10 destinations for the true Italian aperitivo
The art of the Italian aperitivo is carried out just like a ritual, and to execute it to the letter we recommend 10 destinations in Italy.
Beyond a good cocktail, a good drink, and good food, the Italian aperitivo is all about good company and place. This daily rendezvous is part of the Italian’s life, alone or in good company before a nice dinner.
But let’s go back to the 4th century BC. During this period the Greek physician Hippocrates made a mixture of white wine and aromatic herbs: Vinum Hippocratum, with which he cured patients with signs of lack of appetite. It is not by chance that the term aperitif derives from the Latin aperitivus, that is, “something that opens”.
The wine was born to whet the appetite and over the years it became a social ritual.
Here are 10 destinations where you can taste real Italian aperitivo in different cities of the country.
Photo par Fabio Traina
Italian Aperitivo: 6 cities where to have it
Turin
Caffè Mulassano: For many years, Mulassano Café has been organizing buffets in various places in Turin. In historical residences, in offices, or at home.
Piazza Castello, 15 – Torino
Caffè Torino: Inside, all is Art Nouveau Grandeur: an ornate staircase extends to the second level, gilded mirrors adorn the walls, crystal chandeliers sparkle, and drinks are served at a marble bar for the great Italian aperitivo.
Piazza San Carlo, 204 – Torino
Milan
Bar Basso: Bar Basso, a true cult bar for devotees of sophisticated drinking, was the first bar in Milan to introduce the “aperitivo” to the people on foot.
Via Plinio, 39, 20020 Milano
Camparino in Galleria: The aperitivo is a typical Italian ritual, and the Camparino bar in the Galleria is the ideal setting to celebrate it in the heart of Milan. (World’s 50 Best Bars).
P.za del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milano
Venice
All’Arco: Very good cichetti (shots), good wines, friendly staff, and the typical atmosphere of an authentic Venetian bacaro.
S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia
Harry’s Bar: The Venetian bar par excellence and undoubtedly one of the best bars in Venice and also one of the best for the Italian aperitivo, always present in the World’s 50 Best list. An address that has been around since 1930 and is a must on your Venetian mixology circuit. Located on the Grand Canal, it has become an official landmark and a place to taste classic cocktails.
San Marco 1323 – Venezia, Italy 30124
Florence
Caffè Lietta: After Roberto Cavalli-designed Caffè Giacosa (where the Negroni was born) and boutique closed in 2017, the elegant legacy of the historic space lives on with Caffè Lietta.
The redesigned cafe, named after Cavalli’s sister, artist Lietta Cavalli, is overseen by his nieces Francesca and Lucilla Tacconi.
Piazza della Libertà, 6/7/8 Rosso, Firenze
Ascoli Piceno
Caffè Meletti: The space became known as “the Senate” for its status as a social and cultural center that attracted the likes of King Vittorio Emanuele, Ernest Hemingway, and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Meletti no longer owns the building, but the popular aniseed can be ordered in the traditional way, with the fly (decorated with three coffee beans representing health, wealth, and happiness), or in a spritz alongside the region’s famous all’ascolana olives (fried olives stuffed with meat and cheese) is the perfect start to an evening.
Via del Trivio, 56 – 63100 Ascoli Piceno
Rome
Bar del Fico: At the Lounge Bar of Bar Fico, guests can find a drinks menu proposed by the mixologists with the main international and personalized cocktails, as well as prestigious wines and spirits.
Bar del Fico has created a group of neighborhood regulars, from the oldest who play cards and chess during the day, to the youngest in Rome, who come for the aperitif and return for the nightly DJ sets based on Negronis.
PIAZZA DEL FICO 26/28, Rome
Il Goccetto: A large chalkboard displays a rotating menu of wines by the glass from prominent producers. When the weather is hot, the crowd of locals takes to the sidewalk to buzz around with glasses in hand, along with small bites like salumi, cheese, antipasti, and pickled vegetables.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, Rome
It’s never too late to go and give it a try! Ready to enjoy the Italian aperitivo?
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.
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