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Here are 10 addresses in Rome where you can have a good aperitivo in the center, among the beauties of the eternal city. Aperitivo is not only done in Milan, even in the capital there are many little places to scout for a happy hour at sunset during the week. Here is our selection.
Salotto 42
One place we feel like recommending for happy hour is Salotto 42, in the beautiful Piazza di Pietra and in front of Hadrian’s Temple. It was born as a bookbar, thanks to an idea of Damiano Mazzarella. Here the aperitivo is plentiful and the atmosphere “cool.” The place is stylish with dim lights and good music. We recommend making reservations in advance.
Where: P.za di Pietra, 42, 00186 – Rome.
Ginger Flavors and Health
A short distance from the Spanish Steps and on one of the most famous shopping streets we find this restaurant with healthy specialties and traditional dishes. For aperitif time they bring, together with the cocktail, a board with finger food: such as pizza, vegetables and other tasty food. Tables outside allow for outdoor aperitifs.
Where: Via Borgognona, 43-46, 00187 – Rome.
Borromini Terrace
Located in a historic building, it offers a panoramic view of Piazza Navona and an excellent selection of cocktails. It is the ideal place for an aperitif on the terrace, but reservations must be made by writing to: prenotazioniterrazze@gmail.com.
Where: Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30.
Bar del Fico
A trendy place with a lively atmosphere, perfect for an outdoor aperitivo or apericena in downtown Rome with appetizers and finger food. Aperol Spritz for 10 euros.
Where: Piazza del Fico, 26.
The Mosquito
Near the Vatican, La Zanzara is open for lunch, aperitifs and dinner (daily). It offers a wide selection of cocktails and tasty dishes in a modern setting. Comfortable tables outside for drinks al fresco! Reservations recommended.
Where: 84 Crescentius Street.
Drink Kong
Ranked 21st in the top 50 best bars in the world. It is an innovative cocktail bar with a futuristic design and a wide range of unique drinks, near the Colosseum.
Where: Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8.
Rooftop Spritzeria Monti
The venue that celebrates the Spritz, the famous drink of the aperitif hour, cannot fail to be part of our selection. Along with the drink it is possible to request small snacks, otherwise if you want to eat a little more it is worth ordering some of the dishes on the menu, such as the charcuterie board. The terrace is located on the 4th floor of a hotel. Again it pays to book in advance, given the size of the terrace.
Where: via dei Serpenti 108, Rome.
Blackmarket Hall
This particular venue was born inside the former “Overlook Hotel” in the heart of Rome’s Rione Monti district. The atmosphere is bubbly and here at aperitif time it’s serious business. Just choose a tasting, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is the Vegetarian at 13 euros with bruschetta with organic vegetable caponata, mini beet tartare with tomato chickpea hummus, crispy organic vegetable meatball, raw zucchini spaghetti with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and black olives, bruschetta with julienne of red cabbage marinated in apple vinegar with fennel seeds and vegan mayonnaise.
Then the 15-euro Monti appetizer with lean pork loin from Marche, creamy Colli Sabini, mini pulled pork burger with barbecue sauce, mini classic bacon cheeseburger, skewer with California prune, Colonnata IGP lard and honey mustard.
And to end on a high note, the Mare tasting for 16 euros with mackerel patty, mini burger with panko-breaded shrimp, tabasco and arugula mayonnaise, bruschetta with salmon carpaccio and guacamole, mini burger with tuna tataki, tomato chickpea hummus and organic caramelized red onion, and crispy panko-breaded cod with homemade classic mayonnaise.
Where: Via de’ Ciancaleoni, 31, 00184 Rome.
Prosciutteria Cantina dei Papi
Near the Trevi Fountain, this eatery offers charcuterie and cheese boards accompanied by wines and cocktails. There is no shortage of porchetta di Ariccia.
Where: Via della Panetteria, 34A, 00187 Rome.
Signorvino
A short distance from the Barberini metro stop we find Signorvino, a wine bar also well known in Milan. The wines are excellent and for aperitif time are accompanied with some snacks. We recommend ordering the chopping boards as well; the products served are of high quality.
Where: P.za Barberini, 12, 00187 Rome.
* Always remember to drink responsibly