Aperitivo is one of Italy’s most beloved traditions.
Part social ritual, part pre-dinner drink, and part excuse to slow down after a busy day of sightseeing, aperitivo is when Romans gather with friends, family, or colleagues to enjoy a drink and a few bites before dinner.
Unlike a traditional happy hour, aperitivo is less about discounts and more about atmosphere. The goal is not to drink as much as possible but to enjoy good company, good food, and the transition from day to evening.
Typical aperitivo hours: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Popular drinks
- Aperol Spritz
- Negroni
- Americano
- A glass of wine
- Crodino, a non-alcoholic Italian aperitif
Like our breakfast and gelato guides, this is not intended to be a definitive ranking of Rome’s aperitivo scene. Instead, these five recommendations offer different experiences, helping visitors narrow down the options without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Il Goccetto
Perfect for: A classic Roman wine bar experience
Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, Rome
Nearest landmark: Campo de’ Fiori
Hidden behind an unassuming doorway, Il Goccetto is one of Rome’s most beloved historic wine bars. Wooden shelves packed with bottles, candlelit tables, and a timeless atmosphere make it feel wonderfully authentic.
What To Order
- A glass of Italian wine
- Cheese board
- Salumi platter, a selection of cured meats
Good to know: This is not a buffet-style aperitivo. Food is generally ordered separately from the drinks, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers looking for quality rather than quantity.
Why visit: Few places feel more authentically Roman than Il Goccetto.
2. Ai Tre Scalini
Perfect for: A cosy evening in Monti
Address: Via Panisperna, 251, Rome
Nearest landmark: Rione Monti
A historic bottiglieria with a relaxed atmosphere and a loyal local following. It is the sort of place where you can easily lose track of time over a glass of wine and a few small plates.
What To Order
- House wine
- Polpette al sugo, meatballs in tomato sauce
- Ricotta with honey and walnuts
- Focaccia
Good to know: Simply ordering a drink and asking for aperitivo is usually enough. The staff will often suggest or bring some of the day’s specialties, making it one of the easiest and most traditional aperitivo experiences in Rome.
Why visit: Warm, welcoming, and full of local character.
3. La Prosciutteria
Perfect for: The ultimate Roman sharing board
Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 21, Rome
Nearest landmark: Campo de’ Fiori
If your ideal aperitivo involves a giant wooden board overflowing with food, this is the place.
The atmosphere is informal, lively, and entirely focused on excellent ingredients.
What To Order
- Tagliere Speciale della Casa, the house sharing board
- A glass of wine
- Craft beer
Good to know: Most people come specifically for the giant house board. Simply tell the staff how many people are sharing and they will prepare a generous selection of porchetta, pecorino, bruschette, cured meats, and other local specialties.
Why visit: One of the most satisfying and visually impressive aperitivo experiences in Rome.
4. Il Marchese
Perfect for: Roman food and cocktails
Address: Via di Ripetta, 162, Rome
Nearest landmark: Piazza del Popolo
Il Marchese combines a sophisticated cocktail bar with a genuine appreciation for Roman cuisine.
It is one of the few places where the food can be just as memorable as the drinks.
What To Order
- Negroni
- Suppli, a Roman fried rice ball
- Baccala fritto, fried cod
- Roman tasting bites
Good to know: Food is ordered separately rather than arriving automatically with drinks. Think of it as a cocktail bar that serves excellent Roman food rather than a traditional aperitivo buffet.
Why visit: A fantastic choice if you are looking for a slightly more refined aperitivo experience.
5. Les Etoiles Rooftop
Perfect for: Sunset views over Rome
Address: Via dei Bastioni, 1, Rome
Nearest landmark: St. Peter’s Basilica
Sometimes the view is part of the experience.
Les Etoiles offers one of the most spectacular aperitivo settings in Rome, with panoramic views stretching across the city and St. Peter’s Basilica dominating the skyline.
What To Order
- Aperol Spritz
- Prosecco
- Signature cocktail
Good to know: Small snacks may accompany your drinks, but most visitors come here for the rooftop setting rather than a substantial food offering.
Why visit: One of the most beautiful places in Rome to watch the city transition from day to night.
Honourable Mentions
Rome has no shortage of excellent aperitivo spots, and a few others came very close to making this list.
Salotto 42
For stylish cocktails opposite the Temple of Hadrian.
Freni e Frizioni
For a lively aperitivo in Trastevere surrounded by locals and visitors alike.
Il Sorpasso
A great option near the Vatican with quality local products and generous platters.
Le Terrazze al Colosseo
For aperitivo with unforgettable views of the Colosseum.
Final Thoughts
Rome offers countless opportunities for aperitivo, and no single article could ever cover them all.
The goal of this guide is simply to make choosing easier.
Whether you prefer a historic wine bar, a giant sharing board loaded with Roman specialties, a sophisticated cocktail, or a rooftop sunset overlooking the Eternal City, these five places offer an excellent introduction to one of Italy’s most enjoyable traditions.
The best aperitivo is not necessarily the most expensive drink or the largest platter. It is finding a place you enjoy, ordering something you love, and taking a moment to slow down before dinner, just as Romans have done for generations.