Aperitivo Time
Restaurants in Italy do not open until about 7:30 so there are no early bird dinners. However, there is aperitivo time! Many bars in Italy offer free food when you purchase an aperitivo during this pre-dinner time. Some bars have a whole buffet of snacks available that guests can help themselves to during this period. It is not a 3 course meal, but it is enough to tide one over until restaurants open to the public. Many Italians start of at one place for an aperitivo and move on to the next for dinner. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with friends if you don’t have time for dinner. Just meet for a quick aperitivo!
Here’s a video of what aperitivo time is all about in Italy.
Video from youtube