Everything You Should Know About Aperitivo: Rome’s Pre-Dinner Tradition

Rome, like much of Italy, truly comes alive after dark. Dinner often begins around 10 p.m. and can stretch well into the night. But what’s a traveler to do when the sights are closed and dinner is still hours away? Embrace the local custom: enjoy an aperitivo.

Originating in northern cities such as Milan and Turin, the aperitivo involves sipping a light drink or two with friends, accompanied by small bites like salami, cheese, olives, chips, or the classic taralli before dinner. It’s akin to a more relaxed American happy hour.

Similar to happy hour, many aperitivo spots now feature discounted drinks and a free or low-cost snack spread. While some places offer less-than-stellar buffets of stale sandwiches and ordinary salads, savvy diners will look for Rome’s top aperitivo venues — often full restaurants — where the snacks (such as charcuterie and cheese) are high-quality and paired with excellent wine, craft beer, or cocktails. Just be sure not to overindulge before your late dinner.

Essential Tips

What to DrinkThe classic aperitivo drink is the spritz — a refreshing mix of prosecco, a bitter liqueur like Aperol or Campari, and club soda. While many Romans still enjoy their vibrant spritzes, some of Rome's trendier cocktail spots might prefer you try something more unique. For a change, opt for a gin and tonic made with Italian gin such as Malfy or Bordiga for a less predictable choice.

To Pay or Not to Pay?It's often unclear whether the snacks are included with your drink or if they must be paid for separately. Feel free to ask the bartender or server to clarify this for you.

Where to SitDuring pleasant weather, many bars offer outdoor seating that extends into the street. These spots are popular, so arriving early (around 7 p.m.) increases your chances of getting a table outside. While it’s common to see locals taking their drinks to the streets, note that drinking from open containers is typically restricted after 10 p.m., and regulations can vary by area. Some places with full dinner options allow reservations, but it's usually best to book only if you plan to stay and dine.

Where to GoThis guide to local aperitivo spots is organized by neighborhood to help you easily find a convenient place to enjoy a drink before your 9 p.m. dinner.

Trastevere

La Punta Expendio de AgaveThis vibrant Mexican-inspired bar and restaurant in the tranquil part of Trastevere focuses on mezcal and tequila. Adorned with colorful tablecloths and murals, it offers creative cocktails like the El Pueblo Mágico (mezcal, vermouth, vanilla, Licor de Damiana, bitters) and micheladas, along with nachos, tacos, and tostadas. On Sundays, enjoy aperitivo from 5 to 11 p.m. with live DJ performances. Via di Santa Cecilia, 8, 00153 Rome

SantoNestled in a quiet corner, this charming restaurant and cocktail bar features modern Moroccan-inspired décor with stone walls and lush greenery. Savor the Italians Do It Bitter cocktail, which blends Campari, basil-infused vermouth, gin, and bergamot liqueur, or let bartender Ilaria Sbal surprise you. Complimentary olives and peanuts are available, but don’t miss out on the delicious homemade potato chips. Via della Paglia, 40, 00153 Rome

Centro

Il GoccettoStep into this charming enoteca, a beloved spot for wine aficionados, which has been serving fine wines to Romans and visitors for decades. Despite the impressive array of high-end bottles, there are plenty of affordable choices and wines by the glass. Enjoy traditional snacks like canapes, pickles, and salumi. Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Rome

Mercerie High Street FoodChef Igles Corelli curates the menu at this contemporary restaurant, formerly a textiles shop. The décor blends minimalist and opulent elements, with golden frames and tufted wallpaper. Enjoy small plates and bite-sized treats like crunchy “lasagna dumplings” and exquisite smoked salmon, ideal for pairing with a cocktail or wine. Via S. Nicola de’ Cesarini, 4/5, 00186 Rome

Pantaleo-Food Wine MixologyJust steps from Piazza Navona, this stylish Mytoury caters to both cocktail enthusiasts and raw seafood lovers. The ground floor features a long communal table and a vibrant mural of Santo Pantaleo and Count Negroni enjoying his namesake cocktail. The mezzanine offers a more intimate setting. Menu highlights include raw oysters, cheese, salami, smoked fish, and raw seafood platters. Piazza di San Pantaleo, 4, 00186 Rome

ZumaExperience chef Rainer Becker’s izakaya-inspired cuisine at Zuma, located on the fifth-floor terrace of the luxurious Palazzo Fendi. This elegant venue offers a sophisticated aperitivo with Japanese-Mediterranean fusion drinks and dishes like fried calamari and sea bass crudo. Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48, 00186 Rome

Campo de Fiori

Barnum CafeStep into this charming bistro with its stone walls and comfy sofas. Barnum Cafe blends fine cocktails, a selection of wines, and tasty fried snacks like anchovies, artichokes, and eggplant croquettes. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., it also features local art exhibits and guest bartenders. Via del Pellegrino, 87, 00186 Rome

Open Baladin RomaDive into Italy’s craft beer scene at this lively pub founded by Teo Musso. With a ground floor showcasing a wall of beer bottles and intimate upstairs rooms, it’s perfect for enjoying draft beer and fresh chips with mayo or cheese and pepper. Via degli Specchi, 6, 00186 Rome

Monti

Al Vino Al VinoEnjoy a glass of wine paired with taralli, focaccia, and a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie at this cozy, unpretentious enoteca. Known for its focus on small, independent wine producers, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Via dei Serpenti, 19, 00184 Rome

Sacripante GalleryThis chic cocktail bar and art gallery combines retro flair with a relaxed ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a nightcap or aperitivo. Settle into a plush sofa or designer chair and savor expertly crafted drinks with simple snacks like olives and crisps. On Wednesdays, enjoy a tarot card reading. Via Panisperna, 59, 00184 Rome

Prati

L’Osteria di Birra del BorgoAs a pioneer in Italy’s craft beer scene, Birra del Borgo’s brewery-restaurant offers a standout experience with its elegant decor featuring leather sofas and a grand beer bar. Enjoy a full dinner menu from the acclaimed chef Gabriele Bonci or drop by for a craft brew, beer cocktail, and a crisp pizza slice. Via Silla, 26a, 00192 Rome

Sogno AutarchicoFounded by seasoned sommelier Gianni Ruggiero, this cozy wine bar and bistro offers an array of wines by the glass, accompanied by Ligurian focaccia, homemade farinata (chickpea pancakes), and assorted cheese and salami platters. Via Properzio, 23, 00193 Rome

SorpassoThis lively hotspot is perpetually bustling with trendsetters and is a favorite for both dinner and aperitivo. With prosciutto displayed in the window and a superb selection of wines and sliced meats, it’s also renowned for Rome’s signature cone-shaped pizza pockets, the trapizzino. Via Properzio, 31, 00193 Rome

Testaccio

Taverna VolpettiWhen the new owners took over Testaccio’s renowned Volpetti grocery, they also opened a charming bistro and wine bar right next door. Enjoy the same excellent selection of cheeses, salami, and wines, alongside a menu featuring dishes like spaghetti with raw shrimp and lime or a poached egg with potato cream. Via Alessandro Volta, 8, 00153 Rome

San Lorenzo

Il SorìNestled in the vibrant and sometimes chaotic student district of San Lorenzo, this cozy enoteca offers a serene retreat with top-notch quality. Sit at the counter or a wooden table and let owner Pasquale Livieri recommend a fine wine to pair with Cantabrian anchovies, charcuterie, and other Neapolitan specialties. Via dei Volsci, 51, 00185 Rome

MozzicoThis relaxed risto-pub specializes in craft beer, perfect for pairing with house-made potato chips, inventive bruschette, cheese spreads, and small tapas-style snacks available for just one or two euros each. The bright and simple decor complements the casual vibe. Via dei Volsci, 80, 00185 Rome

San Giovanni

BarredRun by the dynamic duo of chef Tiziano and sommelier Mirko Palucci, this spot offers a blend of sophisticated, modern dishes alongside craft beers, natural wines, inventive cocktails, and specialty coffee. Perfect for both dinner and aperitivo, Barred features an excellent drink selection and a variety of bruschette and tapas. Enjoy your experience on the open-air patio during the summer. Via Cesena, 30, 00182 Rome

Blind PigHidden behind a wooden door and large glass windows, this speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar serves a fantastic array of drinks including craft beers, champagne, and creative cocktails. Pair your drink with gourmet pizzas and fried snacks, and enjoy a complimentary slice of focaccia starting from 6:30 each evening. Via La Spezia, 72, 00182 Rome

Pigneto

La Santeria Pizzicheria-BistrotElegantly perched in the vibrant Pigneto district, La Santeria stands out with its classic bistro ambiance featuring checkerboard floors, vintage mirrors, and a marble bar. Enjoy a selection of oysters, charcuterie, and cheeses, paired with a broad range of natural wines, premium spirits, and cocktails. Via del Pigneto, 213, 00176 Rome

MezzoThis cozy bar at the start of Pigneto’s main pedestrian street is known for its vermouth, but it also offers a variety of aperitifs including Cynar spritzes, Negronis, and wines by the glass from organic and biodynamic vineyards. Although Mezzo doesn’t have a full kitchen, it serves a selection of cold snacks, some with discounts until 9 p.m. Via del Pigneto, 19, 00176 Rome

VignetoAt Vigneto, you’ll find over 15 wines available by the glass and hundreds more by the bottle in a snug, bohemian setting. The friendly staff will enhance your experience as you enjoy a mixed board of cheeses and salumi. Piazza dei Condottieri, 26/27, 00176 Rome

Centocelle

MazzoWith only one communal table, Mazzo is one of Rome’s tiniest dining spots, yet its acclaim stems from the exceptional dishes crafted by Francesca Barreca and Marco Baccanelli. Before dinner, enjoy an aperitivo featuring a superb selection of natural wines, artisanal gin and tonics, and crispy fries. Via delle Rose, 54, 00171 Rome

PeccatiEstablished in 2001, well ahead of the current buzz in this offbeat neighborhood, Peccati is a cherished spot for pre-dinner drinks. Enjoy international wines by the glass, craft beers, and light snacks like bruschetta and salumi, perfect for a relaxed evening. Via delle Albizzie, 12, 00172 Rome

Luciana Squadrilli is a Rome-based freelance food and travel journalist and food critic, and she runs pizzaontheroad.