The 6 Best Bars in Naples, Italy

The bar scene in Naples is as eclectic as the rest of the city. There are dive bars like L’Antiquario that let you feel the underbelly of this rough-around-the-edges city, to elevated cocktail lounges like Kestè. Not to mention a full spectrum of refreshing options in between.

So, it only makes sense to include at least one or two of the following bars in your upcoming Naples food tour. 

L’Antiquario

Photo credit: L’Antiquario

L’Antiquario is a small, intimate, underground bar near Naples’ historic Piazza dei Martiri, with a chic speakeasy vibe. It’s also just a short stroll from the scenic Lungomare Caracciolo waterfront, making it a perfect spot to enjoy an adult beverage after a scenic city walk.

L’Antiquario is festooned with vintage decor and the dim lighting evokes a cozy old-world charm. Dark wood, plush seating, and delicate lighting create an intimate, exclusive feel that’s meant to resemble a classic prohibition-style speakeasy.

The drink selection at L’Antiquario focuses on meticulously crafted cocktails that gently reinvent classic Italian flavors with modern techniques. They also have a carefully curated selection of wines and a few premium beers.

On my last stop, I enjoyed one of their signature negronis. The gin they used had an aromatic body that worked perfectly with the fruity-infused flavors of the almost blood-red Campari.  

L’Antiquario (€) – Via Vannella Gaetani, 2, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM.

Barril

Photo credit: Barril

You’ll find Barril near Naples scenic Lungomare Caracciolo, with stunning views of the waterfront, the Bay of Naples, and Castel dell’Ovo. This part of the city is always bustling with energy, making Barril a great place to ease back when you need a break from Naples’ frenetic pace. 

The relaxed vibe is accentuated by the chic rustic wooden furnishings and touches of industrial decor. All the while portions of exposed brick wall, soft lighting, and lush greenery remind you that you’re still in the beating heart of Italy. It’s a great reflection of Naples’ nightlife scene.

Barril boasts a diverse drink menu with an impressive selection of cocktails, wines, and craft beers. However, I find their wine selection to be a bit sparse for a typical Italian bar.

On my last stop, I tried their eponymous “Barril Sour,” which is a creative twist on the classic whiskey sour. They take it to the next level by using Amalfi lemons which deliver a unique perfume that perfectly balances the body of the whiskey. It’s definitely a must-try cocktail experience.

Barril (€) – Via Giuseppe Fiorelli, 11, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Open Thursday to Sunday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Closed on Monday.

Kestè

Photo credit: Kestè

Kestè is conveniently located near some of Naples’s historic sites like the Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace. Making it a great place to relax after exploring the city’s rich history and process everything you learned.

The ambiance at Kestè is casual with a light air of sophistication. The décor and atmosphere are warm and laid-back. Making it an excellent spot to host a small gathering or just relax solo while you enjoy a cocktail.

Kestè’s cocktail menu features a wide selection of classic and creative cocktails, wines and small-batch beers. They are known best for their signature “Negroni Partenopeo,” which incorporates local bitters and citrus.

However, on my last visit, I was looking for something more refreshing and ordered a wine spritzer made with Greco di Tufo. It’s a regional wine from Campania that has a balanced acidity and citrus undertones. These citrus notes were taken to the next level by the fresh in-season Amalfi lemon garnish.  

Kestè (€) – Via S. Giovanni Maggiore Pignatelli, 26/27, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Closed on Monday. 

Tasso Alcolico

Tasso Alcolico is a relaxed bar on Via Girolamo Santacroce that’s known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere. They also have a great food menu, which makes them an easy stop for a drink and a bite to eat while touring the historic center of Naples.  

The atmosphere at Tasso Alcolico is youthful, eclectic, and energetic. They often have themed events, live music, and games that make it a fun night out.

Tasso Alcolico specializes in expertly crafted cocktails, local wines, and craft beers, ensuring something for all tastes. I tried one of their signature “Amalfi Sours.” It used a base of crisp, clean vodka with just the right touch of Amalfi lemon. The neutral alcohol lets the crispness and aroma of the lemon come through as the star.

Tasso Alcolico (€) – Via Girolamo Santacroce, 61, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Pepi Vintage Room

Photo credit: Pepi Vintage Room

Pepi Vintage Room is a beloved cocktail bar located near prominent Naples attractions like the historic Duomo di Napoli and the bustling Via San Gregorio Armeno. Making it a perfect stop for those exploring the city’s rich cultural sites, providing a stylish retreat after a day of sightseeing.

The ambiance at Pepi Vintage Room has a strong nostalgic vibe with tons of vintage décor that transports you back in time. The retro furnishings and eclectic details are reminiscent of a cozy, 1920s-era speakeasy.

Sticking with this nostalgic theme, Pepi Vintage Room offers an array of old-fashioned and modern crafted cocktails, local wines, and premium beers. When I was last there, I tried their signature “Vintage Negroni.” The vermouth they used was exceptionally rich, which really gave it an elevated, old-school smoothness.  

Pepi Vintage Room (€€) – Vico San Domenico Maggiore, 23, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

Vineria San Sebastiano

Photo credit: Vineria San Sebastiano

Vineria San Sebastiano is one of Naple’s top-rated wine bars. You’ll find it nestled near attractions like Piazza Bellini and the attractions near the historic city center. It’s a great place to sip a leisurely glass of wine after a long day on your feet. Yet they’re also open deep into the night, making it an easy place to enjoy a nightcap.

The rustic décor at Vineria San Sebastiano gives it a warm intimate ambiance emblematic of the local relaxed Italian vibe. This also makes it popular with locals and tourists who want to sample a nice glass of wine.

Vineria San Sebastiano offers a wide range of Italian wines, including local favorites from Campania. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations, making it an easy place to explore the huge variety of Italian wines.

On my last visit, I tried a recommended Taurasi wine. I found it to be a bold red with a rich, fruity profile that perfectly embodied Campanian wine culture.

Vineria San Sebastiano (€€) – Via S. Sebastiano, 11, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great bars, cocktail lounges, and wine bars to include in a Naples food tour. If you’re looking for a nostalgic vibe, then places like Pepi Vintage Room or L’Antiquario might be the best bar in Naples for you. If you’re an oenophile, then Vineria San Sebastiano is the ideal wine bar to sample local vintages.

Whatever kind of cocktail or vibe you’re looking for, Naples surely has something to suit your taste with Italian flair. 

Sources:

L’Antiquario. (n.d.). L’Antiquario – Via Vannella Gaetani, 2, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from https://lantiquarionapoli.superbexperience.com/ 

Barril. (n.d.). Barril – Via Giuseppe Fiorelli, 11, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from http://www.barril.it/

Kestè. (n.d.). Kestè – Via S. Giovanni Maggiore Pignatelli, 26/27, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/kestenapoli 

Tasso Alcolico. (n.d.). Tasso Alcolico – Via Girolamo Santacroce, 61, 80129 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from https://instagram.com/tassoalcolico_official?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Pepi Vintage Room. (n.d.). Pepi Vintage Room – Vico San Domenico Maggiore, 23, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from https://m.facebook.com/Pepi-Vintage-RooM-948284515188067/ 

Vineria San Sebastiano. (n.d.). Vineria San Sebastiano – Via S. Sebastiano, 11, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy. Retrieved from http://vineriasansebastiano.com/