and some tidbits to eat in the Conad supermarket in the station, head to the park, and you are good to go. A great, casual way to relax and dine with some friends from school.
Carlo Menta Pizza
3. Carlo Menta (Piazza Giuditta Tavani Arquati – bus: H, first Trastevere stop)
Trastevere is literally restaurant heaven. If you hop off the H bus and follow your nose, one of the first things you are going to stumble across is this fantastic restaurant. With pizzas as low as 3 euros (and this is a big pizza, full plate, and absolutely to die for!), it is not only a nice atmosphere but good for your money. Make sure to save room for dessert – the tiramisu and chocolate truffle here are supreme.
4. Gelateria Giovanni Fassi (Via Principe Eugenio, 65 – metro: Vittorio Emanuele)
This oversized ice cream parlor is a genius creation. The gelateria has been around for over 200 years serving Romans and tourists alike the best gelato in town. With a massive variety of flavors and lots of places to sit down, this is an ideal place to go to with a large group of friends after a nice dinner in the city.
Gelateria Giovanni Fassi
5. Fluid Bar (Via del Governo Vecchio 46 – near Piazza Navona)
If you are looking for something a little more “night out-ish”, then head to the Fluid Bar near Piazza Navona. With a unique ambiance of ice cube shaped chairs and an interesting layout, this is another great spot for an aperitivo. Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, range from about 6-7 euros a piece and include all you can eat from the buffet. Great first stop on a night out on the town.
