Antipasti, foccacias and pizzas... It's aperitivo time!

Published on October 24, 2023 at 5:03 pm

At the end of the day, Italians all over the country sit on terraces to meet up, chat and have a laugh over a glass of Spritz. Aperitivo is a way of life, a genuine culinary tradition, where everyone orders a drink before enjoying a buffet of antipasti. Cheese, cold meats, focaccias, pizzas, salads and many other hot or cold bites are served with one or more glasses of cocktail, wine, beer, etc. Although it is initially a small aperitif, it can sometimes turn out to be a full dinner, as the buffet can be so full.

Above all, it's a time for sharing and conviviality between friends, couples or colleagues after work, and this ritual at the end of the day has a touch of Dolce Vita about it! It's a tradition that began in the north of Italy and has now been adopted all over the country, and is even spreading internationally. Whether you prefer the mythical Spritz or the unmissable Italian wine, head for the Roman terraces in every district for happy hour.

Group of friends at aperitivo, with a Spritz

Summary

The early evening spot in Trastevere
Aperitivo at the Vatican: an explosive setting
Facing the wonders of the Panthéon district
Explosion of creativity in Testaccio-Ostiense
A happy hour at the foot of the Colosseum remains
Monti, a unique crossroads

The early evening spot in Trastevere

A bohemian quarter with an epicurean lifestyle and colourful terraces, Trastevere is THE place to experience aperitivo in Rome. On the banks of the Tiber or in the picturesque alleyways lined with 1001 churches, there's no shortage of places to nibble with a drink in hand on these enchanting pavements.

Street in Rome's Trastevere district

In the atypical, avant-garde setting of a former mechanical workshop, the Freni E Frizioni teams welcome hordes of locals and tourists every day to enjoy Rome's most famous aperitivo. A drinks menu that puts the spotlight on mixology, a buffet of Mediterranean flavours and a crazy table make for an unforgettable start to the evening.

Address: Via del Politeama, 4, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Times: 18:30 - 02:00

Aperitivo at the Vatican: an explosive setting

Between a visit to St Peter's Basilica and its piazza, the Sistine Chapel and the gardens, a day in the Vatican is always accompanied by a wealth of discoveries. Alongside one of the world's smallest countries, the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo is also on the must-see list for a trip to Rome. For those in a hurry, it can accompany the papal visit before relaxing on one of the many terraces nearby.

View of the Vatican from Castel Sant'Angelo at the end of the day

The contemporary, internationally-influenced décor of La Zanzara restaurant offers guests a privileged moment to appreciate local gastronomy. Served between wooden furniture, white and black, the colourful cocktails and refined amuse-bouches stand out from the visual to the tasting. The surprises of the day never stop, the journey takes hold in every detail...

Address: Via Crescenzio, 84, 00195 Roma RM, Italy

Times: 12:00 - 01:00 (aperitivo from 18:00 to 20:30)

Facing the wonders of the Panthéon district

In the Pantheon district, right in the centre of the city, Piazza di Pietra is home to the historic façade of Hadrian's Temple. 11 columns remain from this site dedicated in honour of the emperor, creating an attraction for this small square that is sometimes overlooked in favour of its sister squares a few metres away.

Piazza di Pietra and Hadrian's Temple in Rome

Opposite this jewel, the Salotto42 bar offers a cosy atmosphere in which to admire some of Rome's heritage in ideal conditions. A flower-bedecked sign and art deco furniture enchant customers in the subdued light. Every day, the staff carefully prepare the cocktails that accompany the aperitivo, turning this impromptu moment into an unforgettable ceremony.

Address: Piazza di Pietra, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Opening times: 10.30am - 2am

Explosion of creativity in Testaccio-Ostiense

In the south of Rome, the popular district of Testaccio-Ostiense is a delight for art lovers and students looking for a night out. Cosmopolitan, it is packed with cultural addresses and fascinating archaeological sites. Its unique atmosphere, little experienced by passing visitors, makes it all the more intriguing, and the desire to admire the Pyramid of Cestius or the San Paolo Gate demands a little diversions.

The Cestius pyramid in Rome

At Doppiozeroo, the aperitivo is generous and affordable, and the atmosphere is always great. A pizza served with the inevitable Spritz or another alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) flavour to start the evening before sampling the huge buffet with dozens of dishes, each more elaborate than the last.

Address: Via Ostiense, 68, 00154 Roma RM, Italy

Times: 10.30am - 2am

A happy hour at the foot of the Colosseum remains

Between the remains of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus, the ancient past of the heart of Rome is fascinating and requires you to spend many hours there to make the most of all its gems. Let's take a moment to debrief this piece of history, over a drink during the aperitivo!

The Colosseum seen from a terrace in Rome

At the romantic Court Cocktail Bar in the Palazzo Manfredi, sharing a drink extends the enchantment of a day filled with wonders. Elegance is the order of the day as you enjoy the Roman figures and the attentive service of the staff. A few savoury bites accompany the drinks, to complete this multi-sensory experience that you won't soon forget.

Address: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Opening hours: 17:00 - 01:00

Monti, a unique crossroads

Surrounding Termini station, the Monti district is one of the cheapest, ideal for a Roman holiday with friends! The evenings here are lively and the daily visits to the monuments are remarkable. Rome's main railway station is also an attraction in its own right, and one of the best places to shop.

Quartier Monti à Rome

At Blackmarket Hall, aperitivo is an institution, with generous formulas. From €13 to €16 to enjoy vegetarian, mountain or seafood flavours, with a drink of your choice. These refined canapés are served in a hushed, jazz-infused setting.

Address: Via de' Ciancaleoni, 31, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Times: 18:00 - 02:00 (aperitivo from 18:00 to 20:00)

Rome