Roman cuisine is defined by a unique set of ingredients, techniques, and dishes that set it apart from the food of all other Italian cities. Getting to know the cuisine of the Eternal City is a fantastic way to understand it on a deeper level. The same idea can be applied with wine. Whether you are a complete newbie to Italian wine or have yourself a refined palate, spending your time at a local “enoteca” - wine shop or wine bar - is an excellent way to expand your wine knowledge and explore Rome from a distinct perspective. Rather than splurge on an entire bottle, in one glass of local or regional wine you can discover the layers of Rome. On your next Roman holiday make sure to hop around the city visiting some of its top wine bars for an unforgettable atmosphere:
Il Goccetto
(Photo Credit: silverkris.com)
Open since 1983 and located in a 16th-century building, Il Goccetto is a popular enoteca with the local Roman crowd and international visitors. It offers a wide range of mostly Italian and French wines combined with a menu of locally-sourced cold meats and cheeses.
Their wine list also has 60 different wine brands by the glass that are changed every month allowing patrons to always try new wines. Summer is a special time to visit Il Goccetto as the crowds spill into the streets and enjoy a seat and glass of wine on the Roman cobblestones.
Ai Tre Scalini
(Photo Credit: Annie Ojile)
In the heart of the historical Monti neighborhood of Rome, you’ll find the enduring enoteca named Ai Tre Scalini. This rustic wine bar has been a staple of the neighborhood since 1895. The laid back, artsy and eclectic crowd of Monti can be found sipping wine and participating in the ritual of aperitivo.
Enoteca L’antidoto
(Photo Credit: romeing.com)
Nestled on one of the small windy streets of Trastevere, Enoteca L’Antidoto is a natural wine bar where it’s best to bring your friends for a relaxing evening. The bold, natural-wine-only enoteca features a rotating chef residency program, with someone new creating a tailored menu of creative small plates. Their motto is one that we can all appreciate, “We are an Enoteca of natural wine and lovers of the gastronomic world. Thanks to our small kitchen, we offer you a simple, quality, and seasonal menu. Good food, good wine, good people.” Everything on their menu this summer will be as fresh and lively as the wine they are serving, we know you’ll love it!
RetroVino
(Photo Credit: RetroVino via Facebook)
Retrovino is the fabulous “enocafeteria” from the minds behind the acclaimed restaurant, Retrobottega. Open round the clock, RetroVino opens in the morning for Italian coffee and pastries and later transitions into a cosmopolitan wine bar. The intimate and hidden RetroVino takes a modern spin on culinary creativity in the heart of Rome’s centro storico. It’s a reflection of the evolution of the stereotypical Roman enoteca. The space is cozy and effortlessly cool. The establishment hand-selects wines from small, lesser-known producers and offers a delicious selection of seasonal Roman snacks making it the perfect hangout spot.
Litro
(Photo Credit: anamericaninrome.com)
Located on a residential street in Monteverde Vecchio, Litro is a stand out for its all-natural and biodynamic wine selection. You can even indulge in their specialty mezcal or rum-based cocktails as well as Italian classics like Negronis. Come for aperitivo to enjoy fantastic wine, plates of cheeses, and cured meats and salads with locally sourced ingredients.
Circoletto
(Photo Credit: Circoletto via Facebook)
At the edge of the Circus Maximus, you will find the funky and friendly Circoletto, a craft beer pub that serves up natural wines and small plates featuring Rome’s seasonal flavors. The atmosphere is relaxed without too many frills. The goal of the project is to offer a streamlined menu that focuses on a quality selection of wine, beers and food to help tourists who are passing through have an authentic experience.
Adesso Vineria Bistrot
(Photo Credit: Annie Ojile)
Formerly CiPasso Vineria Bistrot, Adesso Vineria Bistrot is the new and improved intimate wine bar offering excellent cuisine. It sits on a picturesque and charming corner in Rome’s historic center with a cobblestone sidewalk and vines climbing down towards the entrance. The creative food and wine menu is loved by locals and tourists, alike.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.