In Italy, the aperitivo is a real ritual.
What is this moment so loved by Italians? It is not just a drink before dinner, but a perfect excuse to socialize, relax and nibble on something good before dinner. Let’s discover the best aperitivo in Rome!
A bit of history: where did the aperitivo originate?
The origin of the aperitivo has its roots in ancient Rome, where people used to drink a sort of spiced wine before meals to open up the stomach. But the modern version of the aperitivo was officially born in Turin. In 1786 Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented vermouth, a wine flavored with herbs that immediately became a success among the Piedmontese nobles. The idea spread throughout Italy, transforming from a simple drink to a convivial moment. In the 1920s and 1930s the aperitivo became popular in the cafés of big cities like Milan, where it is still considered the capital of the Italian aperitivo.
What is the aperitivo today?
The word aperitivo comes from the Latin aperire, meaning to open, because it has the task of opening the stomach before dinner. Today an aperitivo can be a thousand different things. A simple glass of spritz with some olives and chips. A real buffet called apericena, (a cross between an aperitivo and dinner). But the important thing is not how much or what you eat: it is the moment itself that counts. It is a break from the day, an opportunity to meet up with friends or even just to relax a bit.
The most popular drinks for the aperitivo
The most typical Italian aperitivo drinks? Spritz, of course, but also Negroni, Americano, Campari Soda or a more classic prosecco. Those who don’t like alcohol can opt for a crodino, the most famous non-alcoholic drink in Italy. Or for a red bitter, bitter rosso, served with a slice of orange.
The best aperitivo in Rome
If you are in Rome you cannot miss trying some of the best aperitivi in the Capital. Below are some addresses to enjoy some of the best aperitivo in Rome. Here you can enjoy a top cocktail between a walk and a carbonara.
Freni e Frizioni (Via del Politeama, 4) – Cocktail bar with a very welcoming atmosphere and a beautiful street-level terrace where you can enjoy an aperitivo when the weather is nice. It is located inside an old car workshop and the cocktails are among the best in Rome.
Bar San Calisto (Piazza San Calisto, 3) – One of the cheapest aperitivo and very popular with young people a stone’s throw from Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Latteria Trastevere (Vicolo della Scala,1) – Small place in Trastevere with an excellent selection of wines and cured meats.
The Vista Rooftop Club (Via di Torre Argentina, 76) – Panoramic rooftop a few steps from the Pantheon.
Ciao (Vicolo di San Celso, 8) – An innovative space in the center of Rome, a grocery store that offers an informal and convivial experience where quality food is the focus.
Angelina a Testaccio (Via Galvani, 24a) – Restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Testaccio in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.
Come with us and take part in one of our food and wine tours around Rome. You won’t regret it!
