Eating in the center of Rome can be a bit difficult if you fail to plan ahead. Most of the very well-known restaurants like Roscioli or Armando al Pantheon are rather cozy and their limited tables are booked far in advance. Other places that take walk-ins (or worse, have someone outside trying to actively entice you to stop) risk being tourist traps. But L’Antica Birreria Peroni is neither of those things. Located just minutes from the Trevi Fountain, the historic restaurant has a lively atmosphere, filling portions, and welcomes walk-ins.
L’Antica Birreria Peroni first opened in 1906, though the street it sits on is much more ancient and has history reaching centuries. It was once a stable for horses in Roman times, and eventually became a church in the 1600/1700s, but that unfortunately burnt down. But by the early 1900s, this space opened as an ice warehouse and beer dispensary. It was a good combination because the stored ice could be used to keep the beer cold.
Today, the restaurant has kept its beerhall vibes and you are greeted by beautiful hammered bronze beer taps. Stepping into the restaurant, the area around the tables is ringed with an amber fresco of dancing cherubs.
While the cool glasses of Peroni go well with the menu of classic Roman pastas, this is the place in Rome to try wurstel – German pork sausage with sauerkraut and potatoes. No, really.
Or try both the pastas and the wurtsel are under €10 each, which are surprisingly fair prices given the location.
Antica Birreria Peroni does not take reservation, so you may face a wait if you arrive at peak times. Try coming a bit on the early side for Romans – they open at 12 pm for lunch but the rush won’t be until closer to 1 pm. Antica Birreria Peroni is open throughout the afternoon and evening without pausing between lunch and dinner hours so you can also pop in for a beer and some nibbles in the early evening.
Want to know more about the area? Here are 10 Fun Facts about the Trevi Fountain – including what happens to the coins thousands of people throw in every day!
Antica Birreria Peroni
Via di S. Marcello, 19
Rome, Italy (Centro Storico)
Open Monday – Saturday, 12 pm – 12 am.
Love this place! We read about it somewhere and knew we had to go. We did have a bit of a wait for lunch but it was worth it. The food was very tasty and having a beer on a warm day helped to cool us down. Def will be making this a regular on our next trip to Roma.