Whoever said there’s no such thing as a free meal must have never been to Rome.
Firmly established in Italian culture is an evening tradition known as aperitivo, where the purchase of a drink at almost any bar will earn you a plate and limitless buffet-style dining.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your napkin and let’s go!
Necci
Necci has been in business since 1924, and is something of an institution on the Rome aperitivo scene. For €10, you’ll get a drink and one large plate of food from the buffet, where options include mini pizza, couscous, sandwiches and quiche.
Via Funfulla da Lodi 68, Pigneto
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily
L’Oasi della Birra
Don’t be fooled by the name of this place: The main highlight here is the aperitivo, for which locals begin lining up starting at 5:30 p.m. A glass of wine or beer for €10 will gain you access to a long table of home cooked snacks, including lasagna, frittatas, cold meats and olives.
Piazza Testaccio 41
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily
Doppiozeroo
This is happy hour at its happiest, where the drinks are cheap and the food is free flowing. Renowned for having one of the most comprehensive aperitivo spreads in the city, this establishment typically serves up three to four types of pizza, foccaccia, pasta salads, suppli (fried rice balls) and a selection of meat and vegetarian dishes.
Via Ostiense 68
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. daily
La Parolaccia & Sons
Located next door to famous parent restaurant La Parolaccia is La Parolaccia & Sons, a success story in its own right. This place markets drinks for €8 accompanied by an unlimited buffet, with roast chicken, potatoes, stuffed eggplant and crumbled zucchini.
Vicolo de Cinque 3
6 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily
Freni e Frizioni
Rome’s answer to the alternative bars of London’s Shoreditch and New York’s Williamsburg, Freni e Frizioni is situated in an old mechanic shop and attracts a young, hip crowd. Drinks are cheap, and daily food offerings include rice and pasta dishes, couscous, and dips such as minted yogurt and hummus.
Via del Politeama 4-6, Trastevere
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily
Salotto 42
Best known for its aperitivo and accompanying cocktails for €10, Salotto 42 is one of the most popular spots in the city. The buffet offers a generous selection of organic and vegetarian options, while the skilled bartenders will mix you one of their specialty cocktails to wash it all down.
Piazza di Pietra 42
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily
(Main image: © Brett Lider/flickr)
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guide to Rome covers all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
