There’s a time of day when everything slows down. You want to relax, chat, maybe sip something good… but without cooking a full dinner. Maybe you’re not exactly a kitchen pro. And that’s where the magic happens: the Italian-style aperitivo dinner, a bit of aperitif, a bit of dinner.

What’s an “Aperitivo Dinner” Really? (And Why We Love It So Much)

In recent years, this casual dining ritual has become incredibly popular. It started somewhat spontaneously, often at someone’s home or in a bar, when a simple drink with a few snacks slowly turned into an entire evening. A few nibbles became a full plate, and no one needed a real dinner anymore. All of this happens casually: no sitting at the table, just chatting, drinking, and eating on the sofa or standing around.

And that’s the beauty of it: there are no rules. It’s not tied to an ancient tradition. You can do it with just three rich bites or a long buffet full of tasty options. What matters is creating a relaxed vibe and having something good to share.

Hosting an Aperitivo Dinner at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s say you want to invite a few friends over after work. You’re thinking of that magic formula — part aperitif, part dinner. But then you hesitate: where do you even begin?

We get it: you’re not looking to spend hours in the kitchen. So we’ve put together a simple plan to help you organize your very first home aperitivo dinner — even if you’re a total beginner. (Spoiler: yes, there will be pinsa!)

Set the Right Atmosphere

Before food, think about the mood. Do you want something cozy, with soft lighting, or more vibrant, like a rooftop happy hour? You don’t need much: a playlist, a few candles or string lights, real plates and glasses (skip the plastic). These little touches do more than the menu.

Start with Nibbles

When guests arrive, don’t leave them empty-handed. Put out something crunchy and delicious: mixed olives, taralli, breadsticks, flavored chips, nuts. Everything should be easy to grab and eat — no cutlery needed. The first toast will be even better with a bite to go with it.

Prep 1–2 Cold Dishes Ahead

The secret to enjoying your evening? No last-minute cooking stress. Prepare at least one or two cold dishes you can serve right away: a caprese salad with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, hummus, veggie couscous, or small salad cups. Simple, fresh, and stress-free.

Add a Hearty Option

At some point, people will get hungry. You need a dish that’s more filling but still easy to share. It should taste great even warm, be easy to serve, and quick to prepare. Already thinking what that might be? Keep reading…

Plan the Drinks

Just pick one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic option. A spritz or chilled white wine works great. For non-drinkers, try lemon and mint infused water or iced tea — easy to make and always appreciated. Prepare everything in a pitcher: simpler and more stylish.

Have You Thought About Pinsa?

Now we get to the point. You need something that’s quick to prep, easy to share, super versatile (yes, even for dessert), and good enough to be the star of the table. Have you tried pinsa?

We’re a little biased, sure. But we truly believe pinsa is the ultimate kitchen joker. You can serve it cut into small squares with endless topping combos as finger food, or make it the main dish: with a hearty topping and served warm, it can easily play the role of “dinner.”

And if you use Di Marco’s pre-baked bases, prep time is basically zero. Just pop it in the oven to finish baking, top with a few quality ingredients, and it’s ready. You can even make different versions during the evening: a veggie one, a rich one, one with cold cuts… everyone finds their favorite. Maybe even a sweet one.

Because in the end, this “aperitivo dinner” is just that: something to share, build together, and enjoy slowly. And pinsa fits right in.