Best Aperitivo in Rome: Where to Enjoy Italy’s Iconic Pre-Dinner Tradition

The much-loved Italian custom of enjoying an aperitivo is a practice that I wish existed across the globe! It’s a tradition that’s been an integral part of Roman culture since the days of Ancient Rome, and so there’s no better place to revel in this evening ritual than in Italy’s treasured capital.

I’ve mentioned some of my go-to spots for the best aperitivo in Rome on many of my Rome food tours, as I think it’s a quintessential experience you can’t miss when you’re visiting. As such, I felt it was fitting to put together this list.

Let’s dive into my picks for Rome’s best aperitivo!

What is Aperitivo? An Italian Happy Hour with a Twist

Before we go any further, I think it’s a good idea to briefly explain what an aperitivo is, as it’s quite a foreign concept to many of us.

At its core, an aperitivo is a pre-meal drink typically accompanied by a selection of light snacks. It’s a fundamental part of Italian culture that’s just as much about socializing and decompressing as it is about the food and drinks themselves.

Aperitivo hour in Rome usually kicks off at 6:00 pm and lasts until 8:00 pm, though I’ve found these times can be pretty flexible.

If there’s one thing about understanding the allure of an aperitivo, it’s that it’s more about the experience than the idea of reduced prices. As such, don’t expect to find many two-for-one deals if you want to enjoy an aperitivo like a local!

Top Bars for Aperitivo in Rome

Blackmarket Hall

Photo credit: Blackmarket Hall

Long considered one of the top aperitivo spots in Rome, Blackmarket Hall is a chic and moody hideaway in Monti.

The team here offers a slightly more elevated aperitivo experience than most, and I chose the bruschetta with salmon carpaccio and guacamole, along with a glass of rose.

Both the food and wine were full of bright flavors. I especially liked the fruitiness of the rose and how it countered the nutty guacamole and the acidity of the carpaccio.

Blackmarket Hall (€€) – Via de’ Ciancaleoni, 31, 00184 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday from 5:30 pm to 1:00 am, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 pm to 1:30 am, and every Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 pm to 2:00 am.

Il Sorpasso

Close to the Vatican City, Il Sorpasso in Prati has everything I love in a classic Roman bar: a homely, low-key vibe, a cozy, brick-clad setting, and a stellar drinks menu.

I went for the americano; its herby and zesty notes were the pick-me-up I needed after spending the day in the sun. 

They were generous with the snacking plates, my favorite of which was the crumbly, umami pecorino with crispy bread.

Il Sorpasso (€€) – Via Properzio, 31/33, 00193 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 1:00 am, Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am, closed every Sunday.

Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma

Photo credit: Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma

Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma is a hotspot in the heart of Prati that boasts terrific views over Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.

It’s easily a contender for the best aperitivo in Rome, especially if a swanky rooftop bar is what you’re looking for. I’ve only been once so far, but I’ll definitely be back to enjoy more of their ‘nduja arancini and merlot.

Spicy, crunchy, and teeming with springy mozzarella, the arancini were superb and were an ideal pairing for the wine’s velvety mouthfeel and oaky hues. 

Terrazza Les Étoiles Roma (€€€) – Via dei Bastioni, 1, 00193 Roma RM, Italy – Open every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am.

Freni e Frizioni

Photo credit: Freni e Frizioni

Freni e Frizioni in Trastevere is among the top aperitivo spots in Rome thanks to its quirky chandelier-covered setting, buzzing terrace, and extensive buffet.

Unlike most aperitivo spots, you likely won’t be hungry enough for dinner afterward! I filled up on creamy hummus and vegetable pasta salad while sipping on a negroni.

The zingy hints of orange and earthy notes from the vermouth were nothing short of delicious.

Freni e Frizioni (€) – Via del Politeama, 4, 00153 Roma RM, Italy – Open every day from 6:30 pm to 2:00 pm.

Traditional Aperitivo Drinks and Snacks to Try

Drinks

Aperol Spritz – Considering it’s among Italy’s most renowned cocktails, an Aperol spritz is a must-try aperitivo drink. This fusion of bittersweet Aperol, crisp soda water, and citrussy prosecco is always a refreshing choice.

Negroni – Sweet vermouth, spicy Campari, and fragrant gin come together to create this timeless cocktail.

Garibaldi – The simplicity of a garibaldi is what I love about it, as it features just bitter Campari balanced with sweet orange juice.

Americano – Not to be confused with the coffee, in Italy, an americano is a more understated take on a Negroni, where the gin is swapped for minerally club soda.

Bellini –  This brunch classic has won the world over for its mix of bubbly prosecco and tangy peach puree.

Hugo Spritz – Fresh and floral, a Hugo spritz consists of delicate elderflower liqueur, acidic prosecco, cooling mint, and soda water.

Snacks

Bruschetta – A firm favorite in Italy and abroad, bruschetta comes in various forms but is generally comprised of chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil on lightly toasted bread.

Cured Meats – All of the beloved Italian meats are go-to snacks at aperitivo hour, including prosciutto, salami, and pancetta.

Italian Cheeses – Rome and wider Italy produce some dreamy cheeses that are commonly served when it’s time for an aperitivo, such as pecorino, gorgonzola, and fontina.

Focaccia – Focaccia is a treasured Italian food. This thick oven-baked bread can be served on its own, with toppings, or as part of a sandwich.

Olives – Olives are one of the most simplistic aperitivo snacks, but their salty flavors pair well with countless drinks.

Mini Pizzas – Many aperitivo bars dish up miniature pizzas alongside their beverages, which can come with an assortment of toppings.

Best Neighborhoods for Aperitivo in Rome

Numerous neighborhoods can lay claim to serving the best aperitivo in Rome, but if I’m honest, there are a handful that are especially great for an evening wind-down. Trastevere and Prati both have a wide selection of cozy haunts and stylish bars, which feel more authentic than in more tourist-focused areas.

Tips for Enjoying Aperitivo in Rome

• Aperitivo hours run from around 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, but this differs between bars and may begin earlier to wind up slightly later.
• If you’re keen to visit a particularly popular bar, it might be worth making a reservation a day or two in advance.
• For more upmarket bars, it’s a good idea to check their website or contact them over the phone to inquire about the dress code.
• Some bars offer buffet-style aperitivos called apericena, and others serve small snacking plates directly to your table with each drink.
• In most cases, you won’t have to order an alcoholic drink to partake in the aperitivo tradition in Rome, as many bars will have non-alcoholic options on the menu.
• Aperitivo snacks tend to be savory, so keep this in mind if you’re craving something sweet.

Conclusion

You can sample an aperitivo in pretty much any bar in the city; some are rustic, understated haunts, while others are upscale lounges with scenic views. That said, after frequenting a variety of spots over the years, these are where I’ve found the best aperitivo in Rome.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Rome. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/rome/

Black Market Hall. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.blackmarkethall.com/

Sorpasso. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://sorpasso.info/home-page/

Terrazza Les Etoiles. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.terrazzalesetoiles.com/

Freni e Frizioni. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.freniefrizioni.com/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best food in Italy. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/guides/best-food-in-italy/