The best places for an aperitif in Rome
Top spots in the Eternal City for the perfect Italian aperitif
Marked by the clinking of glasses and a vibrant atmosphere, the aperitif is the ultimate ritual for enjoying time with friends, as daylight fades and reflects off the city rooftops in a glorious sunset. It’s a moment of relaxation and unwinding after a busy day, pairing expertly mixed cocktails with delicious bites to awaken the senses.
In Rome, selecting from the countless venues within the city’s bustling food and beverage scene can be quite a challenge. Here, we’ve carefully chosen the best spots for an aperitif in Rome, featuring breathtaking terraces, hidden courtyards, wine bars, milk bars, and exotic tiki bars. Try them all and pick your favourite destination!
Stravinskij Bar | Hotel de Russie
Via del Babuino, 9
Located within the Hotel de Russie, the Stravinskij Bar is one of Rome’s most charming venues: an elegant cocktail bar where old-world sophistication meets modern flair. The drink menu, curated by professional bartender Fulvio Pierangelini and his team, features both classic cocktails and exciting new creations. Start your Italian aperitif with a Stravinskij Spritz – a fruitier twist on the traditional recipe – and soak in the refined atmosphere of this urban oasis.
Marco Martini Cocktail Bar
Viale Aventino, 121
With its winter garden and Art Nouveau-inspired terrace in the heart of the Eternal City, Marco Martini’s bar is a magical realm of flavours, where Roman authenticity blends with international traditions. This is the perfect spot for an unconventional aperitivo, with gourmet bites and unique cocktails tailored to a special menu, an ideal balance of taste and presentation.
The Court
Via Labicana, 125
Located in the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel, a favourite for international travellers thanks to its prime location and Michelin-starred restaurant, Aroma, The Court is an exclusive cocktail bar overlooking the Colosseum. Under the direction of Matteo Zed, a master in mixology, this venue offers both classic and signature cocktails prepared with innovative techniques.
Il Goccetto
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
A must-visit for Rome’s wine lovers, Il Goccetto is one of the city’s historic wine bars. Situated within an 18th-century building, it houses hundreds of wine labels, so many that it’s almost impossible to know the exact count. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of local, national, and international wines to savour with friends at No. 14 Via dei Banchi Vecchi.
Chorus Cafè
Via della Conciliazione 4
Legend has it that Rome’s best Martini is served at Chorus Café. This modern spot combines a sophisticated restaurant helmed by Chef Andrea Sangiuliano with a lively cocktail bar where Massimo D’Addezio crafts innovative drinks. The drink list is a treasure trove of creative offerings that blend classic house specials with inventive concoctions, perfect for stepping out of your comfort zone, accompanied by delightful nibbles from the kitchen.
Magazzino Scipioni
Via degli Scipioni, 30
Minimalist spaces, exposed concrete, and high ceilings are the hallmarks of this venue, echoing the transformation of this old building, which once served as a roasting house and later a warehouse. Now a wine bar in Prati, Magazzino Scipioni offers an extensive wine list, carefully selected by the knowledgeable staff to showcase the best of the region. It’s the ideal spot for a tempting aperitivo with charcuterie boards and fine wines, constantly rotated.
Locarno Bar
Via della Penna, 22
Time seems to stand still at the Hotel Locarno Bar, with its Art Deco touches that transport you to another era. Bringing you back to the present, however, are the creative drinks by renowned mixologist Nicholas Pinna, who crafts a unique sensory experience with each cocktail, served with delicious snacks. Enjoy a perfect evening with stunning views over the domes of Piazza del Popolo and Trinità dei Monti.
Coropuna
Via di Pietralata, 149/B
Sip on a Pisco Sour or a Copacabana made to perfection, enjoy an Peruvian Tiraditon and Causas aperitif, or try unconventional sushi rolls, all while soaking in the atmosphere of a tropical beach. Coropuna is the city’s ultimate tiki and fusion bar, blending exotic dining and drinking experiences in a lively setting filled with colourful decor and baskets of tropical fruits. An artfully designed retreat of wood and bamboo, Coropuna is a place to escape, if only for a moment, from urban life.
Latteria Garbatella
Piazza Geremia Bonomelli, 9
This innovative spot was conceived by a pair of friends who transformed Rome’s first milk bar with eco-friendly materials. Now a bistro and cocktail bar, Latteria Garbatella ranks among Italy’s top 50 bars and is a leader in local and national food and drink. Every item here follows a green philosophy that respects the environment; take a peek at the drink list and try an “Elisir,” a cocktail infused with health-boosting ingredients grown locally on the terrace, paired with fresh tartares and carpaccios.
Ketumbar
Via Galvani, 24
Ketumbar’s bio aperitif is one of the most loved in the Testaccio neighbourhood. Beneath Monte dei Cocci, in a cosy, youthful setting, you’ll find a generous selection of fresh, wholesome options, from couscous and vegetable flans to homemade focaccia, salads, and hearty vegetarian dishes. Inspired by ancient cooking methods and mindful of seasonal ingredients, Ketumbar pairs artisanal beers, fine wines, and refreshing cocktails, each infused with fruity, floral, and spicy notes.
