Is there a way to make bacon a decent substitute for pancetta in Italian dishes? I live in a place where Pancetta is really hard to find, and when I do, it's completely overpriced. When I make some Carbonara or Gricia, both recipes from where I come from, I have to improvise it with good old bacon, but it never ends up the same as nonna did. So I ask, how can I make bacon a better substitute for pancetta?
It's not the same, but it can certainly work. Guanciale is a great substitute as well if you can find it. 

I just made carbonara last week with bacon. I used this recipe. It came out pretty well. Using water in the initial cook makes the bacon come out a little more chewy. 

Also, I use a zester on my pecorino, and it comes out grate that way.