The best aperitifs in Rome: 13 addresses not to be missed

Terraces and panoramic rooftops for an aperitif to remember in the Eternal City

Late afternoon in the prettiest little streets of the Eternal City. On the panoramic terraces of famous hotels and the most intimate and exclusive of outside spaces, the aperitif is a ritual that’s increasingly hard to ignore. In the gentle breeze of the Roman spring, the custom of sipping a great cocktail after the day’s work never goes out of fashion, and moves from one venue to the next, allowing us to explore the city with new eyes and brighter colours.

W ROME

W Rome resets the scene for luxury hotels in the Eternal City with its informal yet impeccable service and its magnetic energy. The perfect blend for the Italian duality of reverence for tradition and open challenge to the future of the city. Aperitivo Eterno at W Rome is available every day at Giardino Clandestino and W Lounge Bar from 6 pm and includes a wide range of specialities, from arancino with ragù and saffron or tomato and mozzarella to bread, panelle fritters, sfincione palermitano, savoury buns, tuna taco and much more! All accompanied by a cocktail list that’s designed to impress and ensure your evening is truly magical. (Via Liguria, 26/36 - ph. +39 06 894121).

W Lounge Bar - W Rome

LUMEN, COCKTAILS & CUISINE - THE ST.REGIS ROME

A popular meeting place at breakfast time, the perfect setting for a business lunch under the magnificent central dome, and an unmissably trendy aperitif spot, where the famous St. Regis Sabering ritual kicks off the evening, and through to after-dinner drinks. Lumen is a constant reference to light, the symbol of a place born to give a higher meaning to convivial drinking. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, Lumen, Cocktails & Cuisine invites Rome residents and international guests to discover The Lumen Society, the new favourite venue for connoisseurs of great cocktails and music lovers. Signature cocktails include the Roman Red Admiral version of the  Bloody Mary and the LUMEN, created with Champagne, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Electric Bitter (Via Vittorio E. Orlando, 3 - ph. +39 06 47091).

Lumen Bar - The St. Regis Rome

ZUMA

Warm lighting, a welcoming space, a variety of shapes and colours and magnificent views of Via Condotti and Trinità dei Monti. Zuma is one of the capital’s most glamorous venues, with an elegant bar and lounge on top of the iconic Palazzo Fendi. Its appeal arises from the combination of a constantly-changing menu, lively and professional service and unparalleled views of Rome’s rooftops and monuments. More than 500 international wines, delicious cocktails and Japanese dishes to share for an unforgettable evening. (Via della Fontanella Borghese, 48 - ph. +39 06 99266622).

Zuma

STRAVINSKIJ BAR - HOTEL DE RUSSIE 

In the delightful setting of the prestigious Hotel de Russie, Bar Stravinskij is one of Rome’s most fascinating gathering places. At sunset, when the scent of citrus and pine imbues the air, you can browse the sophisticated menu of classic and contemporary cocktails, choosing from extraordinary blends like the exclusive Stravinskij Spritz or an artisan Martini, prepared by expert bartenders in an elegant, chic atmosphere (Via del Babuino, 9 - ph. +39 06 32888874).

Stravinskij Bar - Hotel de Russie

GIARDINO BAR - HOTEL EDEN

At the Giardino Bar on the rooftop of Hotel Eden, you can relax on a sofa with fabulous aperitifs at sunset, a special moment when the Roman light paints the city roofs orange. The large windows and privileged position offer marvellous views of Rome’s greatest landmarks, and the Giardino Bar provides artisan cocktails inspired by the Eternal City, like the Ricordi di Roma, with Ketel One vodka, raspberries, pineapple and Veuve Clicquot rosé, or La Grande Bellezza, which combines the bitterness of tamarind-infused Aperitivo Rosato with the potency of Mezcal and adds a drop of Mandarin Bitters for a hint of citrus. Aperitifs are accompanied by a selection of cicchetti created by Executive Chef Fabio Ciervo (Via Ludovisi, 49 - ph. +39 06 8938 6470).

Giardino Bar - Hotel Eden

THE COURT - PALAZZO MANFREDI

A modern temple of mixology with views of the temples of classical Rome, the exclusive The Court cocktail bar at Palazzo Manfredi is updating the ritual of the aperitif with designer cocktails and innovative techniques. The Court enjoys exceptional views of the timeless wonder that is the Colosseum. An unparalleled setting that warmly welcomes guests and offers an experience that engages all the senses. (Via Labicana, 125 - ph.  +39 06 69354581).

The Court - Palazzo Manfredi

CIELO TERRACE - HOTEL DE LA VILLE

From dusk to dawn, the incredible rooftop Cielo Terrace at Hotel de la Villa is an enchanting place to admire the ancient skyline of the Eternal City. In the light of the setting sun, the aperitif is an unforgettable moment accompanied by superb wines and special dishes like the singular dim sum, inspired by traditional recipes. You can continue with a candlelit dinner under the stars, sampling the delicious menu and enjoying the atmosphere as you sip a special cocktail and admire the view. (Via Sistina, 69 - ph. +39 0697793716).

Cielo Terrace - Hotel de la Ville

J.K. PLACE ROMA

In Via di Monte D’Oro, a quiet side street away from the flows of tourists and the to and fro of the capital, we come to the J.K. Place Café, where aperitif time revolves around cocktails. Bold, sophisticated pairings that exalt the cult of Franciacorta, like Red Rain, made with Bellavista Grand Cuvée, Ratafià and orange juice, or the spectacular J.K. Sour: Amaretto di Saronno, passion fruit and orange juice served in a stemless Martini glass set in a tumbler of ice and berries. (Via di Monte d’Oro, 30 - ph. +39 06 982634).

J.K. Place Rome

AMARO - VILLA AGRIPPINA GRAN MELIA HOTEL

Against the magnificent backdrop of Villa Agrippina and the Janiculum, Hotel Gran Melia relaunches Amaro, the lobby bar and lounge of its urban resort in Rome. This spacious, elegant setting is a meeting point with a Mediterranean and international mood, and ideal for high-end cocktails and aperitifs, accompanied by fabulous sharing dinners based on Spanish, Italian and international tapas. Alongside aperitifs like the classic spritz and the ever-popular Margarita, Negroni and Gin&Tonic, properly prepared, the drinks list includes a selection of brand-new signature cocktails such as Like Garibaldi, a fresh, high-energy drink to start the evening with a boost, or the Spritz, secondo A, a reinterpretation of the classic spritz with an unexpected twist. Amaro is the perfect place to spend an evening in a friendly, low-key yet lively and elegant atmosphere. (Via del Gianicolo, 3 - ph.+39 06 925901).

AMARO Lobby Bar & Lounge Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá

HOTEL LOCARNO

Listed by the Financial Times as one of the 25 top destinations for perfect drinks, Hotel Locarno is  quintessentially Dolce Vita, always a favourite spot for well-known actors, musicians, directors, writers and fascinating travellers. Starting at aperitif time and continuing late into the night, hotel guests and locals - who are frequent visitors - gather in the secret garden on the rooftop, and in the indoor rooms with American Bar and Roaring Twenties touches. The atmosphere is contemporary but intensely poetic and heedless of convention. The signature cocktail of acclaimed head mixologist Nicholas Pinna and his team is the Roma-Bracciano, un must-try that speaks of lively rendez-vous between directors, actors and musicians since the 60s. (Via della Penna, 22 - ph. +39 06 3215249).

Hotel Locarno

EMERALD’S INDEPENDENT BAR

A genuine equatorial salon, with references from all the corners of the world. Colours, paintings, crystal chandeliers and sumptuous furnishings embellish the space. Emerald’s Independent Bar is a lounge bar, but it’s also an experimental kitchen that produces a selection of small gourmet dishes to enjoy with cocktails. It’s open every day from 6 pm to 2 am, a meeting point to start the evening with an aperitif, and the option of staying on, with DJ sets, cocktails, wines and sharing plates (via Crescenzio, 91c - ph. +39 06 8865 4275).

Emerald’s Independent Bar

SALOTTO 42

Opposite the Temple of Hadrian in the lovely Piazza di Pietra, there’s a small gem: Salotto42, a very special book-bar that’s a salon in name and in fact. Intimate and inviting, every day from 6 to 10 pm it offers aperitifs with cocktails ranging from the classics to more unusual signature recipes, always accompanied by a plate of finger food that changes according to availability. The distinctive feature is the careful selection of ingredients for a drinks list designed for a Roman clientele but also for international visitors, always ready to impress and provide a truly all-round taste experience. (Piazza di Pietra, 42 - ph. +39 06 6785804).

Salotto 42

MAMA SHELTER

Faithful to the Mama style and its irreverent, alternative mood, Mama Shelter Roma gives a nod to local tradition and the city’s history. A colourful, carefree and eclectic world offering fabulous aperitifs in its Winter Garden, with signature cocktails and small appetisers from the à la carte menu. In summer there’s also plenty going on in the Summer Garden - which hosts a Cabana Punch evening on Wednesdays - and its magnificent rooftop! At Mama Shelter it’s always the right time for aperitifs. (Via Luigi Rizzo, 20 - ph. +39 06 94538900).

Mama Shelter