FRENI E FRIZIONI

We came here to celebrate my birthday, it was so much fun. This is an aperitivo, we ordered some drinks and then can eat for free, they serve it buffet style, max of 2 plates per person but it was delicious and filling. The staff were super friendly and even took shots with me, what a fun way to celebrate! I highly recommend!

We spent Thanksgiving week in Rome (seven incredible days), and on a friend’s recommendation we visited Freni e Frizioni. From the very first night, it became one of the absolute highlights of our entire trip — so much so that we went back every single night for all seven days. The atmosphere is electric in the best way: the staff, bartenders, servers, and even the regulars create such a welcoming, fun, and authentic vibe. As someone who owns a bar myself and has been in hospitality for over 16 years, I truly appreciate when a place gets it right — and Freni e Frizioni gets everything right. The cocktails are hands down some of the best I’ve ever had anywhere in the world. Each drink is thoughtfully and uniquely curated, with ingredients and execution that rival Michelin-star restaurants. If Michelin stars existed for bars, Freni e Frizioni would absolutely earn one. Now for the most important part — Sara!!!!!!!! Sara was our hostess and server, and she is truly what made this experience so special. From the moment we arrived, she greeted us with warmth, genuine enthusiasm, and a beautiful smile. She took the time to explain the menu, walk us through the cocktails, and share the history of the bar — including her own story. She told us how she first visited Freni e Frizioni on holiday with her parents, loved it so much, and ultimately moved to Rome to work there. That alone speaks volumes. In 2026, it’s rare to find people who are truly passionate about hospitality — and Sara is exactly that. She genuinely cares about every guest’s experience and takes pride in sharing why she loves Freni e Frizioni so much. She is an incredible ambassador for the bar, and the owners are extremely lucky to have her. Her pride, work ethic, kindness, and dedication shine through in everything she does. Because of Sara — and the overall magic of this place — Freni e Frizioni didn’t just become a bar we visited, it became part of our Rome experience. We went on our first day and kept coming back night after night because it felt like home. I will 100% be back every time I return to Rome. Thank you, Sara, and thank you Freni e Frizioni for creating something truly special. (PS.... In the course of 7 days, we tried every single cocktail!)

Unpretentious cocktail bar in the trastevere area with some fun vibes and beverages ranging from their rotating seasonal menu to classics. Music was great, tons of indoor and outdoor space. Easy to have a conversation inside and not too loud (it was a weekday and still quite busy, though I have been told weekends get wild!) great spot near the bridge with some solid accolades as a top 50 bar etc. phenomenal classic negroni!

Great inventive drinks with cheap buffet. The olace gets very busy very quickly after opening so try to arrive early. Keep in mind that the drinks might be too weird for mamy people so if you're generally not adventurous with flavors consider checking the menu in advance

I had the most gorgeous server while visiting here! She made me feel very welcome while having a cocktail by myself. The menu was detailed and interesting, with brilliant cocktails to go with it. The blue cheese, rum and mango cocktail was my choice and definitely one to try.

Atmosphere: 7/10 Located in Trastevere, Freni e Frizioni occupies a former mechanic’s shop and leans into a punk-style aesthetic. The space is eclectic, with industrial character and a striking backbar that sets the tone. There’s no bar-counter seating, which shapes the flow of the room toward tables and lounge areas. Music is played at a good volume, adding to the lively but relaxed vibe. Drinks: 7/10 Recommendation: – The foldable menu is detailed, offering cocktail and ABV descriptions with a solid selection. Drinks lean sweeter but are still enjoyable. Glassware is average, coasters are simple, no garnish—but presentation is clean and consistent. Service: 7.5/10 Water served on arrival. The team is friendly and professional, though service could be more attentive—especially around water refills. No reservations required. Prices are below average for Rome.

We came here for drinks. Cool place, try it out! It is possible to sit inside or outside (even in the winter with heating outside)

Had an unforgettable evening at Freni e Frizioni in Rome. The atmosphere was vibrant with great music, a wide selection of beers, and a beautiful crowd. But what truly made the experience stand out were Manuel and Alessio. Their professionalism, positive energy, and welcoming attitude made me feel right at home. Special shout-out to Alessio for the amazing cocktails—each one was crafted to perfection. These two really made my visit memorable. Can’t wait to come back!

Intro: One of my friends recommended that I check out Freni e Frizioni for "aperitivo" (happy hour in Italy which is accompanied by snacks if you purchase an alcoholic beverage). Located in the Traverse neighborhood in Rome (my favorite part of Rome for dining and drinking), I made my way to see what all the hype was about. And there's quite a bit of hype as this bar has also made it to a list of the best bars in the world. They were pretty busy but I was seated promptly. Ambiance (4/5): With both seating outside and inside, they have an open-air concept and I was seated right in between. Trendy vibes with a somewhat industrial feel. My only complaint. Stool seating with no back support makes up the majority of seating at Freni e Frizioni which is never good for my back. Service (4.5/5): Better than average by European standards. My waiter was friendly and while I had to track him down a bit, it was better than your typical experience in Europe. Food (3/5): Freni e Frizioni is known for its aperitivo buffet which is something because, at most places in Italy, there isn't a buffet. Just some snacks that are brought to your table. You have an elaborate display here with bread, different dips, different types of pasta/couscous, chicken and rice, etc. The food is mediocre at best and you pay a two-euro surcharge, but it is all-you-can-eat. Drinks (4.5/5): I'm always a sucker for creative cocktails and you get just that here. Their menu had a list of 10 or so elaborate cocktails. I went with the kumquat margarita which comes with popping boba. The popping boba is served on a small spoon on top of an ice cube. Cool presentation. Popping boba is not something you typically see with a cocktail so that's always appreciated. And it was my first time having kumquat incorporated into a drink. Great cocktail all-around! Overall: While the aperitivo buffet didn't live up to the hype, the cocktails definitely did.

This is an excellent example of what a cocktail bar should be. The inside is straight cool. It comes across as a punk leaning dive bar that happens to specialize in cocktails. The outside is a perfect patio to lounge with friends. Every cocktail is very well designed and crafted. There us usually a theme to the menu, and as of March 2025 that theme is tattoos. The menu showcases a lot of urban creativity in their taste. Even the classic cocktails are standouts. Those classics start at €10 each but your server can give specific prices. There's really nothing but a good time waiting for you here. You don't need a reservation as long as you aren't here late on a Friday or Saturday.

This bar is spectacular. The cocktails and the music put Freni e Frizioni in a class of its own. This isn't a pretentious, swanky cocktail bar, but the drinks would have you thinking otherwise. The brownie old fashioned is absolutely amazing. It's a sweet, rich chocolatey twist on a classic cocktail. They also served up a delicious whiskey sour in a coupe glass with egg white. This place is a must visit for anyone in the Trastevere neighborhood.

Ah Freni e Frizioni, the famed cocktail establishment with an impressive aperitivo spread. You've heard about it from every travel influencer out there and even if you haven't, you would very likely stumble onto it when strolling around Trastevere at aperitivo'clock. It's an impressive space with soaring ceilings and chandeliers. Huge outdoor patio. You would never pass it by because it's so cool. I've been twice, once during late COVID times when they couldn't have their famous spread out for people to help themselves (you were able to order some things but we didn't) and once in late February 2024. First time, we liked it enough, like I said, cool atmosphere, good drinks, not expensive. It didn't leave enough of an impression to leave a review so here we are now. Service is really nice, definitely rushed but hello, the place is packed so I hardly expect white glove service. As is typical in Italy, getting out of there took a while, so your best bet is to approach staff with your card ready to pay. They have hand-held devices. The aperitivo is crazy cheap. That said, don't expect what you see in Youtube videos. It ain't that. To be honest, I'd rather pay more that whatever it is (I think 3 Euro if you buy a drink) and get some quality items. The bread was so hard and stale, I almost spit it out and the hummus was just not good. Again, so cheap that you barely care but it's rare that I've had an aperitivo that I'd call inedible and many places offer complimentary bites that they bring to the table which I much prefer. I may be in the minority. This place gets very packed. I love how creative they are with cocktails (their menus are really fun) and my glass of wine was AOK.

Edgy fun mixology joint. It's a top 50 bar in the world so it can get crowded. (No. 33 in 2022) Known for happy hour appetizer buffet they are highlighted regularly by travel influencer crowd. We had a Negroni (their take) and brownie old fashioned. Both were quite good. They are know for a aperitivo buffet. We don't try it but from our table there was a steady stream of patrons grazing on the food to complement their cocktails.

Top 100 bars in the world, with excellent drinks! This was recommended to us by the bar manager from Drink Kong, and it definitely did not disappoint. Their drinks are super affordable and they even serve you complimentary/free buffet styled vegetarian food! I highly recommend anyone that's visiting to make a visit here! I had the Crossing Over and it was great! I wish we had more time to spend here to have more of their drinks.

Stopped by for a drink and the aperitivo buffet. They were BUSY very soon after they opened. We got one of the last available tables. Service isn't great, it is obvious they are trying to run as many people through as quickly as possible. I did not enjoy my drink, but my husband enjoyed his. Food is fine. Wouldn't recommend unless you are solely looking for a cheap meal. There are definitely better options elsewhere.

Gotta say this is the best bar I've been to in Rome. Mostly because the drinks are INCREDIBLE. I recommend ordering from their custom drink menu (which seems to change themes once in a while) I probably had about 6 of the Mexican Manhattans. They also offer a buffet for 2€ per person, which was a mix of cold salads: farro/feta, couscous, basmati, hummus, and some amazing fresh bruschetta, to name a few. It's just enough food to keep you drinking there, but doesn't fill you up so much that you skip dinner. Servers are all very friendly. Large patio with umbrellas and quite a lively place on the weekends with fun music. Located right next to the river in the heart of the Travestere neighborhood. Must visit here for awesome (and strong) drinks.

Very chill vibes here. The appertivo drink menu is very innovative and the light meal options were pretty tasty too, Suitable for vegetarians since a lot of items were meat free. It's got a relaxed yet grungy vibe here. My siblings and I liked it!

Freni e Frizioni is THE in place for aperitivo in Trastevere. They are known for their excellent aperitivo bar (with superb vegetarian options to boot!), and their hip and happening vibe

The BEST deal for apertivo in Rome! Food/Drink: I love their apertivo buffet selection. Even though the choices were all vegetarian, they were all super delicious. There are choices that ranged from carrots and celery with hummus, pasta salads, quinoa salads, rice dishes, etc etc. My personal favorite was the fruit salad which consisted of apples and pineapples coated with a layer of cinnamon sauce, sounds weird but it was impossible to stop eating it!! We also got the mint mojito and aperol spritz which are both the fan favorites and super good. Price: at 8 euros a drink this place is a steal for the amount of food you get. They also have a wide specialty cocktail selection that was around 12 euros per drink. Atmosphere: Very casual and lively! Google maps may be confusing since it will lead you down to a street when the actual restaurants is upstairs on a terrace of sorts. There is both indoor and outdoor seating but we chose to go with the crowd in the edge of the terrace, people watching as we went back for second servings. Tips: You need to ask servers to seat you at one of the tables (prices may also be different if you sit down) but you can also order at the bar and take it to the terrace!

Awesome cocktail menu, cheap beer/wine, and cool ambiance. Music was super fun too. Service wasn't amazing, however, the drinks were pretty quick even though they were so busy. Recommended!

This place rocks -- literally. Great drinks, and great service. The setup is a bit unique, but ensures that you get served quickly and correctly: you order from a receptionist and pay for your drink, who then gives you a receipt to redeem with the bartenders. Bartenders were great and quick, given the amount of mixed drinks being served. The place offers a spread of free food for visitors to eat, which was great. There's also a nice outside space with a wall everyone can sit/lean on and people watch.

Amazing appetizers! All vegetarian, healthy and free! Definitely worth the taxi ride over here. This neighborhood is super hip, young and local crowd. Waiters were very friendly and explained the process. 20€ is what we paid for 2 crazy good drinks and this yummy dinner.

If you're looking for a hip bar or a great place for aperitivo, then this place has you covered. I originally came here after doing a bit of research on the best affordable places to do aperitivo. For those who don't know what aperitivo is, it's when you order a drink and in turn have access to a buffet. The drinks here range in the 7-9 euro category (I went with 3 other people and most of our drinks were 8 euros). If it seems expensive to you after the conversion, just know these cocktails are no joke. The bartender literally crushes passion fruit into your drink. He wrapped my cocktail glass in a bamboo mat. Basically, they taste really good and look like what a fancy schmancy cocktail should look like. The food in question is also delicious. They have a lot to offer, are quick with platters that are on the verge of being emptied, and yes, a lot of it is vegetarian but you will find a few dishes with meat options as well. The downfall is the popularity. Even sitting outside can pose a problem if you're with a group because of the lack of space and sometimes you get stuck sitting near the bathroom. Try to come early or muster the courage to talk to a bunch of people who seem to exude YOLO vibes and just go with it.

A great spot for happy hour! In a really fun neighborhood (Trestavere) with lots of little bars and restaurants, Freni e Frizioni opens at 6:30 and offers aperitivo from 7:00-10:00 with a free buffet of appetizers and salads with purchase of a beverage. It was absolutely packed at 7:30 on a Tuesday. The bartenders are great--really knowledgeable and clearly take pride in their product. I love their menu, with looks like a comic strip or something. Lots of great cocktails to choose from. We tried the Kawasaki, Oscar White, and Cristian's Passion (made with a ton of fresh passion fruit) and they were all really well made. It seemed to be patronized primarily by tourists, but didn't feel touristy--a younger, hipper crowd. The buffet is mostly vegetarian, which suited me just fine. Nothing was standout delicious, but most everything was reasonably tasty. Waitresses are handsy--hang on to your plate/beverage if you're not finished or they'll whisk it away before you've realized what happened.

We. Had. A. Blast. What fun! Appertivo, drinks, people of all ages and backgrounds, and a gnarly-cute bulldog. What's not to love? Fabulous drinks that do not skip on the liquor. Fun and friendly Bartenders, good vibes and music, you can sit in or out. The other reviewers got it right. Not much to add. Just go.

A fantastic aperitivo in Trastevere with plenty of unique drinks to try. The buffet appetizers are all cold and relatively average, but make for a good snack with the drinks. All of the tables had "reserved" signs, but we asked if one was available and got lucky. Otherwise, many people just sit or stand along the wall of the courtyard with their drinks. We tried some interesting mezcal drinks recommended by our waiter and enjoyed a nice evening.

This place is a true gem. They serve top notch drinks at fair prices. Don't miss out on appertivo from 6:30-10pm for strong, strong drinks and a free appetizer bar (with the purchase of a drink). The food was amazing and the woman who was putting food together and making sure the appetizer bar was stocked did an amazing job and is clearly proud of the food she puts out. They have outdoor seating, indoor seating, and allow people to stand outside with drinks. I was with someone who does not drink and they concocted some amazing non-alcoholic cocktails for him, which made the rest of us kind of envious. This spot is right off the river so it's a great starting point for an evening stroll through the Trastevere area. Great vibes, good food, and even better drinks!

Very high hip factor at this mostly Italian locals millennial after-work crowd (although the secret is getting out to tourists from the Lonely Planet book). Translated "Breaks and Clutches," Frenzi e Frizone is set up high along the river just after Ponte Sisto and Piazza Trilussa, at the gateway to Trastevere. Combined gritty garage feel contrasts a glitzy bar and an inviting vegetarian apertivo spread. There is a sprawling open area piazza for seating -- at a table or casually along the ledges overlooking the adjacent alley. High energy bartenders with showy preparation of traditonal bitters martinis. Great people watching and one of the funnest apertivo venues in the city. Opens at 6:30pm. The ordering process can be a bit stressful. It begins by paying all the way to the left of the bar at the register and awaiting a bartender's attention with your receipt (same as any bar in Rome -- have 1 or 2 euros tip visible). If you don't know what you want, the regulars behind you in line can get impatient. Overall, do not miss this cool hot spot!

Awesome bar in the Trastevere section of Rome. The drinks were top notch and summer nights allowed for drinking outside in the street. My friends informed me it was the cool side of town, and from what I saw I agree. Make a trip here if you're in Rome. You won't regret it.

Wonderful! Cool!! Super and inventive cocktails served by bartenders who have charisma and genuine interest in your alcohol-fused well being. Great people watching too with what feels like Rome's venture into hipster haven! Such a great place to hang out and spend your dollars. Cocktails are all €10! And that includes an incredible appetizer bar with delicious food from 4-7! Bring your broke and thirsty self here pronto!!! (Get the t-shirt)

Nice bar near the river and highly recommended. I went with a friend and we had a great time. A good variety of drinks and cocktail with a buffet where you can eat what you want as many times as you want. Try to get to the bar as soon as possible because it can get really crowdy.

By far one of my favorite nights in Rome... Lovely Roma CM Valeria I. opened the door for me to the world that is Freni e Frizioni, a hip bar that's in pretty much every guidebook for Rome as a popular aperitivo joint, The bartenders are friendly, the space is large (especially given the area outside-al fresco drinking... I can never go back home), and the drinks are made quite well. Given the fanciness of the cocktails and the amount of food served during their aperitivo, it's really not expensive compared to American standards. If you're in Rome with friends, you must come to Freni e Frizioni.

Cocktails are great, you can also ask to personalize according to your taste. Less sophisticated than speakeasy bars but cheaper too (usual cocktails around 7-9 euros). Aperitivo: Open veg buffet (you can have dinner for free) Great location in Trastevere: close to piazza Trilussa, tables outside, people usually use the large space and stairs in front of the bar.

Love the free snacks idea, but the plastic forks are out of control. Smashed all over the sidewalk. You can do better, especially when you're charging 12 -15 euros per cocktail!

Best bar in Rome. We went all 3 nights when we visited. It's in Trastevere which is where the locals/hipsters/college students hang. These guys make serious cocktails. Highly recommend the mojito. Plus, it all comes with free food during aperitivo hours. What's not to love?

Awesome little spot in Trastevere for aperitivo. 6 euros for a drink and amazing spreads of food - you can't go wrong at all! A long table spread with beautiful salads - pasta, beans, cous cous, potato, rice - honestly a vegetarian's dream but all quite tasty.

Great place to start the night with a well crafted cocktail (Mixologists here know exactly what they're doing). More of a locals hangout, not a tourist location (A plus in my opinion). Highly recommended

Really good handcrafted cocktails AND appertivo! Need I say more? The bartenders here are truly mixologists which is something you don't come across very often! There is a wide range of specialty cocktails to choose from, so there is surely something for anyone looking for a good drink. Visited this bar multiple times on my trip to Italy because it is a really chill spot to grab a drink, it's not flooding with tourists (it seems like more of a local spot for after work), and it also has great ambiance. What else would one possibly need from a bar? I couldn't tell ya.

I was a big fan of this place when I went in Rome. One of the guys we were with didn't want to go because he heard it was too trendy, but I didn't think so. We enjoyed their aperitivo, and I especially enjoyed the music that was on. I heard some great American indie bands that my Roman friends hadn't heard of, yet. Patio seating was pretty full, but we shared a table with some nice local girls. All in all a fun evening.

Came here for happy hour and ended up coming back to this area the following day. Let's start with the area - this place is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists and gives you a more local feel which is nice. Personally, I was over seeing so many tourists (even if I am one) and loved the Trastevere area. Now onto the actual bar: they serve free vegetarian food with a purchase of a drink - why can't all places be like this. Have a drink and soak it up - they're geniuses. The second best part is being able to sit on the patio and enjoy a drink in the warm weather. Who doesn't enjoy drinking outside?

I love coming here for aperitivo. As a vegan I find other aperitivo places to be lacking in vegan offerings but this place has so much for vegans to enjoy. It's definitely more of a casual place where you go with your friends. Normally, there aren't enough tables and chairs so you have to sit on the ledges but I don't mind. Very cheap!

My fave apperitivo in Trastevere and fantastic aperol spritz. Perfect place to start your evening.

Good drink s small for the crowd, popular with the locals , upbeat environment , tour bus drop off location , so every now and then there is a mass crowd influx :$ tailored drink options ... cool and trendy

Went here while on vacation in Rome. STAY AWAY! We had a party of 6 around 10pm for drinks. Our first server was actually wonderful. Tall with braids, very helpful. Took our order gave advice on drinks we'd like. Excellent. But she went on lunch or break or something. Cause the second server was hot garbage rolled in dog poop. Shorter, brunette. Walked over and said "you pay now". We had been waiting to order more drinks and said so. It had been 20 or 30 minutes since we were asked if we want anything and our drinks were all empty. We said we want to order more drinks and she said "ok but you pay now." So we paid but she didnt take more orders. Another 15 minutes goes by and finally one of our group walks over to the bar. They send the server. We order. She brings the drinks and says "you pay now." So we did and that sealed the deal on leaving. I don't know if she's anti-muslim, anti-asian, anti-jewish, anti-brown people in general, or anti-american (America has given good reasons to be anti-american but ya still gotta do your job.) Anyway we were in that neighborhood for another few nights and steared clear of a business that did not want our money.

Probably the most crackin bar in the Trastevere neighborhood. What people in the US would consider a hipster type bar. Lively, fun bartenders who craft amazing concoctions, and an international crowd so you won't feel out of place if you're just visiting Rome. Pay for your drinks at the cashier then give the bartender your order. Free buffet if you buy a drink during happy hour is a plus. Come here!!! You won't be disappointed.

Very popular bar with buffet style appetizers. Drink prices were exorbitant, but the drinks are strong and good. And the food is included. Don't expect to get a table though there's plenty of sitting in the terrace wall. Mix of tourist and locals.

0 for 2 with this place. I came here a couple of days ago, and the bartenders were straight assholes. I decided to give this place another try (but not at the bar) and it was just as bad. Too bad this had to happen on my birthday. Happy birthday to me. I was there all of 4 minutes before I had to leave.

This is a cool spot with a crazy aperitivo food spread FOR FREE. And it's vegan. Fun to sit outside, and they mix a proper drink. A WINNER!

This place is fun. It's so hip that it hurts, and the bartenders are obviously making stuff up as they go along (i ordered a house cocktail where one ingredient was entirely omitted and I was being fed some ridiculous bull about a lower-grade spirit working better with the flavors than the higher-grade spirit listed in the menu) but they have free antipasti and arguably the most packed and vibrant spot in the hood, so I still enjoyed it.

In search of a place with free happy hour food with the purchase of a drink, I made my way from my hostel to Freni e Frizioni. When I first arrived, all I saw was a small industrial-looking bar, a table of food, and tons of people standing around the area outside. It was clearly the place to be, but my friends wanted to have a place to sit, so we left to find a place with more seating. Unfortunately, we ended up at Friends Bar nearby which I advise people to avoid. Eventually we ended back up at Freni e Frizioni, and as suspected, it was an awesome bar! I can't attest to the food quality during happy hour, but the vibe was cool and the bartenders were hot. I highly recommend checking this place out. Just get ready to either stand or sit on the stairs or a wall ledge.

One of the best places for aperitivo and a drink in Trastevere! Very good food and great bar!

Hmm, as you know, an apertivo is a rare find in Rome. (It originated from the north instead of the south. ) And we know it's Rome, so after all, we felt sort of ok. However if we have to compare it with what we had in Milano (the variety of dishes! The quality of cooking!), what they offered here seemed really scarce and plain, and the place was just way too crowded. Well, maybe we should have been to a restaurant if we were not to save up money?

Without a doubt, the most well-crafted cocktails (and great service) in Rome. Great outdoor area to enjoy your drink, too!

Basically one of Rome's best kept secret for the younger traveler. They have an expansive complimentary vegetarian buffet if you purchase a "happy hour" beverage with or without alchohol. I've had the most amazing strawberry daquiris for 8 euro and just basic red wine for 6 euros. Most of their seating is outside on the large simple piazza connected to the bar which used to be a car repair shop. It has a funky industrial vibe and trendy crowd and is just far enough from the tourist areas to feel completely local.

Together with Société Lutece (which is under the same management) this has been among the first venues to serve a full buffet during happy hour, but unfortunately also here the quality dropped after they got well known (and they turned into vegetarian to save money on meat). It's still a nice location with the outdoor space, but be careful not to stand too close to the building walls as people living upstairs sometime throw down water even if there's not much noise. Drinks are generally good, I suggest to try a good mojito or other muddled drinks.

Go here! Delicious, free aperitivo buffet (not meats and cheeses, but rice, lentils, etc.) Super good spread for hungry travelers and the odd vegetarian trying to make it in Italy. Cool neighborhood too! We showed up at 1845 and the buffet opened at 1900. It got very crowded right after that, so I'd recommend showing up by 1830 to stake out a table. We ended up sharing with a lovely couple from Greece and had a nice chat due to the limited space. Definitely highly recommended!

Best enoteca in Roma! Aperitifs are awesome and great people watching. You will get to mix with the Roman culture here...no tourist crap! Afterwards hit Mr Brown pub a block away!