Solo Dining in Rome?

[farmersdaughter]

I am traveling alone to Rome in April for a week. I have been to Rome before, but not alone, and I'm a little hesitant about eating out alone and taking up a table for two with just me (I am a woman and not a big eater, although I love Roman food). Can anyone suggest some places to eat in the centro storico that would be appropriate for a single female diner? I would prefer places with entrees at $20 and under, as this is not a trip for extravagant dining. In the US when I travel alone, I just find places where I can sit at the bar and have a meal, but I am not sure I recall seeing much of that in Rome. If it matters, I'm staying between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, so ideally would prefer places that are within a 30 minute walk from there (including Monti and Trastevere, and maybe Testaccio). Farther afield is OK as I am capable of figuring out the public transit particulars, but prefer to walk to and from dinners. Thanks for any advice!

[lisaonthecape]

Here are a few posts that might be helpful:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/794593
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/776051
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/771603

Also, when will you be in Rome? I have my first solo trip, too, before my husband joins me. I'm on my own from 4/10 through 4/13 and staying in Monti. Would be amenable to meeting another 'hound for a meal. Some places on my list are: L'Asino d'Oro (esp. the 12-euro lunch), Roscioli, Trattoria Monti. I'm hoping for gnocchi at l'Arcangelo on Thursday but was thinking lunch instead of dinner.

[farmersdaughter]

Thanks! I would definitely be interested in meeting up with you for a dinner on Thursday the 12th or Friday the 13th if you are interested. Let's figure out how to meet up.

[lisaonthecape]

Here's my home email: [e-mail]. We can figure this out offsite, as the moderators don't want private meetings on the board.