Aperitivo is an Italian bar and restaurant at 158-160 Seabourne Road, in the heart of Southbourne. It takes its name and its concept from the Italian aperitivo tradition, drinks and small plates enjoyed together, early evening, and builds a full restaurant menu around that idea rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Food and drink
The menu runs from risotto (seafood, 'nduja sausage, porcini mushroom) and pizza through to pasta, salads and heartier meat and fish courses, with a T-bone steak and a seafood linguine among the more substantial options. Cocktails and a dedicated wine list sit alongside the food, in keeping with the aperitivo idea, and there's a separate kids menu for family visits. As with any restaurant, dishes and prices change, so it's worth checking the current menu on the website before you go.
Behind it
Aperitivo is run by the same small local group behind Pulcinella in Ashley Cross and Via Roma in Boscombe, both established Italian restaurants elsewhere in the Bournemouth and Poole area, a useful signal of the kitchen's pedigree if you haven't tried it before.
Good to know
Aperitivo is open Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 10pm and Friday to Saturday from midday to 11pm, closed on Sundays. Tables can be booked online, which is worth doing for weekend evenings when the bar gets busy. It's a short walk from the rest of Southbourne's shops and cafés, and an easy pairing with a stroll along the clifftop or down to the beach.
For more places to eat nearby, browse our food & drink guide, or see what else is on in the area via our things to do guide.