FreshieCraft beer in Rome
Italy · Europe
The scene
Italian craft beer (birra artigianale) is one of Europe's most vibrant scenes, and Rome is its showcase. Open Baladin's flagship Roman location helped legitimize Italian craft in the early 2010s. Today the city has a working brewpub scene (Jungle Juice, Rebel's, Birrificio del Borgo's various bars), the legendary Trastevere beer triangle (Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà, Bir & Fud, Football Pub), and standout bottle shops curated by characters like Johnny and Vincent. Italian craft tends to use local ingredients (chestnut, Mediterranean herbs) alongside global styles.
Breweries, brewpubs & taprooms
Where to drink in Rome
Jungle Juice Brewing & Taproom
Brewery + taproom in an unexpected alley off Mandrione. House lineup heavy on IPAs and pale ales. Off the tourist track — get there by tram or taxi. Gluten-free IPAs notably good.
Daily 6pm-1am+
Rebel's Brewery & Tap Room Garden
Outdoor beer garden brewery with parking — closer to LA-suburban-brewery than Rome-rustic. Big garden, lots of seating, experimental brews. Good for groups.
Wed-Sun 6pm-12am, closed Mon-Tue
Open Baladin
Baladin is Italian craft's pioneer brewery (founded 1996 in Piozzo) — this Rome location showcases the full lineup plus dozens of other Italian craft beers. Burger menu, full pub feel. Cask ale on hand-pump.
Daily 12pm-1am+
Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà
The original Trastevere craft beer landmark. Tiny space, neo-punk vibe, excellent rotating tap list focused on Italian and northern European craft. Order to the street outside in summer.
Daily 11am-2am
Malto Misto
Small Italian craft taproom 400m from Bologna metro. Bartender Francesco gives recommendations in English. Ribs are the food call (if available).
Daily 5pm/6pm-12am+
For takeaway
Bottle shops
Johnny's Offlicense (Piazza Re di Roma)
Johnny is a craft beer ambassador — extensive Italian and international selection, will guide you through tastings on premise (smokey beers reportedly intense). One of the best bottle shops in Europe per multiple reviews.
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, closed Sun
Johnny's Off License Campo de' Fiori
Johnny's second location, run by Vincent. Hidden side street near Campo de' Fiori. Rare bottles, including limited Cantillon collabs hard to find anywhere else. Natural wines too.
Daily 4pm-10pm
L'Oasi della Birra
Testaccio piazza-side beer institution. Drink in the park-like piazza out front Italian-style. Wide bottle selection upstairs, casual taverna downstairs. More wine focus than the Johnny's spots but solid beer too.
Daily split hours
Practical
Getting around & local context
The Metro is limited; trams and buses serve most craft spots. Trastevere is the densest area for tap bars and easiest by foot. Most bars open from late afternoon — Italians drink later. Tipping isn't expected. House beers from any Italian brewery are usually €5-7 a pint; imports €7-10. Order in Italian and you'll get warmer service.