Updated: January 28, 2026
A time-honored Italian tradition worth checking out, Aperitivo is similar to the American happy hour. A pre-meal ritual meant to open up the appetite, it’s more than just having a drink before dinner.
Partenope Ristorante invites you to enjoy the rich tradition of Italian Aperitivo with us.
Origins of the Term Aperitivo
The term aperitivo comes from the Latin word “aperire”, which means to open. An early form of aperitivo can be traced back to the ancient Romans, whose elaborate banquets often started with a course called “gustatio”. This tasting course featured light appetizers paired with sweet, aromatic wines.
Fast-forward to the Middle Ages, when monks were often the leading medical practitioners. With the advancement in distillation techniques, they were responsible for creating infusions of spices, roots, and fruits in alcohol. While these concoctions certainly had medicinal purposes, they also stimulated the appetite.
The Modern Definition of Apertivo
The aperitivo we know today emerged in the 18th century when vermouth was created. This fortified wine infused with botanicals became a popular pre-dinner drink due to its unique bitter-sweet taste. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, aperitivo evolved into a cherished social ritual focused on enjoying good company with a delicious pre-dinner drink.
Today, this Italian tradition is spreading around the world. Bars may offer their take on aperitivo, or you can create your own experience at home.
What is “Aperitivo”? Try one at Partenope in Dallas or Richardson
Meant to whet the appetite before dinner, aperitivo is a cocktail hour. The word refers to an alcoholic beverage, or apéritif, enjoyed before a meal in the late afternoon or early evening, but it’s more than just a drink.
Apertivo is a social ritual for Italians to unwind after work, catch up with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere. It is a happy hour focused on conversation and light bites. Drinks such as Vermouth, Campari, or Aperol Spritz are usually low in alcohol. Small plates of accompanying food might include olives, bruschetta, cured meats, and cheeses.
Aperitivo Rituals and Traditions
The time for aperitivo usually falls around 6:30 or 7:00 PM. A casual and lively scene, it bridges the workday and unwinding for the evening.
The drinks are usually light. Campari and soda, Negroni, or a wine spritzer are popular choices. The food is not meant to replace dinner but simply something to have with a drink. Nuts, cheese, olives, and even small pasta dishes might be served. Traditionally, appetizers are complimentary during aperitivo, but this varies depending on the establishment.
A toast with a simple “Cin, cin!” (Cheers!) is customary in Italy.
Unwind and Savor the Moment with Aperitivo at Partenope Ristorante
Aperitivo at Partenope Ristorante allows you to experience this Old World Italian tradition close to home. Some of our most popular aperitivo drinks include:
- Aperol Spritz: Aperol, prosecco, and soda
- Frozen Limoncello Spritz: Lucano limoncello, prosecco, lemon
- Napule: blood orange vodka, bergamot soda, thyme syrup, citrus
- Manhattan Nero: Evan Williams 1783 small batch bourbon, averna amaro
These are nicely accompanied by the following aperitivo appetizers:
- Salumi Board: prosciutto di parma, saleme toscana, hot coppa, n’duja, Parmesan, ricotta, Calabrian chili honey, house bread
- Bruschetta: toasted house bread, garlic, basil, cherry tomato, olive oil, balsamic reduction, parmesan
- Frittelle: fritters of zucchini, ricotta, parsley, Calabrian honey
- Pane: tear and share bread with rosemary, sea salt, and olive oil
Contact us today to savor the flavors of Italy. Join us for aperitivo or reserve a table for dinner. We also offer pizza-making classes with our expert pizzaiolo, where you can learn the secrets of Neapolitan-style pizza. Try one of our Pizza Classes at one of our locations in Dallas or Richardson, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aperitivo
What Is Aperitivo?
Aperitivo is a traditional Italian pre-meal ritual meant to stimulate the appetite. It takes place in the late afternoon or early evening and focuses on light drinks, small bites, and socializing.
Is Aperitivo the Same as Happy Hour?
Aperitivo is similar to an American happy hour, but it places more emphasis on conversation, atmosphere, and preparing for dinner rather than simply having drinks.
What Drinks Are Traditionally Served During Aperitivo?
Common aperitivo drinks include Aperol Spritz, Vermouth, Campari and soda, Negroni, and wine spritzers. These beverages are typically low in alcohol.
What Food Is Served During Aperitivo?
Aperitivo food is light and not meant to replace dinner. Typical options include olives, cheese, bruschetta, cured meats, and other small savory bites.
What Time Does Aperitivo Usually Take Place?
Aperitivo typically happens around 6:30 or 7:00 PM, serving as a relaxed transition between the workday and the evening meal.
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