A Guide for Confused (and Hungry) Foreigners
It’s 7:30pm in Rome. You’ve skipped lunch, it’s still 30°C, and your Italian friends say:
“Let’s meet for an apericena! Come hungry.”
You smile, nod, and think:
“Perfect — dinner time.”
But then you arrive… and it’s not dinner. It’s not quite an aperitivo either. There’s a buffet. Tiny plates. Spritzes. Chips. Maybe some couscous in a plastic cup. You're three bites in and wondering:
“Wait… is this dinner?”
Welcome to the mysterious, glorious, slightly chaotic world of the Italian summer apericena.
🧐 First of All… What Even Is Apericena?
Aperitivo + Cena = Apericena
It’s the love child of the classic pre-dinner drink (aperitivo) and a light dinner (cena).
Born from lazy summer evenings, it’s Italy’s answer to the question:
“Why not have drinks and nibble like royalty, all at once?”
It typically happens in bars with outdoor seating, starts around 7pm, and includes:
A drink (usually Spritz, wine, or Negroni)
Access to a buffet or a series of small plates
Chill vibes, good company, no pressure
But beware — not all apericenas are created equal.
🍴 What You Might Find on the Apericena Table
Here’s a survival guide for your stomach:
Safe Bets Proceed with Caution You Might Be Surprised
Bruschette Cold pasta salad Couscous (it’s everywhere)
Salumi & cheese Mini quiches Watermelon + feta? Why not.
Olives & chips Rice with tuna (?) Gnocchi in plastic cups
Frittata slices Bread overload Dessert shots with spoons
Pro Tip: Don’t fill up your plate on round one. It’s not a race. You can always go back (but do it gracefully).
🧊 Why Apericena in Summer Just Hits Different
It’s too hot for a real meal: Who wants a steamy carbonara when it’s 38°C?
It’s social, not formal: No dress code. Just sunset, drinks, and conversation.
You can stay out late: Apericena can last until 10 or 11. It becomes your night.
Bonus: some bars have misting fans, rooftop views, or even live music. That €12 cocktail just bought you dinner and atmosphere.
🇮🇹 Etiquette Tips (That No One Will Tell You)
✅ Say "cin cin" before sipping — eye contact included
✅ Don’t take 8 mozzarella balls at once
✅ Go for seconds only if others do — be discreet
✅ Compliment the food even if you’re still hungry
And remember: It’s not a buffet in Vegas. It’s an experience.
If you’re still starving, you can always grab a slice of pizza after. We won’t tell.
🌅 Where to Try a Good Apericena in Rome
Want to avoid tourist traps? Head to:
Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere) – Trendy, boho crowd, great cocktails
Magazzino 33 (Pigneto) – Cool local vibe with creative dishes
Tree Bar (Flaminio) – Green oasis with a solid buffet
Terrazze and rooftops – For the view and the breeze
✈️ Want to Apericena Like a Local?
Book a sunset food tour or rooftop aperitivo experience with Tour Guide Erik.
No tourist menus. Just the real thing — con stile italiano.
👉 www.tourguiderik.com
Because in Italy, dinner isn’t always dinner.
Sometimes it’s a drink, a bite, and a memory that lasts all summer.
Follow us on Instagram @baccotours
for more molto italiano food hacks, travel tips & bite-sized culture 🍷🇮🇹
