Must-see places for aperitif in Rome

The word “aperitif” derives from the Latin “aperitivus” and means “that opens”, that is: a drink before lunch or dinner opens our appetite and helps us to eat better. Tradition is very present in Italy and, today, I’m going to tell you where to have an amazing aperitif in Rome. Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams !!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”.

Our Introduction

Our beloved Eternal City, our capital, our dearest and timeless Rome, in Lazio, is an amazing city and this is undeniable! The city offers us options in every way: shops, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and, of course, bars! And it is in the bars that we find one of the most famous traditions in Italy: the aperitif, also known as happy hour.

Aperitif origins

The word aperitif comes from the Latin, “aperitivus” and means “that opens”, that is: the “ritual” consists of having a drink to stimulate the appetite and, thus, stimulate the feeling of hunger. The tradition is old and comes from Roman banquets, which used to serve alcoholic drinks to guests before dinner.

There is also the modern history of the aperitif: it is said that the tradition has been born in 1786 by the hands of Antonio Benedetto Carpano, who began producing a flavored wine called vermouth in Turin. Vermouth is a white wine infused with 30 herbs and spices. This drink gained space in the first decades of the 20th century. The most beloved drinks for the aperitif are cocktails such as Americano, Spritz, Bitter, Rossini, Pirlo, in addition to the traditional white or rosé sparkling wine. In a short time, the idea of the aperitif spread throughout Italy and, in the last decades, the aperitif took on new forms, when they started to serve, along with the drinks, several snacks.

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When the aperitif are served?

Traditionally, the aperitif is served at two moments of the day: before lunch, between 11 am and 1 pm and between 5 pm and 8 pm. It is worth remembering that Italians have a certain preference for the aperitif in the evening, because – normally from 18:00 onwards – you can order an alcoholic drink and also have access to a buffet consisting of small delicacies such as pizzas, cold cuts, salads, assorted sandwiches, and much more; from this was born the famous “apericena”, which is a type of aperitif served along with a small dinner (which can even replace the main meal). It can be compared to a brunch.

Good to Know

There are small differences between northern, central and southern Italian happy hour when it comes to aperitifs! Let me tell you everything about it right now!

Aperitif in northern Italy

In northern Italy, the traditional aperitif still remains in the most luxurious places in the big cities. In the cities of the Midwest, we should mention Turin and Milan, the traditional aperitif is marked by Prosecco, bitters and Spritz. They are usually served with small snacks, but also with fries, savory biscuits or the typical Lombard bruschetta. The big “problem” is that the classic aperitif served today is very “rich”, offering many food options and this, instead of favoring our appetite, can take away the hunger since they can easily replace the mean meal.

Aperitif in central Italy

In central Italy, however, it is not as widespread as in the North, but it also exists – including Rome. There is a change in the taste of drinks that, in central Italy, lean towards the Negroni – a classic blend of gin, Campari and red vermouth – born in Florence and spread in Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and Umbria. To eat you can find olives, walnuts, pistachios, breadsticks and potato chips. Focusing on Rome, the reality of the capital is extensive, and it was inherited from the North. Here, food and drinks start to be served a 11 pm on weekends.

Aperitif in southern Italy

In southern Italy the aperitif is particular and draws something a little different than the rest of the country. Here, the traditional aperitif is like a preview of dinner, but – practically – without leaving the table. The times are longer and it is very common for drinks to be accompanied by typical local products, something they, in fact, value much more than any other Italian region. It is quite common to serve white and red wine harmonizing with cheeses, cured meats and even sweets treats.

It is an aperitif that is very rich in flavors and, moreover, the hours are longer and go from late afternoon to late evening. In southern Italy they are not in a hurry and eat very slowly: aperitifs, lunches and dinners can last for hours! Another southern Italian tradition is to serve coffee at night, especially between 9 pm and 11 pm; this is because they say that coffee gives energy to night lovers who go out to clubs after dinner.

And the aperitifs Rome?

In Rome there are places totally dedicated to this delicious moment of the day. The aperitif for Italians is like a religion, especially in the north of the country. It’s a very relaxed time of day, when the main focus is to forget about work and enjoy the company of friends and family. Of course, the city offers us countless options of incredible places for that moment of relaxation and, now, let’s know which are the unmissable places for you to have an epic aperitif in our capital!

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1) Must-see places for aperitif in Rome: BACCANO ROMA

Baccano Roma – with a privileged location, Baccano is in the heart of Rome, between the historic via delle Muratte, which connects the Trevi Fountain to via del Corso. The place is actually a bistro and was inspired by several cities around the world: Paris at the turn of the century and the modern and effervescent New York! The place is beautiful and worth visiting!

Where? Via Delle Murate, 23.
Opening hours: every day, from 12h00 to 00h00 (continuous hours).

2) Must-see places for aperitif in Rome: CORUS CAFFÉ

Corus Caffé – located on the mezzanine floor of the Conciliazione Auditorium, it has a menu signed by the famous bartender Massimo D’Addezio. Well located, the place is full of charm and offers excellent cuisine. The flagship is the Club Sandwich and, to complement it, be sure to try the awesome Bloody Max.

TIP: Book in advance.
Where? Via della Conciliazione, 4.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 7 pm to 02 am.

3) Must-see places for aperitif in Rome: GUERRINI DAL 1958

Guerrini dal 1958 – very traditional! Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Coppedè, it offers excellent food and drink options. With several creative dishes and drinks, it also offers an excellent wine list and a modern atmosphere, but without leaving tradition aside.

Where? Viale Regina Margherita, 201.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 12:00 to 00:00; Saturday and Sunday, from 6 pm to 00:00.

4) Must-see places for aperitif in Rome: PIGNETO 1870

Pigneto 1870 – another charming bistro with a cuisine that mixes Italian and international gastronomy in a unique way! The place was born from the passion of the Roman businessman Massimo Gabriele and the skill of the chef originally from Sardinia, Andrea Dolciotti. The atmosphere is sparkling, well decorated and worth a visit!

Where? Via del Pigneto, 25.
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 6 pm. Sunday: from 12:00. It doesn’t open on Wednesdays.

5) Must-see places for aperitif in Rome: THE COURT COCKTAIL ROME

The Court Cocktail Rome – bar with a view? We have it! And one of them is the splendid The Court Cocktail, located in one of the most beautiful palaces in the Italian capital, Palazzo Manfredi. The place is incredible and offers us a MAGIC view of the most famous Roman postcard in the world: the Coliseum! With a sophisticated and contemporary concept, it offers an incredible drinks menu and the atmosphere is impeccable! The bar is surrounded by two high walls, with the bar on one side, lounges on the other and a walkway that separates the environments. Its warm colors, yellow and orange, mix very elegantly with midnight blue, black and gray. Despite being minimalist, the whole work attracts our eyes and offers us modernity and tradition in one place.

TIP: I suggest you book in advance.
Where? Via Labicana, 125.
Opening hours: from Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 pm to 1 am – on Sundays, it opens for brunch.

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Hotel I suggest near the Historic Center

If you are passionate about art and would like to stay in the center where you can move around walking, as well as having countless possibilities for places to have lunch / dinner or a snack, I advise you to stay in the historic center. Regions near the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum and the Villa Borghese, Piazza Spagna and Piazza Navona can be considered as “historic center”. These are the most expensive areas, but you will be close to everything, literally!

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

If you prefer a good hotel, I have three options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotels that I suggest near the San Giovanni Region

For those who want to find cheaper alternatives in quiet areas, but at the same time close to the means of transport to the center, I suggest the region of San Giovanni or Monti (near the metro stations San Giovanni, Castro Pretorio and Circus Massimo) – which it is a more residential neighborhood; therefore, more economical and quiet! And with just 15 minutes by subway you will be in the center too!

I have two options for Hotels that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotels I suggest near Vatican City

An interesting area to stay and a little cheaper than the historic center is the Vatican area (Vatican Museums) which is very well connected with everything.

I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

If you prefer a hotel, I have three options that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotel I suggest near Termini Station

For those who prefer to stay in neighborhoods that have good access to the rest of the city and at a better price, then you should choose accommodation in the surroundings of Termini Station (from where a dense network of public means of transport starts, serving both: the local people and tourists).

I have 3 good hotel suggestions in Termini, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

If you prefer B&B I have 2 good suggestions, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotels that I suggest in Trastevere

For those who prefer to “taste” authentic and characteristic Rome, there is nothing better than booking a hotel in Trastevere (on the outskirts of the city’s historic river), full of typical Roman history and traditions, known for the tortuous streets of sampietrini stones and the centers medieval style housing.

The neighborhood is in the historic center and to the right of the Tevere River, in the midst of a spectacular landscape, where each visitor can observe the countless churches and squares (such as Santa Maria in Trastevere). In addition, this neighborhood offers several local restaurants and canteens for those who want to try typical Roman cuisine.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

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Conclusion

Must-see places for aperitif in Rome! The aperitif in Italy is a true ritual for Italians! Just before lunch and dinner, it is not difficult to find bars full of people and, if you want to feel like a true Italian, do as the locals do: make a strategic stop at a bar before lunch or dinner and have fun!

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