Anneke D.
Yelp
My favorite happy hour spot in Rome.
Recommended by my future in-laws, my partner and I came here no fewer than three times during our five-day trip to Rome.
It was here that I became acquainted with the charming aperitivo, and filled up on delicious bites and innovative cocktails that spoiled my dinner. It was also here that I practiced my Italian with the patient wait staff (I do apologize--I hadn't practiced in a while), and though I thought I became more fluent with each cocktail, that might not have been the case. The drinks were strong!
My favorites were the almost savory Italian 75, and The Old Man and the Sea, which was a delicious vanilla concoction with lime blossom foam. The last night we were there, they added a sort of papery net that had a peanutty aftertaste on top of the foam, and that unfortunately detracted from the delicious flavors.
They start the happy hour with a plate of breaded meat rolls, small squares of pizza, and a quiche-like treat. What follows varies from night to night, but there were a few staples: the ball of cacio e pepe, for example, and still steaming chicken wings, and a Bolognese ragu. There were also spinach quiche squares, little pizza balls, potato bites, and lots more.
When the whole family came one night, we ordered a plate of delicious Italian ham, and the most delicate fresh tomato bruschetta. On another night we ordered thin hand-cut potato chips, and large creamy green olives that came with salty circle biscuits.
We never made reservations, but managed to get tables for a full two-hour window each time. They have a large eating area, too. There's the bar upon entry, and then a second and third dining room behind that, with simple black and white tiles throughout and dark wooden tables. For happy hour, each table has a stack of white square napkins with La Zanzara in the middle, topped with a handful of tiny plastic sporks (or, technically, contraptions with a spoon on one side and prongs on the other). Each little appetizer is served in a squat round black or white dish, keeping with the theme.
To add to the casual yet classy ambiance, their playlists had songs with good beats that didn't interrupt conversation. They also have a terrace that was closed in the winter, and tables out front under heating lamps.
Perhaps I should come at a different time on my next trip to Rome to experience a full meal. I hear they do a decent brunch.