There's a moment, just after six, when the day's heat lifts and the city exhales. Vienna has learned to make the most of it. Aperitivo culture, no longer just an imported Italian ritual, has settled deep into Vienna's evenings, with its own signature drinks and its own places you wouldn't want to do without.
Italian-inspired: Bar Campari and Pastamara
For something down to earth without giving up on quality, Bar Campari on Seitzergasse 6 is a slice of Milan in Vienna. The interior comes from South Tyrolean star architect Matteo Thun, and everything else revolves around a Mediterranean mood: Campari Spritz, Negroni, Garibaldi, plus antipasti and Italian snacks.
The most elegant start to the evening comes at Pastamara in the Ritz-Carlton on Schubertring. What star chef Ciccio Sultano has built here as a Sicilian bar con cucina is far more than a hotel restaurant: Gambero Rosso has awarded it three forks as one of the best Italian restaurants outside Italy. The aperitivo is served daily from 5pm from its own dedicated cart.
By the water: Strandbar Herrmann
For anyone who prefers to pair a drink with a view of the Donaukanal, Strandbar Herrmann in Herrmannpark is a summer fixture: urban, easygoing, with the best seat on the water.
New addresses: Bar Louu and Rinkhy
One of the most exciting new spots is Bar Louu on Zieglergasse 38 in the Seventh. Danny Hubmann, longtime brand ambassador for Aperol and Campari, has opened a bar that doesn't stage aperitivo as a theme, it simply lives it. Rotating signature cocktails, carefully chosen producers, high tables, a compact bar and snacks like the ham and cheese toast made with Öfferl bread and Thum ham.
Just a few doors down, also on Zieglergasse, is Rinkhy: a delicatessen bar that treats Southern Europe as a travel route. Over 600 wines in the cellar, more than 100 Champagnes, and fresh oysters from France and Ireland every day.
For the 4th district: Casolaro Bros and Edelgreisslerei
In the 4th district, Casolaro Bros on Wohllebengasse 15 has become a reliable aperitivo address. Excellent spritzes and cocktails with an Italian touch, antipasti, pistachio croissants and a terrace that fills up fast in the sun.
And for anyone wondering about ten years of Edelgreisslerei: Marco Simonis marks the anniversary at Dominikanerbastei 10 with a partnership built around Lillet: French savoir vivre, inventive drinks, and creative small plates.
Milan flair, a Donaukanal view, or a natural wine bar down a side street: Vienna's aperitivo scene has an address for every kind of early evening.