eating in rome

[mooseontheloose]

Just wondering. How much did you guys usually drop on a meal (supper preferably) while in Rome? CDN dollars plz. What kind of price range is in that city for eating? Thanks.

[LHR02]

since I generally only eat once a day....and thoroughly enjoyed my dinner to include wine.....well, I am not on a pure backpackers budget and you probably don't want to know what I spent most evenings in Rome. But, I will say that first, second, salad, dessert and wine can easily be had for 30 euros...in fact, for 20 euros depending on where you are dining. But again, I wasn't looking for bread and water, I wanted meat and wine and had the funds to pay for it. If you want to go really cheap....you can have a decent meal with one or two courses for 15. If you go for pizza and a beer...quite filling btw...well, figure 7 euros as a good average.

[kena]

I can't remember the amounts exactly (I met with my dad in Rome, so he was the one paying there ) but I know that the restaurants recommended by Rick Steves (in Rick Steves' Italy) were in general a good choice: good price for the quality, good service and no hidden fees.

Watch out: some touristy restaurants charge a "coperto" of a few euros per person + 20% tip. It's usually written in tiny characters on the menu.

Good luck!

[LHR02]

Absolutely right! You have to watch that everywhere in Italy particularly......'cover charge' PLUS mandatory service charge can really add to your bill. Also water....they will always ask if you want it but it is not tap water, it's bottled and they charge outrageously for it. Be warned! Another thing, many of the 'better' restaurants, and by that I by no means mean anything resembling 'fine dining' will tack on another charge if you eat any of the bread they will bring to the table. If in any doubt, question at the start what is included, what adds extra charges and is there a cover and/or service charge. If there is....don't tip! You are already paying 20%.

[mooseonthellose]

Thanks a lot guys. It's in my consideration but wasn't sure how it worked for prices of food. I'm not going to do much fine dining, maybe 1 night per city, and will just enoy the typical "Pizza/Chicken/Pasta + Beer" and such so it sounds to be on par with my idea for food spendings.

[LHR02]

Most places will have a 'tourist' menu which will give you a first, second and desert at minimum for under 20 euros, sometimes under 15. That's in the touristy regions, not great food but relatively cheap.....get out of tourist and and you can find the same with far surperior food.

I did find a really wonderful little place....terrific food....bruschetti, spaghetti carbonnara, steak with green pepper sauce, salad, roasted potatoes, 1/2 liter wine, creme brulee....32 euros....not 'cheap' but great food. And lots of it! Let me know if you want the name and address, I enjoyed it so much I ate there twice in 8 days. ;D

[Melody]

would LOVE the name & address of this place! you can email directly at [e-mail].

thanks!!

[Michelle]

Please post the name and address of that restaurant! I would love to have it, and I'm sure others will too....

Thanks!

[LHR02]

The name is: L'Archetto Ristorante & Pizzeria and the address is Via Cavour 195. It is right at the Cavour metro stop. If you are coming from Termini you exit 'up the stairs' and the restaurant is across the street slightly to your right. If you are headed towards Termini you exit on the lower level and will need to go up the stairs next to the exit and it will be to the left. It is rather small, about 12 tables I suppose and always crowded! But, they are open all day with no mid-day closing period so while you may have to wait a bit for a table they are not going to shut the kitchen on you. Oh, open noon till two a.m. I did not have pizza there, although many folks were and it looked good. The 'meals' were really good! There were other tourists in there, but mostly locals which is always a good sign. They do have a few tables outdoors, obviously not open when I was there. I really liked this place.....as I said it is not 'cheap' but hardly overpriced nor too expensive and the food is wonderful. They speak English and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Try it! You'll like it!
forgot......phone number is 0648-24-888

[Michelle]

Thanks Dustoffmom!! I'll be in Rome for my 20th Birthday this July, so maybe this'll end up being where I have my birthday dinner!!