I really like Roscioli in Rome, which has a cheaper bakery location where you could find things like suppli. Their Salumeria is what I would consider an upscale wine bar and restaurant.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina [Rome, Centro Storico]
I also really liked Mercato Centrale, the food hall next to the Termini train station, which has is like a mid-range food court with some stalls from well known chefs, and licensed beverages.
I think a dinner in the Jewish Ghetto is a must. We liked our affordable meal at Nonna Betta .
I think it would help other HOs with their recommendations if you provided a specific Euro amount for what you consider to be the most you would want to spend on a dinner for 2, or the maximum amount you would spend on a main dish.
Apart from Nonna Betta, Roscioli, and some food at Mercato Centrale, most of the affordable food at restaurants my friends chose in Rome was fairly forgettable. Salumeria Roscioli was more than they wanted to spend, so I dined there at lunch, alone.
I tend to keep my own dinners to less than 40 euros per person, and usually spend less than 40 euros on breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks combined, when I travel. Which I consider mid-range, but that’s relative.
The Salumeria Roscioli lunch was an exception to my typical budget.
These are some places I have enjoyed.
I wanted to visit this trattoria but it did not work out.
