An evening ritual that’s part of everyday life in Italy
Italians in Italy embrace a slower pace of life, which explains the extended lunches and partaking in a daily aperitivo.
An Italian aperitivo, is a quintessential Italian concept in step with living la dolce vita. It enhances the spirit of connecting with family and friends, to have good conversation, relax and stimulate the appetite.
Typically, an aperitivo drink is low in alcohol, served with soda water. Most people are familiar with the classic Campari aperitivo – the Americano and Negroni – (Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin), Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda), and the Spritz (Aperol or another amari with Prosecco and soda). However, if you’d rather have a glass of white wine or a short glass of beer as your aperitivo, that’s acceptable too.
Aperitivo hour, or rather hours, starts every night from around 6:00 PM (though things don’t start to pick up until 7:00 PM) to 9:00 PM at local cafes, bars, hotels, and restaurants throughout Italy. Italians and tourists alike take part in drinks and light snacks while they unwind and catch up with friends before their evening meal.
Some bars will bring out a tray of olives, cheese, and chips while you enjoy your cocktail. Others offer lavish buffets of food including pizzas, salumi, seasonal vegetables, bruschetta, salads, and seafood, all included in the price of your drink. While aperitivo does not traditionally replace dinner, some bars and restaurants serve enough food that you’ll rethink your evening plans.
Wherever you enjoy this time-honored tradition, the Italian hospitality, refreshing cocktails, foods and atmosphere of Italy is sure to make you treasure the Italian culture and way of life just a little more.
Some Most Famous Aperitivo Spots In Italy
Venice
Bar All’Arco (S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia VE)
Turin (Torino)
Caffè Torino (Piazza San Carlo 204, 10121 Turin, TO)
Florence
Caffè Lietta (Piazza della Libertà, 6/7/8 Rosso, 50129 Florence, FI)
Milan
Bar Basso (Via Plinio, 39, 20133 Milan MI)
Padua (Padova)
Caffè Diemme Italian Attitude Padova (Prato della Valle, 2, 35123 Padova PD)