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want to meet at fmd_good City Zoo
want to meet at fmd_good The Donut Shop
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San Giovanni's Secret?
Both of those suggestions are solid, but I'll add a third option that flies under most radars. Trattoria Da Luigi on Via dei Sanniti is a 5-minute walk from the basilica and has been there since the 50s. The owner's daughter runs it now, and she still makes the gnocchi alla sorrentina by hand every Thursday. No Instagram crowd, just pensioners reading newspapers and a 12 euro lunch menu with wine.
If you want something even more stripped back, try Osteria al 45 on Via Urbana. It's a bit of a walk toward the Cavour area, but their pasta e fagioli is the kind of dish that makes you forget you're in a tourist city. The place seats maybe 12 people and the owner will quiz you on your order in Romanesco dialect. Bring cash, they don't take cards.
For a quick bite that isn't pizza, grab a supplì from Supplizio on Via dei Santi Quattro. It's a 10 minute walk from San Giovanni and they do a fried artichoke that's better than most sit-down places. You can stand at the counter, eat it in 3 minutes, and move on.
You've already got good leads, but I'd steer you toward Trattoria Pizzeria Da Francesco on Via dei Sanniti. It's a short walk from the basilica, and the owner Francesco is usually behind the counter cursing at the espresso machine. Their cacio e pepe is simple and salty, and the house red comes in a plastic liter bottle, which is exactly the vibe you want.
If you want something more off the map, try Osteria La Gensola on Via della Gensola in Trastevere. I know it's a bit of a trek from San Giovanni, but the tram takes you straight there in 20 minutes. They do a fritto misto that's light and crispy, and the carbonara is made with guanciale that's so good you'll want to ask for extra. The menu changes daily based on what's at the market, so it's always a surprise.
For a late night snack that isn't pizza, hit up Trapizzino on Via Giovanni Giolitti. It's a 10 minute walk from the basilica and they stuff these triangular pockets with things like pollo alla cacciatora or melanzane. You can eat it standing up for 5 euro and it's way better than any slice you'll find near the Colosseum.
honestly skip the hype around the usual spots. head to Trattoria Vecchia Roma on Via Ferruccio, it's a few blocks from the basilica. the cacio e pepe is what your nonna would make if she was roman. tucked away, no english menus, just point at what looks good.
another one is Da Tonino on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano. tiny place, like 6 tables. their amatriciana is perfect, and the owner will prob yell at you for putting cheese on it. that's how you know it's legit.
lastly, try Osteria dell'Angelo on Via Giovanni Giolitti. it's a bit further but worth the walk. get the carciofi alla giudia if they have it. they don't do the tourist shuffle, just honest food and a well priced house wine. you'll leave full and not broke.
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What are current tobacco prices for LM Blue or Chesterfield Blue?
tbh duty free at Riga is only worth it if you're buying cartons, single packs at the airport arent that much cheaper than teh tabaccai in Rome. also remember you can only bring a limited amount into the EU anyway so stockpiling has its limits
Chesterfield Blue usually runs around 5.50 to 6 euros a pack in Rome these days, though tabaccai prices are fixed by the state so it won't vary much shop to shop. Riga is generally cheaper for cigarettes but your layover time matters, if it's tight you might not have time to clear security and find a shop.
LM Blue in Rome is roughly the same ballpark, around 5.50 to 6 euros. One thing to keep in mind at Riga airport, the duty free selection isn't always great for specific brands like these, so if you're set on LM or Chesterfield you might strike out. I'd check what the actual duty free has before counting on it.