Authentic Monthly Aperitivo at Antico Forno
Antico Forno is a cozy Italian restaurant located on a quiet alley near Da’an Park (just down the street from The Diner and Coffee Naps). Most days it’s closed for a brief period in the afternoon between lunch and dinner, but for one Saturday each month, the restaurant hosts an aperitivo from 4 – 6pm. This monthly event, called Spritz It Up, is one of our favourites in the city; we’ve already been multiple times and plan to continue going in the future!
In Italy, aperitivo is a pre-meal drink meant to help you unwind from the day and whet your appetite. Think of it like an elevated happy hour that includes alcohol, conversation, and almost endless finger foods. Antico Forno offers a great deal for anyone looking to experience this element of Italian culture in Taipei: for as little as $350, you get a drink and unlimited appetizers that are both delicious and, according to our Italian friend, completely authentic.
Antico Forno has a bar area, a dining room, and an outdoor patio. During their monthly Spritz it Up events, the vibe is relaxed and social; there’s a DJ playing chill beats and the bartenders are always happy to chat. Spritz it Up is a great opportunity to meet new friends — we just can’t understand why more people don’t go!
For access to the appetizer buffet, you need to purchase a drink ticket at the table outside the entrance to the restaurant. It’s $350 for beer or wine and $450 for a cocktail. This may seem pricey, but keep in mind the UNLIMITED food is delicious and definitely substantial enough for a full meal! The best part is how cheap the refills are: only $100 for beer or wine and $200 for a cocktail. Usually we each get 3 glasses of wine and stuff our faces for a total of $550 — that’s a pretty good deal considering how fresh and authentic the food is.
After buying your first drink, you’re free to grab a plate and load up on food. Note that the selection varies at each event, but usually you can expect appetizers like bruschetta, small sandwiches, focaccia, cold pasta, mini pizzas, and more. The buffet lasts from 4 – 6pm, during which time they replenish the food and sometimes introduce new plates!
Check out some of the food that was available at one of their recent events:
Though we haven’t yet been to Antico Forno for a sit down dinner, we love their monthly Spritz it Up event. This aperitivo is a great deal considering the quality of (unlimited) appetizers and the fun vibe. We’ve already attended the monthly event a few times and plan to continue going in the future! Check when the next event is happening on their Facebook page.
What’s the vibe?
Cozy Italian restaurant with a bar area and dining room that hosts a monthly aperitivo. On each of these Saturdays from 4 – 6pm, there’s a lively atmosphere with music, drinks, and finger foods that are both authentic and delicious. It’s a fun event to catch up with friends and meet new people!
Worth it?
Absolutely! We can’t understand why more people don’t attend this monthly Spritz It Up event. For 2 hours of unlimited Italian bites, you just need to purchase a beer/wine for $350 or a cocktail for $450. Refills are only $100 for beer/wine or $200 for cocktails.
Would you go back?
Duh! We’ve been numerous times already and plan to keep returning.
Last updated November 2019
| Antico Forno |
| Chinese Name: 老烤箱義式披薩餐酒 |
| Regular Hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 4:30pm, 6pm - 10pm Sat & Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm |
| Aperitivo Hours: 4pm - 6pm, one Saturday each month |
| Phone: 02 2706 3322 |
| English Address: No. 141, Rui'an Street, Da’an District, Taipei City |
| Chinese Address: 大安區瑞安街141號 |
