As we said above, eating out in Italy is actually extremely cheap. At a restaurant in Italy, you can eat out for only 2.5 Euros (roughly 3 USD) per person for most meals. Grabbing a coffee and pastry for breakfast, and having all the pizza and house wine you can manage is surprisingly cheap!

In 2026, the cost of eating and drinking in Italy varies significantly by region, but a mid-range traveler should budget between €50 and €80 per day. In major hubs like Rome, Florence, or Milan, a standard dinner at a quality trattoria (including a primo, secondo, and house wine) typically costs €35 to €55 per person. Drinking coffee at the bar is famously affordable, usually costing €1.20 to €1.50 for an espresso, but sitting down at a table in a tourist square can quadruple that price. Southern Italy remains the best value; in Naples, a world-class Margherita pizza can still be found for €8 to €12. A glass of local wine in a neighborhood enoteca usually runs between €5 and €9. For those on a budget, shopping at local markets and eating "al taglio" (by the slice) pizza can keep food costs under €30 per day. To save money, travelers are advised to look for "Menù del Giorno" (daily menus) at lunch and avoid restaurants with "Coperto" (cover charges) exceeding €3 in prime tourist zones.