187 Best Bars in Italy

Salami-and-cheese tasting menus and a seemingly unlimited selection of wines, Prosecco, vini santi, and grappe are highlights of this lovely (albeit tiny) enoteca with a very old-fashioned vibe. Inside, it's standing-room only; in good weather, you can sit outside at an oak barrique on a quiet cobblestone street leading to one of Rome's prettiest small squares.

Live jazz is the draw at this intimate and elegant bar–restaurant near the port, where artists, filmmakers, and gallery owners gather over drinks or upscale dinners.

This kiosk bar is very popular on warm summer evenings with Venetians and tourists drinking spritz and nibbling popcorn. It's all about the location under the soaring church of Santa Maria Formosa, which makes it an atmospheric place for people-watching; plus, if you like a boogie, they stage occasional music (mainly reggae and dub) nights, and carnival events. Although there's food, it's mostly limited to conventional Venetian sandwiches and commercial ice cream. 

Open throughout the day, this is a great place to get coffee and bump into Milan's elite. Park yourself in the pretty glass-walled "greenhouse" room for some prime indoor and outdoor people-watching, or take a seat at the marble bar inside for a cocktail or bite to eat.

A perfect stop for a marvelous panino or sweet while raving about the majesty of Michelangelo's David is just down the street from the Accademia. Do be aware that sitting at a table is more expensive at most cafés, and this place is particularly notorious in trying to get you to sit down.

Just down the street from the Accademia, Oliandolo is a perfect place to have a light lunch.