This will likely net backlash from readers, but - I wasn't impressed with Rome's reputable, endless wealth of dining opportunities. No matter how large/small the Trattoria/Ristorante, Italian waiters seemed peeved when you didn't order off the tourist menu - antipasti or pasta, second course of salad, meat, vegetable followed by dessert; with drink usually costing $12-up. It wasn't about price, but I don't eat that much...nor, do I like being told what/how to order!
RISTORANTE DONATI FRANCO, at Via Marghera 27 near where I stayed, served up excellent grilled Italian sausages with salad and a steamed spinach-florentine side dish with bread for $10. On another night I had a bowl of Cream of Artichoke soup, heapin' helping of seafood Alfredo (appetizer portion) and bottle of wine for $11.
I dined more than caring to remember/admit at pizzerias which were just as gluttonously available as full-scale places. Meals were quick, convenient, hassle free. Pizzas were prepared on square baking sheets with thick, doughy crust and endless variety of toppings...including the strange yet tasty baby shrimp, broccoli, and mozzarella combo served cold. Indicate how much you'll like and they cut squares weighing them on scales charging by the gram based upon toppings. A couple of generous sized pieces and Coke never more than $5; cans of Coke were 40-cents seperately.
Countertop cafes also serve pizza for breakfast along with stromboli, sausage rolls and similar sandwiches. Those looking for typical breakfast - two cups of coffee and Italian pastries averaged $1.50. These were also good lunch places for getting inexpensive sandwiches specializing in Italian meats/cheese. Several also had deli-style buffets for dine-in or take-out; Via Gioberti west of Termini especially lined with eateries.
Italian wines flowed abundantly where good quality cost little in local shops/markets. Half bottles averaged $2.50 handy for inconspicuous take-out. I'm reminded of a place near The Vatican where "house wine" was homemade, refilled into the same bottles with worn hand-written labels, and WASN'T watered down enough to prevent a massive headache! Their pork/vegetables were pathetic so yes, not every place is worthy of Rome's perceived dining reputation.
If you've a sweet tooth, here's where you'll overindulge the most. Bakeries emit tempting aromas to lure you in for pastries, cookies and other treats; a favorite across the piazza from Santa Maria Maggiore. Was disappointed I didn't find canolis ANYWHERE! Italian gelati is supreme with tortufu and tiramisu being the authentic favored flavors. Biggest, detrimental deal was found in a small chain grocer near where staying - extra large solid Italian chocolate bars for L1,700/85-cents; variations with dark chocolate, pear nectar or amaretto. My backpack was heavier heading home where I'd emptied the shelves!