Rome is a culinary paradise, but dining out can quickly drain your travel budget if you’re not careful. This guide will help you navigate Rome’s food scene like a savvy local, enjoying delicious meals without emptying your wallet.

General Tips for Budget Dining in Rome

Let’s start with some money-saving basics:

• Watch out for package deals: Stay away from “slasher” establishments that advertise themselves as “Bar/Restaurant” or offer a wide range of cuisines. These places often serve subpar, overpriced food and often are catering to tourists. Instead, look for dedicated “ristorante” or “trattoria” establishments for a more authentic experience.

• Ask about off-menu specials: Always ask about “house specials” and their prices before ordering, especially if they’re not listed on the menu. Be wary of “market price” items, which can often lead to sticker shock.

• Be specific about food quantities: When ordering pizza by the slice or other foods sold by weight, be clear about how much you want. Use the phrase “un piccolo” if you only want a small portion.

• Beware of extras: Some restaurants charge for bread baskets, water, or additional guests. Ask about these potential charges before ordering.

• Take it away: To-go prices are often much cheaper than sit-down prices. For instance, drinking your coffee standing at the bar like a local can cost less than twice the cost of sitting at a table.

Hungry? Photo: kentwang

Street Food: The Cheapo Traveler’s Best Friend

Rome’s incredible street food scene allows you to sample delicious local specialties at very affordable prices. Here are some must-try options if you’re planning to enjoy some budget dining in Rome:

Trapizzino: A modern Roman street food consisting of a triangular pocket of pizza bianca stuffed with traditional fillings. This delicious treat costs around €3.50-5 each.

Pizza al Taglio: Pizza by the slice, a Roman institution. Expect to pay €2-5 for a satisfying slice. We recommend stopping by Zucchero Farina (Near Via Giulia at Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 105), which is open daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and also has delicious pastries for dessert.

Supplì: Fried rice balls typically filled with ragù and mozzarella. Each one usually costs €1-3.

Porchetta Sandwiches: Savory, boneless pork roast served on crusty bread. This is delicious and filling option that costs around €5-6 per sandwich.

Cheapo tip: When trying street food, look for places with a steady stream of local customers. That can only mean good things…

Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Rome

Dig into fresh, affordable pasta in Rome. Photo: Gabriella Clare Marino

While street food is great for a quick bite, sometimes you want to sit down for a proper meal. Rome offers a wide array of budget-friendly restaurants that serve delicious, authentic cuisine without breaking the bank. Here’s a list of some of the best options, organized roughly by neighborhood:

Centro Storico (Historic Center)

Armando Al Pantheon
Salita dei Crescenzi, 31
Website: https://www.armandoalpantheon.it/
Price Range: $$

This restaurant is known for its excellent cacio e pepe and its prime location near the Pantheon. It offers traditional Roman cuisine in a cozy setting.

Pane e Salame
Via di Santa Maria in Via 19
Website: https://www.facebook.com/panesalameroma/
Price Range: $

Pane e Salame is great for quick, affordable sandwiches. They specialize in cured meats and cheeses.

Campo de’ Fiori Area

Forno Campo de’ Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori, 22
Website: https://www.fornocampodefiori.com/
Price Range: $

This bakery is famous for its pizza al taglio. Slices start from €2.50, making it a budget-friendly option in the heart of Rome.

Trastevere

Pizzeria La Boccaccia
Via di Santa Dorotea, 2
Price Range: $

This pizzeria offers excellent pizza al taglio at affordable prices. It’s a favorite among Trastevere residents and visitors alike.

Near the Spanish Steps

Pastificio
Via della Croce, 8
Price Range: $

Pastificio offers heaping plates of pasta for only €5 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily. There are two pasta choices each day. But if you don’t get there early enough, you might be left with only one. Remember, it’s technically a pasta shop, so lunch is nothing fancy and is best eaten inside where the pasta is hot and fresh.

Specialized Dining Options

It never hurts to stop for a little gelato. Photo: Özlem Özdemir

Maybe you’re searching for some gelato that won’t break the bank, or you’re hoping to find some more plant-forward dishes. Here are options for budget dining in Rome, even if you have specialized dietary needs or are looking for something particular.

Best Gelaterias in Rome

Gelateria del Teatro
Via dei Coronari, 65-66 (Centro Storico)
Website: https://www.gelateriadelteatro.it/

This gelateria is known for its high-quality, Italian-sourced ingredients and unique flavors. It’s a must-visit for gelato enthusiasts.

Giolitti
Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40 (Pantheon area)
Website: https://www.giolitti.it/

One of Rome’s oldest gelato shops, established in 1890, Giolitti offers a wide range of traditional and innovative flavors.

Fatamorgana
Multiple locations throughout Rome
Website: https://www.gelateriafatamorgana.com/web/

Fatamorgana is famous for its creative and unique flavor combinations. Prices start from €2.50 for a small cup.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Bibliothè
Via Celsa 5
Phone: 0667 814 27
Price Range: $$

This restaurant serves Ayurvedic food, including whole grain and organic pasta. Their daily lunch special is usually around €13.

Buddy’s
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 107A
Website: https://buddyroma.com/
Phone: 06 8772 8433
Price Range: $$

Located in the historic center, Buddy’s offers flavorful vegan meals for plant-based lovers and meat-eaters alike, with options ranging from brunch to pasta to pizza.

Il Margutta
Via Margutta, 118
Website: https://ilmargutta.bio/restaurant-2/
Phone: 06 32650577
Price Range: $$

Known as the first vegetarian restaurant in Italy, visitors will find plenty of plant-forward meals. There’s also a daily special that runs from 12-4:30 p.m. that includes two courses, a dessert, bread, and water for €16.

Markets and Picnics

Stop by Campo de’ Fiori Market for picnic essentials. Photo: Genevieve

For an authentic and budget-friendly experience, consider shopping at local markets and having a picnic. After shopping, head to parks like the Borghese Gardens, Aventine Hill, or Janiculum Hill for a picnic with a view.

Here are some top markets in Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori Market
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori (Campo de’ Fiori)

This historic market offers fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mercato Trionfale
Via Andrea Doria 3 (Prati)

One of the largest markets in Rome, Mercato Trionfale offers a wide variety of fresh ingredients. This market is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mercato di Testaccio
Via Beniamino Franklin (Testaccio)

This local favorite has excellent produce and prepared food stalls. It’s open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additional Money-Saving Strategies

Check the signs outside of restaurants for daily specials and deals. Photo: Lory

Lunch Specials and “Pranzo di Lavoro”

As with many other European cities, lunch can be a Cheapo’s culinary paradise in Rome. Many restaurants offer affordable lunch menus or “pranzo di lavoro” (worker’s lunch) specials. These are often great value and can be a way to experience higher-end restaurants at a fraction of the dinner price. Look for lunch specials listed outside the restaurant.

Aperitivo Deals

Happy hour, anyone? Look for “aperitivo” deals where you pay for a drink (usually €10-€15) and get access to a buffet of snacks, often substituting for dinner. This can be a great way to sample a variety of Italian appetizers while enjoying a drink in the early evening.

Using Food Apps for Discounts

Apps like TheFork and Too Good To Go can offer significant discounts on restaurant meals and help reduce food waste. Be sure to check these resources before dining out. Who knows what perfectly good treats you could save from going to the bin!

Water-Saving Tips

Basic advice, but it’s still worth stating: Bring your own water bottle and refill at public fountains to save €2-€3 per meal. Rome has numerous “nasoni” (big noses) fountains throughout the city with clean, drinkable water.

Always Get a Receipt

It’s the law in Italy to receive a “Scontrino Fiscale” for all purchases, including food and drink. This official receipt should have the restaurant’s Partita IVA code printed on it. Don’t accept handwritten scraps of paper (trust us, they’ll try!). Not only are you breaking the law without it, but you could well find that the bill’s total suddenly drops when an itemized printed bill has to be produced.

To Tip or Not to Tip

Don’t pay a “servizio” charge if it’s not clearly stated on the menu. Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, as service is usually included in the bill. However, rounding up or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated.

The Dos and Don’ts to Save on Dining

Dos:

• Stand at the bar in cafes for coffee and pastries, it’s almost always significantly cheaper.
• Reserve tables in advance to avoid wandering into a tourist trap.
• Order local and seasonal specialties for better value.
• Ask waiters for recommendations on local dishes.
• Practice the “scarpetta” tradition in casual eateries (using bread to mop up sauce).

Don’ts:

• Avoid eating at restaurants immediately near major tourist attractions (especially with menus in 10 languages).
• Don’t order cappuccino after morning hours; it’s not customary and may lead to inflated prices.
• Don’t let waiters choose unspecified items for you.
• There’s no need to feel obligated to order a full meal. It’s okay to just have a “primo” or “secondo” course.

Ready to eat?

By following these tips and visiting the recommended establishments, you’ll be able to enjoy Rome’s culinary delights without overspending. From street food to local markets and budget-friendly restaurants to picturesque cafes, Rome offers a wealth of options for the savvy budget traveler. Remember, eating well in Rome doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It just takes a little knowledge and planning. Buon appetito!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Budget Dining in Rome: Eat Like a Local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Most people know that the Bologna region is home to the best Bolognese sauce, (as well as many other types of meat and cheeses), that Tuscany is sacred wine territory and that the south is the place to be for limoncello and seafood.

Rome, for all its history and architectural glory, often gets overlooked as a food haven in the shadows of its more famous neighbors. But Roman dishes aren’t to be missed.

Rome food: 5 must-try dishes

Simple, fresh and mouthwatering, these top Roman dishes will fill you up for less than €10. So book your Rome hotel room and start building up your appetite!

Roman-style artichokes

 Artichokes are big in Rome, and carciofialla Romana, or ‘Roman-style artichokes,’ is one of the region’s most famous dishes. It’s served in restaurants year-round, but traditionally it’s a spring dish because the Romanesco artichoke variety is harvested between February and April.

The artichokes are cleaned and rubbed with lemon juice, then stuffed with Roman parsley, salt, pepper and crushed garlic. Next, they’re placed in a deep pan, doused with water, white wine and a bit of oil, and braised until they’re soft. The smooth leaves break from the artichoke head easily, and the lemony, salty, garlic flavor will blow your mind. Even those who don’t usually like artichokes should try this delicious preparation.

Try it at: La Campana

Cacio e pepe

The simplest of Roman dishes, yet also one of the most popular, cacio e pepe is like macaroni and cheese on steroids — it will have you dreaming of it long after you’ve left the Eternal City. Fresh tonnarelli pasta is tossed with lots and lots of pecorino cheese and cracked black pepper.

The pecorino, a tangy, salty cheese, is the perfect complement to warm, homemade pasta, and you’ll be amazed how creamy the sauce becomes with just a touch of pasta water.

Try it at: Da Enzo in Trastevere, or Felice a Testaccio dating back to 1936.

Bucatini all’amatriciana

Another dish with just a handful of ingredients, amatriciana is one of the most traditional Roman dishes. Purists insist on no deviations from the recipe, and they have a point. Why ruin a good thing? Fresh tomatoes and guanciale, (pork jowl — like really fatty, delicious bacon), make up the base, and a bit of cheese, oil, onion and pepper are thrown in as well.

The pasta is usually bucatini. It’s simple, but if the ingredients are fresh, the flavor will explode on your taste buds and make you wonder why you’ve never thought of such a simple and delicious combination. Best of all, it’s fairly easy to make when you get home.

Try it at: Da Gigetto, a trattoria in the Jewish Ghetto.

Spaghetti carbonara

Carbonara is like Cacio e Pepe, but with two important additions — egg and guanciale. The pork is cooked in fat, while the fresh spaghetti is cooked al dente, then tossed with raw eggs, cheese and more fat. (This is done away from the heat so that the egg doesn’t coagulate). Add in the guanciale, and you have the creamiest, most decadent of the Roman dishes.

Try it at: Roscioli and Da Danilo, both in central Rome, serve two of the best.

Roman-style pizza

Everyone knows that Naples has the best pizza in Italy, but Rome is a close second if you can even compare the two. Roman-style pizza is nothing like the pies in Napoli, making them almost completely different dishes. Where Naples boasts fluffy crusts, the Romans make them thin and crispy, with wood-fired, almost burnt edges. A thin layer of fresh tomato sauce is spread across the dough and sprinkled with fresh mozzarella and a variety of toppings.

When in Rome, try to hold back from toppings at least once, and settle on a plain margherita — tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil. We promise you won’t regret it.

Try it at: Da Remo, in Testaccio and L’Archetto, near the Vatican, both have excellent pizzas and atmospheres.

Still hungry for more?

For more budget eating ideas in Rome, check out EuroCheapo’s full list of tips on the blog.

The post Don’t leave Rome without tasting these 5 classic dishes (each under €10) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The Beach Hut
28 Highbury Park, London, N5 2AA
Tube: Arsenal/Highbury and Islington

Many people put Fish and Chips at the top of their to-do list when visiting London. Many people also leave feeling disappointed after a traumatic experience with greasy fish, soggy chips and a massive bill.

Save your fish and chip cravings for The Beach Hut and you won’t regret it. Located in north London’s foodie haven, Highbury Barn, this friendly family-run chippy serves up fresh, tasty food in lovely surroundings. Plus, it’s a brilliant value – you can get a generous portion of fish and chips for just £6.

The menu is simple and the choice of fish changes daily but is always excellent quality. Opt for a half pint of fresh prawns if you don’t fancy the traditional offering and don’t forget to bring a bottle – The Beach Hut has a BYO booze policy and doesn’t charge a corkage fee; a fact that makes me love it even more.

Poitrine de Porc from Le Mercury. Photo: London Chow

Le Mercury
140A Upper Street, London, N1 1QY
Tube: Angel/Highbury and Islington
Web site

I had walked passed this pretty candlelit brasserie many times and always thought it would be a good spot for a special occasion. The sophisticated, romantic interior had led me to believe the prices would be extortionate until one day I stopped to read the menu. I thought I was seeing things.

All starters £3.95. All mains £8.95. I’d really never seen anything like it in London – and on lively, fashionable Upper Street of all places. I had to try it. Immediately.

You’ll be glad to hear that I wasn’t disappointed. The food was slow-roast-honeyed-pork-belly-with-confit-celeriac-fantastic. Surprisingly, Le Mercury has only just opened its second restaurant, just a little down the same road at 154 Upper Street. Take my word and try it Cheapos; it’ll be the best £8.95 you spend in London.

Icco serves the best cheap pizza in town. Photo: Rizkapb

Icco
Charlotte Street
Tube: Goodge Street
Web site

Charlotte Street, one of London’s most popular roads, is packed with restaurants from all over the world and the prices vary as much as the cuisine does. Icco is a bright, no-frills, café-style eatery with a great atmosphere. Serving up really tasty thin-crust pizzas until midnight every day, the prices start from just £3.50 a pizza.

And we’re not just talking slices of pizza Cheapos, this is a full-sized pizza and it’s delicious. By far and away one of the best value places you’ll find in such a central location.

Also in our guide: If you’re shopping for a great cheap sleep to go with that dinner, make sure you visit our London guide to read our reviews of the best budget hotels in London, all inspected and reviewed by our editors.

The post London: Three cheap eats offering dinner for under £10 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So here’s what to do to keep the coins in your pocket and the wine in your tummy.

Squat a Piazza

If you’re not picky on location but like to be around people, here’s what I suggest. Make your way to one of the piazzas, like Piazza Sant’Ambrogio and find yourself a seat on the steps of the church or any of the benches.

Next, resist the temptation to drink at one of the surrounding establishments. They will be overpriced and lousy. Instead, walk the neighboring streets until you find a little store (some call it a “kiosk”) that sells cheap beer and wine. There are lots of these in Florence and lots of people do it.

Purchase a beverage, return to the piazza, soak up the ambiance and toast the stars.

Fun bars for aperitivo

If you are not big fan of “piazza guzzle” here’s a few bars that are fun. First try “Volume” in Piazza Santo Spirito with its vintage/museum deco. Or the nearby La Cité (still my personal favorite) with its book-covered walls and small music stage.

Or maybe it’s food you want with your aperitivo, so try Kitsch Bar where you’ll have access to a full buffet of Italian specialties during aperitivo time.

If pubs are more your thing, try The Lion’s Fountain Pub, which is usually overflowing onto the square.

Bottoms Up

Have you heard of Vin Santo? If not you need to try it. Often made in Tuscany’s very own Chianti Region, Vin Santo is a strong sweet wine served either before or after dinner (or at any other time of the day that you see fit). You can pick it up anywhere that sells wine, but my suggestion would be one of the larger supermarkets where it is definitely cheaper (Coop, Esselunga, etc.).

And if you are completely new to the Italian drinking scene, consider trying an ice cold shot of Limoncello, a lemon liqueur from the south or a shot of Grappa, Italy’s answer to Tequila.

The post Florence: How to enjoy a cheapo aperitivo appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

This second post will take us to the neighborhood of Vinohrady. I like to think of Vinohrady as Zizkov’s slightly older, more sophisticated, yet still hip sister. It’s a great place to walk, as it’s full of shops, restaurants and cafes, one of the city’s best squares and some lovely views.

As I did with Zizkov, here are some top spots to check out to have a full day’s worth of activity in Vinohrady!

Something to start to the day

Books and coffee at the Cafe Fra. Photo: Lipar

Café Fra
Safarikova 15
120 00 Prague 2-Vinohrady
Tel: 773 458 073
Web site

Open the door and walk down the stairs into this compact, atmospheric café. It actually feels like you’re sitting inside a good book, and it’s no wonder as the wall to your left on entry is full of books. The venue, after all, combines good coffee with a bookstore and its own publishing company. You can also pick up a Moleskin journal. In the warmer months a few tables are set up outside, so you can sip your kava (coffee) or wine, streetside.

Something to see

The neighborhood

As I mentioned, Vinohrady is a nice place to walk, so I’d recommend just taking a stroll through its quaint streets. Café Fra (above) is actually an excellent place from which to begin your journey. Make a left outside the café’s door and then make either an immediate right onto the street Bruselska, which will take you down some quiet, pleasant streets, or go straight ahead onto Belehradska, which is full of shops (including the Antikvariat Belehradska, below). Follow Belehradska until you hit Rumunska, onto which you’ll make a right.

Just a few paces up, you’ll essentially run right into a big square–home to the lovely neo-Gothic St. Ludmila church–called Namesti Miru (Peace Square). If the weather is good, have a seat on one of its benches and take a rest and people watch along with the locals.

Something to eat

Pizzeria Grosseto
Francouzska 79/2
120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady
Tel: 224 252 778
Web site

Once again, you’re in luck: The Pizzeria Grosseto, one of the two best pizza places in the city, is located directly across from Namesti Miru. I love pizza, so if I’m craving a good pie, this is where you’ll find me (it most often beats out Kmotra, my other favorite pizzeria, because it’s closer to where I live).

Located on a corner, it’s comprised of one big floor and a balcony area with about five more tables. Besides pizza, the restaurant also offers pasta dishes, salads and soups. In summer, definitely ask to sit in the garden (out back, just around the corner).

FYI: They recently opened another location right on the Vltava river (but it gets crowded fast).

Something to buy

Antikvariat Belehradska
Belehradska 644/96
120 00 Prague 2-Vinohrady, Czech Republic
Tel: 222 521 043
Web site

Back on Belehradska street, head into Antikvariat Belehradska. Antikvariats are scattered around the city. They’re a special kind of antique shop carrying rare books, prints, stamps, maps, postcards and other unique paper items. Be sure to have a look at the bins hanging from the windowsills outside, as they hold discounted items. You will find a small selection of English books inside, but most of the fun is looking through all the treasures.

Something to drink

Vinecko Wine Bar
Londýnská 135/29
120 00 Praha 2
Tel: 222 511 035
Web site

This hopping little wine bar is a refreshing way to begin, or carry out, the evening. With two rooms and two garden seating areas in summer, Vinecko offers yummy wines from the Czech Republic as well as abroad. If you get hungry, they offer some light snacks. Be sure to get there early or make a reservation beforehand, however, as this place gets packed early on.

The post Prague: Vinohrady neighborhood walking tour appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Falafel in the Marais

It’s a no brainer that I’d always choose to eat before anything else. And with 10 euros I’d definitely head to “L’As du Falafel” in the Marais and grab a falafel sandwich with spicy sauce for just five euros. 34 rue des Rosiers, 75004

2. Splurge on a good bottle of wine

If I was in a really good mood, I’d head to one of my favorite wine shops and grab a special bottle of wine for less than 10 euros. Keep in mind that spending three euros on a bottle of wine at the supermarket is not a stigma when you’re on a budget, and the results are always surprisingly pleasant. For special occasions I head to “le Verre Volé” for something fun in the seven to 10 euro range. 67 rue de Lancry, 75010 OR 38 rue d’Oberkampf, 75010

3. A trip to the catacombs

Studies show that those who live in a city rarely visit its sights, but a 10 euro bill can take you almost anywhere in Paris. A visit to the Catacombes, the underground passageways with artistically arranged medieval bones, is one of the city’s most stunning attractions. Guards check your bag on the way out, so don’t try to steal any femurs. 1 Place Denfert-Rochereau 75014, Web site

4. Hot chocolate at Angelina

Some of the best hot chocolate in Paris can be had for less than 10 euros. With its accompanying bowl of whipped cream, a hot chocolate at Angelina is decadent and delicious, if you can brave the crowd. 226 rue de Rivoli, 75001, Web site

5. Used book and a seat at a cafe

Sitting in a café with a good book is the quintessential Parisian experience. A used book at the Gibert Jeune bookstore will cost just a few euros, even many English books. Just look for the sticker that says “occasion” and you should easily have two euros left for an espresso at any café. Various locations (with yellow awnings) at Place St-Michel, 75005

6. Climbing the towers of Notre Dame

Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral is free, of course, but climbing the 387 steps to the top of the towers will set you back a few euros. It’s easy to fall in love with Paris as you stand next to a medieval gargoyle looking over the city’s rooftops. 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, 75004, Web site

7. A tour of the Palais Garnier

Going to Versailles takes time and the train ticket alone costs about 10 euros. When I want a less pricey “regal” experience, I head to the Palais Garnier for a day-time tour of the city’s historic opera house. The late 19th-century gilded wonder leaves both visitors and Parisians floored. 8 Rue Scribe, 75009. Normal admission, €9, Web site

8.Pink Flamingo pizza

A good take-away pizza is hard to find in Paris, but Franco-American pizzeria Pink Flamingo does a fantastic pie. A take-out Dante pizza will cost just €9.50 and is topped with fresh basil and tomato. Flagship location: 67 rue Bichat, 75010, Web site

9. Tickets to the Comédie Française

Whether you speak French or not, going to the theater can be a memorable event. Many rush tickets are available in Parisian theaters; the opulent theater at the Palais Royal is one of the city’s best deals. You can see classic French theater by the prestigious Comédie Française for under €10, if you don’t mind a less-than-perfect seat. Just show up at the theater before the show starts to see what tickets are available. 38 rue de Montpensier, 75001, Web site

10. Splurging at the bakery

Okay, so half of this list is food-related, but if I’m going to splurge I’m going to do it right. An amazing bakery, “Du Pain et Des Idées,” serves up “escargots,” which are essentially pastry swirls. The chocolate pistachio escargot is simply delicious. At just €1.90 each, you can try all of the varieties, if you and your waistline approve. 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010

The post Paris: Top 10 things to do for Less than €10 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Lunch by the slice

Simply put, pizza al taglio is thin crusted pizza baked in large rectangular trays. The best part about the pizza is that you’re free to decide how big or small a piece you’d like to take away with you. The pizza then gets cut (sometimes even with scissors), weighed, and then re-heated in the oven and handed off to the customer.

The cost of the pizza depends on the toppings you choose and the weight of the pizza. But it usually only costs a few euros. Common flavors include: pizza margherita (cheese pizza with tomato sauce), pizza bianca (just plain white pizza bread topped with olive oil and salt), pizza con patate (pizza topped with pieces of roasted potatoes), and pizza con würstel (pizza with cheese and sliced hot dogs).

Other toppings include: prosciutto (ham), melanzane (eggplant), alici (anchovies), zucchine (zucchini), salame (pepperoni), and carciofi (artichokes). For a late afternoon snack, you may decide all you want is a striscetta (a strip of pizza).

Needless to say, these pizza al taglio shops are a dime a dozen in Rome, but that doesn’t mean all of them are good. Here are some of my favorite:

Near the Pantheon: Da Remo’s

In the Centro Storico close to the Pantheon, Da Remo’s pizza al taglio does it up nice. His pizza has been attracting crowds since 1970 when he first opened up shop. He truly offers a slice of old Rome. If you pop by around 1 p.m., it’s not unusual to find a line full of teens from a nearby high school yelling, “Give me €2 worth of pizza margherita” inside the tiny pizza shop. The pizza is just that good.

Some of Remo’s specialties are capricciosa (pizza with cheese, egg, ham, olive and artichokes), salame (pepperoni), and pomodori con rucola (cheese with tomatoes and arugula). In the fall and winter when it’s in season, Remo (the pizza butcher) makes a nice pizza with zucca (pumpkin).

Da Remo
Via Piè di Marmo, 32
Open daily for lunch. Closed on Sundays
Cost: €2-€4 a slice (depending on the size and toppings)
Tip: Head to Remo’s before 1 p.m., before the school crowd gets there.

Zucchero Farina

Just a bit further away from the Pantheon, near Via Giulia heading toward the Vatican area, is another great pizza shop called Zucchero Farina (Sugar Flour). This place serves up a wide selection of pizzas with all sorts of unusual but good toppings: broccoli with sausage, asparagus with ham, chard with tomatoes. All of them are yummy. And for €2,50, they’ll make you a sandwich right on the spot using some of their white pizza bread straight out of the oven.

Zucchero Farina
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 105
Open daily for lunch. Closed on Sundays
Cost: €3-€5 a slice (depending on the size and toppings)
Tip: Top off your pizza with one of their pastries, which are to die for!

The post Rome Cheap Eat: “Pizza al Taglio” shops appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So, for your moveable feasting pleasure, I got out my little red book and whipped up a short list of favorite cheap eats in my Abbesses neighborhood. The joints listed here will not only save you money but enhance your overall travel experience.

As my grandmother would say, saving for a trip starts at home. So set down that fancy frappuccino, and wait to treat yourself to a “Sez” draft at a café above the Seine instead!

Getting there: Métro Abbesses, Pigalle or Blanche

1. Le Coquelicot (“The Poppy”)
24 rue des Abbesses
Boulangerie

Here’s where I buy my ham and cheese sandwiches, along with their award-winning “Piccola” baguettes.

Decor: Shabby-chic with hand-painted murals
Vibe: Fresh and bubbly
Perks: Fabulous view of the bakers kneading, perky staff, and terrace seating
Try: Jambon-fromage baguette, lemon bars, pain au chocolat, and Piccola baguettes

Tips: As always in Paris, takeout is cheaper, so make a selection and picnic at nearby Place des Abbesses and its little Square Jehan Rictus by the “J’taime Wall.” Love your bread straight from the oven? Ask and they will tell.

La Pignatta

2. La Pignatta
89 rue des Martyrs
Italian

Here’s where I buy take-out pizzas for my dinner parties. With their gravity-defying pizza tossing tricks and brick oven, they’ve never let me or my shindig guests down.

Decor: Old World charm accessorized with checkered tablecloths and travel posters
Vibe: ‘S Wonderful, ‘S Marvelous
Perks: Terrace seating, personable staff, hefty portions with Cheapo price tags attached
Try: Pizza Caprese or Pizza Pignatta, topped with a roasted egg and crème fraîche

Tips: Again, take-out is cheaper. From here it’s just a romantic stroll up to Sacre Coeur. For another picnic idea, check out their fresh Italian salads. I’ve got a thing going on with the tri-salad sampler.

The terrace at Le Saint Jean

3. Le Saint Jean
16 rue des Abbesses

Like the 25 little black dresses that hang in my closet, there really isn’t an occasion that le Saint Jean is perfectly suited for, night and day.

Decor: Classic Paris diner with cozy wooden booths, bar, and photography
Vibe: Where’s Edith Piaf? I’m sure she’s here somewhere.
Perks: Terrace seating and occasional live music and dancing
Try: Omelets, hand-cut fries, salads, crème brulée, and French onion soup

Tips: Order house wine by the pitcher. Traditional French dishes are always available. Lost in translation? Just ask. The staff is friendly and helpful. The best people-watching tables are located on the far left, next to the rue André Antoine steps.

4. Le Mono
40 rue Véron
Togolese

A birthday at Le Momo. Photo: Marcus Schubert

I love this place because the owner always manages to find a table for me, even on his busiest Saturday nights.

Decor: West African—bamboo, masks and popular art
Vibe: Very festive and so bruyant!
Perks: Large portions, engaging staff and a masterpiece playlist that includes King Mensah and Salif Keita!

Try: Djenkoumé (chicken in tomato sauce), grilled plantains and a cold Flag beer!

Tips: This is a great place to celebrate a birthday. Let them know ahead of time, leave your cake behind the counter, and they’ll happily stage a dramatic presentation—with music! (They won’t mention it, but it’s good form to tip for extra service like this.)

5. Le Relais Gascon
6 rue des Abbesses

Cheapos, this is where I go after a seeing movie at the historic movie house Studio 28, located just down the street. Here you’ll find big, inexpensive salads piled high with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables, and scrupulously topped with mountains of homemade, hand-cut garlic potatoes!

Decor: Traditional-rustic with wooden bar, mirrors, murals, and paintings
Vibe: Oh, so boisterous and bustling
Perks: Family-style seating on the second floor, terrace seating, and large portions
Try: One of the ten Salades Géantes with pommes de terre sautées à l’ail (think Mont Ventoux!)

Tips: The locals are also in awe of its old-school appeal, so arrive early to score seating. Also, order your house wine by the pitcher. It’s cheaper.

6. Café des Deux Moulins
15 rue Lepic

The glow of the Café des Deux Moulins

So why is the “café of two windmills” so unique et magnifique? Because it was featured in “Amélie“, that’s why! Stop by for an apéritif or post-dinner indulgence and rub elbows with other pilgrims.

Decor: Old-fashioned seating, hand-painted murals and classic bar
Vibe: Frenetic
Perks: Photo-op with the house gnome or exterior neon sign. Make the kids back home ga-ga with envy.
Try it: Picon-bière, a bittersweet blend of oranges and deep blue gentian flowers, typically served with a small draft beer. Mix and tipple!

Tip: Arrive around 5 PM for happy hour, starring discounted drinks. The voluptuous sweets are also heavenly.

Cheapos, make every meal an experience, after all, it was Julia Child’s very first lunch in France that changed her life, and set her cookbook project in motion. Years later she wrote, “I can still almost taste it. And thinking back on it now reminds me that the pleasures of the table and of life, are infinite. Toujours Bon Appétit!”

Oui-oui, Bon Appétit!

The post Paris: 6 favorite cheap restaurants in the Abbesses neighborhood appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are three absolute gems that are less than 10 minutes from Termini Station. All of these spots offer authenticity at the right price, with a three-course meal, wine, and coffee coming in at around €20.

Pizzeria Dal Bersagliere
Via Gino Capponi 16

Great dining on Via Appia Nuova.

The fabulous little Pizzeria Dal Bersagliere in Furio Camillo is apparently — if you look at the photo above the cash register — good enough for James Bond. Sean Connery used to come here, it seems, and we can understand why! The restaurant offers an extensive menu including pasta, meats, and salads, but the real reason to come here is the pizza!

They offer a huge range of ridiculously light and flavoursome pizzas starting from €5. The appetizers like the crumbed risotto balls filled with deliciously melted and gooey cheese are not to be missed either. The house wine is dangerously palatable and the outdoor seating arrangement makes for a very noisy and friendly night out. The place is heaving by 10 pm.

Getting there: Take metro line A to Furio Camillo. Take the Via C. Baronio exit and walk along Via Appia Nuova (pictured, right) for about 200 m. Turn left onto Via Gino Capponi and follow the delicious aroma emanating from behind the small florist stand. Open daily 7 pm – midnight. (More info on the restaurant’s Facebook page.)

Antico Casale
Ponte Lungo

Oh, Rome, this is how you should be! Antico Casale is a wonderful little place in Ponte Lungo is about as authentic as you can get. Complete with red and white checked tablecloths and an intimate, rustic atmosphere, this great find is an extremely popular choice amongst locals.

Highlights include the delectable pastas, starting at €7, and exquisite seafood, all served by friendly and helpful staff. Only the dessert outdoes the pasta at this place, with the Tartufo Bianco absolutely to die for!

Getting there: Take metro line A to Ponte Lungo and take the Piazza Ponte Lungo exit. Walk 150 metres along Via Appia Nuova and take the second right over the bridge into Piazza Camillo Finocchiaro Aprile. The restaurant is tucked behind a little florist in Appia Circonvallazione. Closed Mondays.

Al Peperoncino
Via Ostiense 369/375

Pasta Al Peperoncino.

Ask any local in San Paolo where you can find a great meal and they will almost certainly direct you to the huge, and hugely popular, Pizzeria and Bisteccheria Al Peperoncino (pictured at top and right). This restaurant is packed most nights, and you probably won’t find another tourist in sight!

With pizzas from €3, steak cooked to perfection and glorious seafood pasta, it is little wonder that this is THE place to eat for San Paolo’s locals. The creamy espresso and complimentary strawberry liqueur don’t do any harm either. Open dinner and lunch.

Getting here: Take metro line B to San Paolo. Take the Via Ostiense exit. Turn left onto Via Ostiense and walk about 200m. You can’t miss it. (For more info, visit the restaurant’s website.)

The post Rome Cheap Eats: Dine like a local at these affordable restaurants appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Local hot-spot Panificio Firenze, a tasty joint serving as grocery store (alimentari), bakery (panificio) and deli (salumi), has been delighting locals with fresh breads, meats, and cheeses since 1929. At lunch time it’s as busy and chaotic as the trading floor at the stock exchange.

Made to order

Follow these simple steps for Panini perfection:

1) If the place is super busy, pull a ticket from the machine by the front door. Wait for your number to show up on the display overhead.

2) Choose your filling from a range of delicious fresh meats and cheeses on display. Watch as the goods get weighed.

3) Pay a reasonable price for your taste sensation. Enjoy!

Crusty rolls and fresh breads, too!

My personal favorite? The prosciutto and mozzarella on flatbread (focaccia), warmed in the oven for a minute or two… bellissimo! The roasted pork sandwiches served in crusty rolls occasionally make an appearance, and are devilishly tasty, too.

Another great bet is Panificio’s mini pizzas. Just out of the oven, they are divine. Locals like to eat them cut down the middle and folded. The cost for this delight will only set you back €1.50.

A cornucopia of different types of freshly baked bread is always on display. From crusty rolls to sublime focaccia, the panificio (baker) also offers up a good assortment of biscuits and pastries. In addition, Panificio is the perfect place to pop in for picnic provisions like finely sliced Mortadella or Bresola.

It’s easy to walk by…

Know before you go

It can be a little tricky to find, as there isn’t any sign hanging out front. Panificio Firenze is located just off Via Nazionale (Piazza Republica end) at 51-52 Via Firenze, Rome. The closest metro is Republica.

Panificio is open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, on Saturdays until 2 PM, and is closed on Sundays. (Tel: 06-488-5035)

The post Rome Cheap Eat: Panificio Firenze appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.