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Il Goccetto
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
intimatelivelyretro
About the Vibe
Il Goccetto is Rome's original wine bar, pouring since 1983 in a centuries-old palazzo on Via dei Banchi Vecchi. With over 850 labels lining the walls floor-to-ceiling, a daily-changing chalkboard, and a crowd that spills onto the sidewalk, it's the kind of unpretentious, passionate wine experience that makes you want to become a regular.
Why it's worth it
Over 850 wine labels, a daily chalkboard, and a sidewalk scene that turns Via dei Banchi Vecchi into an impromptu wine party since 1983.
Highlights
850+ wine labelsdaily chalkboardsidewark scenesince 1983
Before you go
No reservations accepted—go early (before 7pm) or late (after 10pm) to avoid the thickest crowds, and grab a spot outside on the sidewalk where the real scene happens.
Known For
- •850+ wine labels
- •daily chalkboard selection
- •small plates like beetroot-cured salmon and prosciutto di Parma
- •vino e olio sign and sidewalk scene
Best For
after-work winedate nightsolo glass and a bite
1 review
City InsidersEditorialMarch 30, 2026
Rome's Original Wine Bar: Lively, Unpretentious, and Full of Character
Il Goccetto is a Rome institution, and for good reason. Opened in 1983 by Anna and Sergio Ceccarelli, it was one of the city's first proper wine bars, arriving just as Rome was waking up to quality wine culture. The space is intimate and historic—coffered ceilings, dim lighting, and walls lined floor-to-ceiling with bottles. It's never quiet here; the crowd is a mix of thirty- and forty-something Romans, wine enthusiasts, and curious visitors, all packed in tight and loving it.
The wine program is serious. Over 850 labels, with a chalkboard that changes daily featuring around 24 reds, whites, Prosecco, and spirits. The staff knows their stuff and will happily guide you toward something new—whether it's a Pecorino from Abruzzo or an unexpected French natural wine. They don't care about labels like "natural" or "conventional"; they just care about wines made with heart. Ask for a recommendation and you'll get something interesting.
Food is simple but excellent: small bites like beetroot-cured salmon, prosciutto di Parma with peppery rucola, and a respectable selection in the fridge. It's the kind of place you'd want to visit every day for that perfect daily sip. It can get crowded and service can be a bit brusque when slammed, but that's part of the charm. The real draw on a nice evening is the impromptu street party outside, where people sip wine on the picturesque sidewalk. This is wine drinking the Roman way—unpretentious, passionate, and always interesting.