The best bars and cafés Italy

American bar, famous for its barmen in really very «American» hand. Very good cocktails and tex-mex kitchen. Brunch with scrambled and pancake eggs Sunday. We're thinking of Chicago!

Change of atmosphere in this Italian-Arab bar, oriental decoration and music with Persian carpets and arabesque mirrors. It is very frequented by the students of the district, who like to smoke chicha there. Relaxed atmosphere for a relaxing moment in Piazza Bellini. The bar also offers small oriental dishes such as couscous, falafels or maqluba, a Palestinian dish (a mixture of rice, chicken and eggplant). The Caffè Arabo offers slightly better prices than the bars around the square.

Not far from the university district, this bar deserves a visit if only for its breathtaking setting. In the old chapel of the Bentivoglio aristocratic family, as if nothing had happened, there is a counter, some bottles and a few tables. You have to admit that savouring your cocktail under a ceiling decorated with trompe-l'oeil is priceless! Young and trendy, Le Stanze plays the contemporary key: wine by the glass, good cocktails, aperitif buffet. Very crowded, the clientele often spills out onto the sidewalk and the surrounding street.

The black goose sign is located in a street adjacent to Piazza Vanvitelli, in the Vomero district. This Irish pub has for credo "Life is too short to drink bad beers"! Promise kept, there is a nice selection of beers, Irish classics like Guinness or Kilkenny, but also Italian or Belgian brands. The pub also serves hamburgers. Beware: the service is charged at 15%, no need to bring a tip! An advice, arrive early in the evening, because the place is often crowded.

This wine bar, which has been open since 1930, has acquired all its letters of nobility through the use (or rather "by the glass") of prosecco, sangiovese, vermentino, barolo and amarone among the 500 labels and 200 liqueurs and brandies. In the past wine was poured directly from the barrels to the glasses; today the shop has been modernized, but the bon vivant spirit remains the same. Small tables and stools serve as armrests for tastings. The aperitif is always accompanied by cheese boards and cold meats.

The Alaska Pub has several rooms, including two main areas, the ristopub and the cocktail bar. The latter is located just after the entrance, you won't be able to miss it with its imposing 6 m long oak counter. Just behind it, the barmen are eager to advise you on their best cocktails and spirits, as the list is long. Ideal for an aperitif or a drink in the evening, but you can also sit down for a sandwich or a hamburger with certified meat from non-intensive farms.

The Art Nouveau arabesque setting recalls the past of this historic caffetteria . Opposite the university, many illustrious professors and students have passed through here for a coffee or hot chocolate, to enjoy a mignardise or to taste Pavia's divinely-named specialty, the Torta Paradiso (Paradise Cake), very tender and covered in powdered sugar. To these good habits, which have not changed, we now add the possibility of lunching on site, with a choice of hot dishes and good salads.

The main point of this glacier-bar at Monte Mario is the panomarique view that it offers Rome on the terrace, or in a veranda for less lenient days. The Pennucci is also a restaurant (meals around 30 €). The atmosphere is relatively chic and very tourist.

In the heart of the city, this wine bar, also called La Mandorla, is exceptional for its atmosphere, which recalls that of the 1950s and 1960s, with its black and white photos on the walls. Ideal to drink something at the end of the day in a vintage atmosphere. The choice of craft beers is vast, as well as regional wines and cocktails; a little originality, the traditional Spritz is served here in jam jars! As a side dish, meat or rice croquettes, focaccia and mini-pizzas.

On a hidden square in the Ferrara ghetto, the Clandestino bar is the hotbed of the ghetto, a lively place until late in the evening, in a neighbourhood with narrow streets bathed in silence. Attended without distinction by a clientele of all ages and origins, it mixes students, sports enthusiasts who come to watch competitions broadcast live and board game enthusiasts gathered around a gaming table. Wide choice of cocktails, artisanal beers, organic and natural wines, as well as piadine for those who are feeling a little peckish.

This is the bar that launched San Salvario, a few years ago, as one of Turin's liveliest districts. Could it be for its selection of over 270 rum labels? Indeed, its name, far from evoking the world of childhood, is an acronym of bibere, Latin for "to drink", and the Spanish word ron, "rum". Somewhere between ethnic and vintage, the setting is ideal for a good glass of rum or a cocktail, before or after dinner, often to the sound of jazz. What's more, the staff are extremely friendly!

A historic address in Biella, established since 1846; generations have passed through here, sipping a blonde Menabrea and eating a bite to eat in the red brick vaulted rooms. The varied menu includes burgers and beer dishes. Good atmosphere in this slightly outdated decor. The museum, the Casa Menabrea, allows visitors to learn about the history and production of this famous Biella beer, thanks to the ancient utensils on display. It is the oldest beer factory still in operation in Italy.

Where one of the theatres of the Piccolo Teatro is located, here is a very beautiful place, perfect at any time of the day. A courtyard of a 15th century palace shelters under its arcades with bay windows a counter and small tables, an ideal setting for a lunch (traditional Italian cuisine, with salads, ham and cheese toast and ham and mozzarella plates), a cappuccino or an aperitif ( happy hour buffet at 14 €). Pleasant Sunday brunch. Just next door there is the Abook bookshop specialising in books about the theatre

A bewitching atmosphere between Venetian style and the splendours of the Orient, for the bar-café of the sumptuous Hotel Metropole. The barman skillfully blends various alcohols and spices for cocktails (try the Vivaldi Martini), teas or drinks with unexpected and original flavours. A surprising and totally exotic place, opening the doors to the kingdom of the East. Between April and October, the bar moves to the peaceful garden of the Met restaurant, which comes alive on Friday nights to the sound of trendy DJs (smooth jazz and Ibiza hits).

A must before, after or during an evening at the opera: the café-restaurant of Milan's top chef, Gualtiero Marchesi, maintains the gilt and red velvet style in its decor. Those who don't mind spending a little more will try the restaurant and its gold-leaf risotto, while others will go more modestly to the bar for a flute of prosecco and exquisite appetizers. And don't forget: during every intermission of La Scala shows, Marchesino offers bowls of Milanese-style risotto to munch on the go, but always with elegance.

As the name suggests, welcome to the orange world of the famous Aperol Spritz! The brand for this famous cocktail, which has conquered the world, has just set up shop on the second floor of a building between Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza del Duomo. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in the shadow of the cathedral. But be warned: you're paying for the view... For some, it's a bit of a tourist trap where you can feel pressured to eat or leave. It's up to you, but the view of the Duomo is definitely a plus!

Definitively modern atmosphere which slices with the style of the Venetian bacari to approach more the New Yorkean bars: high stools, iron bed, bar out of stone and contemporary art set the tone. The clientele mixes with the buildings of all the ages and the discussion is quickly committed with the travellers in a "cool" atmosphere rather. Very good cocktails, ciccheti and club sandwich.

People come to this historic café, opened in 1846, for a good morning coffee on the terrace of the bustling Place de la République, for a snack or a full meal at noon. On some evenings, you can even enjoy the musical entertainment of this illustrious caffè concerto, where a grand piano takes pride of place. The Paszkowski has preserved elegant rooms dating from the beginning of the 20th century, richly decorated, with chandeliers, mosaics on the floor and wood on the walls. A place where the service sometimes fails, but which remains a point of reference because it made the social history of the city!

This wine bar and restaurant offers a wide and interesting selection of vintages from all over Italy by the glass and bottle. It's mostly frequented by Neapolitans, who know this rather discreet address despite its proximity to the Piazza dei Martiri. Just a stone's throw from the baretti area, the Chiaia district with its many bars and movida nightlife (on either side of via Alabardieri and via Belledonne), Vinarium is a pleasant prelude to or end to an evening out.

The ideal place for breakfast or a coffee break, between Repubblica and Porta Venezia. In the morning, to accompany your cappuccino, you'll find a wide selection of cornetti, the croissants the Milanese call brioches, and pains au chocolat that have crossed the Alps. You can even go for a Roman maritozzo , a brioche filled with whipped cream! The vintage decor makes the place particularly welcoming, and the service is friendly. Another address in Milan: via Galvano Fiamma, 2.

If you arrive at the central station of Naples and feel the need for a coffee, you should stop at Bar Mexico. Located in the square of the station, it is easy to spot thanks to its original orange-colored front. This mythical café, open since 1948, serves 100% Neapolitan espresso . You can enjoy it on the terrace or at the counter in a picturesque 1950s-style setting. Some Neapolitan pastries and pastries will fill a small hunger. The hot chocolate is also excellent. Other address:

Piazza Dante, 86.

Nestled in the narrow streets of Sperlonga, MarVino suddenly appears at the bend in the road. We sit on the steps of the surrounding whitewashed houses for a happyhour of fruity wines, spritz, bruschetta, cold cuts and cheese, while above our heads, along the wall, a bougainvillea sways its flowers. There is a real holiday feeling in this beautiful establishment. The staff is smiling, the prices are reasonable and the decor is unforgettable. An address to remember for the summer evenings.

An unusual place to have a drink. An art gallery dedicated to the lowbrow movement, here you can sip your cocktail amidst works of art and vintage furniture, both pop and surreal. A curious counter taken from a 1920s drawer cabinet, behind which stands a selection of cutting-edge bottles. Vernissages are frequently held, providing an opportunity to discover contemporary artists. The bartenders are also highly professional, offering a vast selection of cocktails.

Housed in the former Fiorio tannery, it's "the place to be" for lovers of traditional beers. An essential part of the "Piazza dei Mestieri" project, Birrificio La Piazza is the heir to the former birrifici torinesi Bosio & Caratsch (the first Italian birrificio ) and Metzger. On the terrace, musical entertainment, cabarets and shows are regularly programmed. The interior hides a well-kept secret: the laboratory where the beer is made. Guided tours available. In addition to craft beers, simple but well-crafted cuisine.

This is the best place in Turin's historic center to nibble on Spanish tapas and enjoy a glass of wine or beer as an aperitif. Run by a team of Spaniards who have imported their culture to the heart of Piedmont's capital, you'll be served Iberian charcuterie, cheeses and original assortments: it's typically Spanish, in short the perfect place for a late afternoon that goes on and on... Paella by reservation only.

Located next to the reservoirs where Sorlamà di Vaie beer is produced, the Val di Susa craft beer is the star of the show! All varieties are available, both bottled and draught. You can accompany your beer tasting with quality regional specialties such as an assortment of hams and cheeses, hamburgers, gofri valsusini... Not forgetting salads, sandwiches and potatoes cooked in a variety of ways... Beautiful outdoor terrace.

A few streets from the Vatican Museums, here is an address jealously guarded by the Romans for their coffee break, which you can explore like an insider, since we're giving you the essentials. Since 1919, Sciascia has taken the time to refine its blends and master the art of frothing milk. These efforts have been duly rewarded, because in 2005 (okay, it's not recent, but it's still worth taking into account!), their cappuccino won nothing less than the title of best in Italy!

In the narrow premises in front of the port of Acciaroli, Dom Florigi was the first, in the 1990s, to sell the wines of Cilento and to encourage the development of winegrowing in its region. Today, the company is still renowned for the quality and diversity of the wines it offers. At aperitif time, you can enjoy a glass of wine with stuzzichini, facing the boats gently rocking along the pier. The establishment also offers small meals (salads, pasta) if you wish to prolong the pleasure.

Pleasant terrace on the seafront, with white tables and blue chairs in the shade of parasols and olive trees. Here you can enjoy the gentle Cilento way of life at any time of day. In the morning, you can accompany your espresso or cappuccino with a brioche. At cocktail time, you can sip a glass of wine or a cocktail with marinated anchovies and crostoni with mozzarella di bufala. In the evening, you can sit down to taste their fish and seafood dishes and, on occasion, enjoy a musical concert.

Le bar "des petits ânes" is the curious name of this bar, the secret of which can only be found in Genoa, where time seems to pass more slowly. Here, you'll be served a glass ofasinello, the house aperitif. It's an aromatic sweet wine from the region, very pleasant to the palate, to be sipped while biting into a small square of oily focaccia. You take your time, sit down on a straw chair in front of a table covered with a checkered tablecloth, and listen to the regulars talk about the world... Happiness, quite simply.

This mysterious cocktail bar, tucked away in the basement of the Groove burger restaurant, is keeping its secret. To gain access, you'll need a password (which you can ask for at the counter, or call to have it texted to you). Once you've been through so many trials and tribulations, you'll find yourself in candlelit cellars worthy of a David Lynch film, where the best cocktails in town are served: some are steaming hot, some are multicolored, and some you'd be better off not asking for the ingredients...

If you're meeting us at Nuccio's, you'll be waiting for us at the Bar delle Vigne, as it's really called. A typical old bar in the Maddalena district, it has seen the area evolve through the ages. Today, young bobos gather here in the evenings for a glass of Amaro-Camatti, a recently rediscovered Ligurian herbal liqueur, and a game of table soccer or Italian billiards. From the morning cappuccino to the evening mojito, the address is never empty, and young and old alike share the conversation.

Four generations of craftsmen have made the Ferracina pastry shop famous. It is located behind the Basilica Palladiana. It is an ideal address to have breakfast with a cappuccino and stuffed buns, or to have tea at five o'clock... It's up to you to find the best time. Regulars flock here on Sundays (after mass) to get the dessert for the family meal. Specialties of the house: the mille-feuille, the fruit petits fours and the baba au rhum.

A delicious aroma emanates from this tiny café nestled in Via Galata. Here, you enjoy your espresso at the counter, like any self-respecting Italian (!), sometimes nibbling a panino on the go, or a sweet brioche filled with chocolate or jam at breakfast time... You can also buy coffee in bulk, as it is roasted on the premises. Sweets and many other sweet treats are beautifully presented. Located in the " da tanti anni " district, this authentic place is retro to a fault.

Opened in 1793, caffé del Duomo is the historic café of Terracina. It is located on the cathedral square, in the upper city. Renowned ice-cream maker, we take our seats there to sip a glass or eat an ice cream, thinking that under our feet the pavement is always that of the Roman forum! The setting is charming, and the square is frequented by the inhabitants who come to make the usual passeggiata, the end-of-day walk so dear to the Italians. A bar where you can sit and take the pulse of the city.

An address to discover, for a break a few steps from San Giovanni in Laterano. Hoppiness offers a wide selection of craft beers, wines and cocktails. To accompany your drink, several taglieri are proposed. And, if after the aperitif you want to have lunch or dinner, irresistible panpizze (hot sandwiches), tartars and several primi are on the menu. We particularly recommend the cacio e pepe with truffles, which is delicious! From aperitif to dinner, Hoppiness is highly recommended!

A pleasant little family-run tavern in the heart of the town, known as "Da Franco" (Franco's), which serves a wide range of lunch dishes, including a pork sandwich to take away. But it's at aperitif time that people flock here for their bruschette, pints of beer and vino della casa. The small adjoining grocery offers a fine selection of cheeses (try the morlacco or the bastardo del Grappa, extremely tasty) and a wide range of regional cured meats.

In one of the city's most picturesque squares, the Gran Caffè de la Caffettiera brings the aroma of true Neapolitan coffee to the heart of ancient Roman remains. The room is quite pretty and the summer terrace most pleasant, but it's above all for the "artistic" coffee served in the traditional long-handled copper coffee pot that one sits here. The pastries, including babà and lemon cakes, have a special Mediterranean flavour.

No fuss here, but the real Venice, the one of the civil servants who swallow their espresso before going to the office, the one of the fishermen who stop for a spritz in the evening, the one of the children who ask for a brioche for their snack after school. The setting is not too seductive, but the bar overlooks a lovely campo (a stone's throw from the Frari basilica). And we love it! Each drink is followed by small free snacks (rare in Venice) and by its lot of local discussions. The whole at unbeatable prices.

Right in front of the beautiful Basilica dei Frari, a picturesque café whose soft lights and red front invite you in. A slightly bohemian atmosphere reigns here, with its leather benches, the dimmed lights, the scenes painted on the walls, and the incredible balcony that guards the mezzanine. We like to sit at one of the small tables for an aperitivo or a light lunch. Gourmet cocktails like the Sunset in Cambaluc, with paprika and raspberry infused vodka, make the barman one of the most experienced in Venice.

A little bobo chic ambience for this trendy bar whose elegant setting is the absolutely superb Giuseppe Mazzini Gallery. On weekdays, you can drop in for a coffee at any time of day, but on weekend evenings, it's party time, with lively discussions going on until late! Young, dynamic clientele. A wide choice of cocktails, all highly original and carefully crafted, served with plenty of things to nibble on and enjoy as a sought-after aperitivo . A unique and singular place that gives you a better grasp of today's Genoese spirit.

A small bar that seems to blend into the string of tourist addresses of the central street of Burano, and yet where the "old" of the village like to meet to sip their evening white. Indeed, cocktails, tramezzini (club sandwich) and panini are not bad at all here. Go there to breathe an authentic atmosphere while having a little black at the counter, or for a spritz on the terrace. Good salads and bruschette for lunch, the time to take a break between two visits. And you won't be overwhelmed by the crowd!

This wine bar is well worth a visit: first of all you can appreciate its location, in the enchanting setting of the Pisacane piazzetta, which is pedestrian. The wine library seeks above all to promote natural wines from Italy, France and Spain. Each vial has been carefully selected and there are approximately 200 labels. And to accompany the tasting of a good wine, by the glass or the bottle, some tapas with the scents of Andalusia, cooked with seasonal, local and Spanish products. To change some Italian antipasti!

Nice little bar in an alley parallel to the main corso, with a festive atmosphere. Shots of all colors, for all tastes, and funny syringes filled with a gelatinous magic potion to start the evening. To conclude, karaoke is available every night and a Beer Bike ride is offered to the more sporty ones! Open since 2014, Shot Bar is already a favorite bar for young people from all walks of life passing through Sorrento, as evidenced by the flags on the walls that customers have given to Vincenzo, the owner.

Atmosphere guaranteed in this downtown wine bar with a design flair (note the wine-bottle counter). Whether you're looking for anaperitivo, a tasting dinner or an evening drink, the pleasant setting promises a good time. A wide selection of Italian and foreign labels, to accompany plates of cold meats, cheese, crostoni (large slices of bread) and a number of dishes (lasagne, parmigiana, beef tartar, hummus, chocolate cake...). Young clientele.

Under the arcades in the center of town, an "old-fashioned" café-pâtisserie with a long tradition of regular customers. The store has been at this address since 1948, but the company is almost a hundred years old, having existed since 1922. Is it the good panettone that attracts gourmets, or the brioches and petits fours? Certainly the panettone, as it's the star of the show and the first to make its mark outside Milan. From the outset, it has always been made with the same quest for excellence.

It is the café-restaurant of the Hotel Astor, enjoying one of the most beautiful terraces in the city with its magnificent view of the Piave Valley. The setting is chic, with birch trunk columns serving as decorative fences. The plate, distinguished as quality cuisine by the experts of the Michelin Guide, is rather chic and sophisticated, and quite expensive. If your means are limited, you can always come and drink a good cocktail in front of the sunset in a relaxing designer place, always with this incredible view.