Italy for me From Italy with love
Italy is famous for its wines, but most tourists are quite surprised to learn that the country produces over 10,000 varieties of craft beer.
Craft brewing – also known as artisanal brewing (craft brewery) – refers to beer produced not on an industrial scale, but in small batches. This movement originated in the US about 40 years ago and has been actively conquering Europe for the past decade.
For instance, according to the data from the Italian Brewers Association website www.microbirrifici.org, as of May 2024, there are 2073 registered private breweries in Italy, producing 10,117 varieties of beer. Impressive, isn’t it?
In my experience, an increasing number of young Italians – those up to 40-45 years old – prefer a glass of quality craft beer over wine. The older generation is more conservative and is still hesitating.
In any case, we’ll leave the globally known “Italian beers” like Peroni and Birra Moretti to the locals, and today we’ll delve into my favorite beer bars in Rome:
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Johnny’s Off License Campo de’ Fiori
My friends and I discovered the beer shop Johnny’s Off License quite recently, in May 2019. I immediately rank it first in my list for its vast selection – over 100 types of beers, its prices, coziness, and friendly atmosphere. It is just a minute’s walk from Campo de’ Fiori. The establishment is set up as a shop, but with the option to drink inside.
The cost of a bottle or can of craft beer starts from 4 euros, with an average price of 5-6 euros, but there are also unique, expensive options priced at 20-30 euros. The owner, Enrico, is very friendly, speaks English and Italian. You can confidently send him regards from Arthur, I’ve already spent three great evenings there and he should remember me:)
Address: Via dei Balestrari, 9
Open: roughly from 12:00 to 22:00, on Friday and Saturday until 23:00
Official website: www.offlicense.it
Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà
Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà – translated in a mild form, the name means “what the heck did you come here for”. This iconic place, one of the first craft bars in Trastevere, opened more than 20 years ago. If you want to see how locals spend their evenings, this is the place to be. People typically stand or sit on the street near the bar with their glasses, socializing, but you can also sit inside in one of the three rooms. There are televisions where you can watch a football match with fans. The beer selection is small, about 10 types, but the quality is top-notch.
Address: Via Benedetta, 25
Open: roughly from lunchtime until 02:00 in the morning
Official website: www.football-pub.com
Luppolo Station
Luppolo Station – this is the perfect bar when you don’t want to part ways and need to chat with friends in a calm atmosphere. It’s open until 2 a.m., serves quite good burgers and snacks, and the bartender and waitstaff are friendly. You can always seek advice, even through gestures if you don’t know Italian – beer brings people together. The only downside for most tourists is that the bar is a bit far from the center and on the outskirts of Trastevere, but it’s near the Roma Trastevere station (read about Monteverde district) and the stop for the number 8 tram, about a 15-minute ride from Piazza Venezia.
I recommend trying the Campagniolo burger for 13 euros.
Official website: www.luppolostation.com
Instagram: @luppolo_station
Open: from 12:00 to 02:00.
Address: Via Giuseppe Parini, 4, 00152 Roma
L’Elementare
In L’Elementare, in addition to over 30 types of draught craft beer, you can also enjoy a good meal. While not specifically a pizzeria, the pizza here is top-notch. Try the Margherita Doppia for 12 euros – it’s a classic Margherita pizza with a double portion of Mozzarella di Bufala cheese, and later write in the comments how it compares, for instance, with the pizza at Dar Poeta. I recommend sitting at the bar – the service will be much faster, plus you’ll get more immersed in the atmosphere of the place.
Address: Via Benedetta, 23 – across from Ma Che Siete
Open: roughly from lunch until 2 a.m.
Official website: pizzerialelementare.it
Open Baladin
Every Roman knows the legendary Open Baladin bar. With an extensive beer selection, the food and service are of average quality, but it’s definitely worth stopping by for a glass or two.
Official website: www.openbaladinroma.it
Address: Via degli Specchi, 6
Open: from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., service ends at 1:15 a.m.