Top 10 Aperitivo Bars in Rome to Unwind Like a Local

The Italian tradition of aperitivo is more than just a happy hour; it’s a cherished pre-dinner ritual designed to “open the appetite” and encourage social connection. In Rome, this translates to sipping a refreshing drink paired with delicious small bites, often in a lively square or with a stunning view.

Here’s a guide to 10 top aperitivo bars in Rome, offering a range of vibes from local haunts to sophisticated rooftops:

Understanding Roman Aperitivo:

Time: Generally from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Concept: You order a drink (often at a slightly higher price than during regular bar hours, usually €8-€15), and it comes with complimentary snacks.
Food: Snacks can range from simple olives and nuts to more elaborate buffets (apericena) with mini pizzas, pasta salads, cured meats, and cheeses. It’s usually meant to be a light bite, not a full meal.
Drinks: Popular choices include:
- Spritz: The ubiquitous orange-hued cocktail, most commonly Aperol Spritz (sweet, bitter orange) or Campari Spritz (more bitter, less sweet). Made with prosecco, a bitter liqueur, and a splash of soda.
- Negroni: A classic and stronger cocktail (gin, Campari, sweet vermouth).
- Prosecco or Local Wine: A crisp white or sparkling wine is always a good choice.
- Non-alcoholic options: Crodino (a bitter non-alcoholic aperitif) or fruit juices.
Vibe: Varies from casual and bustling to chic and exclusive.

Top 10 aperitiefbars in Rome om te ontspannen als een local

1. Freni e Frizioni

Drink Recs: Their innovative cocktails are a highlight, but a classic Spritz or Negroni is also perfectly made.
Small Plates: Famous for its generous and vegetarian-friendly buffet (often an apericena). Expect pasta salads, couscous, hummus, vegetables, and various dips.
Atmosphere: Lively, bustling, and perpetually packed with a young, local crowd. It’s in a former mechanic’s garage, giving it a cool, industrial-chic vibe. Plenty of outdoor seating in a small piazza.
Locals vs. Tourists: Heavily local, especially students and young professionals.
Location: Via del Politeama, 46 (Trastevere).
Tips: Arrive early (around 6:30 PM) to snag a good spot, especially if you want an outdoor table. The buffet is a real draw.
Affiliate Angle: Could be part of a Trastevere food tour focusing on local haunts.

2. Ai Tre Scalini

Drink Recs: An extensive wine list, featuring many regional Italian wines. Also offers classic cocktails.
Small Plates: Simple but delicious Roman appetizers like bruschetta, cured meats, and cheeses, often brought to your table.
Atmosphere: Rustic, cozy, and historic. This enoteca (wine bar) has been around for generations, with charming wooden interiors and outdoor tables on a sloping cobblestone street.
Locals vs. Tourists: Popular with both, but maintains an authentic, local feel.
Location: Via Panisperna, 251 (Monti).
Tips: Can get very crowded. If you want a table, arrive early. Great spot to soak in the Monti neighborhood’s bohemian vibe.

3. Salotto 42

Drink Recs: Known for its well-crafted cocktails and a good selection of wines.
Small Plates: Offers a more refined selection of finger foods, usually small plates with quality ingredients rather than a large buffet.
Atmosphere: Chic, sophisticated, and relaxed. Located right on Piazza di Pietra, it offers stunning views of the illuminated Temple of Hadrian. “Salotto” means living room, and it aims for that comfortable, stylish feel.
Locals vs. Tourists: A mix, but leans towards a more discerning local and international crowd.
Location: Piazza di Pietra, 42 (City Center).
Tips: Perfect for a more elegant aperitivo experience. Reservations might be recommended for prime evening spots.

4. Terrazza Borromini (Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj)

View: One of Rome’s most breathtaking rooftop views, overlooking Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the city’s iconic domes.
Drink Recs: Classic cocktails, a good wine list, and house signature drinks.
Small Plates: Usually a selection of gourmet finger foods, brought to your table.
Atmosphere: Very chic and exclusive. It’s on the top floor of a historic palazzo designed by Borromini. The vibe is sophisticated and perfect for a special occasion or a romantic evening.
Locals vs. Tourists: A mix, but attracts a high-end local crowd and those seeking a premium experience.
Location: Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30 (Piazza Navona).
Tips: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset. The view is the main attraction.
Affiliate Angle: Look for rooftop experiences that include aperitivo or cocktail tastings at luxury hotels.

5. Bar del Fico

Drink Recs: Standard Italian cocktails and a decent selection of wines.
Small Plates: Simple snacks like olives, chips, and sometimes small focaccia or pizzette.
Atmosphere: A true Roman classic. It’s famous for the fig tree outside, where locals gather, play chess, and socialize. The indoor space is charmingly rustic. It’s a lively, unpretentious spot.
Locals vs. Tourists: Predominantly local, especially in the early evening.
Location: Piazza del Fico, 34 (near Piazza Navona).
Tips: Find a spot outside under the fig tree if you can. It’s more about the authentic Roman atmosphere than a gourmet food spread.

6. Drink Kong

Drink Recs: Innovative, high-concept cocktails are their specialty. This is a mixology heaven.
Small Plates: More curated, high-quality small bites designed to complement their complex cocktails, rather than a buffet.
Atmosphere: Dark, moody, stylish, and futuristic with a touch of Japanese influence. It’s a destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts.
Locals vs. Tourists: Attracts a sophisticated local crowd and international cocktail lovers.
Location: Piazza di San Martino Ai Monti, 8 (Monti).
Tips: Go here if you prioritize exceptional cocktails over a large food spread. It’s a slightly different take on aperitivo.

7. Zuma Rome

View: Stunning panoramic views of the Rome skyline, including the Spanish Steps, from its rooftop location.
Drink Recs: Excellent Japanese-inspired cocktails, premium spirits, and wine.
Small Plates: Known for its high-quality Japanese izakaya-style snacks (e.g., tempura, sushi rolls, gyoza) that accompany drinks.
Atmosphere: Chic, trendy, and bustling, with a sophisticated international vibe. It’s on the fifth floor of Palazzo Fendi.
Locals vs. Tourists: A fashionable mix, popular with locals and high-end visitors.
Location: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48 (City Center, near Spanish Steps).
Tips: Reservations are highly recommended for the bar, especially if you want a good table with a view. Prices are higher due to the premium experience.

8. The Hole

Drink Recs: A good selection of beers on tap and classic cocktails, often with a fun, slightly divey feel.
Small Plates: Offers a simple, authentic aperitivo. Sometimes a small plate of olives or chips, occasionally more.
Atmosphere: A quirky, cozy, and unpretentious bar, popular with a young, alternative crowd. It has a slightly “hidden gem” feel despite being in Trastevere. Often has blankets to sit on the curb outside.
Locals vs. Tourists: Mostly local, a true Trastevere neighborhood spot.
Location: Via dei Vascellari, 16 (Trastevere).
Tips: Perfect for a relaxed, authentic Roman aperitivo experience without the frills.

9. Mama Ristobar (formerly Latta)

Drink Recs: Known for its craft beers on tap and a good selection of natural wines.
Small Plates: Offers well-curated small plates that are more substantial than typical bar snacks, often featuring creative takes on Roman ingredients.
Atmosphere: Industrial-chic interior with a relaxed, friendly vibe. It has a modern, slightly hipster feel.
Locals vs. Tourists: Attracts a cool local crowd.
Location: Via Crescenzo del Monte, 18 (Ostiense, near Piramide).
Tips: Great if you’re exploring the Ostiense street art district or looking for something off the main tourist path.

10. Terrazza Les Étoiles (Atlante Star Hotel)

View: Breathtaking 360-degree views of Rome, with an unparalleled close-up of St. Peter’s Basilica, particularly stunning at sunset.
Drink Recs: Classic cocktails, spirits, and wine. High-quality service.
Small Plates: Elegant finger foods that complement the upscale setting.
Atmosphere: Luxurious and exclusive. It’s a hotel rooftop, perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion.
Locals vs. Tourists: High-end clientele, a mix of hotel guests and locals celebrating.
Location: Via Giovanni Vitelleschi, 34 (Prati, near Castel Sant’Angelo).
Tips: Definitely book a table in advance, especially for sunset. Prices reflect the stunning view and upscale service.

Whether you prefer a casual street-side Spritz or a sophisticated cocktail with a panoramic view, Rome’s aperitivo scene offers a perfect way to unwind and soak in the city’s vibrant evening atmosphere. Consider an aperitivo tour to be guided to the best spots, or a cocktail tasting for an in-depth dive into Roman mixology. Salute!