Rome’s 10 Best Bars for a Classic Italian Aperitivo

 Laura Itzkowitz | April 4, 2014

PHOTO:© Ross Brinkerhoff / Fodor’s Travel

Italians and visitors alike love happy hour, known in Italy as l’aperitivo. After work, friends and colleagues often meet for a drink and a tapas-style snack before dinner. In Rome, the tradition is especially strong, and many cafés and bars include snacks in the price of a drink. The classic Roman aperitivo is a spritz, made of white wine or Prosecco, Campari or Aperol (bartenders often ask which you prefer), and sparkling water. If that's not your drink of choice, many bars serve a full cocktail menu, and you can find a glass of wine everywhere. Whatever you prefer, you’ll find it at one of these 10 Roman bars, which all serve an excellent aperitivo.

by Laura Itzkowitz

PHOTO:Courtesy of 'Gusto

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‘GUSTO

Hands down, 'Gusto serves the best aperitivo buffet in Rome. Every evening of the week, the wine bar sets out a full spread of small bites, including Sicilian-style arancini, mini-sandwiches, salads, little squares of pizza, and pizzette—savory phyllo dough pastries with a dab of tomato sauce. For 10€, chose one of the excellent cocktails and head to the unlimited buffet. 'Gusto has an extensive wine list as well, and the friendly bartenders will be happy to help you make a selection.

Insider Tip: If ‘Gusto’s wine bar is too crowded, head next door to the Formaggeria, which has a great selection of cheeses and small bites. ‘Gusto also serves an excellent buffet brunch on the weekends.

PHOTO:© Ross Brinkerhoff / Fodor’s Travel

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ANTICO CAFFE DELLA PACE

The Caffè della Pace is about as close as you can get to living in La Dolce Vita. Tucked away behind Piazza Navona, this popular spot is favored by Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Francis Ford Coppola, who gather there when they’re in Rome. It’s been around since the 1880s, and the mahogany interior, marble tables, sculpted nymphs, and antique cash register certainly enhance its Old World charm. In the warmer months, the terrace is packed, so don’t be surprised if there’s a wait. But it’s worth it for the drinks, the atmosphere, and the people-watching.

Insider Tip: If you’re in the mood for something sweet, order the Fragolino, a sparking Italian wine that tastes like strawberries.

PHOTO:Maciej Klamecki/Freni e Frizioni

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FRENI E FRIZIONI

Trastevere, Rome’s hip, artsy neighborhood, is always buzzing, and Freni e Frizioni is no exception. In the warmer months, crowds spill out onto the terrace overlooking the Tiber and Piazza Trilussa. The bartenders here are expert mixologists—tell them what flavors you like and they’ll create a cocktail for you using fresh fruit and a combination of liquors. They also set up a great aperitivo buffet in the back, if you can navigate the people milling about.

Insider Tip: If you’re still hungry after aperitivo, there are plenty of great restaurants nearby, like Trattoria degli Amici, which serves traditional Roman cuisine and is dedicated to helping the mentally disabled.

PHOTO:Courtesy of Caffe Bohemien

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LIBRERIA CAFFE BOHEMIEN

Perched on one of Monti’s quieter streets is the cozy Caffè Bohemien, sometimes known as Libreria. This little place is full of vintage furniture and books, and is a mainstay in the charming bohemian neighborhood near the Coliseum. The friendly owners will be happy to serve you some snacks along with your wine. The vibe here is relaxed and welcoming. Every now and then, they host book readings.

Insider Tip: The bar is closed on Wednesdays, but there are plenty of other great spots in Monti.

PHOTO:Salotto 42 by Cliffano Subagio Attribution-ShareAlike License

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SALOTTO 42

Located on the Piazza di Pietra just steps away from the Pantheon, Salotto 42 is a modern, Swedish-inspired bar and lounge. The décor is carefully curated, down to the art magazines scattered around for guests to browse. Salotto means “living room” in Italian, and this spot is intended to make people feel at home. Grab a cocktail, fill up a plate with snacks, and find yourself a seat on one of the little sofas. If you stay long enough, the music will pick up as the vibe becomes more energized.

Insider Tip: If you want to fit in here, you might want to dress up: This trendy spot is owned by a Swedish model.

PHOTO:Courtesy of FLUID Cocktail & Wine Bar

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FLUID

If you peer in the windows of Fluid when passing by, you might think people are sitting on giant blocks of ice, but that’s just part of the décor, which tends toward the ultra-modern. Fluid’s sleek interior goes well with its great cocktail selection and aperitivo buffet. It’s one of the few places in Rome that serves Brazilian food, like fried plantains.

Insider Tip: When the DJ starts spinning tunes, people like to party here.

PHOTO:Rome's Antica Enoteca by Tom Kelly Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License

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L’ENOTECA ANTICA DI VIA DELLA CROCE

One of the best wine bars in Rome, L’Enoteca Antica purveys a superb wine selection and the bartenders will be happy to give you a recommendation. Locals and foreigners mingle at the half-moon bar and the atmosphere is very inviting. Bartenders will carve you a hunk of cheese right off a giant wheel of Parmeggiano, along with prosciutto and marinated artichokes, olives, and other veggies. The enoteca has tables with waiter service and a full menu in the back, but the best people-watching is at the bar or at one of the tables on the street.

Insider Tip: Try a glass of the Brunello di Montalcino—it’s the best.

PHOTO:Ai Tre Scalini by Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License

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AI TRE SCALINI

This rustic wine bar is perched on Via Panisperna, a steeply sloping cobblestone street in Monti, where ivy and twinkling lights mingle, creating a very romantic atmosphere. In the evening, friends and lovers flock to Ai Tre Scalini to share a liter of the house wine and antipasti. Inside, quotes by Dante and other Italian writers are painted on the yellow walls. This place fills up after dinner, with people spilling out onto the street, drinking and talking the night away.

Insider Tip: Check the chalkboard to see which wines are available. When in doubt, order the house wine.

PHOTO:Courtesy of Urbana 47

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URBANA 47

Urbana 47 on Via Urbana looks like a restaurant you might stumble upon in Brooklyn. It’s an eclectic spot, with modern décor in an ancient space. The menu is eclectic too, with both Roman specialties and more exotic dishes (for Rome, anyway) like vegetable tempura, couscous with vegetables and curry sauce, and beef kabobs with BBQ sauce.

Insider Tip: Urbana 47 is great for foodies, and they have a tasty lunch and dinner menu, too. It’s also one of the few places in Rome where you can get a full American breakfast.

PHOTO:Courtesy of Canova Piazza del Popolo

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BAR CANOVA

Along with Rosati, Bar Canova is one of two famous bars on Piazza del Popolo. Though both are well respected and are perfectly positioned for people-watching, Canova is the more down-to-earth of the two. It was Federico Fellini’s favorite bar—in fact, he kept an office in the back, for when he wanted to meet people privately. To this day, Canova displays his drawings and photographs with the stars of his movies in the hall. In addition to aperitivo, Canova serves coffee any time of day, plus sandwiches and pastries. The best part: Despite the location, Canova is very reasonably priced.

Insider Tip: If you’re coming to see the Fellini memorabilia, head around the corner afterward to see his apartment on Via Margutta.

Best Places for an Aperitif in Rome

OCTOBER 16, 2012 4 COMMENTS

In most countries around the world you stop by a bar or a pub and have a drink with friends on the weekend or after work. Well in Italy, this concept is known as aperitivo (aperitif time) and it’s not just a stop for a drink — it’s an event!

While the Milanese can claim the origins of the aperitivo in Italy, the Romans have certainly adopted this quasi happy hour and made it their own.

Aperitivo is taken anywhere between 6:00pm and 9:00pm at any number of places across Rome. Given nobody in Italy eats dinner before 8:30pm-9:00pm, it leaves this convenient 2-3 hour window in the evening for a drink and snack. Because, yes – aperitivo – also means food (mind you, you can order an alcoholic drink at any time of day across Italy and it won’t be served without some peanuts or potato chips!). But during aperitivo time, many venues offer you a plate of light snacks (ranging from trammezzini – sandwiches – to pizza) but many offer an aperitivo buffet and in most cases it’s an all-you-can-eat type affair! Think hot or cold pasta, finger food, vegetables and salads along with your wine or cocktails.

The ever popular Spritz is always on the Rome Aperitif scene!

The selection of course varies from venue to venue. Some places charge a set price per plate but most venues include the aperitif buffet on consumption of your first drink (so it can cost you anywhere from €8-€12).

Not only is it fun, it’s also economic. In fact, you might not even want dinner after an aperitivo at some places!

So if you’re visiting Rome – or any city in Italy for that matter – you must do as the locals do. Sit, drink, eat and people-watch. There is nothing more Italian than stopping to take an aperitivo. 

Enjoy some of our recommendations for where to get an aperitivo in Rome.

ROOFTOP GLAM

Hotel de la MinervePiazza della Minerva 69, Rome12:00pm – 1:00am daily

This rooftop bar in Rome (La Minerve Roof Garden) right near the Pantheon will set you back quite a bit, but the view of Rome rooftops is breathtaking. With your cocktail (prices range from €12-€18) you will be served at your table with various canapés, mini sandwiches and olives.

An all-you-can-eat plate of aperitif goodness!

ABUNDANCE & MORE

Doppiozeroo, OstienseVia Ostiense 68, Rome6:00pm – 9:00pm daily

Double zero in English, the venue name refers to the type of flour used for pizza—and they know how to make pizza here! Renowned for offering one of the most abundant aperitivo buffets, you will love this place.  Drinks range from €7-€10 and you will not have trouble finding something that you like at this buffet (which unusually includes some sweets also!)  There are always 3-4 types of pizza, foccaccias, pasta salad, cous cous, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, platters of various roasted vegetables and suppli (fried rice balls).

GREAT VIEW

Oppio Cafe, CentreVia delle Terme di Tito 72, Rome6:00pm – 9:00pm daily

Oppio Cafe is positioned perfectly for a great view of none other than the Colosseum. You can sit indoors or out and if you’re looking for a vantage point to photograph one of Rome’s most popular and spectacular monuments, this is where you need to be. Here the deal is €10 for a cocktail and a plate at the buffet. It’s not an all-you-can-eat but you can purchase another plate for €5. On offer are your fritti (fried snacks like riceballs, crumbed olives and mozzarella balls), pizza, rice salad, pasta, mixed vegetables and more.

Now that’a a view! Colosseum from Oppio Cafe..

HIP AND HISTORIC

Freni e Frizione, TrastevereVia del Politeama 4, Rome7:00pm – 10:00pm daily

Set in an old mechanic shop (hence the name, Brakes and Clutch) this bar is a Trastevere institution, popular with young locals, but open to all. They serve up a huge vegetarian buffet which changes daily but staples always include rice and pasta dishes, cous cous and dips like yoghurt and mint and hummus.  Your first drink ranging from €8-€12 allows all-you-can-eat access.

TO BE SEEN

Hotel LocarnoVia della Penna 22, Rome

Step back into 1920s for the plushest art deco feel here at the Hotel Locarno Lounge Bar. This is the place to be seen – not necessarily where you save on a cocktail or be exposed to an abundant food buffet – think more a fancy cocktail (like an Australian granny smith apple martini for €15 euro) served with a mini burger slider and a prawn on a skewer. You won’t leave full but it’s certainly the place to be for a stylish night out!

WANNA BE COOL

Necci, PignetoVia Fanfulla da Lodi 68, Rome19:00 – 22:00 daily

Necci in Pigneto (a really cool and artsy district of Rome) has been serving up sweet and salty treats since 1924! Here, €10 includes your drink of choice and one large plate from the buffet (you make your selections and then the staff make your plate) which includes items such as mini pizza, quiche, sandwiches and cous cous.

HEART OF TRASTEVERE

La Parolaccia & SonsVicolo de Cinque 3, Rome
18:00 – 22:00 daily

This is the offspring of the famous Roman restaurant La Parolaccia – a theatre type restaurant where staff break out into Roman folk songs. Situated next door, here €8 euro includes your drink of choice and unlimited buffet with thinks like roast vegetables, potato bake, roast chicken, stuffed eggplants and crumbed zucchini.

Buon Aperitivo!!

—

Contact info@eatingitalyfoodtours.com with Blog Enquiry in the subject title for any feedback or requests for a topic you want us to cover. Voted one of the best things to do in Rome, Eating Italy Food Tours offer a Rome walking food tour through one of Rome’s oldest and most characteristic neighborhoods.

APERITIVO IN FLORENCE – A ROUND UP

March 16, 2014 / Aperitivo, Drinks, Florence, Happy Hour, Italy / 0 comment

photo by Silvio Palladino

One of the things I beat like a dead horse to all my friends, whether in America or England, is how amazing the culture of aperitivo is in Italy. Mainly, I appreciate that it is a social food and drink ritual which has an intention: to stimulate your appetite before having a meal. I personally extremely appreciate the drinking and eating culture in Italy.

Generally speaking, the basic person knows how to enjoy a glass of wine with a plate of good snacks. I am constantly amused that everyone is basically a foodie by nature, not in America where we usually train to be a foodie. I love that most everyday Italians know when the acidity is good with a wine, when it’s too flat or when it’s extravagant. I appreciate that they practice moderation (unless you head to the Veneto where a glass of Prosecco at 10am and still with one in your hand until 2am is acceptable) and that generally, alcohol is treated as a pleasure rather than a recreational sport.

 What is Italian aperitivo like at bars and locales? Basically, there are a few ways aperitivo is done. One is that you have access to a buffet of SNACKS (not meals, like most treat it as) that you have free access to with a purchase of a drink. Another is where a bar brings you a small set of snacks like olives, potato chips and vegetables crudite’ or you can order aperitivo snacks off the menu. The snacks you should look for are: crostini, meat and cheese boards but in small quantities- you don’t want to ruin your appetite for dinner!

I think the aperitivo-buffet option is really gross and how some will go out for aperitivo as a cheap dinner. This will usually cost 8-15euros, depending on where you go. Hotels like the Westin Excelsior do a 20euro aperitivo at their rooftop bar and their buffet is edible, drinks are decent, plus you can’t beat the 360 view of the city!

Most of the time however, the stuff at aperitivo is what I deem “robaccia“ meaning nasty loads of crap. Want a cheap dinner? Get a pizza and a beer and spend just as much as you would spend at a garbage aperitivo buffet. Most aperitivo bars, that are the most popular among the mainstream, are to me mountains of cheap, overcooked supermarket pasta with canned olives or canned tomatoes and questionable meat sauce or random mystery pieces of pork fat. Other nasty suspects of note are canned tuna and starchy rice, tasteless cheap mozzarella, budget mortadella in cubes and overcooked frozen pre-cut (probably canned) vegetables. It’s disgusting and pure garbage.  And don’t get me started on the overuse of hot dogs in rice and overcooked cold egg frittata. It seems like with robaccia like this, aperitivo buffets are simply using the general public as their garbage disposals for leftover food from the same day’s lunch service.

There are few bars that I like which serve aperitivo and my criteria is as such:

Aperitivo should not be a cheap way to have a garbage dinner. Nonetheless, it somehow evolved to become a buffet event where more “antipasti” (appetizer) foods started to pop up. I prefer to go to a bar that has a nice wine list and a small but thoughtful buffet with high quality ingredients. My selections are based on places that don’t do budget, cheap filler food buffets so if that is what you are looking for, you’ve come to the wrong food blog. With that being said, these are my favorite places to go for aperitivo in Florence:

Photo Credit: Sam Engel (contact me to get in touch with Sam- he’s a great photographer!)

Signorvino near the Ponte Vecchio- Now this place has huge potential. I really hope they don’t start sucking, like most bars in Florence. The location is unbeatable- you can sit on the patio with the beautiful Ponte Vecchio at stone’s throw view. They have an impressive selection of wines by the glass and by the bottle. It is a wine store too so you could in theory, grab a bottle off the shelf to enjoy with aperitivo. Their aperitivo is fairly priced at 6-7 euros and comes with wine and this little personal platter of snacks. Dear Signorvino, please do not ever go south in quality. Address: Via de Bardi, 46R, Florence, Italy. Website: http://www.signorvino.com/it

Le Volpi e L’Uva- More of a wine bar, but still one of my favorite places for Aperitivo. They have a fantastic rotating list of wines, from tiny producers of natural wines, and a way too dangerously tasty selection of finger foods. I like their toasted crostini they make with fontina and lardo, or fontina and spicy salami ‘nduja. They don’t do aperitivo (no buffet, no chips/olives) but I suggest coming during aperitivo time (6pm-8pm) and ordering a glass of wine and a small snack such as one of their crostini and cured meat plates (which are the best in town in terms of quality- their wild boar salami may clog my arteries but I love it.) Address: Piazza dei Rossi, 1R

photo by Beatrice Mancini

Quelo in Santa Croce- When Quelo first opened, I went there quite frequently but for some reason forgot how quirky and cool it is or got distracted by wine bars. Afterall, Quelo is a pretty stellar fresh cafe mixing up inventive fruit and vegetable juice based cocktails. This bar is simple and good for vegan and vegetarians since their small aperitivo usually includes quinoa and bean salads, raw veggie pinzimonio, bruschetta and veggie dips. I must say, the salads are simple and nothing spectacular, but for someone wanting a change from prosciutto and pecorino- Quelo offers a healthy compromise. If you go, try to get one of their fresh juice-based cocktails, think celery, ginger, vodka and other fruit juices. Skip the wine and beer. Address: Via Borgo Santa Croce, 15

Belmond Villa San Michele- Located in Fiesole (and there is a complimentary shuttle service from Piazza della Repubblica every 30 minutes on the hour), this is one of the most stunning places to do aperitivo. I don’t believe they do a buffet, but their wine list is spectacular, service impeccable, and they have a fascinating list of artisan cheeses. I would suggest coming up here for a romantic occasion (hot date, anniversary, etc) and get a table overlooking the whole Tuscan countryside around sunset time. Order a fabulous bottle of wine and order one of their diverse cheese platters. This is a really luxury experience and I think a must for the bon vivant in all of us. Address: Via Doccia, 4 (shuttle service from Piazza della Repubblica, look for the van with “Belmond Villa San Michele” written)

cheese and wine at Belmond Villa San Michele in Fiesole

Tamerò in Santo Spirito-  A lot of the cool kids in Florence love to pile into Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno, but I must say most of the bars there really suck and their aperitivo and food choices frightful. However, T’Amero is one of the better bars in Piazza Santo Spirito. They have a sturdy wine by the glass menu and no cocktail worth ordering besides a spritz, but the ambiance, service and aperitivo food variety is great for people who just want to hang out at a cool bar. Their aperitivo buffet is made fresh and is not just leftover food from lunch. The offerings may include polenta and ragu, fresh grain salads, gourmet fried pasta bites and if you can, order a small tagliere chop board of cured meats and cheeses. The one time I had pasta here for aperitivo, I didn’t want to complain. They are after all, a pasta bar restaurant. Plus I like the funky, artsy interior. Good bathrooms, too. Address: Piazza Santo Spirito 11R

Mad Souls & Spirits in San Frediano- The best way to describe Mad is like a divey sports bar without the televisions and a mighty shelf of tequilas and rye vodkas for decent craft cocktails at Italian prices. Again, no buffet but they offer a humble plate of crackers, olives, tramezzini, vegetable crudites and such. Borgo S. Frediano, 36-38r

Il Borro Tuscan Bistro near Via Tornabuoni- By standard definition, Il Borro is for sure a restaurant and not exactly a bar. However, I do approve of their aperitivo which runs from 6pm till about 8pm. This is a decent place for a spritz, to taste wines produced by them, while overlooking the Ponte Vecchio and very simple, finger food aperitivo with stylish presentation. To no surprise for a knack for style, Il Borro is owned by the fashion megastar Ferragamo. Il Borro is named after their medieval estate out in Arezzo where they operate a Relais and Chateaux and produce their own olive oils and wine. Therefore, it’s a great spot for wine too.They also serve their homemade schiacciata bread and hand-cut potato chips. Schiacciata is a Tuscan flatbread I tease as the only bread with flavor in Tuscany. Address: Lungarno Acciaiuoli, 80R

Dolce Vita in Piazza del Carmine (Oltrarno)– This is an extremely Florentine hang-out which has signage reminiscent of 80’s cool kids but at the same time feeling like one of those chic white leather couch and bright blue lights place. It’s a staple for Florentines and I’d have to say, has increased in quality over the years for both it’s drink offerings and aperitivo snacks. I usually hate buffets at any Aperitivo bar but this one isn’t so bad. You have to be careful what you pick, stick to simple snacks, but for example they make a mean gin and tonic using quality gin and craft tonics which are all the rage right now at bars around Florence.Address: Piazza del Carmine, 5

Hemingway near Piazza Tasso- I must thank my good friend Georgette of Girl in Florence for tipping me off to Hemingway’s secret aperitivo offering. For 7-8 euros, you really can’t beat it what I’m about to recommend. A solid (or rather liquid) vintage cocktail list and bitter old man drinks, just the way I like them (not men, drinks). In addition to great drinks for people like me who can’t stand sugary cocktails, it comes with a personal, simple artisan charcuterie/tagliere plate. It’s a small place, and better for couples or solo-travelers who are looking for a bit of recluse from the loud, busy bar scene. The best part is that if you’d like dessert post-aperitivo, they have a tempting selection of chocolate goodies made in-house. Address: Piazza Piattellina, 9, 

Amble- They don’t exactly have that buffet of snacks but I suggest getting a spritz and one of their signature tramezzini sandwiches, homemade dips with raw crudites, nuts and crackers. Tramezzini and Spritz are a Venetian aperitivo tradition but here they are made with contemporary style. The vibe here is very vintage (they sell furniture), hipster, artsy and retro. I love the location as it’s tucked away from the madness yet being near Ponte Vecchio in a quiet little piazzetta. I must say, one of the guys that works here has some of the worst service skills in the city and I almost regret recommending Amble because of him. But the place is so damn cute that I just tolerate his crap. This is definitely where the younger crews hang and the spritz are varied, meaning not just one spritz on the menu but other with notes of ginger or other fruit and boozy additions. Address: Chiasso dei del Bene 

Dorsoduro 3821- Speaking on Venetian spritz and Cicheti (finger foods) this place is pretty great and probably better than Amble in terms of service, their spritz drinks are more classic and they have a good selection of regional wines plus craft beers. However, they only have a few tables inside but cute seating outside. They have traditional Venetian cicheti things like fried baccala’ fritters. The place is named after a popular Venetian quarter and the owner is from Venice, if you love this dream-boat city and the cicheti & spritz culture, you’ll love this place for aperitivo in Florence. Address: Via S. Gallo, 31,

Enoteca Caffe Sant’Ambrogio- I’ve decided to keep this one as a recommendation even though their cocktails lack and their food is mostly questionable. This bar holds a special place in my heart because it was my neighborhood hang-out for a couple years. They do consistently have sliced cured meats, crudite/vegetables, potato chips, etc which constitute in my opinion more of a traditional aperitivo and their wine list is really great. Tocai, Inzolio, Ansonica Falanghina, Aglianico, the autochthonous list goes on. I mean, it is hard to find a simple bar with a great wine list that isn’t just pandering to commercial tastes like Chianti, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon-Blanc. This is also where tons of locals hang out in a super authentic area of town. While I’ve listed some rather modern places- they also are a bit too trendy for a larger demographic of locals. I think it’s important to see some simple bars, even if they don’t have perfectly displayed snacks, hipster decor and a view. Tips: Inside is a bit dark and no-frills. I suggest getting a bottle of wine off the menu and sitting at one of their tables outside in the Piazza. It’s buzzing and you’ll get a slice of everyday life.  Address: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio 7

Rex Cafe- By night, Rex is a sardine can crammed of people trying to boogie on a tissue-sized space of dance floor but with pretty decent DJ sets. Before the madness ensues, they are a prime cocktail lounge and they do one of the best aperitivo services in town (inho). They have a selection of finger foods to pick from (butter and anchovy toasts) and always bring olives, chips and crudite with any drink ordered. They have a great selection of small-batch vermouths for classic cocktails like a Manhattan and the barman there now is talented (Mose Giordani, previously Lo Sverso and Mercato Centrale). Depending on the day, they may have special drink menus like one based all on Absinthe (i.e. Sazerac is on the bill and the flaming sugar service). The seating is spacious and they have a little room to sit and dwell on comfy vintage couch seating and decor.

Fusion Bar and Restaurant near Ponte Vecchio- The quality of the cocktails here are superb and they serve their signature craft drinks with a little sushi bento box from their Peruvian/Japanese fused cuisine. Hence the name “fusion.” The interior is cozy and yet seems like a contrived attempt at re-creating an “at-home” feel. The barmen are quite courteous and the drinks are for the inner fancy cocktail lovers in all of us. Address: Vicolo dell’Oro, 3, 50123 Florence, Italy,

This are the top Aperitivo Bars in Florence I can think of off the top of my head. I’ll make some future posts adding on to my opinionated list of “approved” aperitivo selection.

LOOKING FOR MORE APERITIVO RECOMMENDATIONS IN FLORENCE? VISIT THIS PAGE!

In my curious opinion,

Curious Appetite

Visiting Florence? Check out this Aperitivo Food and Drink Tasting in Florence which includes tips in food and wine pairing and visits to the city’s most hidden gems. Contact me for more details about this food and drink tour in Florence.

10 aperitivo bars you have to try in Florence

10 aperitivo bars you have to try in Florence

The tradition of modern Italian aperitivo originated in Turin in 1786, when vermouth (aromatized, fortified wine flavored with various botanicals) was invented. During the nineteenth century the habit of consuming alcoholic beverages before meals, in order to stimulate the appetite, quickly spread throughout Italy. Florence played a role in the aperitivo history too: the Negroni cocktail (⅓ of Gin + ⅓ of bitter Campari + ⅓ of sweet red vermouth + 1 slice of orange), which over the years has become one of the most popular pre-meal drink, was invented here in 1919. The aperitivo tradition is still very much in vogue in town, and bars and bistro arrange various menus, in order to offer their customers the typical pre-dinner drink, sided by more or less generous snacks. A cold beer, a glass of wine, spirits or cocktails: the options for an aperitivo are many. Follow us and discover 10 aperitivo bars you have to try in Florence.

The classics of Florence Movida

The cocktail and wine bars overlooking the most popular squares in Florence.

Enoteca Caffé Sant’Ambrogio

The Sant’Ambrogio district has always been the centre of Florentine nightlife, and Wine bar Caffè Sant’Ambrogio, which overlooks the square of the same name, has been the heart and soul of the neighborhood for over 25 years. You can stop at Sant’Ambrogio before or after shopping at the market. Have a coffee and pastry in the morning, or a delicious meal at lunchtime. The menu includes refined pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches and delicacies such as mackerel fillets and mussels salad, strictly fresh. After 06:00 pm the square comes alive, and the local start gathering around Caffè sant’Ambrogio. The bar displays over 64 labels of wine, with prices ranging from 4 to 12 euros per glass. Cocktail Martini is also a must try. The buffet menu includes pasta, salads, ham, croutons. Upon request, guests can also have a delicious oyster snack. Enoteca Caffé Sant’Ambrogio is located in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio 7. On the official facebook page you can find more information.

Pop Café

A gastronomic and recreational centre in Oltrarno, the Santo Spirito district is another major nightlife meeting point in Florence. The popular Pop Café, overlooking Piazza Santo Spirito, is one of the places that made the history of the neighborhood. The day at Pop Café starts at eight o’clock, and goes on untill late at night. At lunch one can taste delicacies of all kinds: burgers, soups, croutons and salads, always being sure to find fresh products and seasonal vegetables. During the aperitif one can drink beers, cocktails and selected wines, while enjoying a buffet of pasta, couscous and crudités. Drinks after drink, it is possible to stay up to 02:00 in the morning, listening to the music of the most famous Florentine DJs. But Pop Café is not only about nightlife. As a matter of fact, its walls frequently turn into art spaces, hosting temporary exhibitions by some of the most interesting local artists. Pop Café is located in Piazza Santo Spirito 18a red. On the official facebook pageyou can find more information.

Easy Living

Easy Living is the urban beach project that Piazzart has been promoting since 2008 on the Arno bank near Piazza Poggi. Over the years it has become a landmark of summer in Florence. The place offers the chance to sip a beer, a spritz or a cocktail while relaxing on a deck chair, witnessing a breathtaking sunset. At lunch you will find a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, fruit smoothies. At dinner you can also enjoy pasta dishes, and delicious main courses. The Easy Living beach and kiosk are located in Piazza Poggi. On www.easylivingfirenze.it you can find more information.

Medium-High Budget Aperitivo

The most exclusive locations, for those willing to spend a few euros more.

Golden View

Golden View is a 650 square meters wide restaurant / pizzera / wine bar with a spectacular view of the Arno, Ponte Vecchio, the Vasari Corridor and the Uffizi Gallery, where everything is curated to the smallest details. From 06:00 pm, in the café area is possibl to enjoy aperitivo with Buffet. Fabiano Buffolino, skilled barman, supervises the activities of the cocktail bar, which offers a wide selection of spirits – especially the excellent Gin – but also has red, white, rosé and sparkling wines from all over Italy. Golden View is located in Via de Bardi 54/56 red. On http www.goldenviewopenbar.com you can find more information.

Ditta Artigianale Oltrarno

Opened in 2014 by entrepreneur Francesco Sanapo, Ditta Artigianalerecently added a new branch, located in Via dello Sprone, in Oltrarno, though as a place to make customers feel welcome from 08:00 am to 12:00 pm. Starting from 06:00 pm the American Bar displays over 150 varieties of Gin from all over the world, a wide selection of spirits (vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila and mezcal), white and red wines and a varied cocktail list. Two professional bartenders such as Kareem Bennett and Natalia Mazzilli interpret classic drinks in a modern way, creating very sophisticated cocktails. We recommend the “Ditta Artigianale Spritz”, based on “slow gin” – an infusion of blackthorn – prosecco, soda and basil leaf, or their version of the classic Negroni, that blends gin, campari bitters vermouth and high quality bitter with orange marmalade and ginger. Ditta Artigianale Oltrarno is located in Via dello Sprone 5 red. On www.dittaartigianale.it you can find more information.

Colle Bereto

Colle Bereto has always been synonymous with exclusive nightlife in town. It offers an ideal stop for those visiting the Strozzina Gallery, or those going to see an original language movie at the nearby Odeon Cinema. If you happen to be in the area, stop by to have a Fashion Colle or a Tropical Jungle. For wine lovers, we recommend one of the labels from the Colle Bereto winery: the Tocco, the Cenno, Chianti Classico Riserva or ColleB, a rosé sparkling wine. The buffet offers Italian and ethnic delicacies, to be savored while listening to the best DJ. Colle Bereto is located in Piazza Strozzi 5 red. On www.cafecollebereto.com you can find more information.

Organic and vegetarian Aperitivo

For those who prefer organic food, or follow a vegetarian / vegan diet

Quelo

Borgo Santa Croce connects Via dei Benci with Piazza Santa Croce. For years it has been an anonymous area of transit between the nightlife centres of Santa Croce and Sant’Ambrogio. Nowadays, though, various cocktail bars are located in Borgo Santa Croce, sharing a slow philosophy that sets them apart from their more frantic neighbors. Among these, Quelo is the favorite destination of those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan diet. Open from early morning until late at night, Quelo is an ideal stop for breakfast or lunch, thanks to its homemade cakes and sandwiches. The bar has a wide and fine selection of alcoholic drinks: during the aperitivo time you can sip a glass of wine, or treat yourself with a cocktail. The buffet menu, strictly vegan, includes couscous with vegetables, rice salads, beans, crudités, tzatziki and hummus. Quelo is located in Borgo Santa Croce 15 red. On the official facebook page you can find more information.

Été Bistrò

Just a few years ago, Via Faenza was one of the most neglected areas in town. Squeezed between Piazza San Lorenzo and the Santa Maria Novella train station, it offered very few attractions to tourists. Recently, though, the area has been experiencing a rebirth, thanks to the opening of various ethnic restaurants, pubs and cocktail bars. Été Bistrò is the perfect destination for an aperitivo in Via Faenza. Open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, this small cocktail bar pays great attention to the quality and origin of its food and beverages. Local products, possibly organic, are favoured. Besides a good selection of red and white wines, at Été you can enjoy cocktails, including a super spicy Bloody Mary. The delicious platters of local cold cuts and cheeses, as well as the electronic music selections, are worthy of mention. Été Bistrò is located in Via Faenza 55 red. On the offical facebook page can find more information.

Exotic Aperitivo

Regional and Caribbean traditions, for those who look for something different from the usual aperitivo.

Dorsoduro 3821

Opened in October 2015, the spritz bar Dorsoduro 3821 is a little piece of Venice in the heart of Florence. The owners exclusively offer goods from northern Italy, preparing them in accordance with methods of the Venetian tradition. As the spritz-bar definition reveals, their drink of choice is the Spritz, the undisputed king of the Venetian aperitivo. At Dorsoduro 3821 one can find this drink in 4 variants: the prosecco and the soda are mixed with various bitters, including the popular Aperol and Campari, the Select or even the Cinar, an artichoke-based bitter that is rarely associated with this type of drink. To side your drink, try the typical bell-shaped sandwiches from the Venetian tradition, prepared fresh every morning using tuna and mayonnaise or ham, as the rule requires. Dorsoduro 3821 is located in Via San Gallo 41 red. On the official facebook page you can find more information.

Sabor Cubano

In the last few years Sabor Cubano stood up as one of the best cocktail bars in the San Lorenzo area. Located under the arcades that surround the San Lorenzo square, facing the new Central Market, the bar is the Cuban embassy of taste in Florence. The selection of alcoholic beverages comes from the Caribbean tradition, and the Cuban Rum is obviously the spirit of choice. At Sabor Cubano you can find the best Mojito (try also the tamarind-flavoured variant), Daiquiri and Pinha Colada, prepared by an expert barman and offered at the special price of 5 euro. To side your drink try the fried plantains. If you are looking for a proper meal, order their tasty chicken, rice, beans and salad dish. Sabor Cubano is located in Via Sant’Antonino 64 red. On the official facebook page you can find more information.

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