The 10 best cocktail bars in Verona
The drinking spots not to miss in the city of Romeo and Juliet
Verona needs no introduction when it comes to wine lists, but what about cocktails? A city of this calibre, with its increasingly vibrant nightlife, was bound to ride the cocktail wave and become a benchmark for Veneto mixology. If you are looking for refined and original drinks and spots with panoramic city views, this list is for you. Here is the definitive guide to the best cocktail bars in Verona: 10 addresses to note down, photograph, memorise and, above all, try.
The Soda Jerk
Vicolo Quadrelli, 5
In the heart of the Verona nightlife, this venue is a staple for discerning drinkers. Just one bridge away from Juliet’s house, it might easily go unnoticed at first glance. There are no signs outside, and you have to ring a bell to get in. Step across the threshold, however, and you are welcomed into an old-school atmosphere. Owners Tommy and Claudio guide you back to Prohibition-era speakeasies through classic and reinvented cocktails. Proof lies in their Amarincuore, a twist on the classic Americano cocktail enriched with nori seaweed, almonds and black salt. Trust them and their motto: Soda Jerk is ‘the cure for everything’.
Archivio
Via Rosa, 3
Archivio has come a long way since 2014, turning first-time visitors into loyal regulars. Run by a young, passionate team, this compact cocktail bar constantly devises new combinations. Creativity is their winning strength, seen across the ingredients and playful cocktail names. Who could resist a Repubblica delle Banane, or turn down an Amor y Amargo? The bar is always busy, so order an Alta Velocità and enjoy the blend of Rabarbaro Zucca, grapefruit and peated whisky.
Frizzante Lab
Via Marconi, 15
In Verona’s temple of cocktails, 10 simple rules apply: 10 commandments of FRIZZANTE LAB. One rule stands above the rest, rule number 2: ‘Do not ask us for wine, Spritz, Hugo or the like after 9pm’. Simple, isn’t it? At this cocktail bar, things get serious. Molecular cocktails, seaweed and birch wood infusions will satisfy even the most eccentric palates. And fans of a classic gin and tonic need not worry: the gin corner features more than 300 different bottles, and owners Luca and Marco will gladly talk you through every one.
Dal Medico
Piazza delle Erbe, 26
If you feel unwell after dinner in Verona, head to Dal Medico: ‘it cures thirst until 3am’. You will not have to search far, as this sharp, contemporary venue sits right on Piazza delle Erbe, the beating heart of Verona. You can take a seat inside or out, but the venue’s true gem is the basement: a bookable secret room reminiscent of a Batcave, perfect for sipping your favourite drinks. And do not miss the concoction tailored to discerning locals, blending prosecco grappa, agave syrup and lime.
A.M.E.N.
Viale dei Colli, 27
Presentation matters, and A.M.E.N. understands that completely. This panoramic cocktail bar with kitchen offers one of the most spectacular views in Verona. Set on the Torricelle hills near the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Lourdes, it gazes out over the city lights in a genuinely romantic setting. Since opening, it has become a firm fixture of summer evenings. The name is no coincidence: the bar sits on land owned by a religious congregation, though the acronym stands for Alimentazione Mercatoenologia Non convenzionale. Just as unconventional is their Americano, crafted with ginger beer, sage and lemon.
Nobis Café Sant’Egidio
Via Sant’Egidio, 16 e Via Fama, 2
At this cocktail bar you get double the choice: two addresses, double the fun and two cocktail lists. The best approach is to visit one and then the other, just to be sure. Nobis Café delivers quality drinks alongside music-filled evenings, thanks to regular themed events and live music. The cocktail list is refined, and to stay with the musical theme, do not miss the Radio Freccia: amaro mix, vermouth mix and dill gin.
Grande Giove Cocktail Bar
Via Seghe S. Tommaso
‘What I had in mind was an elegant, informal yet high-quality bar, where you can drink well with friends and meet new ones’. These are the words of Giove’s owner, who after years spent in Copenhagen decided to bring a touch of hygge spirit to Verona. The atmosphere is warm and cosy, with almost domestic furnishings: like drinking in a bar while staying at home, only drinking much better, to a vinyl-only soundtrack of niche tunes. Feeling relaxed already? Order a Sazerac: whiskey, absinthe, sugar and Peychaud’s bitters. As they describe it, a drink for meditation.
Amaro Verona
Stradone San Fermo, 5
A café and cocktail bar with a stylish vintage feel. Set slightly away from the bustle of the centre, the first floor brings to mind a ’70s film, complete with dark brown leather sofas and prints on the walls. Downstairs, the space shifts into a post-industrial setting with an intimate, almost secret vibe. The cocktails match the mood: well-made, elegant and understated.
Rivamancina
Vicolo Quadrelli, 1
There is nothing you cannot do at Rivamancina. After aperitivo hours and live music sessions, cocktail time begins: sparkling, photogenic and outgoing, mirroring the vibe of the venue. If you had to pick a drink capturing all the good energy of Rivamancina, it would be their signature cocktail Bijoux: vodka, Passoã liqueur, pineapple juice, lime and passion fruit. Caliente!
Sció Rum
Via Sant’Alessio, 46
A restaurant and pop cocktail bar: vibrant, fun and colourful. Trailing plants and bright prints bring to mind Mexico or a Caribbean holiday with a daiquiri on the beach. Who would have thought you could spend an evening in Haiti while staying in Verona? Order a Cacao Meravigliao at Sciò Rum and let yourself drift away with its blend of chocolate gin, thyme, passion fruit and vanilla infusion.
