Gate-side cafeteria eats in T1 without the sticker shock
Ristorante Self Service sits airside in Terminal T1, just past security near the main departures hall, and runs during standard flight banks from early morning check-in to late-evening departures. It’s a classic cafeteria line: grab a tray, slide along the counter, and point at what you want. Expect basic Italian airport pricing, roughly €8–€14 for mains, €2–€3 for espresso, and around €4–€6 for bottled beer or house wine.
Food skews simple and quick: pasta al pomodoro or carbonara, grilled chicken or cutlets, mixed salads, and pre-made panini that staff can heat. Portions land in the 200–300 g range, enough for a real meal before a 2–3 hour hop up to Milan or Rome. There’s usually at least one vegetarian pasta and a couple of cold salad options; vegans will rely on sides and salad bar components.
Breakfast here runs on the Italian template: croissants, small pastries, and espresso at the bar. Expect to pay about €1.30–€1.80 for a straight espresso and €2–€3 for cappuccino, which still beats many airline buy-on-board prices. If you have a 45–60 minute window before boarding, you can clear security and eat without stressing about final calls from the BRI T1 gates.
Seating is standard metal-and-plastic tables for roughly a few dozen guests, clustered along the T1 concourse with direct line of sight to several gate screens. Trays and self-bussing keep table turnover quick, so even with a full 180-seat A320 departure in the bank, you usually find a spot if you’re willing to share a four-top.
Tip: pay at the cashier first, keep your receipt handy, and then move along the counter to collect food; skipping that step can easily cost you 5–10 minutes in backtracking during a tight connection in T1.