The aperitivo, a trend born in the northeast and popularized by Milan, has been popular across the peninsula for years, including Rome. The happy hour that started as a simple glass of wine or spritz can become an occasion for a full dinner. Not just snacks and drinks: many bars now offer such a wide buffet of tasty foods that you might skip dinner altogether. This is how apericena was born! But what are the best apericena spots in Rome?
Whether you're a local or a visitor, you can't miss the aperitivo in the Capital. No matter the day of the week, from 6 to 9 pm, Romans love to indulge in this delightful ritual: they leave work and meet up with friends to have a drink and nibble on delicious food. From wine to beer to cocktails, the drink selection is vast and also includes non-alcoholic options. If you're in Rome for a day or a weekend, follow our tips and take note of these bars offering delicious drinks, tasty food, and the perfect evening of socializing in good company.
The Best Places for Aperitivo in Rome
Doppio Zeroo
This bar with a strong personality is located in the Ostiense district, in South Rome, and offers one of the best aperitivos in the city (if you arrive early).
Don't miss the assortment of dishes, ranging from succulent pasta and vegetables to rice and all kinds of grains. Doppio Zeroo also has excellent desserts, including Nutella pizza. In short, a truly complete apericena!
The cocktails are creative and there's a wide wine list including many sparkling wines (French and Italian) to satisfy your taste buds.
Momart
The king of all aperitivos and apericenas in Rome is definitely Momart, which serves a truly abundant buffet with a wide variety.
This contemporary restaurant has an overflowing buffet with all kinds of imaginable foods, including pasta salads, mini sandwiches, vegetable pies, frittatas, rotating pizzas, and even desserts.
Moreover, it is located near Piazza Bologna, offering the chance to mingle with a local crowd in a fresh environment. Dive in!
Freni e Frizioni
Freni e Frizioni is among the most famous spots for aperitivo and apericena in Rome. This old garage (rightly named 'Freni e Frizioni') serves delicious cocktails and has a plentiful buffet of foods ranging from pasta and grains to fruits and vegetables.
It's great for vegetarians, but meat lovers can also be sure to leave well-fed. Located in the lively Trastevere district, it attracts a mixed crowd of expats, tourists, and locals, and the large terrace offers an inviting place to stay out late.
Gianfornaio
With multiple locations around the city, Il Gianfornaio is a great bet for a truly satisfying aperitivo. This bakery serves incredible bread, pizzas of all kinds, and savory tarts during its unlimited evening buffet, making it a perfect choice for the carb lover in you.
The bakery is open all day and is a nice option for an informal breakfast, a lunch or a quick snack in between. And, of course, for your apericena in Rome.
In the heart of the Eternal City, Il Gianfornaio not only satisfies the palate with its delicacies but also offers a cozy and relaxing environment to enjoy your meals. Its locations, strategically distributed in the liveliest neighborhoods, feature warm and inviting interiors, perfect for a break from the city's hustle and bustle.
Every visit is an experience beyond just eating: here, passion for tradition and innovation blend in every dish, making each bite a journey through authentic and genuine flavors. It's not uncommon to see regular customers chatting with the bakers, exchanging smiles and tips on which delights to try. If you're looking for a place to feel at home, pampered by enveloping aromas and unforgettable tastes, Il Gianfornaio is undoubtedly your ideal destination.
Panella
Panella is another fabulous bakery with all kinds of bread and pizzas, plus fish bites, savory mousses, croquettes, and quiches.
It's an upscale spot (don't worry, the price matches) but worth stopping by for its quality ingredients and pleasant atmosphere. Located near Piazza Vittorio, Panella is somewhat of an anomaly in the neighborhood and provides a refined oasis with plenty of outdoor seating under an extended canopy.
Panella's elegant and modern interiors do not disappoint, with neatly arranged shelves displaying a wide range of artisanal products. The inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and fragrant pizzas fills the air, creating a complete sensory experience. The staff, always friendly and helpful, is ready to recommend the day's specialties and meet every culinary need. Don't miss the stuffed focaccias, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering an explosion of flavors in every bite. Panella is the ideal place for a tasty lunch break, a relaxed brunch, or a sophisticated aperitivo with friends and family.
La Zanzara
This trendy spot is just a few steps from the Vatican and serves a generous aperitivo: directly to you, in bite-sized portions.
With its wide range of sodas, bottled beers, and classic Italian drinks, you're sure to find something you like on the drink menu; then sit back as the waiters bring you dozens of delicious little treats to accompany your drink.
In the evening, La Zanzara fills up with professionals coming here for a post-work Spritz and savory mignardises, giving you a perfect feel of Rome's chic Prati neighborhood.
Located on Via Crescenzio, just steps from Piazza Cavour and Piazza del Risorgimento, La Zanzara is definitely one of Rome's trendiest bars and restaurants.
Be warned: don't arrive after 6:30 pm, or you won't find a free table. From 6:30 to 8:30 pm, they serve their happy hour finger foods at the table, where you can choose from a variety of small portions of finger food, from zucchini flower tempura to eggplant parmigiana and other creative recipes, while sipping your cocktail, wine, or beer.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and the atmosphere is very fashionable.
La Zanzara is not just a place for an aperitivo but a culinary experience that extends late into the evening. With its soft lighting and lively atmosphere, it's the ideal spot for an informal dinner or a romantic meeting. The dinner menu offers a selection of dishes combining tradition and innovation: from classic Italian pastas to fresh fish and high-quality meat dishes. Each dish is prepared with local, seasonal ingredients, ensuring freshness and authentic flavor.
Don't miss the homemade desserts, which are the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable evening. And if you're a wine lover, La Zanzara's cellar won't disappoint with its excellent selection of Italian and international labels. For those who prefer something stronger, the expert bartenders are ready to craft bespoke cocktails using high-quality spirits and cutting-edge techniques. La Zanzara is more than just a venue: it's a landmark for those seeking a complete gastronomic experience in the heart of Rome.
Sorpasso
Hidden on a small side street off Via Crescenzio, just steps from Via Cola di Rienzo and Piazza Cavour in the Prati district, you'll find this charming shabby-chic spot.
Cozy, intimate, and stylish are the best adjectives to describe this bar frequented at all hours of the day. But the best time to visit Sorpasso is, of course, during aperitivo, for an apericena where you can sip velvety red wines and taste knife-cut, zero-kilometer cured meats and cheeses. There is both indoor and outdoor seating; the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with stacks of wine bottles, hanging hams, vaulted brick ceilings, and a pleasant vibe.
A warning: this place is always full, so don't come here after 6:30 pm for aperitivo. If you can't find a table, you can always order a glass at the bar and enjoy it outside!
The clientele is varied and cosmopolitan: from young professionals seeking relaxation after a busy day to artists and creatives looking for inspiration, to tourists eager to taste authentic Roman flavors. The staff is friendly and attentive, ready to recommend the perfect wine to accompany your platter or suggest a daily special that highlights local flavors.
The soft lighting and vintage details create a unique atmosphere, almost suspended in time, where it's easy to forget the city's hustle and immerse yourself in an evening of conversation and good food. If you're lucky, you might also catch a themed evening or a live music performance, adding an extra touch of magic to this already special place.
Sottosopra
If you're looking for a relaxing aperitivo in Trastevere, look no further. Sottosopra, located just outside Piazza Trilussa, is one of the best places for apericena in Rome.
Wine barrels used as tables, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious focaccias await you. The menu offers a variety of foods, from pastas and carpaccios to tasty burgers and focaccias with bresaola, mortadella, and more. Definitely order the one with bresaola and arugula!
The wine selection, though small, is very good, not to mention the expertly crafted cocktails.
Ready for a Roman apericena? Visit the best spots, order a glass of wine, and let yourself be enchanted by the Eternal City during happy hour!