Oasi della Birra

Finding Oasi della Birra requires walking through or past the delicatessen at its entrance on Piazza Testaccio. The first room is lined with refrigerated displays holding an absurd variety of bottles. Belgian abbey ales sit next to Bavarian wheat beers, American double IPAs, and Italian artisan bottles from breweries most people have never heard of. The staff will talk you through the options with genuine enthusiasm.

The drinking space itself is unpretentious. Indoor seating is limited to a handful of tables in a room that prioritizes beer storage over customer comfort. The outdoor terrace on the piazza is where you want to be in warm months, watching Testaccio's evening activity unfold over a well-chosen beer.

The draft selection rotates regularly and always includes interesting Italian craft options. Prices for draft pours are reasonable. Bottles range from budget-friendly local beers at EUR 4 to rare imports and specialty releases that can reach EUR 15. The markup over retail is modest compared to most bars.

Food is limited to charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and similar drinking snacks sourced from the attached delicatessen. The quality is high, as the shop itself is a respected neighborhood food store. A board of Italian salumi and cheese pairs perfectly with the beer selection.

Oasi della Birra serves a different purpose than Testaccio's clubs and cocktail bars. Come here first, spend an hour exploring the selection, and then move on to the livelier venues down the street. Or come here as a final stop, winding down with something complex and contemplative before calling it a night.