Italian Cocktail Bars - Best of the Best...
Italian Cocktail Bars - Best of the Best...
Roaming Graciously
Available for hire
While Italy is synonymous with the delightful tradition of Aperitivo, its cocktail scene is a whole other world waiting to be explored. As a seasoned traveller who appreciates a perfectly crafted drink (and the friendly chat with the bartender that often comes with it), I've had the pleasure of discovering countless incredible cocktail bars across the country. Whether it's a new city I'm visiting or a familiar favourite I'm revisiting, Italy never disappoints.
Lucky for me, Northern Italy is my home base, and it boasts a high concentration of exceptional options. However, the South holds its own when it comes to fantastic cocktail experiences (with Rome leading the charge) This guide represents my curated list of the best-of-the-best, a culmination of expert experiences and the occasional repeat visit for quality assurance (yes, sometimes a second or third try is necessary!).
Italy, after all, is the birthplace of iconic cocktail ingredients like Vermouth, Campari, and Aperol. But its treasure trove extends far beyond, with gems like St. Germain, Amaro, Grappa, Amaretto, Limoncello, and the hospitality worker's secret weapon - Fernet.
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Italy
@RoamingGraciously
ITALY is home. The food, wine, art, culture and history are all good reasons to make it home. The North is super different to the South and the Middle and the Alps are different again, but the sea is where it's at for most.
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Northern Lights: Cocktail Gems in Milan, Verona & Venice
Fashion capital? Check. Fantastic food scene? Double check. But Milan also boasts a thriving cocktail culture, offering expertly crafted drinks in venues as stylish as their clientele. As a veteran of the food and beverage industry, I'm always on the hunt for the latest and greatest.
DIRTY MILANO
@RoamingGraciously
The name really speaks for itself, martinis made right. The room is dark and moody as are the staff (in a good way) and the drinks are exceptional. Olives are important in this place as is the choice of food offerings, mostly the space is hot brutalist and super sexy... MUST VISIT!
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Archivio
@RoamingGraciously
VERY good cocktail bar, small but amazing service and the staff is super helpful, The drinks are so good try a few of their own! You can hang out in the front with the locals, opens late-ish and is open till late... so so good !
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Harry's Bar
@RoamingGraciously
It's a must-visit really, very touristy but super old school in all the best ways, be nice to the barmen and he will give you a great experience. I didn't muck a round and just had a Milano / Torino and that was enough.
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1930 Cocktail Bar Milan
@RoamingGraciously
Ok, so this place doesn't even come up when you search for it in Thatch... its owned by the "farmily group" they have a few cafes, and bars in and around Milan and all worth visiting they sure know how to run a business. BUT this is ridiculously good so much so it's in the worlds best 50 bars in the world at no: 42!!! I have included Instagram in this so you will know how to find it.
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Bar Cavour
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Great Bar just upstairs from Del Cambio and just as slick and glamorous. Turino Milano is a must as it's the classic cocktail of this city. - Snacks are incredible, make a night of it, the room is super sexy.
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Bar Basso
@RoamingGraciously
So, the story goes that the Negroni Sbagliato came about in this bar! (It is not my favourite drink but very popular) In any case, its old school cool and has not changed in years... It feels like a lot of business has gone in it and I love going in from time to time for a Milano Torino.
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Backdoor 43
@RoamingGraciously
Tiny bar with incredible drinks and service (only holds like three people) BUT you can get takeaways so that are supercool and are not that pricy! This owned but the farmily group... so it's a must-visit especially if you cannot get into 1930.
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Gucci Giardino 25
@RoamingGraciously
Another you have to "see it to believe it" type of place in Milan and if you can get in it is worth it people have told me. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of the drinks is amazing.
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Nik's & Co.
@RoamingGraciously
1950's vibes an incredible line up of bottles on the back shelf, classic cocktails and some in-house specialities are what this place is about, food is also worldly so if you are in the mood for non-Italian give it a go for sure you will not be disappointed.
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Norah was drunk
@RoamingGraciously
This rates well with other gastronomes but I have not been yet, Milan is massive but it's on my list for when I am in the lively Lambrate district.. snacks I have heard are very very good and they love absinth so shows up a lot in drinks, the space is big and new fresh and fun.
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The Mad Dog Social Club
@RoamingGraciously
Unfortunate name for a good bar because I have never been because of this reason but Gastronomes I trust with my life when it comes to a well-made drink swear by it. - Its got old-school prohibition vibes but also host live music.
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D.ONE Torino
@RoamingGraciously
Cocktails and live jazz sessions are, a pretty good combination add a dark lounge-inspired atmosphere and you're done. (haha) Not really its a good place. - Bar looks impressive and the pizza is pretty good.
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Officina Milano
@RoamingGraciously
Quirky and fun bar I am still hanging out to visit so bad! You need to book, it's super cool and fun so good to go with friends. The drinks look and sound wonderful as does the food offering. I think it's in the 100 best bars in the world list from memory.
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Central Delights: Cocktail in Tuscany & Emilia-Romagna
Manifattura
@RoamingGraciously
I dig this place, they use only Italian Spirits so it's really exciting to try the house-made cocktails or ask for a classic and see what they come up with. The staff and fantastic as well as the snacks. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for something a little different. - Maybe not so many tourists as well :)
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Harry's Bar
@RoamingGraciously
It's a must-visit really, very touristy but super old school in all the best ways, be nice to the barmen and he will give you a great experience. I didn't muck a round and just had a Milano / Torino and that was enough.
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Rasputin
@RoamingGraciously
Another secret cocktail bar underground with red curtains (total 1920s style) but hey they are so great to be inside when the drinks are flowing and made with such care. From memory, the whisky selection is very good (my martinis have taken hold)
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Locale Firenze
@RoamingGraciously
Ok, so this is also in the world's best bar list at some place in the '40s and I still need to visit (hard to get in) The food is also spoken very highly of and they are really into low waste. Other gastronomes have been that live in Florence and love it.
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Mad - Souls & Spirits
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Very good and filthy in a good way from the way the menu is written to the actual drinks hot and strong and dirty. Its small and in the San Frediano hood so you feel like its a locals hang out a bit more. Great and must visit
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Dempsey's Perugia
@RoamingGraciously
Sitting on the main piazza in the historic part of the city this place doesn't look much from the outside but the drinks and service are great and really worth the visit. Great range of mezcal and rum and a fantastic atmosphere with mainly locals sitting at the very small bar. If you find yourself in Perugia GO.
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Santa Cocktail Club
@RoamingGraciously
In one of the most beautiful piazzas in all of Florence (Santa Maria Novella) and the namesake for the bar. If you're after classic cocktails this is for you! great snacks as well pizza is good as are the offerings...
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Atrium Bar
@RoamingGraciously
Proper Lux and open all day, it's in a fancy hotel (four seasons) the room is so beautiful and totally worth a visit for ONLY one drink! not much more to say its one place that could be very dangerous if you have the money.
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Franklin'33
@RoamingGraciously
Great list, well-made drinks and kind of 80's music to go with the menu that has drinks like the "Gianni Versace" with vermouth martini reserve and Tequila. or Magnum PI.. also I consumed a few Bloody Marys
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Jigger - spiriti e cucina
@RoamingGraciously
Delicious drinks and skilled people that make them ...Food is pretty good as well and I would recommend buying the vermouth made with Lambrussco to take with you. Bloody Mary to start always and then move onto house-made cocktails. Best in the area!
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Guero
@RoamingGraciously
I love this place, The atmosphere with mainly locals and that's a good sign, the food is in demand each time I visit and that is great, the drinks are wonderful and the staff are super helpful and will commend well
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Cesare Modena — Cocktail Bar
@RoamingGraciously
Freddie the guy that owns this bar is a legend and makes proper drinks and has proper hospitality skills,
I was so happy to find this place and enjoy a few hours talking shit and trying great drinks, locals love it and the old bar flies are fun to talk with. Food looks fun, Italian sandwiches and you can bring stuff in as well.
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NU Lounge Bar
@RoamingGraciously
Ok, so I have not been to this place but was given to me on a list from two different gastronomes so it must be good! Will make sure to try it next time I am in Bologna.
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Southern Sunshine & Sips: Cocktails Along the Coast
Sicily holds its own beachside cocktail secrets (but that's another story!). This guide focuses on Naples, Rome, Lecce, and coastal delights, so raise a glass to breathtaking views and the southern Italian spirit!
L'Antiquario
@RoamingGraciously
Negroni's are out of this world in this place, I think they have a few different types from memory and I can not pick a favourite, try them all as I did. L'Antiquario is much like some of the northern places red, velvet, dark and small but all the same its supper cool and in the world's best bars list and worth a visit - As in Naples if you have not been!
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La Punta Expendio de Agave
@RoamingGraciously
As the name suggests the range is incredible and definitely worth a visit if you want to change up your Italian drinking game
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Alkymya Bellini
@RoamingGraciously
I love staying in and around this area of Naples so make sure I always get a few drinks in at Alkymya.. sitting out the front watching the world go by in Bellini Square is one of of favourite past times in Naples
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Nick & Nora
@RoamingGraciously
Had a takeaway once but would love to go back and try it one day, pizza and Campari soda seem to be the go-to for me in Naples. Drinks list is great and really innovative combinations, they also do classics so in my case it was great!
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AREA 8
@RoamingGraciously
Great town with heaps of great places to enjoy the views but someone told me about this space its cocktail bar, cafe, theatre and work space in one. The cocktails are said to be amazing so I have it on my list for next visit.
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Sartoria Cocktail Bar
@RoamingGraciously
Good drinks! The lovely gentleman behind the bar making drinks and good vibes. Hard to find good cocktail bars in Palermo so this was a great find.
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Mak Mixology
@RoamingGraciously
Located in a beautiful old building away from the heat and noise of Palermo this place was the perfect aperitivo place on a few afternoons. Great cocktails and well priced, snack also perfect and salty. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting this amazing city.
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Bohéme Mixology Bar
@RoamingGraciously
Great cocktail bar with attentive staff and best of all a cute dog that welcomes you! No, really the drinks are good they are just made to your tastes to its great to be able to try something new. Top-shelf spirits and the whisky selection are amazing! Would highly recommend it to anyone visiting this area of Sicily.
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Barcollo
@RoamingGraciously
Good place for afternoon/evening drinks, the staff are helpful and it's totally a vibe with locals. The pizza is also good. I have only been once but would put it on my list again for sure.
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Drink Kong
@RoamingGraciously
Kind of Japanese-inspired and super ott in glam and loudness in a much different way to Freni. To me honest I still need to go but its not so central so I keep running out of time on my Rome visits, I have been told its really fun you order buy the spirit you wanna drink and they do the rest. - Next time for sure.
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Speakeasy Bari
@RoamingGraciously
Tiny Little Speakeasy in Bari, is pretty much the most random place for a cool bar so if you are cruzing the southern part of Italy I would totally visit.
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zipa cafè
@RoamingGraciously
Amazing town, it's a must-visit and this place has great drinks. The location is amazing and the staff are friendly and helpful , snacks are also high quality.
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FRENI E FRIZIONI
@RoamingGraciously
A trip to Rome is not really a trip to Rome unless you have a few drinks at this old-school institution of a cocktail bar! I LOVE IT and so do most of the people who visit, it's been around a long time, and its location and drink selection keep people coming back. The dudes that own it are punk and have opened a pizza place and brewery. Also mentioned in the top 50 bars.
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Quanto Basta
@RoamingGraciously
Very good when Lecce is too sunny and hot with great drinks, locals love it as to the tourists (but in a good way) fun snacks and great service, I remember having the last 15 ml of a very good mezcal!! - Go for sure if you find yourself in Lecce.
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The hard yards (a great deal of effort or hard work - Australian slang) have been done with this guide I have spent time curating the perfect list of my go-to and want-to for the next trip (I visit Turin monthly at least) So the guide below has plenty of choices if you visiting Turin for more than a day or two. It includes:
- 20 bars (the map indicates the neighbourhood and I have written something about each one to help you along your way
I find Turin irresistible, and a big reason for that is its amazing bar culture and history. It feels like every corner has a bar that beckons, tempting me with the prospect of a cheeky Vermouth or Turino Milano. This guide leans into the local favourites, with a dash of the classics that still hold a special place in the hearts of the city's residents. Another big thing is Turin is red wine (Barolo, Barbaresco and Nebbiolo) so wine bars also show up in this Free Guide. If you like this and want a more in-depth guide for Turin consider my Turin guide as your personal tour guide:)
Digital Nomads • Couples • Female Solo • Car-free • Groups • 50+ • LGBTQ+ • Foodie • Boutique • Wine
Free
So, the town of Alba is a perfect size for strolling the streets and finding little bars to pop into for a taste of some of the great local wines from the Langhe region. I have found not all wineries are open to the public and are sometimes way off the beaten track so if you looking to stay central and not have to worry about how is driving and how is drinking then Alba is a great place to do a little wine tasting self-guided style. You never know you might even meet a few wine makers in the process they love to hang out in Alba for all the same reasons you wanna visit like the food is great.
50+ • Business • Couples • Groups • Female Solo • Digital Nomads • LGBTQ+ • Car-free • Art • Boutique • Luxury • Foodie • Wine • Slow Travel • Road Trip • Photography • People & Culture • Romantic • Coffee • Architecture • Design • Relaxation
Free
Rita
@RoamingGraciously
Ok, so this place just took out the BEST cocktail bar in Italy at the Bar Show. I will be making a visit very soon!
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roaming Graciously
Available for hire
I'm Sara, a roaming ‘gastronome’ (it’s true, I hold a Master’s Degree in Gastronomy).
I am on a consent quest for unique inspiring food and beverages while celebrating the producers that make them, learning as much as possible about the cultures and regions I visit. Have a soft spot for well-crafted… well, anything --.Hailing from Australia, but currently savouring life in Northern Italy (a particularly good launch pad, in my opinion), I've mastered the art of blending philosophy with a fork.
My travel philosophy? Didactic adventures.
In my world, an ideal day in a new city involves coffee, bakery treats, bikes, a leisurely lunch, art exploration, bar-hopping, and perhaps a dip in a local pool (yes, I've got a list for that) local food. I have a little something to suit everyone and am versatile and adaptable when it comes to travel budgets, be it my own or others. You can find me anywhere from luxury to real-life affordability.
In the rare weeks when my suitcase is stashed, I'm busy planning the next trip to visit a producer I have longed to meet, cooking or scouring antique markets for treasures (mainly spoons). If you haven’t found me in one of these activities, it is because I am tapped into academics; either developing my thesis research on the social culture of coffee or absorbing other academic papers that pique my interest.
On Thatch, I'm not just your guide; I'm your culinary confidante. I am here to spice up your journeys with humour and flavour while helping you build memorable experiences of your own. These curated didactic adventures, are tried and true. Each one is bursting with expert tips and itineraries, all backed by real-world experiences and connections with Gastronomes around the globe.
So, pull out your suitcase and pack your bags. You’ve just met a seasoned explorer who lives for food adventures, uncover hidden gems and forge new cross-cultural connections, together.
Ready for a flavourful journey? Join me!
Your Gastronome - Sara.
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