Near St. Peter’s there are scores of tourist traps touting their meagre tourist menus at inflated prices. Via della Concilazione, the long avenue that leads to the Basilica, is a sure bet for 5 euro Cokes and  meals of questionable quality. For a reasonable, quick bite--pastry, pizza, panino or gelato--try Borgo Pio. For a sit-down lunch or dinner try these:

 

Da Cesare

Via Crescenzio, 13

066861227

Closed Sunday dinner, Monday

Da Cesare stands out in a sea of mediocre tourist traps near the Vatican.  This is a traditional ristorante, serving both meat and fish dishes in a formal setting. Their fine selection of Umbrian and Tuscan meats and fresh fish attract a discerning clientele.

 

Dal Toscano

Via Germanico, 58/60

0639725717

Closed Monday

Dal Toscano is just a short distance from the entrance to the Vatican Museums. They specialize in Tuscan food and are well-known  for their steaks which are proudly displayed at the entrance. Their fiorentina, an immense Porterhouse, is amazing. If two pounds of meat are more than you are looking for, they also offer smaller cuts of beef, pastas, and soups. Reservations are recommended for dinner or weekend lunches.

 

L’Archetto

Via Germanico, 105

063231163

Open daily

L’Archetto is a rough-around-the-edges pizzeria in the posh Prati neighborhood. They serve excellent thin crust pizza cooked in a wood fueled oven and great fried snacks. Its low prices mean it’s always crowded at dinner time and lunches are quite busy too.