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Here are 12 addresses in Rome where you can have a good aperitivo in the center, among the beauty 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.
Reserva
Reserva, located on Via del Pellegrino near Campo de’ Fiori, offers an authentically South American-flavored aperitivo in a cozy and lively setting. From 5:30 p.m., the venue invites you to sip cocktails made with rum, pisco, Skol Brazilian beer, wines and bubbles, accompanied by delicacies such as nachos with guacamole and bolinho of picanha or ricotta cheese.
The atmosphere, made even more engaging by live music and soft lighting at nightfall, reflects the Latin American style of Brazilian chef Paulo Ricardo Aires, offering a convivial and quality experience in the heart of Rome.
Carosello
Carosello is a new cocktail bar located on the terrace of the Trianon Borgo Pio aparthotel in central Rome, offering panoramic views of St. Peter’s and Castel Sant’Angelo. The bar, run by a historic Roman family, brings back the glamorous and carefree atmosphere of the 1960s, offering a unique experience for Romans and tourists alike.
Carosello is currently dedicated to aperitifs, with plans to soon expand the offer to dinner and after-dinner, as well as hosting private events with customized 1960s-style menus and drinks. The food proposal reinterprets iconic dishes of the era, such as Fettuccine Alfredo, Shrimp Cocktail, Russian Salad and Simmenthal, using modern techniques and offering both finger food and full portions.
Signature cocktails are inspired by celebrities of the 1960s, allowing guests to toast “in the company” of icons such as Marilyn, Frank, Sophia, Marcello, Calimero and Carmencita, for a true plunge into the past among flavors and suggestions.
Where: Piazza delle Vaschette 13, tel. 06 6860 0849. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 5-10 p.m. The price does not have a fixed formula, to give you an idea, if you take 2 cocktails and 2 dishes you will spend about 20 euros each.
Parlor 42
One place we feel like recommending for cocktail 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 panoramic views 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, a 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’s the Vegetarian at 16 euros with Roscioli bread cicchetto, crispy vegetable spaghetti, marinated with Trapanese pesto and stracciatella pugliese, planted veggy bbq pulled burger with aioli sauce, quinoa croquette with truffled yogurt sauce, trio of Chickpea Hummus (avocado, sun-dried tomatoes & red turnip).
Then the Monti and Mare formulas, both at 18 euros.
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