I'm in a bit of a turmoil about what time to request a Vatican Museum Tour reservation, given that the choices are 10:30, 12:00, or 2:00. I've heard that the museum and Sistine Chapel are most crowded in the morning, so I'm leaning towards the 2 PM tour
so that we can have lunch beforehand and then have plenty of time to see St. Peter's etc. after the 2-hour tour is over.

What I would really like is some suggestions for a great little place to eat lunch nearby, early enough to get to the Vatican by 1:40. I know lunch generally starts around 12:30 - I was hoping noon might be possible. Any recommendations?

Noon is impossible for a true lunch in Rome.

My suggestion would be to stop by Lo Zozzone in the Piazza Navona and pick up some pizza bianca to go. Have a picnic lunch in the piazza San Pietro.

http://www.hotelteatropace.com/lo_zozzone_roma.htm

Well, I read on the Fodor's restaurant review section that Tre Pupazzi is very close and opens at noon for lunch, and it gets a good review, so maybe it's not so impossible. Any others out there?

If you're looking for something really convenient, have lunch in the Vatican museum cafeteria. That's all it is - no ambiance or such - but who would have thought we'd have our best pizza in Italy there. Can't give you a specific opening time. Sorry.

A pleasant walk from the Vatican on the other side of the Arno , la Taverna da Giovanni is a good choice.
Here is the family run trattoria where you can learn about the simple wonders of the Italian table.
We had a good lunch and it was not that expensive either.
La Taverna da Giovanni is in Via Sant Spirito 58, directly across the bridge from Castel San;t Angelo. 066861512