This is how you do aperitivo in Ventimiglia.

Some habits just make sense the moment you arrive in Italy. Aperitivo is one of them. No fuss, no rush. A glass of Aperol Spritz, a little bite on the side, and nothing else on your mind. Alone, or with friends. That shared pause — before dinner, before the noise. La dolce vita.

Where does aperitivo come from?

The idea of aperitivo has been around for centuries. We might call it a “pre-dinner drink”, but the meaning in Italy runs deeper. The word comes from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open” — a drink that literally opens the stomach, awakens the appetite, and prepares you for the meal to come.
The first modern aperitivo was served in the 18th century in Turin. A distiller named Antonio Benedetto Carpano created a vermouth designed to be enjoyed before eating. It caught on quickly. Cities like Milan, Bologna and Florence soon followed, each adding their own twist — think Campari or Aperol. Not meant to fill you up, but to stimulate, to sharpen your senses, to mark the shift from day to evening.
To this day, aperitivo in Ventimiglia is part of the daily rhythm. Not an obligation, just something that happens. A natural pause, alone or with others, always with something small on the side.

What you drink.

The classics:

• Aperol Spritz
• Prosecco or Franciacorta (which is the Italian Champagne)
• Limoncello Spritz

And for those who like bitter: the Negroni. Our favorite recipe – with a little twist – can be found in the free Travel Guide: Balzi Rossi & Beyond.

Here’s how to make a perfect Aperol Spritz.

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol (or Limoncello)
• 1 part sparkling water
• Ice and a slice of orange (a Limonello Spritz requires lemon and mint)

When an aperitivo in Ventimiglia.

Here in Ventimiglia, aperitivo time is just a little different. Not only before dinner, but also before lunch. Especially on weekends. Walk into the supermarket in Latte on Sunday morning and you’ll see it right away: older couples having an Aperol Spritz at eleven in the morning, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. And it ís. Around late afternoon, it begins again. Meeting up with friends on a terrace, sea view and a cocktail.

Where to drink an aperitivo in Ventimiglia?

On our terrace in Balzi Rossi, it is a matter of course. A nice chair, overlooking the sea, a good wine list or tasty cocktail. There is no rush. No music drowning out your conversation. Just some distant voices and the sound of the sea. But also downstairs, in the city, are fine places. On the beach, at one of the beach bars towards Menton, or just in the old center “Ventimiglia Alta”. There, in the narrow streets and small squares, you will find bars where time runs slowly and locals meet.

Our tips:

1. San Giuseppe in Ventimiglia has a lovely terrace overlooking the sea. Also nice beach club!
2. Palo Santo in Ventimiglia harbor, tapas menu and beautiful view of boats from Monaco.
3. Porta Nizza in the old town of Ventimiglia Alta, a cozy square with sea view. Delicious pizzas and pastas.
4. Madman Lounge Bar on the promenade in Ventimiglia.
5. Little bar in the park in Ventimiglia (the kids can play in the playground).

And then looking for a nice little restaurant….

After your aperitivo in Ventimiglia is dinner time for Italians. Restaurants open at 7 p.m.7:30. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to stay seated after that or walk on to a good plate of food. We’ve gathered our favorites for you in this blog about restaurants in Ventimiglia. Not a tourist list, but just an overview of where we like to go together, with friends or with our kids.