I don’t have to tell you that Italians love good food. Wherever you go in Italy, you will find display cases full of sweet treats, large plates of pasta and tasty sauces and dips. Yet there is one Italian phenomenon that I would like to elaborate on and that is the Italian aperitivo.
What is the Italian aperitivo?
As the name clearly implies, every few hours before dinner you have an aperitif to whet your appetite. In Italy this is usually done by drinking a Spritz with, for example, Aperol or Campari. During our city trip to Bologna we came across the aperitivo phenomenon completely unexpectedly. Walking through the streets of Bologna we saw crowded terraces with people enjoying a spritz and a plate of food. Curious, we peeked in at the relevant businesses and saw that there were dishes full of tasty snacks on display. We were already familiar with this phenomenon, but hadn’t thought about the fact that you can also enjoy aperitivo in Bologna! Enthusiastically we decided the next evening to look for the best aperitivo place in Bologna.
What can you expect from an aperitivo?
A lot! Traditionally, the idea has been that an aperitivo satisfies the worst hunger. You do this by eating a small plate with, for example, bread, olives, meats or cheese before you actually start your dinner. However, in many cases the aperitivo has become so large that it is a whole meal. Many cafes have a buffet table full of tasty food and you can grab as much as you want. It is also the intention that you first order an (alcoholic) drink before you settle on the buffet table.
In Bologna we chose Caffè Zamboni, a popular cafe among students. This place is known for its good aperitivo and so we decided to take a seat here. The buffet table was packed with food and was constantly replenished with new delicacies. So it said: tortellini, pizza bread, sweet croissants, grilled vegetables, pumpkin from the oven, flatbread, hazelnut cake, olives, a huge tub of Parmesan cheese, fresh fruit and salad. Literally something for everyone and the quality was more than fine.
Why choose an aperitivo?
Italy is not a cheap holiday destination. If you want to eat out properly, you will soon lose the same or even more than when you sit down in a restaurant in the Netherlands. The aperitivo is a great budget option if you want to spend a night out for less. You order a cocktail or other drink for about 8 euros and after that you can make unlimited use of the buffet. This means that if you stick to one drink, you have eaten well for only 8 euros! Of course, an aperitivo cannot be compared to going out for a meal. You always have to walk to the buffet yourself and it is quite busy and chaotic at good business. Still, I can say that I really recommend the Italian aperitivo. It is good for the wallet and it is a very nice experience to have experienced.
Have you ever tried an aperitivo buffet in Italy?
