Italy. You’re dreaming of the rolling hills of Tuscany or the chaotic, beautiful streets of Naples. But then you start thinking about your wallet. How much is that bowl of cacio e pepe actually going to set you back? Honestly, people make it sound either incredibly cheap or a total tourist trap, but the reality is somewhere in the middle.
The cost of food Italy varies more by how you eat than where you are, though location definitely plays a part. You’ve probably heard that Milan is pricey and the south is cheap. That’s generally true, but you can still find a €5 panini in Milan if you know where to look.
✨ Don't miss: Palmer Hotel Chicago Haunted: What Most People Get Wrong
Breaking Down the Daily Numbers
If you’re a budget traveler, you can get away with spending about €25 to €35 per day on food. This means grabbing a cornetto and espresso for breakfast, a slice of pizza or a panino for lunch, and hitting up a local pizzeria for dinner.
Mid-range travelers should look at €50 to €80 per day. This covers a seated lunch and a nice three-course dinner at a trattoria. If you’re leaning into luxury—Michelin stars and fine wine—expect to drop €150+ daily.
The Morning Ritual: Coffee and Pastries
Breakfast in Italy isn't a giant plate of eggs and bacon. It’s quick. You stand at the bar.
- Espresso at the counter: €1.00 – €1.50
- Cappuccino: €1.50 – €2.50
- Cornetto (pastry): €1.20 – €2.00
If you sit down at a table in a touristy piazza, that €1.50 coffee suddenly becomes €5.00. Just stand up like the locals do. It’s faster, cheaper, and frankly, more authentic.
Eating Out: Trattorias vs. Ristorantes
Understanding the names on the door saves you money. A Ristorante is usually more formal and expensive. A Trattoria or Osteria is where you find the casual, family-run vibes and lower prices.
Average Restaurant Prices (Per Person):
✨ Don't miss: Flights to Nashville Southwest: What Most People Get Wrong
- Pizza Margherita: €7 – €12
- Pasta Dish: €10 – €18
- Meat/Fish Main (Secondo): €15 – €25
- House Wine (Carafe): €5 – €10
- Water (1L): €2 – €3
One thing that catches people off guard is the coperto. It’s a cover charge, usually €2 to €4 per person. It covers the bread and the tablecloth. Don't fight it; it’s just part of the deal. The good news? You don't need to tip 20% like in the US. Rounding up a few euros is plenty.
The Supermarket Reality
Shopping at the grocery store is where you see how locals actually live. Chains like Conad, Coop, and Esselunga are everywhere.
For a single person, a weekly grocery haul might cost €50 to €70.
- Pasta (500g): €0.80 – €1.50
- Local Cheese (Pecorino/Parmigiano): €6 – €10 per lb
- Fresh Tomatoes (1kg): €2.00 – €3.00
- Bottle of decent wine: €5 – €8
Street markets are even better. If you’re in a city like Palermo or even a neighborhood in Rome, go to the morning markets. You'll get better produce for fewer euros, and the experience is basically free entertainment.
Regional Price Gaps: North vs. South
Italy is basically two different economies. In the North (Milan, Venice, Florence), you’ll pay a premium. A mid-range dinner for two in Milan easily hits €80-€100.
Go south to Naples or Sicily, and that same meal might be €50-€60. In Naples, you can still find a world-class pizza for €6. It’s wild.
Sneaky Ways to Save
- Aperitivo is your best friend. Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, buy a drink for €10 and get access to a buffet. In Milan, these buffets are so big they count as dinner.
- Avoid the "Menu Turistico." If you see a sign with pictures of food and a "set price" in five languages, keep walking. The food will be mediocre and the "deal" isn't actually a deal.
- Drink the tap water. It’s safe and free. Just ask for "acqua dal rubinetto," though many restaurants will insist on bottled. Use the public fountains (nasoni in Rome) to refill your bottle for €0.
- Lunch is the main event. Many places offer a Pranzo di Lavoro (worker’s lunch) for €12–€15, which includes pasta, a main, water, and coffee. It's the best value in the country.
Actionable Next Steps
To plan your specific trip budget, start by picking your "anchor" cities. If you're spending four days in Venice, add a 20% buffer to your food estimates. Download the Too Good To Go app; it’s huge in Italian cities and lets you grab bags of high-quality leftovers from bakeries and cafes for a few euros at the end of the day. Finally, always keep a few €1 and €2 coins in your pocket—it makes the morning coffee run much smoother at the busy bars.