Ai Tre Scalini
Tre Scalini on Via Panisperna is a popular bar with the younger Italian and expatriate crowd.
Popular with a younger Italian crowd and the more assimilated of the expats, social but not unruly, Tre Scalini is a good place to catch up with a friend over a couple of drinks, and maybe a decent platter of cold cuts and cheeses.
Tre Scalini is one of the more popular bars in Monti. As it’s a relatively small venue, in the summer months, the crowd spills out into Via Panisperna, smoking and drinking wine from plastic glasses. As is the case with many of Rome’s busy bars in residential neighbourhoods, the noise sometimes bothers the locals, leading to the occasional bucket of water being emptied out of an upstairs window.
The sense of community, along with the crush at peak times, might be a little off-putting to casual tourists, but the staff and customers are friendly, and if you’re settling in the city for a while, it can be a great place to meet your friends.
As well as the wines (and at least one beer on tap), there’s a selection of food available for lunch or a light dinner. Try the melanzane al parmigiano—made with cheese, tomatoes, and aubergine (eggplant)—or the plate of mixed cheeses and cold cuts, which is great for sharing.