Eateries in Rome

What do you consider cheap? Please provide a budget in Euro.

There is a restaurant that serves food pretty fast near the Trevi fountain. it's called McDonald's, it's on via delle Muratte. I haven't eaten there, but I heard from some American teen agers I know that is by far the best restaurant in Rome. They serve a bunch of local specialties, such as Roman McPollo, Filet-o-pesce, palatine francesi. If you are vegetarian they also serve the insalata di Caesar with pollo croccante, a favorite in Ancient Rome.

Tulan, For dining in Rome, I'd suggest "resetting" your criteria as "best good cheap rest/fast food" is not the usual dining style there. What you've described is McDonald's or Burger King (although you may not find them "cheap" when paying in Euros). It's difficult to provide a full tutorial on Italian dining, but a few points to keep in mind..... Italian meals are usually served in several courses ranging from Antipasti, Primi, Secondi, Contorni and Dolci. If you get the "full meal deal", YOU'LL PAY! As most of you are vegetarians, you may find that a salad and the primi course (typically pasta) is quite adequate (don't order Pasta alla Carbonara as it also has Bacon/Pancetta). I'd suggest NOT sitting in the outdoor patios around Piazza Navona or the Trevi Fountain area as you'll pay more than if you sit inside. The Servers may aggressively try to encourage you to sit down, so be ready for that. Also, expect to pay extra for Pane e Coperto (bread & cover charge). You can't avoid that so be sure to budget for it. For recommendations on good restaurants in various parts of Rome, as well as good tips on how to save money, check the Italy or Rome Guidebooks. Buon Appetito!

Very funny with the Mc donalds stuff.. we dont eat that here in US why would i want to eat in rome paying in euros . Sorry so saying cheap i mean like something that like within the range of 15 euros per person. I think that is a lot for vegetarians but then when rome be ready to spend more money. What i really wanted to see if there were great local roman delicacies rest. in rome that would serve good veggie food for around that budget.

You might try Miscellanea, which is at the back right corner of the Pantheon as you face it. It has good variety and a lot of students eat there, so you know the prices have to be reasonable, Another option if you like pizza is Bafetto or Bafetto2, both of which are a 5 minute walk from Piazza Navona.

Thanks for the clarification, Tulan. I would have said McDonalds too. It is reliable, relatively cheap, fast, and close to where you asked for; not gourmet - and they serve chicken and proper vegetarian food. The McDonalds restaurants in Europe are different from country to country and considerably different from American ones. My other suggestion, since you have ruled out McDonalds, would be any of the several local bars. Bars in Rome are different than in the US; you should expect hot and cold sandwiches, small pizzas, large salads, and all sorts of simple foods. They, like McDonalds, will be open and serving all day. Traditional restaurants are unlikely to be open other than at traditional times, and unlikely to be fast.

Can't believe someone suggested McDonalds - sad. It's been a while since I was in Rome but surely you can find some little holes in the wall where you can get a caprese paninni or some simple ravioli or pasta dish. A lot of the food in Rome, across the income scale, will feel like gourmet because the ingredients are much fresher. Tomatoes actually have a taste. If you want higher quality for a modest budget, try not to eat right by the major tourist sites but rather off streets where you're likely to see more local diners (e.g. Trastevere neighborhood comes to mind, although it may have changed a lot since I was there)

than kyou agnes exactly what i was looking for like a hole in the wall that local frequent and have nice pizza or sandwiches or pasta etc etc...

we are staying close trastevere neighborhood too. maybe at most 1 mile away

Your question was for the Trevi fountain area. Do you now want places in Trastevere? Have you raised your price point, and are you willing to take more time than the fast food you originally asked for? If so, there are all sorts of named places we can offer.

We only go inside the Roma McDonald's to use the free bathrooms. Buon viaggio, P.S. Roberto...I liked your response.

well it looks like treveri and piazza area are expensive so i am open to other areas as well. Testa. area seems popular with lot people while readong other forums and sites. so def will be open to it thx

It doesn't seem too difficult to eat vegeterian in Rome. As others have mentioned pasta, pizza and sandwiches can be delicious without meat. But when in Rome you must try Cacio e pepe, fried squash blossoms, fried artichokes, anything with porcini mushrooms or whatever is in season. I would suggest that you google "Katie Parla" for excellent advice on eating and drinking in Rome.

Pastifico has budget pasta available at lunch.

You can order several vegetarian options at most restaurants. Look under "Insalate", "Contorni" and "Primi". "Verdure alla griglia" means grilled vegetables and is usually very tasty. That will be under "Contorni" which means "side dishes." "Primi" is usually pasta dishes which will usually have some non-meat options. You'll find chicken under "Secondi". To save money, you might want to stay near the Termini area. Look into The Beehive. And give up on the idea of eating at a major tourist site if you want to save money and eat decent food. And pizza. It's everywhere and has LOTS of veggie options. You can buy by the slice (usually at lunch) or get a whole pizza that's the size of a dinner plate. It serves one and comes unsliced, with a knife and fork. You won't have trouble finding food.

I hesitate writing about this after reading the McDonald's comment, but some folks have a strange sense of humor. I haven't been to Piazza Navona for several years, so no help there. I did pass by the Trevi two weeks ago though, and very close by, but far from the maddening crowd, found a hidden gem for quality, inexpensive dining. You will need to search some for it as the Il Greg Café is "hidden" inside the Pontificia Università Gregoriana. Being a religious university most of the students lead humble lives and, in keeping with that spirit, the Café expresses a "sober elegance" providing a restaurant-bar that currently accepts non-University patrons. For €5-6 you can enjoy a delicious 3-course meal, complete with a beverage (water or coffee). We dined on the covered outdoor terrace overlooking a small courtyard of the University and, while there is not a view of anything but the garden, it's pleasant, quiet and, if you're lucky, the English speaking chef will visit with you at your table!