Apericena, aperifritto, aperipizza… in short, the art of the aperitivo is now a typically Italian must! In Italy, the expression ‘taking an aperitif’ no longer means just enjoying a good drink, but doing so while munching on something (free of charge) such as scones, pizzettine, pancakes, mini-portions of salad, in short, more generally finger food. And not the usual nuts and chips, for goodness sake, don’t deny us a bit of healthy spilucching (spiluccare: to munch on smth). After all, a worldwide famous italian singer, Al Bano, says it himself: ‘a glass of wine, with a sandwich… happiness!’
But thinking about it, the aperitif is a good tool to discover the food and wine traditions of any city in a short time, to understand its customs and fashions, to get a different cultural point of view, isn’t it? Or are you maybe thinking this is our usual excuse to have a good drink?
I swear not, it is just the right occasion to discover the 5 bars for an aperitif in Imperia!
Bar La Torre
We set off from Porto Maurizio (to my great regret as a pure Onegliese DOC) to open the dances with a bar that, strictly speaking, was originally located in my beloved Oneglia, the eastern part of Imperia, and has now moved to the westernmost tip of the city. Watchword: sea view.
Fulvio and Fabrizio’s Bar la Torre attracts everyone, from every corner of our charming little town, partly because the location is perhaps totally out of competition in terms of beauty, and then because the two of them – the owners – are friendliness made flesh. You will find a nice list of cocktails that will not leave your mouth watering!
A Cuvea du Baffu
OK, let’s go on with the most popular. Federico, known as Baffo (mustache) has managed to give immense lustre to this bar, not even that small, in a super strategic position in Imperia. The bar is just the right amount of rustic, with a touch of modernity. Good variety of wines and cocktails, small plates served at the table that will make you stop thinking about dinner, friendliness and efficiency. Totally adequate prices.
Monkeys
We raise the bar in terms of location (just look outside) and product offering (just look inside).
A tiny bar on the promenade of the old port of Oneglia hides a treasure trove of more than a thousand different bottles, all displayed behind the bar. Dark but chill atmosphere. Their small plate of appetisers, Antonella knows, will not score them many points in this classification, while their first place as a drink selection is indisputable. Slightly higher than average prices.
Taste of Surf
Surf is new on the Imperia scene, but it won everyone over immediately. A real breath of fresh air, a new perspective with which to frame the aperitif in our town, but with careful study behind every preparation.
Tradition and innovation coming together, in short. “A cuisine that looks to the future, without forgetting its origins.” The cocktails, accompanied by tasty tapas that you can order à la carte, will amaze you with their balance, originality and refinement. Slightly higher than average prices.
Frisciolata & Fainà
We conclude our list with a real new entry! Frisciolata & Fainà occupies, geographically, the place of the old Bacan in the historic centre of Oneglia. The name, typically Ligurian, means ‘Farinata & Farinata’ – names declined in Ligurian dialect, with the same literal translation but… with a substantial difference! Frisciolata is the typical farinata from Imperia, in which we find spring onions cut into rounds as an extra ingredient, while Fainà is the white, classic farinata.
Here you will not only find these delicacies served as accompaniments, but you are sure to enjoy nice cocktails and excellent local wines!
