Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in Italy
Daily food budget: $22–$50 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$22
per person/day
Mid-range
$50
per person/day
Luxury
$120
per person/day
What Meals Cost
Espresso at a bar$1.50
Pizza margherita$6-10
Pasta dish at trattoria$12-18
Gelato (2 scoops)$3-5
Fine dining dinner$80-150
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Eat standing at the bar for cheaper espresso and pastries (sitting costs more).
Dining in Italy
Eating well in Italy doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.