Feb 17, 2025

Rive Gauche Rome

Right to your left

""Rive Gauche" in Rome is the bar for you if you miss the '20s like I do. Also, here's an extra tip: don't miss their little happy one-and-a-half-hour!"

I just love the "roaring twenties", or at least the romantic idea I have of them; Jazz booming out of bars full of people dancing Foxtrot. New artistic aspirations follow the newfound economical boom, while women fight for equality and do indeed receive their right to vote in most Western countries.

Now I have one small problem: they are over. So what I do in my time-machine-lessness is go to the Rive Gauche! With its wood-panelled walls and bar, the dim yellow light, a brilliant music selection and that hint of Art Deco this wonderful little piece of the San Lorenzo neighbourhood takes you right back in time.

Also, in the student-induced chaos of San Lorenzo and its loud, vibrant bar scene (that I very much appreciate, don't get me wrong) it's not an easy task to find that one pub where you can go to to enjoy a good book over an even better beer, or where you'd have a relaxed evening with a friend. But, and you've guessed it, the Rive Gauche is exactly that.

Save for the great atmosphere painted above they have a great selection of German and British beers, whiskeys, brandies, rum and everything else you need to make your roaring experience perfect.

I usually like to go there around 20:00 to enjoy some time between me, myself, my book and my beer. Also because from 19:00 - 20:30 their little happy one-and-a-half-hour is on, meaning that you get some exquisite appetizers while paying €1 less for your beer!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

About this spot

Via dei Sabelli 43

Pint of beer:

5

064456722

Explore Rome like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rome guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rome

Osteria Dar Bruttone

In the name of tradition

"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 17, 2025

Cecilia Metella's Tomb

A peaceful garden

"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Max

Giudice

Feb 17, 2025

Pasticceria Boccione

Historic Jewish bakery

"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

La Fraschetta

Cheap wine and a friendly welcome

"La Fraschetta" is a neighborhood hangout in Rome for the locals -- Sandro doesn't get many customers who aren't Italian men in their fifties or older!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Trajan's Market Walkway

A path through history

"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Via Piccolomini

An optical illusion

Ride a scooter on "Via Piccolomini" in Rome and, as you get closer to St Peter's Basilica, you'll actually see it shrinking instead of growing closer!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Via Casilina Vecchia

The aqueduct neighbourhood

"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Bar Giolitti

A Testaccio institution

"Bar Giolitti" is one of my favorite places in Testaccio, Rome, for a gelato or a coffee at the bar. I also like sitting at one of the tables outside...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Chourmo

Cosy bar in Torpignattara

"Chourmo" is a cosy, tiny bar in Certosa, Roma. It's a place to mingle, meet your neighbours over a Campari or a glass of wine. Jazz nights on Saturdays...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Villa Farnesina

Renaissance splendour

"Villa Farnesina" in Rome isn't exactly unknown, but few tourists visit it. Come here to experience Raphael in peace & tranquility in a Renaissance villa.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Bentu e Soi

A taste of Sardinia in Pigneto

"Bentu e Soi" in Rome is a Sardinian restaurant. The food here is to die for, and everything comes with an explanation -- even the bread...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Villa dei Quintili

Atmospheric Roman villa

"Villa dei Quintili" is an archaeological site on Rome's Appia Antica. Important scenes of my novel 'In Exile' take place here; it's just so atmospheric.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 17, 2025

Heading to Rome?

152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Rome?

152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Rome

Get to know our other Spotters from Rome