Stir and shake: the best bars of Rome

With such a potentially bewildering range of bars and restaurants to choose from in Rome, it’s easy to get stuck deciding where to go. These suggestions offer the very best of the city at a range of affordability, especially if you want to combine a meal with your drinks. Each of these bars brings something unique to any experience of Roman drinking culture. Salute!

La Terrasse Cuisine & Lounge

Number one on this list is La Terrasse Cuisine & Lounge, on the terrace of the Sofitel near to Villa Borgese. It has a most spectacular view, overlooking the night lights of Rome, and a central location. The ambience is delightful and the staff highly professional. During early evening, the bar is reimagined as a gastronomical heaven, with ingredients that you might not find in any other restaurant in Rome, such as 36-month-aged parmesan. Perfect for a romantic sunset meal.

Website: https://restaurants.accorhotels.com/gb/restaurant-1312_R001-la-terrasse-cuisine-lounge-roma.shtml

Price €€€

Forum Bar

Angelo de Valerie’s team of elite staff are there for you in the Forum Bar, located in the Hotel Forum. They specifically mix the cocktails on a base of ratafia – an antique Italian cherry liquor, which was incredibly popular after the Second World War. In addition, the bar has an amazing 360-degree view of the Roman Hill and monuments nearby. The food is also lovely if you decide to have a bite.

Website: https://www.hotelforum.com/en/rome-american-bar/

Price €€€

Gusto

For creativity, come to the Gusto Bar in the Campo-Marzio region, where Roberto Martino blends fine wines, homemade syrups and a wide range of botanicals with spirits to concoct fantastic and original cocktails. Surprisingly, it also makes one of the best pizzas in Rome, and has a lovely patio where one can sit outside and enjoy the afternoon. The restaurant includes a free buffet with its drinks. It is better to book a table in advance.

Website: http://www.gusto.it/en/gusto/

Price €€

La Zanzara

Not far away from the Vatican, you can experience an amazing French-inspired brasserie in the heart of Rome’s Prati district. The kitchen is open until 1am, branching out from pseudo-French to an internationally-accented Italian menu. The bar specializes in à la carte gin and tonic, with over 60 gins to choose from and a variety of tonics to pair with. La Zanzara truly lives up to its motto, ‘provoca piacere’ - ‘to cause pleasure’.

Website: http://www.lazanzararoma.com/en/

Price €€

Kinsale

If you can’t live without a pint, you should visit the biggest Irish pub in Europe, as owner Alessandro Bernardi claims Kinsale to be. Located a 40-minute drive from the city centre, it is certainly worth the trip! Inside it is very spacious and well-furnished, so don’t hesitate to come as part of a large group. Even though it’s an Irish pub, you can still enjoy the delights of Italian cuisine, with pizza and pasta served along with your Guinness.

Website: https://kinsalepub.com/

Price €

By Anna Samonova

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