In Pompeii, the food choices are somewhat restricted and the quality isn't the highest. It's wise to avoid overspending on dining out since there are other activities that deserve your attention. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pompeii is around $62 (€61) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $119. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Pompeii are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
There aren't many options for dining in the Pompeii Ruins, so it would be wise to pack your own snacks and water, especially since there is no re-entry into the site if you leave. However, if you plan to eat at the one and only restaurant in the site, Pompeii Scavi Cafe, be prepared for expensive prices, crowds, and waiting.
The eateries closer to the ruins play the same tune, catering to busloads of tourists and serving mediocre food, but if you're in a pinch, eating outside the ruins will cost less than inside. A ten-minute walk to the east on Via Plinio will take you to Hostaria Plinio, a reasonably-priced restaurant with excellent pizzas, pastas, and bruschettas with fresh delicious tomatoes.
Head toward the center of town for many more dining choices, with no shortage of delicious local cuisines. Cheap eats include the off-the-beaten-track Todisco, popular for its 6-euro pizzas, plates of mixed antipasti, and home-brewed beer. Peluso & Miranda is said to be the best pasticceria in Pompeii; stop by for their specialties, panna cotta, Goccia d'Oro, and Vesuvio, along with a cup of espresso.
For a finer dining experience featuring traditional Pompeiian dishes, Il Principe Restaurant is a shining beacon of gastronomy with beautiful ambiance. While the prices may be steep, the delicious food, excellent service and prime location in the main square are sure to indulge you with a luxurious experience.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Pompeii, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Pompeii Tour and Cooking Class with Mamma for $88 details
- Guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta for $262 details
- Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii for $63 details