Rome : bars
Whether you’re looking for a cozy bar serving all-natural wines, hoping to slink into a speakeasy at 2 a.m or even find locally brewed craft beer, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots in Rome for the finest places to drink. Our list of Rome's best bars spans style, neighbourhood, vibe, and specialty, so no matter how long your trip or where you are in the city, you're covered.
An oasis hidden in the midst of the city offering contemporary and classic cocktails. In the courtyard of the Hotel De Russie, one of the most beautiful hotels in Rome, set within an outdoor patio in the centre of the hotel you’ll find this chic spot to enjoy a spritz. Sip on a Stravinskij house punch whilst surrounded by huge poplar trees, - this is a true fairytale-esque setting and when the lights go down in the evening, this place feels even more magical.
Via del Babuino, 9, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Set on top of the iconic Palazzo Fendi, Zuma Rome covers two entire floors, with both a stylish indoor restaurant and a beautiful rooftop terrace. The mood peaks on the 5th floor Zuma Bar and Lounge, which offers one of Rome’s most impressive vantage points complete with stunning aesthetics of natural resources — wood, bamboo, granite and stone — alongside steel and floor-to-ceiling glass. The bamboo lanterns, pastel colours and curved pink corridor really add to that exotic Zuma atmosphere upon entering. From here, have a nightcap of cocktails and sake whilst overlooking glimpses of the Vatican City. Head to the rooftop for the centre stage experience and stay until the early hours, where the atmosphere is vibing and the crowd is cool and stylish.
Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Find your way to this unassuming side street, buzz the door and give the password you found on their website (it changes frequently) and head upstairs. It is a small and smoky space, complete with 1920s decor - think floral wallpaper, tasseled lamps and velvet couches - very centric chic. Most night you'll find a '20s-era jazz combo playing whilst you sip on some serious cocktails created by uniformed bartenders. They don’t mess around with the drinks here, which is why it's not surprising to find JTS on the World's 50 Best Bars list. If you’re looking for theatrics, head here and be sure to get a reservation as this is the hot spot of Rome.
Vicolo Cellini, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Located at one of Rome’s most coveted addresses on the top floor of Hotel de la Ville is Cielo. Not only is it one of the most glamorous rooftop bars to sip creative cocktails in all of Rome, but it’s also one of the best places to take in the romantic dome-studded skyline of beautiful Roma. The space is intimate and reservations are limited, so this spot always has an air of exclusivity where you can enjoy magical sunsets matched to the beats of their eclectic DJ whilst sipping colourful and fruity cocktails. Perfectly situated for sunny days and dazzling nights.
Via Sistina, 69, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Wine loves unite in this little speak-easy style, warehouse-esque wine bar where the main concept is to provide a unique spot where friends and others could gather and laugh, and share food, wine and stories together, as if they were in the comfort of being nestled around their own dining table. Inside you will be engulfed by the floor-to-ceiling wine stacked walls, that you will sample with a selection of delicious meats and cheeses throughout the night and you can even buy some bottles to bring home. This isn’t just a bar or your typical wine tasting, this is an experience.
Via del Conservatorio, 58, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Another favourite at one of Rome’s most desirable addresses, found on the ground floor of Hotel de la Ville, is an an inviting canary yellow bar with eccentric decor and an exquisite cocktail bar with a menu of inventive concoctions and infusions inspired by the 13th-century. The concept is a personalised service fashioned from a carefully curated collection of herbal liqueurs and wines. Explore the extensive menu of herbs, spices, and spirits on display to discover your perfect cocktail, crafted to your specific taste profile - a truly bespoke experience. Catch DJ strizza Wednesdays and Thursdays for the tunes, complete with live sax, an electric violinist or gospel singer.
Via Sistina, 69, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
When we arrived at Freni e Frizioni, located on the edge of Trastevere, it was already overflowing with a cool crowd which is always a sign that the place is going to be a winner. Located in a former mechanic shop, the interior is now a contemporary mix of poured concrete and massive chandeliers, but we chose to take advantage of their private piazza to drink outside near the river.
Via del Politeama, 4, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
A classic wine shop, with bottles stacked high on the walls and only a couple of tables But if you happen to come when it's empty, it can become your own private wine bar, complete with detailed recommendations and even some antipasti. The champagne selection is one of the best in Rome. This place takes wine very seriously and they mean business so it's not a place for hanging out and catching up its time to brush up on your wine knowledge.
Via dei Monti Parioli, 31, Rome 00197 Italy
Sacripante Gallery
Hidden within an art gallery, this Monti cocktail bar has the feel of an old-fashioned apothecary den, complete with potion bottles and medicine cabinets. Find this cool and under the radar bar located within a former convent, and you’ll be rewarded with a cocktail bar resembling an old-fashioned apothecary den and velvet Chesterfields - think potion bottles and drinks served in vintage crystal-glass measuring cups.
Via Panisperna, 59, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
A late-night speakeasy near Campo de' Fiori that just might be Rome's coolest bar. The entrance was almost invisible but once you locate it, you’ll find a moody cave-like cellar, complete with cool bare-brick walls and exposed pipes contrasting with their floral chic armchairs and frilly white doilies covered in old candle wax. Here, the cocktails are served vintage crystal wear, the crowd is cool, dark, and handsome and the mix of soul and jazz music takes the whole experience to a different level. As it only opens at 11pm, this hot spot is a late night extra and arriving feels like crashing a secret society. Before you know its, it’s 3 am and you’re dancing with new besties.
00186, Via dei Cappellari, 93, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
More like a living room than a bar, this whole in the wall cocktail spot across from Hadrian's Temple is for sure one of the coolest bars in Rome.
Settle into those plush chairs surrounded by a rotating scheme of art on the walls, racked magazines and vinyl records whilst sipping on magic cocktails and soaking up the soundtrack. A cool scene, unique decor, and above all the cocktails are seriously on point.
P.za di Pietra, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
We love a hidden gem that isn’t packed with tourists and this semi-secret spot in Monti is loved mainly by the locals and is undeniably suave.
Head underground to find this soulful speakeasy, complete with plump chesterfield lounges, exposed brick arches, candles dripping wax onto antique cherub statues and ancient barber chairs. The drinks really are so good and so is the location on the skirt of Monti, which cherishes its bohemian heritage. Either way, expect a little theatrics here —it's an experience.
Via Iside, 2, 00184 Roma RM, Italy