Positano
Sporting a steely grey-and-white interior, regular art exhibitions and a terrace with sea views, this is a fine spot for a pit stop. While it serves…
Must-see nightlife in Southern Italy
Syracuse
Modern, buzzing bakery-cafe Viola is known for its competent cappuccinos; even the soy-milk version is creamy and consistent. There's a good range of…
Naples
Groove away at this Vomero favourite, a hybrid music shop/cafe/bar. Hunt for new and used vinyl and CDs spanning electronica and classic rock to jazz,…
Sorrento
Think locked-eyes-over-cocktails time. This is the place to impress your date with cocktails (€8) on the candlelit terrace, surrounded by orange, lemon…
Syracuse
A popular, people-watching cafe, Minerva pours one of the best cappuccinos in town. The coffee here is made using wood-roasted beans and the espresso has…
Taranto
Inspiring the slow but steady reinvigoration of Taranto's centro storico is this cool and compact cafe. Local cats mooch around on bench seats outside,…
Naples
Beer fiends will find their happy place at this intimate Chiaia favourite. Its ten taps and rotating selection of bottled brews showcase unique drops from…
Central Sicily
Vintage gardening paraphernalia and retro furniture combine with a friendly welcome at this cafe tucked away in Caltagirone's historic city centre. Order…
Matera
A watering hole appropriate to a city of caves, this cosy little taverna might be claustrophobic, if it wasn't so convivial. Pitted stone walls, colourful…
Valle d’Itria
Treat this laid-back little place either as a sandwich shop or wine bar, sampling prosit (sparkling rose), verdeca and other niche wines of the Valle d…
Modica
High ceilings, antique mouldings and vintage tiled floors create a delightful backdrop at this buzzing, atmospheric enoteca in the upper town. Daily…
Ostuni
Our favourite of the cafes framing Ostuni's sunny Via Indipendenza, Pausa's outdoor seating is ideal for a lunch platter or an aperitvo later in the day…
Palermo
Chipped concrete floors, old sewing machines turned tables and a gramophone turned lamp: welcome to one of Palermo's most eclectic (and best) wine bars,…
Naples
They may be a little older, but the ’90s kids are still partying at this tiny veteran bar, tucked away on a centro-storico side street. Here, well-mixed…
Capri
On a street flanked by tasteful shops and near two lovely piazzas, this is the best place in Anacapri to park your gluteus maximus for a bit of tourist…
Matera
Located on the narrow pedestrian thoroughfare leading to the cathedral, Monkey Drink House morphs from being a good spot for a morning espresso through to…
Bay of Naples
From May to September, the floating pontoon bar sets sail to the centre of Lago di Miseno (Miseno Lake) at around 9.30pm each night, with a shuttle-boat…
Capri
Behind a humble exterior is one of the island’s most famous nightspots, run by the charismatic Guido Lembo. This smooth and sophisticated bar-club…
Mediterranean Coast
This is a good place to enjoy breakfast in the shade, or a sunset drink, overlooking the harbour. Soft pastry, caffè latte in tall glasses and fresh…
Bari
Our favourite of the bars and cafes along narrow Via Manfredi Re on the edge of Bari's old town. Six beer taps feature a rotating selection and the fridge…
Promontorio del Gargano
A cosmopolitan and more casual 2018 offshoot of Monte Sant'Angelo's popular Casa li Jalantuúmene restaurant, this cosy wine bar specialises in Puglian…
Reggio Calabria
Street art and excellent pizza made from Slow Food ingredients combine with Lievito's own range of craft beers – the 9% Belgian-style Tripel is a smooth…
Lipari
If you fancy a late-night drink or simply want a prime people-watching perch during the passeggiata (evening stroll), pull up a chair at this hugely…
Palermo
Red theatrical curtains, old wooden cabinets and vintage curiosities: this snug bar pulls a mixed-aged crowd of artists, students and general bohemians,…
Matera
The roots of this daytime/nighttime cafe as a small gelateria still show: you can get yourself a cono medio (medium cone) of pistachio and cicciolata…
Western Sicily
This tempting pasticceria sells a huge range of Sicilian sweet treats and is the town's social epicentre. Claim one of its outdoor tables and settle back…
Calabria
Good-value sandwiches and flatbreads combine with Calabrian craft beer and wine at this spot in Chianalea's pedestrian main drag. The friendly owners also…
Cosenza
More than 200 beers and a good selection of gin and whiskey combine at our favourite Cosenza bar. Grab a table outside on the city's main pedestrian…
Syracuse
Hidden away in a flamboyant baroque courtyard, sultry Barcollo lures with its fresh flowers, flickering tealights and chi-chi outdoor deck. Aperitivo is…
Salina
Affiliated with Malfa's Hotel Santa Isabel, this upscale bar-restaurant serves excellent Sicilian food at lunch and dinner – but the most compelling time…
Calabria
On the beach in Scilla town, this popular bar has a Beatles tribute corner and namechecks other 1960s musical legends like Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Jim…
Sorrento
When love is in the air, put on your best Italian shoes and head for a predinner libation at the Hotel Bellevue Syrene's swoon-inducing terrace bar…
Lecce
Treat yourself to great coffee and pasticciotto (custard pie) at this iconic chandeliered cafe in Lecce's main square. And try to get past the lavish…
Bari
This bohemian street corner combination of cafe, bar and bookshop also features occasional events like poetry readings and book launches. Drop by for a…
Matera
A favourite of expat locals, this cool and compact bar combines hip bar staff with great cocktails and craft beer. Thoroughly unpretentious and welcoming,…
Reverso Unconventional Bistrot
Bari
Tucked away in a laneway in Bari Vecchia, the cosy Reverso combines an excellent Puglian wine list, interesting bar snacks and platters, and a welcoming…
Marsala
Marsala's fashionistas gravitate towards this on-trend lounge-bar to quaff cocktails in the chic interior or beneath grey parasols on the street terrace…
Sorrento
On Piazza Tasso, this elegant cafe with besuited waiters offers a front-row seat for the evening passeggiata (communal stroll). It serves stiff drinks at…
Syracuse
This beloved bookshop-cafe organises a whole range of cultural activities, including Italian language courses and regular literary events. It's also a…
Catania
Indie-spirited Mono serves up free, regular live music to a mostly local crowd. Acts include singer-songwriters and emerging talent, with a courtyard that…
