Valerie N.
Yelp
What a pleasant surprise! We stayed right down the street at the Hotel Indigo and noticed the sign for the Achilli bar while walking to dinner one night. To be fair, I first noticed the champagne sign, and then noticed the bar.
The Achilli bar is a super cozy, trendy space with velvet couches and stools and amazing wildlife photography. We were the only ones at the bar on a Thursday night after 10pm and felt so lucky to have such delicious cocktails from Luca. We were warmly welcomed and offered an extensive cocktail list. I wanted a white wine, and Luca suggested a delicious one: Bric Amel from Langhe, marchesi in Barolo. Simply stunning and I will forever search for it. Hubby ordered an old fashioned, which Luca made with extreme care. Luca is a true barman, intent on perfecting his craft to offer his patrons the very best. Hubby proclaimed it the best old fashioned he had ever had; I think it was the ripeness of the Italian orange that made it so special.
From there, as they specialize in sparkling wine, I wanted my fave, a kir royale. Luca apologizes - no creme de cassis - but I suggest using Chambord instead. Luca uses ice in the wine glass, which is a first I've seen for a kir. With the same great care, he mixes my kir and it results in the best kir royale I've ever had, even in Paris.
We felt so lucky to find this quiet gem tucked away on the Via Giulia. Luca was fascinating to talk to and he loved swapping stories with us regarding bourbon and the moonshine they have on offer from my Tennessee homeland (note: he swore he only uses it to "dazzle" a cocktail - just a drop or two!). When we return to Rome, we will ensure we spend every evening getting a nightcap at Achilli!!!!