Nibble for relatively niente by partaking in the Italian tradition of aperitivo—small bites served with before-dinner spirits. These local eateries are doing the old country proud with their pre-meal offerings, all designed to jump-start your appetite.

Piola
If Piola’s festive Italian music doesn’t put you in mangia mode, the free finger foods certainly will. Every weeknight at Piola, enjoy salads, pizzas, homemade focaccia and other snacks with any drink from 5 to 8 p.m. A ridiculously long list of pizzas (over 50 varieties), plus a menu of salads, mains, pastas and desserts, round out the offerings at the Village outpost of this Italian chain. In the warm months, the outdoor café is a perfect spot to share a bottle of wine while you snack. (48 E. 12th St between Broadway and University Place, 212-777-7781)

dell’anima
This always-packed West Village spot does a weekly aperitivo from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday to Sunday (call ahead to make sure), featuring an array of small plates like grilled veggies, fregula salad and riso pasta. They’re the perfect complement to the long list of wines and unique aperitif cocktails—a specialty of the house. Also try dell’anima’s bruschette primer course, from which you can choose one, three or five different mini-dips. (38 Eighth Ave. between Horatio and Jane Sts., 212-366-6633)

Tarallucci e Vino
Even though its name translates to “cookies and wine,” we like Tarallucci e Vino for its free savory snacks more than anything else. On weeknights, this traditional Italian wine bar puts out bites that range from cheese and prosciutto to mini-quiches, panini and croissants. Aside from a full menu of pastas, mains and salads, the assaggi (or “tasting plates”) are perfect to share whether you’re having an $8 glass of Pinot Grigio or splurging on a bottle of Brunello. (15 E. 18th St. at Broadway, 212-228-5400)

Aroma
At Aroma, owners Alexandra Degiorgio and Vito Polosa demonstrate true Mediterranean hospitality with their version of aperitivo, Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. In the style of a wine tasting, three wines selected by the sommelier are paired with a selection of antipasti for only $15 (plus, listen to a mini-history of each wine while you sip!). Aroma also offers an $18 prix-fixe lunch and a $30 five-course tasting menu every Monday featuring seasonal items. (36 E. Fourth St. between Lafayette and Bowery, 212-375-0100)

Bocca
Open your bocca for the aperitivo served at this Flatiron spot from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every night but Saturday. Typical snacks like bread, fresh mozzarella, mini-pizzas and breaded-and-fried green olives are part of the free pre-dinner spread, served with a cocktail or glass of wine. If you’re still hungry, there’s a full menu of chef Salvatore Corea’s authentic Italian fare, featuring an extensive bread-and-cheese platter for just a few more bucks. (39 E.19th St. between Broadway and Park Ave., 212-387-1200)


Photo by Sam Horine