Our version of the Roman Empire? Aperitivo hour. Soaking up that dreamy afternoon sun with a spritz (or seven) in hand, oily bread in the other, and easy, breezy, holiday conversation. 

Go-To HQ has noticed so many of our favourite Sydney establishments introducing aperitivo hour; the incredibly chic cousin to happy hour. Is it Europecore bleeding into Aussie hospitality, is it a response to so many of us feeling the financial pinch, is it because spring is here and we’re feeling frisky? Who knows. Who cares. We’re 1000% here for it. 

To save you thinking too long and hard about where to waddle once the working day is done, here are the best aperitivo hours we’ve found. 

The Dolphin Hotel, Surry Hills

From Sunday through to Thursday, during the hours of 5pm and 7pm The Dolphin (who dish up the Best Fries Ever) are slinging drinks and nibbles for as low as $5. I’d say that’s pocket change, but do people even carry change in their pockets these days?

Matteo, Double Bay

Like you needed an excuse to get near the spicy vodka rigatoni…Matteo are offering complimentary snacks with any drink order between the hours of 5pm and 7pm. Every. Day. Just know it’s very hard to leave once they’ve fired up that thumper of a pizza oven. 

Restaurant Hubert, Sydney CBD

Yep, famed French diner, Restaurant Hubert, is in on the fun too. Sidle up at the bar from 5pm to 6pm (walk in’s only) and sip on a few $5 G&T’s or $10 negroni’s. Seeing as dinner reservations here are hot property, it’s the perfect opp to indulge in parfait, devilled eggs, or the Normandy burger, all coming in under the $20 mark. 

Jane, Surry Hills

A fresher face in Sydney’s bustling dining scene, Jane (the sibling venue to Arthur) is offering $10 Jane Martini’s and Australiano’s between 5pm and 6pm weekdays. Such a mood. And so is the venue with its low lighting and booth seating. Pair your tipple with $2 oysters or $6 moreton bay bug rolls.

Topikós, Bondi Beach 

When you’re wrapping up a beach day, this is the bar to drop by. Seven days a week, from 4pm to 6pm, you can wrap your lips around $8 beer and wine, as well as $10 margaritas, paloma’s and bellini’s. The extensive bar food menu might see you dabble in some traditional gyros too. 

Cafe Fredas, Darlinghurst

Taylor Square could almost pass as an Italian piazza, right? Regardless, it’s where you might find us from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday. They’re pouring $6 Grifters and mixing $10 Aperol’s or negroni's. Nosh on some roast zucchini tostada or marinated olives while you’re at it. 

Continental Deli, Newtown

Nab discounted food and drinks as Continental Deli (Newtown and CBD) from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays. Rip open two iconic tinned cocktails for only $20, with house beer going for $5 and house wine for $10. The mortadella and gruyere croquettes are a must too, at $6 each. 

La Salut, Redfern

A very vibey place to be at the back end of the week, wine bar La Salut has a selection of tapas on offer for just $5 each. Perfectly paired with the $12 cocktails and cheap beer and wine too. From 5pm to 6pm consider this the perfect start to your evening.