Freni e Frizioni

— It’s all about perfect balance.

Just a few steps from Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere, there’s a corner of Rome that has been alive for two decades.
In 2005, Freni e Frizioni opened inside what used to be an old car repair shop. Raw, industrial, unapologetically rough around the edges.

Twenty years later, this is no longer just a popular bar. It’s a place where people, atmosphere, and creativity come together in a way that feels completely natural.

If there’s one thing that makes Freni e Frizioni truly special, it’s the energy in the room.

The bartenders and staff all have strong personalities, no one fades into the background. That individuality is part of the experience.

That same character is echoed in the interior - street art, rough textures, and an aesthetic that feels both gritty and refined at the same time.
Everything clicks. The space itself expresses the identity of the bar.

Reaching its 20th anniversary doesn’t feel like a conclusion. If anything, it feels like proof that Freni e Frizioni is still evolving.

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A Vision That Came Before the Trend

Freni e Frizioni is widely known as one of Rome’s iconic aperitivo spots, especially for its famous buffet, a tradition that’s still alive and well today, and very much part of the bar’s identity.

But back when aperitivo wasn’t yet part of everyday Roman life, the founders of Freni e Frizioni already saw its potential.

In fact, they were among the first to bring the aperitivo culture of Turin and Northern Italy to Rome.
Long before it became fashionable, they understood that aperitivo wasn’t just about food or drinks,  it was about ritual, rhythm, and community.

Recently, a new layer has been added to that tradition. Alongside the buffet, Freni e Frizioni now offers à la carte light bites.

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These small dishes are far more than “bar snacks.”

They’re thoughtfully designed to support the drinks, not compete with them, elevating the entire experience without stealing the spotlight.

The idea is simple, but very intentional,bold flavors, easy to eat by hand, and meant to be enjoyed with a cocktail.

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The Punk Dog pairs a frankfurter sausage with cheddar, ketchup, and crispy onions, all tucked into a baguette.
It’s punk, street-inspired, and fun, yet surprisingly well-balanced. A great match for highball-style cocktails.

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The Falafel Dip comes with homemade falafel, hummus, pita bread, and pickles.
Meat-free but deeply satisfying, thanks to spices and the richness of legumes.
It works beautifully with herbaceous or gin-based drinks.

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The Meatballs Sandwich features beef meatballs in tomato sauce, basil, and Grana Padano, served in a ciabatta roll.
Comforting, unmistakably Italian, and excellent with aperitivo classics like an Americano.

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The Cuban Sandwich is the most substantial option: buttery toasted bread, juicy pulled pork finished with mojo sauce, mustard, melted provola cheese, and pickles.
It’s closer to a proper meal and pairs surprisingly well with citrus-driven cocktails like a Paloma, or the bar’s signature Crossing Over.

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For lighter moments, classics like chips, olives, and taralli are also available.

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Friendly, Casual, and World-Class Behind the Bar

What makes Freni e Frizioni truly unique is how approachable it feels, while delivering drinks at a world-class level.

The moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming.

Staff move quickly, smiles and voices overlap, and the room never feels still.

Yet behind the bar, everything is precise.

Drinks come fast, but never carelessly. Every movement is deliberate, every recipe fully thought through.

Bottle handling, stirring, shaking, flavor building. All of it happens seamlessly, often accompanied by casual conversation.

The result feels less like service and more like live performance.

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Signature Cocktails

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Crossing Over
Martini Riserva Bitter / Martini Rosso / Osmanthus Cordial / Pink Grapefruit / CO₂
Low in alcohol but rich in aroma, with floral notes of osmanthus and a clean grapefruit bitterness.

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Raw Sex
Savoia Americano / Plymouth / Cointreau / Raspberry & Pomegranate Shrub / Lemon / Ferrari Maximum
Bright and fruity, lifted by sparkling wine and sharp acidity. An excellent aperitivo to start the night.

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Negroni Mediterraneo
Gin Mare / Amaro Santoni / Marsala Florio / Semi Secco / Bell Pepper / Thyme
A Mediterranean take on the Negroni, herbal, gently vegetal, and softer around the edges. Perfect with food.

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Mexican Manhattan
Jack Daniel’s Blonded / Mole & Banana / Martini Riserva Ambrato / Bitter Chocolate
A Manhattan that speaks Mexican without using tequila. Mole and bitter chocolate add depth and spice, creating a bold, memorable drink.

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Simply Green
Patrón Silver / Italicus / Chardonnay / Pickles / Tarragon / Fennel
Fresh, green, and aromatic. Light on its feet but complex enough to pair with food.

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The Butcher
Jameson Black Barrel / Amaretto / Raspberry Soda
Easy to drink and familiar, yet layered. A highball-style cocktail with real character.

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Shibuya
Johnnie Walker Black / Ginger / Miso / Peach / Wasabi / Soy
A daring blend of Japanese influences, balancing umami, spice, and sweetness in unexpected ways.

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People. The energy they create. And cocktails of the highest quality.

That balance is incredibly hard to achieve, not just in Rome, but in any city.  And yet, Freni e Frizioni makes it feel effortless.

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