Credit: Supplied

As much of the country escapes to the north for a European summer escape, our Instagram feed is teeming with open blue waters, sun drenched landscapes and endless afternoons of spritzing. However, for those of us who hold the view of an office desk rather than the rolling cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, respite of social media-induced FOMO is closer than we think.

2019 marks the centenary of the beloved Aperol and after 100 years of celebrating a tipple at aperitivo hour, the orange aperitif is flowing into Italian hotspots across Sydney and Melbourne. The city’s most famous establishments – including the likes of Matteo Downtown, Totti’s and Baby Pizza – are raising a glass and saying, ‘Cin Cin!’ to the traditional beverage. Accompanied by indulgent dishes of pizza, pasta and antipasti, visit your local ristorante for an aperitivo hour almost as good as Venice – minus the air fare and double the value.

Sydney

Sitting on the edge of the Tasman Sea, Sydney is not only renowned for its glorious coastline but traditional food scene. Some of the best Italian restaurants have descended onto the city and include the likes of Totti’s at The Royal in Bondi, Bar Machiavelli and Maybe Frank.

Sit by the pool at Uccello Italian on the rooftop of Ivy or between the double-brick walls of Franchini Brother’s Italian Bar for an Aperol Spritz special. Venture down to your nearest partnering Italian eatery below and make a toast to a winter spritz.

 

MELBOURNE

If anyone takes the crown for Australia’s foodie destination it’s the culture capital, Melbourne. Gridlocked with innumerable backstreet restaurants, bars and unassuming eateries, we’ve rounded up the best Italian restaurants across the city. In a bid to escape the cold winter bite notorious with the Victorian metropolis, gravitate to these hotspots and take cues from Europe’s jet setters for an Aperol spritz, or two.

Located on cobblestone laneways reminiscent to the streets of Venice (almost) and the tiled paths of the inner city, enjoy some of the city’s most loved Italian dining and delectables with the 100-year-old recipe on hand. From Baby Pizza to Rosetta, Crown, visit your closest restaurant for aperitivo hour, just like they do it in Europe.

For a full list of partnering restaurants, visit the APEROL website here.

Drink responsibly.