Not only is Rome one of the world’s great food capitals, the city also has one of the world’s best bar scenes. Whether you’re after a classy wine bar for a glass of vino, a casual taproom for a flavourful craft beer, or an elegant rooftop terrace for a perfectly crafted cocktail, I’m here to help you find the best places to enjoy them. 

We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve been walking around in the heat on holiday and realised that all we want to do is pop into a bar for a cold one. But where do you go? Do you do as other visitors do and duck into the first overpriced bar you see in a pretty piazza? No, no, we can do better than that! Rome is home to so many fantastic places for a drink that it would be a shame to end up in a tourist trap that charges you €20 bang average beverage.

After all, Italy is renowned as one of the best wine producers in the world, and Rome is home to an abundance of fantastic enotecas to enjoy a glass or two of vino. Meanwhile, the city’s craft beer scene has positively boomed over the past decade, with several gastropubs and taprooms cropping up around the city serving up exceptional brews. The city also has many excellent cocktail bars that range from lively dive bars to fancy roof top terraces, some of which rank among the best in the world!

While these spots are inviting at any hour, Rome’s bar scene truly comes alive after dark. As the sun sets, bars spill over with locals and visitors, their laughter and chatter echoing through the narrow streets. The city hums with energy, and the buzz of the crowd carries well into the night.

To make sure you choose well, here is a list of 12 of the best bars in Rome. It comprises of pubs, wine bars, and cocktail bars from various parts of the city. So no matter where you’re staying, you will likely be near at least one of them.

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So Good! (Ostiense)

This tiny little hole-in-the-wall dive bar is located a ten minute walk from Piramide metro station on Viale Aventino. It is rather unassuming and easy to miss, but is well worth a visit if you are in the area and in need of a high quality and flavourful craft beer. There are only five or so beers on tap at once, but every time I’ve been they’ve had a great selection from top Italian breweries, as well as some international guest beers. The friendly and knowledgeable staff usually speak good English too, so can give you recommendations if needed. 

Due to its size there is minimal seating, with a few stools at the bar and a couple of tables (and a few outside), but you can still grab a bite to eat here. Options include filled bagels and sandwiches.

Sure, So Good! doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of some of the other bars on this list, but therein lies its charm. So good, indeed!

• Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm – 10pm. 6pm-10pm Sat. Closed Sun.
• Address: Viale Aventino, 87

Fischio (Vatican)

This small outside stand near Cipro metro station is a true local hotspot and a great place for summer drinks. There is plenty to choose from at this cool and vibrant bar, including ice cold birra alla spina, interesting craft beers, fantastic natural wines, as well as house-canned cocktails like Campari Spritz and Gin and Tonic. 

Situated by a roundabout, it’s not exactly the most picturesque spot on this list. However, it is the perfect place to come if you want good drinks, a cool playlist, friendly local patrons, and all round good vibes.

There are only around 15 tables, so if you want to get a seat at Fischio I suggest coming a bit earlier in the evening as this place gets packed! Or just do as most people do and either stand with your drink, or sit on the wall in the little courtyard area. After a few drinks you will no doubt be mingling with the locals and chatting away into the night anyway, so you won’t be worried about a table.

As it is technically a kiosk it’s also possible to bring your own food to eat at the tables (if you get one). A great nearby spot for snacks is Eroi Della Pizza, which serves up excellent pizza al taglio and fritti. (link to the street food blog). 

• Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-1:30am Sun:5pm-12am.
• Address: Piazzale degli Eroi

Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere)

Freni e Frizioni is a bit of an institution in Rome, and is often ranked among the world’s best bars. Located by the river in the beautiful Trastevere neighbourhood, this quirky and punky bar is known for its creative and unique tattoo-inspired cocktails, such as their spiced margarita with miso and saffron, or their sour with green curry flavours. 

The interior is as eclectic as the drinks menu, with scruffy and bare surfaces, reupholstered furniture, modern art, and chandeliers hanging down. Meanwhile, the popular outside terrace has plenty of seating. Still, if it’s too busy you will find people spilling out into the adjacent square, which only adds to the energetic atmosphere, especially as the evening draws on.

Freni e frizioni also offers a popular aperitivo buffet for just a couple of euros, with options like couscous, bruschetta, and hummus. I’ll be honest, it’s not the most exciting aperitivo you can get, but the price is right and worth it if you get peckish.

• Opening hours: Daily from 6:30pm-2am.
• Address: Via del Politeama, 4

L’Oasi della Birra (Testaccio)

This bar/restaurant/liquor shop was another of my go to taverns when I lived in Ostiense. It is a real local in a great location right next to Piazza Testaccio, one of the best squares for evening drinks. As the name suggests, beer is the order of the day here, with plenty of Italian beers to choose from as well as some exports. There is also a decent selection of wines on offer too, as well as a rather good Aperol Spritz.

The interior of L’Oasi della Birra is that of a rustic trattoria, with several tables available (including some in the basement). There is also an outside terrace with communal tables, which is where the atmosphere is liveliest. If it’s too busy though then just take your drink to the square. 

There is a full food menu available here, but I would suggest a big meat and cheese platter to help soak up your drinks.

• Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-1:30pm/4.30pm-1am. Sat 8am-1am. Sun 12pm-1am.
• Address: Piazza Testaccio, 39

Hopside (Ostiense)

This lively gastropub in Ostiense is a great place to grab some craft beer in Rome and be surrounded by locals. Back when I lived by Piramide, Hopside was my go to bar because of its fun atmosphere and great choice of beers. There are normally 10 on tap (birra alla spina) and 2 at the pump (birra alla pompa). These are mostly from Italian breweries, but there are often some guest beers from abroad too. The food here is also pretty tasty. While it has a bit of an eclectic menu – including Asian stir fries – I would suggest sticking with the burgers and potato chips. Make sure you get the cacio e pepe dip too. 

The interior is shabby chic, while the outside seating area is pleasantly lit with twinkling fairy lights. 

• Opening hours: 6pm – 2am. Closed Mon.
• Address: Via Francesco Negri, 39/41

Magazzino Scipioni (Prati)

If you have been exploring the wonderful Vatican Museum in the morning and want to relax with a nice glass of vino afterwards, head to Magazzino Scipino. This modern and elegant establishment in the Prati neighbourhood has a huge selection of Italian, French, and German wines to choose from, with helpful staff on hand to recommend something for you based on your tastes. However, if you still can’t decide what you want, then opt for a wine tasting. 

Prices are pretty reasonable here considering its prime location near one of Rome’s most visited landmarks. It is also a very welcoming place, with an outside terrace area that is pleasant for a drink in the afternoon sun. There are finger foods available too, as well as seasonal Italian dishes.

• Opening hours: Tues-Sun – 5:30pm-1am. Closed Mon.
• Address: Via degli Scipioni, 3.

Luppolo 12 (San Lorenzo)

Located by the city’s main university, the alternative San Lorenzo district is known for some of Rome’s best nightlife. The area is full of bars, and one of the best is Luppolo 12. This small craft beer pub typically has around 15 beers on tap and two cask ales from some of Italy’s best breweries, as well as international guest beers (often from the UK and U.S.). With a wide variety of beers on offer – from sour Goses and hoppy IPA’s, to dark, roasted stouts, there is something for everyone.

There are a decent amount of seats inside, but if you want a bit of fresh air you can take your drink outside. Whether you spend your evening here trying out all the brews, or use it as a starting off point for a night out, you are sure to enjoy your time at Luppolo 12. 

• Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 1am. Friday & Saturday 5pm to 2am.
• Address: Via dei Marrucini, 12

And there you have it, 12 of the best bars to visit in Rome. Whether you’re a wine lover, a beer nerd, or cocktail enthusiast, I have no doubt this list will have something for you! If I haven’t mentioned your favourite bar, please share it in the comments!

Planning a trip to Rome? Don’t miss my other Rome blog posts including food guides, travel itineraries, neighbourhood guides, popular day trips and more!

Cin Cin! (“Cheers!” in Italian)

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow