Bars in Rome

Antico Caffè Greco has operated on Via dei Condotti since 1760, making it one of Europe's oldest cafès. The layered salon interior — velvet, mirrors, antique portraits — is the main event. Go for espresso at the bar or linger over coffee in the seated rooms; food is incidental. No reservation needed.

Banana Republic Roma is a neighbourhood bar in Prati worth booking in good weather, when its outdoor seating comes into its own. Expect a local crowd and a relaxed pace rather than high-concept cocktails. Easy to walk into, best visited in spring or early autumn for the terrace experience.

Bar San Calisto is one of Trastevere's oldest neighbourhood bars — cheap drinks, outdoor tables on a lived-in Roman piazza, and no pretense. Come for the setting and the price, not the cocktail programme. Walk-ins only; no booking required. The right choice if you want an honest Roman bar experience rather than a designed aperitivo venue.

Beppe and His Cheeses is a focused artisan cheese and cured meat destination in Rome's Jewish Ghetto, best suited to dates, small groups, and anyone who wants to eat seriously without the formality of a full restaurant. Booking is easy, the format is relaxed, and the regional Italian wine selection is built to match the produce. A better choice than a generic trattoria for a special occasion at a similar price.

Birra + is a casual neighbourhood beer bar on Via del Pigneto in Rome — low-key, walk-in friendly, and priced for locals rather than tourists. It works well for informal groups who want a no-fuss drink in one of Rome's more laid-back neighbourhoods. Skip it for date nights or occasions where you need a confirmed table and a cocktail list.

Blind Pig is a neighbourhood bar in Rome's Appio Latino district — a reasonable option if you're already in the area and want a low-key drink without the tourist-circuit feel. Pearl holds limited data on pricing, hours, and the drinks programme, so confident group bookings are better placed at more thoroughly documented Rome bars. Walk-ins appear viable; verify contact details via Google Maps before heading over.