According to an Assoutenti analysis, commissioned by the government and published in April, the average price of a one kilogram box of Barilla spaghetti, rigatoni and or penne pasta — staples in many Italians' cupboards — rose from €1.70 ($1.86) to €2.13 ($2.33) in the year to March, an increase of more than 25%.

In 2026, the cost of a pasta dish in Italy varies depending on the setting, but you can generally expect to pay between €10 and €18 at a standard trattoria or osteria. In more casual "pasta-to-go" shops or local bars during lunch, prices might be as low as €7 to €9. However, in major tourist hubs like Rome, Florence, or Venice, particularly in restaurants overlooking famous landmarks, a single plate of pasta can easily climb to €20 or €25. It is important to remember that most Italian restaurants also charge a "coperto" (cover charge), which typically adds €1 to €3 per person to your final bill. While the price of dry pasta in supermarkets has seen some fluctuations due to global trade and tariffs in early 2026, dining out remains relatively affordable compared to other major European capitals, provided you move a few blocks away from the primary tourist squares where "menu turistico" signs are common.