A sip of the slow life in Vienna

Art of the Aperitivo

The aperitivo is one such tradition that has been incorporated into every Italian's life. Meeting before dinner to relax over a cocktail or glass of wine accompanied by finger food. Now the only official Bar Campari outside of Italy is demonstrating how serious it is about the preserving art of the aperitivo.

It might be located in the heart of Vienna's bustling Old Town but Bar Campari is tucked away down a side street with tables spilling out on to a sun-soaked terrace. An authentic slice of 'la dolce vita' in the centre of Austria's historic capital.

It comes as no surprise that this is the only official Bar Campari in partnership with Campari Austria. From the white-jacketed, bow-tied waiters and the classic Campari cocktails and mixed drinks to the striking interior design by Italian architect Matteo Thun, this bar is the genuine article.

Camel & Campari

But what makes it unique is the marrying of Italian culture with traditional Viennese hospitality. That bears the stamp of its owner, Viennese restaurant legend Peter Friese. He also runs the famous Zum Schwarzen Kameel (To the Black Camel) restaurant and bar just around the corner – a Viennese institution that can trace its roots back to 1618 when Johann Baptist Cameel set up a spice shop that was a play on his name.

Friese grew up working in Zum Schwarzen Kameel and is the second generation of his family to run the listed business. But the self-described "perfectionist" wanted to create a new piece of hospitality history – one that would pay homage to Italy's rich traditions in the most authentic manner.

Refusing to compromise on his vision, it took years for Friese to find the ideal site for Bar Campari and then convince Matteo Thun to come on board. Bar Campari finally came to fruition in 2019 and now, there is no better time than summer 2023 to fully appreciate the benefits of the sweet, slow Italian way of life. With a spritzer or Negroni in hand, naturally...

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