From a famous bakery which serves freshly-baked bread and pizzas, to an old-school eatery that dedicates itself to fried cod fillet, and restaurants in the vicinity of popular attractions like Pantheon and Colosseum, here is our take on Rome’s Top 10 Budget Restaurants where you can enjoy Rome’s impressionable culinary offerings sans the exorbitant prices.

Almando al Pantheon

Another place that is worth checking out in the Pantheon area is Almando al Pantheon. Established in 1961, this homely Italian restaurant is located just beside the famous landmark, and it is fully packed every day. Spaghetti cacio e pepe (€10.50) and Trippa alla Roman (€15) are two of the signature Roman dishes that you must try here. Reservations are required.

Salita dè Crescenzi, 31
Tel: +39 06 6880 3034
Daily: 12.30pm – 3pm, 7pm – 11pm
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Antico Forno Roscioli

One of the most popular bakeries in Rome, Antico Forno Roscioli offers a huge variety of traditional Italian bread and pastries, but what locals come back regularly for is its delicious pizzas. Among the ones that we tried across several occasions, we have to say that the mozzarella with tomato pizza is the most satisfying one.

In addition, Roscioli also has a dine-in area that serves a small selection of freshly-cooked pastas (€6 – €7), which includes fettuccine with mushroom in a cheese sauce, risotto pomodoro, ravioli ricotta and pesto linguine.

Via dei Chiavari 34
Tel: +39 06 686 4045
Daily: 7am – 8pm
Nearest Landmark: Campo de’ Fiori

Barnum Cafe

Barnum is a café which combines comfort food, wine, cocktails, music, art and every day homemade cakes. It offers different daily specials for lunch; choose from a selection of Italian meats, cheese and salads. Blackboard specials (€4 - €8) include quiche, hamburger and pasta. The café offers free wifi, and is a wonderful place to chillout and spend a few hours.

Via del Pellegrino, 87
Tel: +39 06 6476 0483
Daily: 9am – 1.30am
Nearest Landmark: Campo de’ Fiori

Ciampini Bistrot

Take little breaks in between shopping, enjoy the vibe of Piazza di Spagna and rest your feet over cakes and pastries over at Ciampini Bistrot. Its baby pizza set (€10), which comes with a small pizza and a soft drink/prosecco/wine, is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

The outdoor terrace seats are a great place to people-watch, and you get a gorgeous view of the Spanish Steps.

Via Fontanella Borghese, 59
Tel: +39 06 6813 5108
Nearest Landmark: Piazza di Spagna

Da Francesco

One day, we will go to Naples, but for now, we are contented with the pizzas from Da Francesco – a pizzeria tucked in one of the streets near Piazza Navona. We ordered the Capricciosa – a toothsome pizza filled with generous toppings of tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto, artichoke, and olives. As far as we are concerned, this is the best we’ve had in Rome and it was supremely delicious that we would give anything to have another serving right about now.

We also tried the Carbonara, and while it was well-cooked, it paled in comparison to the pizza. Vongole is another signature pasta which you should try. Pastas are below €10, while the basic Margherita pizza starts from €6.

Da Francesco dishes out authentic Italian cuisine at affordable prices, and it is a place that we would return to every time we are in Rome.

Piazza del Fico, 29
Tel: +39 06 686 4009
Daily: 12pm – 4pm, 7pm – 12.30am
Nearest Landmark: Piazza Navona

Dar Filettaro

An old-school restaurant which specialises in fried cod fillet (€5) – the only main dish on the menu. You can also order an assortment of antipasti (€5) like fried zucchini, salami and mushrooms. Come here for an inexpensive meal when you are in the Old Rome area.

Largo dei Librari, 88
Tel: +39 06 686 4018
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Landmark: Campo de’ Fiori

Enoteca Corsi

Most of the restaurants at Piazza del Spagna are either too expensive or serve mediocre food. Enoteca Corsi is a rare exception. Expect friendly price tags (€10 – €12) for pastas, and main courses (start from €12) – there is really nothing to pick on for an affordable location as such in the said prime district.

Via del Gesù, 87/88
Daily: 8.30am – 1pm, 5pm – 8pm
Nearest Landmark: Piazza di Spagna

La Taverna Dei Quaranta

By and large, restaurants surrounding the main places of attractions are nowhere near authentic and affordable, but La Taverna Dei Quaranta is an exceptional find. It is just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseo, and we enjoyed a good lunch without breaking a hole in the pocket. Pastas are priced below €10, while main courses are available from €10 to €16.

Via Claudia, 24
Tel: +39 06 700 0550
Daily: 12.30pm – 3.30pm, 7.30pm – 12 midnight
Nearest Landmark: Colosseum

Li Rioni

This busy neighhourhood pizzeria is a stone’s throw away from the Colosseum. Take a stroll and avoid the touristy area and treat yourself to a hearty local fare. The antipasti, pastas and main courses are all well-prepared and inexpensive, but what you must not miss are the thin crust Roman-style pizzas that will instantly whet your appetite once they are out from the wood ovens. From the classic Margherita and Funghi, to calzone and Capricciosa, there are more than 30 choices on Li Rioni’s pizza menu, and there is bound to be one that you will love.

Via S. Quattro, 24
Tel: +39 06 7045 0605
Nearest Landmark: Colosseum

Taverna del Seminario

This place may be catered to mainly tourists, but it is still our top pick because it has a comprehensive menu at very pocket-friendly prices, and the strategic location makes it a perfect lunch or dinner spot after visiting Pantheon.

Pastas are mostly between €5 to €9, while second courses like steak, grilled lamb, and sea bream are around €6 to €12. It also has a set menu which includes bruschetta, pasta, main course and dessert for only €15. While the food may not be out-of-the-world good, it is decent and portions are generous – perfect for cold winter days. For the extremely reasonable prices, there is really nothing to gripe about. And oh, did we mention that the restaurant has free-wifi, too? Don’t be surprised to see a line here during meal times.

Via del Seminario, 105
Tel: +39 06 8110 9909
Daily: 12pm – 11.15pm
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Also read our guide on 3 Reasons to visit Rome

Last October, my partner and I had the pleasure of visiting Rome for the very first time. We spent a few days in the Eternal City and while it was a relatively short stay, we managed to explore and eat our way around the city pretty well.

I have always been fascinated with the Roman history. Having read and heard so many things about Rome, it was my dream to visit the city. Like they say: All roads lead to Rome. I am very glad that I finally had the chance to see the city for myself.

If you are planning a trip to Europe, Rome should be at the top of your to-go list. It is worth visiting for a few reasons.

Firstly, for the rich history and the magnificent ancient Roman architecture. There are so many famous buildings and structures within the city that it is impossible to see all of them in a trip. We stood in awe before the Colosseum, where we could almost picture the gladiators fighting and the deafening cheers from the crowd; we took a million photos of the marvellous Pantheon, the most well-preserved Roman building which dated way back to 126AD; the buzz at the Roman Forum, the heart of commerce and business during ancient Rome; and we fell in love with the Fontana di Trevi, the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome.

Secondly, the food… Oh, the food was amazing. We sampled so many delicious things. Pasta cacio e pepe, Pizza alla Romana, Fiori di Zucca, Crostata di ricotta – we ate everything. From family run trattorias and pizzerias, to fancy restaurants, there are plenty of options in Rome. Italian food will never be the same again.

Another reason to visit – even if you are not a Catholic – is Vatican City. It is one of those places that will stop you in your track. I could go on and on, but it would serve little purpose; Vatican City is a place that you must experience for yourself.

While we only spent five days there, we had a very memorable time and Rome will always be one of our favourite cities. There are so many things to do in Rome and we could have easily stayed there for two weeks. I have a list of eating places to share with you, but that is a story for another day. I’d strongly urge you to visit Rome and experience the rich ancient splendour of the city.

Read our guide on Rome’s Top 10 Budget Restaurants