The best bistros and brasseries - Italy in 2025

Practical information : Take a break Italy

Timetable

You'll always find a café where you can sit or lean back for a break at the counter. From 6.30 or 7am, cafés open and serve cappuccino and cornetto, and many are open into the evening. These are the meeting places so dear to Italians.

Budget & Tips

For a coffee or an ice cream bring some change: for small amounts, credit cards are sometimes not accepted. Coffee costs between 1 € and 2 € and ice cream between 2 € and 3 €, depending on the place. In very touristy cities such as Venice, prices can be higher, especially on the terrace. For the aperitif, depending on the place and the city, you will find cocktails from 7 € (prices are higher in trendy areas or in rooftop bars), often served with different appetizers.

Age restrictions

It is forbidden to sell alcoholic beverages to minors under the age of 18. The restriction may be more severe in some areas or for certain days, with a ban on drinking alcohol on the street.

What's very local

Ataperitivo time, your cocktail will be served with cheese, pizzette, cold cuts... The aperitivo, typical of northern Italy, includes access to an all-you-can-eat buffet. One of the most popular drinks at aperitif time is the timeless spritz. When ordering this cocktail, you will be asked to choose between Aperol and Campari. Note: Campari will make your spritz stronger and more bitter. Also very local: il gelato ! Italian gelato is unbeatable. Every city and every neighborhood has its own gelateria where, in summer and winter, young and old alike flock. Il gelato, often copious, is served on a cone or in a small dish and can be covered with panna (whipped cream). The hardest part is choosing your favorite flavors!

Smokers

Smoking is strictly forbidden in public places in Italy, including during the aperitif, but there are many outdoor terraces where smokers meet to drink.

The best bistros and brasseries Italy

BRUSCHETTERIA PAUTASSO

BISTROT DE VENISE

CANTINA DELLA VETRA

IL VICOLETTO

CAFÉ CARDUCCI

AL BOEUC

BRASSERIE DU BON BEC

AL TIMON

LA CANTINA DI MIKY

BOVE LOVER

LE BISTROT

BATTAGLINO

ALLE GROTTE DA NEREO

IMPERATORE CHAMPAGNERIA & VINERIA

BOTTEGA BARETTI

AL FRATE

ANTICA OSTERIA AI RANARI

BARABBA IN WHITE

ANGELINO AI FORI DAL 1947

ANTICA TRATTORIA DELLA PESA

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