Guide to the 5 Best Bars in Rome

Beyond the flashy aperitivo scenes and overpriced Campari concoctions lies the real Roman drinking culture–unpretentious, character-filled spots where actual locals get together to unwind after a day of work.

From chill wine bars to dive bar-esque locals, there’s a little something for everyone in the Eternal City.

Fischio, Cipro

This spot is barely a bar–it’s a kiosk that locals mob for good natural wine, house brand canned cocktails, and a good chiacchierata with friends.

Fischio is 100% the place to get into the local groove in Rome. It’s never not busy–come in the morning for a good artisanal coffee, and return during aperitivo hour to bump elbows with young Romans while sipping anything from their excellent wines by the glass list. If you’re lucky, a live DJ is playing groovy loungy tunes that will keep you there ‘til your next coffee the following day at noon.

Exaggerations aside, Fischio is a cornerstone of community in this city, beckoning Romans near and far for a good time anytime of day.

Latta, Ostiense

Groups flock to Latta because it has something to please literally anybody. From local beer and wine to fabulous cocktails (Rome’s Jerry Thomas Speakeasy team is behind this place after all), Latta comes through as a Roma Sud favorite for its spacious, no-frills atmosphere and unique beverage program.

Honestly, the Latta space gives major Brooklyn vibes with Roman flair–funky American leaning bar snacks with top quality drinks that tell you “we must be in wine or Campari country.” Whatever you order at Latta will satisfy, just don’t sleep on their butter and anchovy appetizer–it’s one of the best things in this city (best washed down with one of their funky low-alcohol canned cocktails or house wines).

Bar San Calisto, Trastevere

Strong 3 euro Negroni? Count us in. Tucked in Trastevere’s beloved labyrinth, Bar San Calisto is the holy grail of authentic Roman bars. This unpolished gem has been serving the same no-frills drinks since the 1960s, with prices that seem frozen in time.
What makes it magical? The magnificent cross-section of Roman society that congregates here. On any given night, you’ll find artists arguing politics next to off-duty priests, students mingling with neighborhood old-timers, and local celebrities trying (unsuccessfully) to blend in.

Warning: This place gets busy and you need to be ‘New York reservation on a Friday night’ level competitive for a seat. But if none are available, don’t fret– it’s way more local to stand and sip, anyway.

Bar Gianicolo, Gianicolense

Easily the most underrated old-school watering hole in the city, Bar Gianicolo is that cozy local bar you’ve been searching for– think wood panels, old beverage posters, the works. It’s like a dive bar meets Fellini. Here, it’s everybody’s bar–you can get anything you want, really, from a fresh-squeezed orange juice to a fully loaded gin & tonic. It’s super incognito too–just a few passi from the gorgeous Fontana dell’Acqua Paola from the opening scene of Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty.

Basically, the Bar Gianicolo is just the balance for all the Stendhal syndrome-inducing scenery all around, reminding you that Rome is also a chill and low-key city, too.

Caffè Sospeso, Pigneto

This cozy nook in the hip Pigneto neighborhood is the place to slip in for a glass of bubbles or a good Negroni. Its size makes it unassuming, but don’t judge a book by its cover–it’s one of the city’s most beloved wine bars. It’s also a fabulous excuse to explore Pigneto, full of food spots and local watering holes to explore.

There’s nothing like lingering at Caffè Sospeso on a warm summer evening–sipping an easy calice di vino and snacking on taralli before a good dinner at one of the neighborhood’s easy-going trattorias. My rec? Dar Parucca, where Roman classics get extra Roman, with organic and local ingredients.

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