“The World’s 50 Best Bars” ranking was recently announced for 2022 and Italy, lauded land of the aperitivo hour, has four spots that made the cut.
An annual ranking of the planet’s top pouring establishments, The World’s 50 Best Bars is voted on by a group of 650 well-traveled drink experts and owned by William Reed Ltd, a multimedia company in the food and beverage sector. First published in 2009, the list provides thirsty readers with a handbook of first-rate taverns, near and far.
Whether you're in the mood for a pre-dinner standard like a Campari Spritz, a cheeky caffè corretto, or an over-the-top nightcap, here’s where to wet your whistle up and down the Italian peninsula.
#16: Drink Kong, Rome
As much an experience as a place to quench your thirst, Drink Kong is located in Rome’s historic center, between the Monti and Esquilino neighborhoods. The interiors of black lights and neon lend the locale a futuristic vibe — a far cry from the old-school glamour and curbside Via Veneto tables that Fellini made so famous. The busy nightclub employs a hot-shot crew of hipster mixologists that shake or stir up traditional-to-trendy refreshments every night of the week.
If you go
Piazza di S. Martino Ai Monti, 8
Open: Daily 6.30pm–2am
Tel. +39 06 23488 666
Website
#35: 1930, Milan
A proper vintage speakeasy modeled after saloons in America’s prohibition era, Milan’s 1930 is so exclusive they don’t publish the address — you need to know someone who knows someone to get in. Should you gain entry, you’ll be treated to a dimly lit hideout where you can anonymously sip (and covertly spy on — whoops, we mean people-watch! — the chic clientele).
If you go
Secret location in Milan
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#39: Locale Firenze, Florence
The spirits flow lavishly over two floors at Florence’s Locale Firenze. Housed in the restored Palazzo Concini, the bar pays homage to the Florentine Renaissance upstairs, while the cellar harkens back to the 1200s. The list is brimming with nose-tickling bollicine (sparkling wines), classic high-ball beverages and fruity mixed concoctions. For €45 you can partake in a tasting menu of Locale’s signature pours. Should you need a little something else in your stomach, there’s an award-winning restaurant attached.
If you go
Via delle Seggiole, 12R
Open: Daily 7.30pm-2am
Tel. +39 055 9067188
Website
#46: L'Antiquario, Naples
In keeping with its name, L’Antiquario (the antique dealer) is decorated in dark wood paneling, William Morris-style wallpaper and red tufted-velvet booths. Behind the bar, baristas wear white jackets reminiscent of times gone by as they serve an assortment of Neapolitan specialities.
If you go
Via Vannella Gaetani, 2
Open: Daily 7.30pm-2.30am
Tel. +39 081 764 5390
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