Rec 23
Rec 23 occupies a former mechanics workshop on Piazza dell'Emporio, at the northern edge of Testaccio where the neighborhood meets the river. The industrial conversion retains exposed pipes, metal fixtures, and workshop equipment as decorative elements, creating an aesthetic that sits between functional and fashionable. The venue operates primarily as a cocktail bar and restaurant, with the aperitivo hours (18:30-21:00) drawing the biggest pre-dinner crowds. The cocktail menu mixes Italian classics with house originals, and the bartenders work with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups. Food service runs throughout the evening with a menu of salads, burgers, and Italian small plates. On weekends, DJ sets start after 22:00, transitioning the space from restaurant to bar.
What to Expect
A spacious, industrial-chic interior with high ceilings and an open kitchen. The aperitivo crowd is well-dressed and social. After 22:00, the music picks up and the atmosphere shifts toward late-night bar mode. The outdoor terrace fills fast in warm weather.
Industrial-chic with a social buzz. The conversion from workshop to bar works genuinely well.
Background lounge during dinner, DJ sets from 22:00 on weekends with house, funk, and nu-disco
Smart casual. The crowd dresses well for aperitivo. No shorts or beach wear.
Couples and groups looking for a stylish aperitivo spot that extends into a late-night bar experience.
Cards and cash accepted. No minimum spend.
Price Range
Cocktails EUR 10-12, beer EUR 5-7, aperitivo with food EUR 8-12, dinner mains EUR 12-18
Cocktails ~$11-13, beer ~$5.50-7.60, aperitivo ~$8.70-13
Hours
Daily 18:30-02:00, kitchen closes at 23:30
Insider Tip
Come for the aperitivo window (18:30-21:00) when drinks include access to a decent food spread. The outdoor tables on the piazza are the best seats in summer. Weekday evenings are less crowded and more relaxed.
Full Review
Rec 23 found its niche by turning a grimy mechanics workshop into a space that balances industrial authenticity with cocktail bar sophistication. The high ceilings and exposed structural elements give the room an airy quality that most converted spaces lack. Vintage car parts and workshop tools mounted on the walls serve as decoration without feeling forced.
The aperitivo is the main draw. For EUR 8-12, your cocktail comes with access to a food spread that ranges from adequate to generous depending on the evening. During peak aperitivo season (spring and summer), the outdoor tables on Piazza dell'Emporio fill by 19:30. The piazza itself is a pleasant open space that catches the evening breeze, making it one of Testaccio's most comfortable outdoor drinking spots.
Cocktails are well-made. The bartenders know their craft, and the seasonal menu shows genuine creativity. Negroni variations and Spritz options cater to the Italian crowd, while original creations appeal to the growing international clientele. Prices are moderate for the quality and location.
After aperitivo, the venue transitions into evening mode. The food menu is solid if unspectacular: well-executed Italian comfort food at reasonable prices. By 22:00 on weekends, a DJ takes over, and the mood shifts from conversational to social. The late-night crowd is younger than the aperitivo regulars but maintains the same dress standard.
The location on Piazza dell'Emporio puts Rec 23 at the intersection of Testaccio and the river. It's a natural starting point for a Testaccio evening, with the club strip on Via di Monte Testaccio a 10-minute walk south.
The Neighborhood
Rec 23 sits on the northern edge of Testaccio at Piazza dell'Emporio, where the neighborhood meets the Tiber embankment. It's a 5-minute walk from Ponte Sublicio (connecting to Trastevere) and a 10-minute walk from the main Testaccio club strip on Via di Monte Testaccio.
Getting There
Metro Line B to Piramide station, then a 7-minute walk northwest. Tram 3 stops nearby on Via Marmorata. From Trastevere, cross Ponte Sublicio and it's a 5-minute walk.
Address
Piazza dell'Emporio 2
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Goa Club
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Rashomon Club
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Oasi della Birra
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Doppio Zero
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