The Italian aperitivo time, famous worldwide, is considered a true ritual, a relaxing moment that usually takes place between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. and that we can consider as a yummy started to have before dinner.
The practice provides a low alcoholic drink associated with salty snacks, meats, cheeses, or typical local products.
It is said that the first one dates back to Piedmont at the end of ‘700 when Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented Vermouth, white wine with an infusion of 30 herbs and spices. The real success, however, comes in the early decades of the ‘900, with mass production of soda water – think of the Milan Campari since 1932 – and today provides the choice of wines, beers or cocktail, such as Americano, Spritz, bitter, Rossini, but also sparkling wine both white or rosé.
Aperitivo time at the Oasi Hotel every evening and from 5 to 7 p.m. we even have our own Happy Hour time. Still, if at some point you wish to try something more “official,” we can recommend some special bars in Levanto that we consider the best places to savor this moment, especially after a tiring hike along the trails of the Cinque Terre or a hot sunny day at the beach.
Like the post on where to eat in Levanto, we will be updating this one regularly
Bar Cristal
At the Cristal, you have a wide choice of wine and beers .. more than 130 labels !!! All accompanied by excellent and well-trimmed snacks. A simple and friendly place at the entrance of the road leading to the church of St. Andrew. It has a large inside room and a few tables outside overlooking the square of the medieval Loggia.
La Vineria
In the village center, La Vineria has a nice interior hall and a terrace facing the public gardens. A very relaxing, shady place that serves fine wines and cocktails accompanied by platters of focaccia, pizza, meats, and the inevitable Ligurian black olives.
La Compera
Right in the Medieval part of Levanto, the name comes from the House of Compere of the Banco di San Giorgio. Since 1515 and for fifty years, the bank took over the management of the village. In fact, this is because the Republic was so in debt with them to cede the administration of many of its colonies and domains in the mainland directly to the Banco di San Giorgio… well, history repeats itself because we do not want to learn if and from it.
Anyway, it’s a lovely place, serving good wine and yummy cheese and cold meats every day from 5 to 11 p.m. It is highly recommended!
Il Piper
The sea-view aperitivo time of Levanto! On the terrace overlooking the beach, the staff serves excellent cocktails. Not to be missed at sunset when the sun sinks behind the horizon, and you can enjoy a magnificent view of the bay.
Bagni San Giorgio
If you prefer to move a bit further, you can easily reach the Bagni San Giorgio in Bonassola. A very charming place with white curtains, tables, and chairs directly on the beach. The Aperitivo here is very classy. Spritz is excellent and accompanied by focaccia with cheese, snacks, and excellent service!
Make your choice and enjoy the aperitivo time in Levanto!