As the Jubilee Year approaches, restaurants in Rome are committed to limiting the price of carbonara pasta to 12 or 14 euros, an initiative to counter price abuse and preserve the accessibility of this emblematic dish.
The “carbonara pact” was proposed by the consumer association Consumerism to respond to rising prices in catering, particularly in Rome.
By limiting the price of a plate of carbonara to between 12 and 14 euros, this initiative aims to protect consumers and tourists against pricing practices deemed excessive.
A crime against the stomach and the economy
Luigi Gabriele, president of Consumerismo, denounces the abuses: “Anyone who sells carbonara that doesn’t even taste overpriced commits a crime against the stomach and against the economy.”
A context marked by the Jubilee Year
In 2025, Rome will welcome approximately 35 million pilgrims for the Jubilee Year, an exceptional Catholic event celebrated every 25 years.
This massive influx could encourage some restaurateurs to increase their prices.
In recent years, Roman restaurants have recorded a 12% drop in turnover, partly due to the rising cost of living.
The pact therefore also aims to revive activity by making restaurants more attractive.
A sticker to identify the establishments involved
Restaurants that agree to respect this cap will receive a special sticker to affix to their window or counter.
This initiative will allow consumers to easily identify establishments offering fair prices.
Luigi Gabriele hopes to improve the image of Roman restaurateurs: “We want to get rid of the image that all the restaurants in Rome are there to deceive tourists.”
Contrasted reactions
While some restaurateurs welcome the idea, others, particularly high-end establishments where a carbonara can cost up to 20 euros, say they are scandalized by this cap.
However, Consumerismo is counting on majority support to transform this proposal into a standard.
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