Where to drink in Rome: the best Wine Bars with food selected by Gambero Rosso

Apr 24 2025, 13:13
Between institutions and new talents, here are the cult spots in the Capital for those who want to drink well—and sometimes eat even better

The historic "wine and oil" shops where the story of drinking in Rome was written haven't all survived the wave of new-generation wine bars, but some of the “great old ones” are holding strong and remain extraordinary places—not only from an oenological perspective but above all from a cultural one.
For the rest, it goes without saying that the Capital is dotted with venues that offer plenty of fun when it comes to drinking, both by the glass and by the bottle. Many are run by a new generation of hosts who showcase small but meticulously curated selections, with frequent rotation, and serve up a contemporary, enticing menu—often crafted by top-tier chefs.
These are the kind of places where you wish the evening would never end. In our opinion, these are the best.

The best Wine Bars with food in Rome

Trimani

The historic Trimani wine shop has been a symbolic place for Italian and international wine enthusiasts in Rome since 1876. With the opening of ilwinebar next door in 1991, the family pioneered an avant-garde concept that then spread widely. More than thirty years have passed, spent spreading the culture and history of wine to wine lovers, novices, experts, or simply the many curious people who have crossed and continue to cross the threshold of their establishment, avoiding trends and maintaining an admirable quality standard. The secret of this lasting success lies in the accessibility of the offer, from the aperitif (platters of fine cured meats and cheeses, oysters, and tartare) to a more substantial meal with rotating first and second courses with a Roman imprint. The real strength is obviously the extensive wine list, where the bottle divisions go beyond regional and national filters, making it clear and readable. Service is generous with advice—if requested—offering a refined and multifaceted selection, with accessible prices. There are also themed events or introductory wine courses, tastings, and meetings with producers. The Trimani family also runs the Buccone wine shop on Via Ripetta (see).

ilwinebar Trimani – via Cernaia, 37/B – 06 4469630 – trimani.com

Salumeria Roscioli

One way or another, you always leave Roscioli happy. Booking has become increasingly difficult, the tourist pressure is significant, but the charm of this address remains intact. The Roscioli family has been writing the history of Roman dining for four generations, just a few cobblestones away from Campo de’ Fiori. Delicatessen and wine shop, restaurant and wine bar, gastronomy: many definitions contribute to the final result. Just hear the crunch of the legendary white pizza (from their historic bakery), filled with artisanal mortadella, and the party begins. Siblings Alessandro, Maria Elena, and Pierluigi run a shop that has become an authentic international brand over time, increasingly available in distribution chains that conduct research, as well as abroad, as evidenced by the recent opening in NYC. In the main location, expect tight spaces, but it doesn't matter; it remains an unmissable spot for lunch, aperitif, and dinner. The wines come from all over Italy and the world, from small artisans to celebrated bottles: let yourself be advised by Maurizio Paparello, head sommelier, one of the most knowledgeable palates around.

Salumeria Roscioli – via dei Giubbonari, 21 – 06 6875287 – salumeriaroscioli.com

L’Antidoto

Tiny, in a quiet corner of Trastevere, L’Antidoto was born as a natural wine shop, with a selection of wines without by-the-glass service (but with bottles often shared among customers) and a small accompanying kitchen. For about a year now, however, Mirko Pelosi has been a permanent team member, having previously done some residencies. With significant experiences in Northern Europe, personality, technique, and sensitivity, Pelosi delivers a cuisine of pure assembly and pure enjoyment, of surprising precision, resulting from work that begins well before the pass (preserves, marinades, fermentations, aging, smoking). The environment is super young and international, with high stools and a small counter.

L’Antidoto – v.lo del Bologna, 19 – 342 3006808 – instagram

Bar Bozza

The venue by Fabio Macrì and Mauro Lenci quickly conquered the Roman scene. Born in a space that once housed a copy shop, the environment still retains some original elements like floors and red fixtures, maintaining an authentic and functional atmosphere. At the center of the offer are natural wines and a tapas menu that changes frequently, with many plant-based options. It opens at 6 PM for aperitif and goes on until late. Among the standout dishes: the roast beef (never removed from the menu). The place is small, with a counter serving as the central point for interaction between customers and staff. The service is young, competent, and welcoming. Right next door is Spin-off, dedicated to craft beer paired with fried foods.

Bar Bozza – via Giulio Rocco, 27 – 348 8970047 – instagram

La Barrique

It's always a pleasure to stop by the wine shop with kitchen led by Fabrizio Pagliardi, Antonello Magliari, and other partners, not only for the rich and competent selection of wines ranging from small artisanal productions to refined French bubbles, with a wide choice also by the glass. The gastronomic offer is equally curated, covering both aperitif and a quick pit stop, as well as lunch and dinner, with many treats and seasonal dishes that enhance the quality of the raw materials and the unmissable Roman second courses. The atmosphere is informal and cozy, the welcome is warm, and the managers are available for any advice. Not to be missed.

La Barrique – via del Boschetto, 41/B – 06 47825953 – labarriquemonti.it

 

Buccone Vini e Olii

A Roman institution with over a century of history, transformed in 1969 by the Trimani family (see Trimani Wine Bar) from an old osteria into one of the city’s first wine shops, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Popolo. The setting, both historic and welcoming, preserves the original early 20th-century furnishings, with wooden shelves packed with bottles, brick archways, and period details. The selection of labels is vast, including wines by the glass, ranging from Italian to international, with special attention paid to small artisanal producers. These are accompanied by simple yet well-crafted dishes, such as cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal products from trusted suppliers. For enthusiasts, tastings are available by reservation, and if you'd like to take a piece of the experience home, there's a wide range of bottles for sale, along with oils, vinegars, and other treats.
Buccone Vini e Olii – via di Ripetta, 19 – 06 3612154 – Facebook

Bulzoni Enoteca con Cucina

A family-run establishment where wine has taken centre stage since 1929, when it began as a simple wine and oil shop. Today, the venue features an open kitchen and a tasting counter, surrounded by a retro-style setting. It offers a selection of labels that reflects the experience of the Bulzoni family, with a particular focus on organic and natural wines. The kitchen serves tapas and freshly prepared dishes without unnecessary frills, using high-quality ingredients. The service is dynamic, suitable for both an aperitif and a post-dinner drink, with a selection that also includes craft beers and long drinks. The shelves are packed with an extensive array of bottles and fine food products.

Bulzoni Enoteca con Cucina – v.le dei Parioli, 34 – 06 8070494 – Facebook

Cavour 313

A historic shop tucked behind the Monti district and just steps from the Imperial Forums, it was founded in 1935 as a wine shop, became an enoteca in the 1970s, and was “reborn” at the end of 2024 under new ownership and with a stylish revamp. The enoteca hasn’t been radically changed, but redesigned: there’s now a lower counter and the kitchen is placed at the centre of the first room. The food offering is just as important as the wine, with two distinct menus (and dedicated chefs): a quick counter selection always available, and a gourmet restaurant menu in the second room that changes between lunch and dinner. The wine list is concise but focused, with an emphasis on natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, without overlooking important classics. There are also two lines of craft beer on tap and, from the warmer months, a small cocktail list.

Cavour 313 – via Cavour, 313 – 06 6785496 – cavour313.it

Il Goccetto

A necessary preface: Il Goccetto isn’t technically a wine bar with a kitchen (the food offering includes cold compositions of gourmet delights, from cured meats to cheeses, along with pickled vegetables, Cantabrian anchovies, and small bites like salmon rolls filled with robiola or Gaeta-style tiella). Still, it’s an unmissable spot on Rome’s wine scene. At the few tables under a painted Renaissance ceiling, surrounded by bottles, perched on bar stools or even on the steps at the entrance, everyone has passed through and returned—from enthusiasts to connoisseurs, from industry folks to wanderers around Campo de’ Fiori. You can drink (very satisfyingly, even by the glass), nibble, and buy bottles from all over the world.

Il Goccetto – via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14 – 06 99448583 – Facebook

Mantis

This is the wine-focused venture of Marco Martini, who for over a year now has opened what has quickly become a favourite address for wine lovers, just below his Marco Martini Restaurant. The wine list, entirely natural, features an excellent selection of labels, including those from small French maisons, the result of intense research by sommelier and Martini’s business partner, Andrea Farletti. The chef here cooks with total freedom, having fun and bringing that fun to the table. For the aperitif, there's a list of delicious snack-style dishes, like the "sofficino" filled with aubergine parmigiana, bao with porchetta, or salt cod meatball. Cocktails from a unique drink list are also available to pair.

Mantis – v.le Aventino, 123 – 06 31058411 – mantisroma.com

Enoteca Mostò

Close to the MAXXI museum, this enoteca stands out for its selection of natural wines, with a special focus on French labels. The venue offers an entrance area with a counter and small tables, and a more intimate raised area where you’ll find bottle-lined shelves, three tables, and a long communal table. The food offering is enticing, with dishes like sausages and sauerkraut, top-quality cheese and charcuterie boards, and other bites designed to complement the wine. The service is friendly and attentive, with the owner always ready to suggest new labels to discover. Perfect for an aperitif or post-dinner drink, it’s also appreciated for its fair value for money.

Enoteca Mostò – v.le Pinturicchio, 32 – 392 2579616 – Facebook

Cover photo: Salumeria Roscioli

cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram