Sydney’s Best Aperitivo Hours
Welcome to the art of unwinding with Aperitivo Hours
The Italians have perfected the pre-dinner ritual: a spritz in hand, snacks on the table, and the whole evening still ahead. We’ve borrowed the idea and adjusted the clock to suit our Aussie rhythm (dinner at 11pm isn’t happening).
So what’s the deal? Aperitivo hour is the sweet spot between work and play. Think a perfectly bitter spritz or a classic cocktail, something tempting to nibble on, and a bill that won’t sting. It’s the best way to shake off the day and set the mood for the night. Across Sydney, bars and restaurants are putting their own spin on it, from cocktails worth crossing town for to snack-and-sip specials that won’t break the bank. We’ve rounded up the spots where you can slip straight into the spirit.
No flight to Europe required. It’s time to slow down, one sip at a time.
At Mille Vini, Aperitivo hour unfolds the Italian way, effortless, convivial and best enjoyed slowly. From Tuesday to Friday, 4-6pm, settle into terrace-side ease with a lineup of classic spritzes, think Hugo, Aperol, Campari or Limoncello, for $13, alongside Italian reds.
- Good for
Bar Lettera turns the beloved Italian classic into a daily ritual with its Negroni Hour. From Monday to Friday, 3-6pm, the bar leans into the spirit of aperitivo with $15 Negronis that balance bitter, sweet and citrusy notes, alongside $8 beers for something lighter.
- Good for
From 3-5pm, Monday to Friday, enjoy $8 Peroni beers and $12 cocktails at De Vine, plus special-priced bar snacks that'll make your evenings unforgettable. Picture crispy zucchini flowers in one hand and a perfectly crafted Negroni in the other. Walk-ins are welcome, bookings recommended.
- Good for
RAFI in North Sydney is rewriting the happy hour narrative, making every afternoon a celebration. From 3-6pm, Monday to Saturday, indulge in the laid-back elegance of RAFI Hour, whether nestled under Aperol-hued umbrellas, perched at the bar or enjoying a cozy spot on the terrace.
- Good for
Level 22 on Hunter Street is the setting for this CBD aperitivo, with a happy hour from 5pm to 6pm. Try the Tramonto, the Noto Notte (Disaronno and yuzu), or a 50/50 Martini with your choice of olive, pickled onion or caper berry.
- Good for
Matteo treats aperitivo as a proper ritual, with drinks and antipasto at the bar from 3pm to 5:30pm, Tuesday to Friday. It’s a very civilised way to start the evening early.
- Good for
Como Italian has the Opera House views, the spritzes and the snacks sorted. Monday to Friday, 4-6pm, $18 Aperol, Limoncello or Basil Berry spritzes arrive with a complimentary snack plate for your first drink. Add oysters or bruschetta, then settle in on The Rocks waterfront. Walk-ins welcome, and “just one” rarely stays that way.
