20 Years of Freni e Frizioni

The iconic bar in Trastevere celebrates 20 years of activity

For two decades, this former mechanic’s workshop on Via del Politeama 4 in Trastevere has been at the forefront of Rome’s cocktail scene, shaping the city’s aperitivo culture and welcoming thousands of visitors every night.

Set in the heart of Trastevere, Freni e Frizioni is more than just a cocktail bar: it’s a cultural institution. Founded on July 4, 2005, by Luca Conzato, Cristian Bugiada, Stefano Angelini, and Riccardo Rossi, it has celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, a milestone that marks not just the passing of time, but the continued success of a creative, human-centered, and entrepreneurial model that has left a lasting imprint on Roman nightlife.

A Roman Icon of Cocktails, Culture, and Community

Twenty years ago, Freni e Frizioni was the first place in Rome to bring the northern Italian aperitivo ritual to the capital, recalls co-founder Luca Conzato. At the time, it was a bold and forward-thinking move. Today, it’s hard to imagine the city without it.

The bar’s iconic buffet-style aperitivo, especially popular in its early years, reimagined the way Romans socialize over drinks, offering not just cocktails, but an experience. Today, Freni e Frizioni continues to set the standard with an evolving menu featuring timeless classics, creative twists, and signature drinks that reflect the best of global mixology.

INSPIRATION
Best Aperitivo Places in Rome

Where Everyone Feels at Home

Freni is more than a cocktail hotspot: it’s a melting pot where age, background, and nationality blend effortlessly.

Freni e Frizioni is like a harbor. Every night you see all kinds of people: students, artists, couples, tourists, locals, even VIPs. That mix is part of what makes this place so alive
says co-owner Cristian Bugiada

That spirit of inclusivity and openness is perhaps the secret to its longevity. This bar has never been about exclusivity, but about sharing real moments.

From Garage to Global Recognition

Once an auto repair shop, the bar still proudly showcases its mechanical heritage, with original signage adorning the interior. Its distinctive vintage-industrial design, paired with a creative selection of cocktails and beverages, has earned it international acclaim, including a spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list.

In the warmer months, the outdoor piazzetta becomes the beating heart of the scene, as crowds gather with cocktails in hand, turning Piazza Trilussa into one of Rome’s most electric and charming open-air living rooms.

A place where everyone is welcome, where great drinks meet great vibes, and where the spirit of Trastevere is alive and well. Cheers to 20 years of drinks, music, and unforgettable Roman nights – and here’s to many more.