Deeply authentic and understated neighborhood aperitivo bar. Locals, elders, creatives, hipsters, students, and more come together and pull up a stool for coffees, drinks, a small panini, and so on.

Perfect old-school wine bar with an average of almost 1,000 wines to select from (and around two dozen available by the glass per day). Even better: The small bites don’t feel like an afterthought here, worthy of ordering in their own right.

Traditional wine bar with nice small plates run by a sagacious local, Massimo, who avails himself to all his guests with a classic Roman charm.

This has risen to favorite status among locals and international travelers alike over the past 30 years. A place for aperitif for the local hip/cool crowd. Classic yet elevated.

Ambient cocktail bar with a more international vibe (that doesn’t feel sterile or impersonal). The renowned mixologists make some of the city’s best martinis.

Refined rooftop cocktail bar with stunning views of the Coliseum. Book ahead—this location above a five-star hotel fills up.