Dirt Cheap Rome

Rome offers plenty of sustenance at rock bottom prices but remember: you get what you pay for. It’s hard to walk two blocks with passing pizza by the slice (pizza al taglio). Only have two Euros? Ask for two Euros’ worth of pizza, (due euro di…say or point to the one you want) as you pay by weight.

Pizza Art
This pizza-by-the-slice joint won a world pizza championship in 1997, and their fried appetizers (€1.50 circa a piece) are also divine. Try the spicy pizza marinara and a supplì (a deep-fried risotto and mozzarella ball).

Address: Campo de’ Fiori- Ghetto. 75/76 Via Arenula. No Telephone.

Pizzarium
Locally known as the gourmet pizza by the slice, Pizzarium is famous for its exceptionally crispy crust and all natural ingredients. Try funky flavours like brie and radicchio, or just go classic. Thick, filling slices weigh in at €2-4.

Address: Prati.43, Via della Meloria.  Telephone: 0639745416.

Mondo Arancina
This is the most central of the several locations in town (see site for others) and is generally hopping with hungry patrons. The specialty at this Sicilian fast food joint is the arancini. Softball sized rice balls filled with everything from ham and cheese to ragù and peas are deep fried and extremely filling, and cost between €1.50 and €3.

Address: Piazzale Flaminio. 42, Via Flaminia.  Telephone: 063611069, www.mondoarancina.it

Le Piramidi
If you can manage to forego Italian cuisine for a meal, this is the city’s favourite (for good reason) Falafel place. The Egyptian deli has got everything from Shawarma kebabs to grape leaves and pilaf, but the classic €4 falafel sandwich is what keeps everyone coming back.

Campo de’ Fiori. 11, Vicolo del Gallo. Telephone: 066879061.

Spizzico
Actually fast food chains are hard to come by in Italy, but if you’re not up for McDonald’s or Burger King, try the wide, New York-style slices at Spizzico. They’ve got value meal specials that range from about €4–6 and include a  slice of pizza, a medium soft drink, and a dessert or fries.

Address: Grand Termini Station. No Telephone, www.spizzico.it

Visiting European cities on a tight budget? Check out our other dirt cheap guides!

Amsterdam budget travel guide.
Barcelona budget travel guide.
Berlin budget travel guide.
Birmingham budget travel guide.
Copenhagen budget travel guide.
Istanbul budget travel guide.
London budget travel guide.
Madrid budget travel guide.
Vienna budget travel guide.