places for lunch not far from Borghese Gallery?

The Borghese Gallery is in the middle of a park--on a hill. You'd do best to eat prior to going there if possible.

Where will you be coming from? We've always just walked to the Borghese, but if you're miles away that may not be practical. There is a bar/caffé in the park, but I don't remember what kind of food they had. We did have coffee there, and I think my DH had cake, but if lunch was available I don't remember.

The US Embassy (I worked there) is not far away and there are tons of cafes but some of the higher-end places do not open at a time that will work for you.

For a casual lunch of a panino or a popular Roman lunch of the daily specials, try Cafe Mozart on Via Toscana. Daily choices might include a pasta, an array of vegetables, maybe chicken. Changes daily, very inexpensive and semi-self-serve, that is order at the counter and they’ll bring it to you. Open at 630 am. You’ll rub shoulders with working Romans on their lunch break. 10 minutes on foot to the museum.

Pizzeria San Marcos on Via Sardegna and quite popular with the Embassy’s crowd. It is open early. 8 minutes on foot to the museum.

There is a cafe in the museum as well. I have no idea about selection beyond coffee and sweets.

For something really quick and tasty, try Pinsere, a small take-away pizzeria in that general neck of the woods. You can then stop by Come il Latte for gelato. Laurel originally recommended this place to me years ago--and she was spot on, it's delicious!

Pinsere is good street pizza, agreed, but nowhere to sit....

We really enjoyed a stop at the French Academy of Rome to eat lunch prior to Borghese and it has a spectacular view. Take a look, it’s kinda above the Spanish steps. Here’s a google map link. The food is a bit pricey (in my opinion) but very good and it’s a unique stop.
French Academy in Rome - Villa Medici
Viale della Trinità dei Monti, 1, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
+39 06 67611
https://goo.gl/maps/GCA4jtJV2RCTAJqM7

Jane, we'll be coming from the Campo de Fiori area. Is it walkable? I'd love to be able to walk there....but if it's super hot, might consider a taxi.
Laurel, Tim -- do you know whether these places are open on Saturdays? Saturday is the only day we have available for the Borghese.
Thanks, everyone!

Ruth
I was able to locate the website for the cafe within the French academy (Medici Villa). It’s called Cafe Colbert. Check out the website...they recommended reservations and are closed on Mondays. The views from the cafe are spectacular. When we went, it made for such a fun day combined with Borghese. I’ll be back for sure!

http://www.caffecolbert.it/english

Thanks, Tim -- that looks fantastic!

Mozart is open 8-13 on Sat. San Marco has regular hours.

Ruth, it's walkable if the weather isn't too hot, and if you allow plenty of time. Some people would just stride right out there, but unless we're late we prefer to amble.

Pinsere was quite good. As was the nearby Gelateria I Caruso.

Thanks, everyone! I've created a schedule that affords us a leisurely stroll, stop for lunch at one of the restaurants you've recommended, and then another 15 minutes or so to get to the gallery. I'm thinking that after the gallery we'll spend some time wandering around the grounds, and then -- depending on weather and how tired we are -- either stroll or take a taxi back to the hotel. This has been super helpful information!!!

Ruth, if you're not too tired after visiting the Borghese Gallery and grounds, consider the Etruscan Museum at the far end of the same park. It's at the Villa Giullia, and it is wonderful.

Ditto on the Etruscan Museum.