Elba
A local institution, this hybrid cafe-bar on a people-busy square is a quintessential spot to lap up local life over a chill prosecco, cocktail or what is…
Must-see nightlife in Italy
Milan
Cocktails are the order of the day at Pinch, a cozy bar with Prohibition-era decor where inventive concoctions come with names such as Stagione di Bici!! …
Palermo
This historic coffee roaster is now also a cafe, with tables dotting one of Palermo's most picturesque cobbled streets. People-watch over a single-origin…
Western Sicily
The closest Favignana gets to 'on trend', Monique is an attractive lounge bar with a couple of tiny tables squatting on the pavement outside. Several more…
San Polo & Santa Croce
The warm wood-panelled interior and huge selection of Veneto wines by the glass are just part of the popularity of this friendly bar-cum-restaurant. Other…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Opposite Monti's much-loved Ai Tre Scalini, this bohemian bar-bistro accommodates the people who can't squeeze in over the road but are seeking a…
Verona
Crowds converge at friendly Bugiardo for glasses of upstanding Valpolicella bottled specifically for the osteria. Feeling peckish? Order the yellow…
Vernazza
A charming little hole-in-the-wall, with only a couple of ringside benches looking over Piazza Marconi to the little beach, this neighbourhood bar serves…
Udine
Follow the locals' lead and order what may be northern Italy's most reasonably priced spritz (€1 to €2.50) through the window. Stuzzichini here are…
The Veneto
The beautiful art deco Danieli, with its carved vintage bar, glittering chandeliers and stucco ceilings, is part of the history of Bassano. Its outdoor…
Verona
Packed to bursting come aperitivo hour, wood-panelled, marble-topped Monte Baldo lures with its generous aperitivo bar and 120 or so mostly regional wines…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
Run with much pride, passion and creativity by the Nardecchia family for almost 80 years, Caffè Lungara is an address Romans love, from students to arts…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
This welcoming all-rounder is a prime spot in which to lounge in comfort (grab an armchair if you can) over breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or a dusk…
Trieste
Trieste does do glamour and this bar, which convivially spills out into the alley beside it, attracts a slightly older, very well-put-together crowd come…
Oristano
This appealing new cafe, bar and arts space fills the interior courtyard and stone-and-brick-vaulted former stables of a palazzo on Oristano's main square…
Milan
This iconic Milanese bar is not only said to have invented the aperitivo concept, but also the ever-popular negroni sbagliato (made with prosecco not gin)…
Rome
A modish restaurant-cafe in the university district near Via Nomentana, Momart serves one of Rome's most bountiful spreads of apericena (an informal…
Lake Como
The tiny terrace of Bar Il Molo is Varenna's most sought-after aperitivi spot, although the cocktails sometimes morph into huge pitchers of beer. It's…
The Veneto
As the name suggests, this cafe is the centre of village life in Asolo. The terrace overlooks the main piazza, while inside a long bar is backed by…
Venice
On weekdays this hip and surprisingly spacious cafe keeps the university crowd watered and fed, with espresso served in dainty china, homemade cake,…
Milan
Originally a bakery, Pandenus was named after the walnut bread that used to emerge from its (still active) oven. Now the focaccia, pizzetta and bruschetta…
Western Sicily
After an afternoon touring the Saline, this is a gorgeous place to kick back and contemplate the beauty of this unique landscape over a beer or an…
Naples
You're not here for the drab decor and sallow lighting but for Piazza Bellini's hottest bargains: €1.50 bottles of Peroni and €2 spritz. These cut-price…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
Fashionistas and style gurus congregate at this rakish lounge bar for their 7pm aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks). Part of the art deco Hotel Locarno near…
Bolzano (Bozen)
Well into its second decade and still going strong, Irish transplant Tanya's little slice of Dublin has been awarded a coveted 'best Irish pub outside…
Il Tempo del Vino e delle Rose
Naples
This is the fairest of all the cafes on Piazza Dante, with pleasant piazza-side tables and an indoor stage for regular poetry readings and cultural events…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Cleverly designed to look like a vintage joint, the Yellow Hostel's around-the-clock bar is constantly packed with young international travellers. DJs…
Venice
Marco Nordio has filled his jam-packed wine store in characterful Calle de le Botteghe with a stash of unusual Veneto and Italian wines, as well as some…
Naples
Under Tibetan prayer flags, shabby Shanti draws a cosmopolitan crowd of arty and indie types, both local and foreign. While the place serves lunchtime…
Naples
Should you swill a barrel-aged saison from the Veneto's Crak, a Tasmanian IPA from Lombardy's Hop Skin, or jump the border and down a Pannepot Grand…
Positano
Sporting a steely grey-and-white interior, regular art exhibitions and a terrace with sea views, this is a fine spot for a pit stop. While it serves…
Venice
Gondolas glide in to dock along the quay, while across the lagoon the white-marble edifice of Palladio’s San Giorgio Maggiore turns from gold to pink in…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
This boho cafe-bar on pedestrian- and shop-strewn Via della Lungaretta is an arty spot for early-evening drinks and bites between marble busts and…
Arezzo
Accessed via the arched corridor between the two Corso Italia storefronts of ultra-fashionable clothing retailer Sugar, which is housed in Renaissance–era…
Trieste
This veritable hall of mirrors (specchi) first opened its doors back in 1839 and has more recently been taken over by the chocolatiering Faggiotto from…
Syracuse
Modern, buzzing bakery-cafe Viola is known for its competent cappuccinos; even the soy-milk version is creamy and consistent. There's a good range of…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
Join Neive's winemakers and restaurateurs here for a wine and a generous aperitivo plate; if the weather's warm, you'll all boisterously spill out onto…
Bologna
The sign outside this ancient Quadrilatero dive bar tells you all you need to know – ‘vino’. Bring in your own food, and elbow past the alley-filling…
Centro Storico
A speakeasy with a 1920s look and password to get in – check the website and call to book – this cult trendsetter has led the way in Rome's recent love…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
In 1818 sculptor Antonio Canova signed a contract for this studio that agreed it would be forever preserved for sculpture. The place is still stuffed with…
