The Best Bars in Rome

You usually get two variations on the bar concept in Italy:

The Utilitarian marked by gleaming chrome coffee machines, businessmen in suits on the run, and a local ambiance. You go here for quick breakfasts, but they're not seriously recommendable for drunken antics.

The second type of bar is the Italian take on The Pub. Boozy and invariably ‘Irish’ (Why, I ask?), Italian pubs usually do two types of draft beer and various bottles, and are home to the city’s local youth. As pubs go they're not terribly authentic, and why would you want a pub in Rome.

Hopefully at one stage in your travels through Rome you'll be on the lookout for something different, something with a bit more vibe and less beer soaked upholstery.

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Pure 1950s glamour: marble topped tables, expensive lily and tulip floral concoctions, marble busts, decidedly obsolete cappuccino machines, and beautifully warm, dark wood panelling. This is where you should come on a cold afternoon to drink some espresso, or if you need an impressive place to meet someone.

In the summer some tables are thrown outside for people wishing to grab a little extra sun. Café della Pace is a good place to sit and watch the scenery, and it makes an even better place to watch Rome’s beautiful people mix with the occasional Roma or Lazio football player.

No other place in the centre manages to retain that feeling of how great things must have been in the 1950s if you were elegant and rich.

On a popular road in Trastevere, Mr.Brown's could be classified as a pub, but it's got too much ambiance for that. A fun, young crowd comes here during the evenings for a quiet drink and air-conditioned coolness in the summer.

The drinks are cheap for Rome and the wooden tables accomodate all number of groups. The brick-a-brack on the walls- including a WWI gas mask- provide good conversation boosters if the conversation runs a little dry.

Best of all they are masters of the cocktail. Lots of different kinds to choose from and all prepared very tastily with no scrimping on the alcohol.

All in all I'd say this is one of the cheapest bars in Trastevere, and great for a group.

Truly the best place in Rome if you like a relaxing atmosphere and chilled out tunes. And the most unique thing is that you get given some nibbles with your drink: biscuits for coffees and teas, crisps for cocktails and cokes.

This cafe/bar is worth a stop in after an evening stroll. Not only are you greeted by the friendly proprietor, but there'll be some great music waiting for you, and a huge menu. You can chose coffees, teas, fruit juices, spirits and mixers, or cocktails.

It's a bit of a hard find- look for some umbrellas on Via del Moro squashed into a tiny fenced off area to your left as you head away from the river. There's also a wooden sign marking this little golden nugget in Rome's bohemian meca.

The owner is a very sweet man who gives his time to people less fortunate. The times I was there he was helping out a man with psychiatric problems. So please come here- if only to support this lovely man and experience true Roman hospitality.

Situated in one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, Vineria is a slice of funky, bohemian Trastevere on the wrong side of the river. It was once a hotbed for revolutionary meetings, but has since surrendered to being a shabby chic hang out for La Bella Gente (Beautiful people).

Inside is decorated in tapioca walls and dark wood charm, with a long zinc countertop. During the day it's a great place to cuddle up with someone or to talk politics with burning cigarettes. If it's good weather though try and grab a place outside on one of the little iron tables. It's a great place to watch people and life go by.

The wine list is great (try the economical, but vibrant Brachetto) and you can also grab a quick espresso to pick you up mid-afternoon; they also do food though I’d say it’s a tad expensive.

At night things tend to pick up (especially on weekends) with a younger crowd pouring in. You can throw yourself into the fun and shmooz the night away or you can keep to yourself and watch the exotic Italian mating ritual. If you're in a group of women, expect to be chatted up by one or more of the Italian stallions- it's one of their favourite pick-up spots.