Bar di Sotto is located in the main square of Rio nell’Elba, Piazza del Popolo, one of the village’s central meeting points. The bar is run by Roberto and his wife, who share a personal connection with this place: it was here, in the bar that occupied the same premises in the 1980s, that they first met as teenagers.
However, the story of the business began even earlier. About twenty years ago, Roberto opened a bakery to provide a service that was missing in the village. The bar came later, in 2019, almost as a challenge. In a square that was no longer as commercially lively as it once had been, the decision to open was driven mainly by affection for the place and the desire to take on a new venture.
The idea was to create a welcoming, simple, and well-kept space where people could meet and spend time together in a relaxed, almost “old-fashioned” way. From the very beginning, the focus has been on the quality of raw ingredients and the preparation of drinks, aiming to build an offering consistent with both customers’ needs and the identity of the venue. Over the years, the bar has gradually become a local point of reference, frequented by both residents and visitors.
Bar di Sotto offers a simple concept: a bar serving both sweet and savory options, with the possibility, when needed, of preparing light dishes such as salads. It is not designed as a restaurant, but as a meeting place where the main focus remains on people and conviviality.
The life of the venue follows the seasonal rhythm of Rio nell’Elba. During winter, the square is quieter, while in summer it becomes lively, with a significant influx of visitors. In the summer months, the bar also organizes events and live music, often collaborating with the local municipality to animate the square.
According to visitors, Bar di Sotto is considered one of the most authentic places in Rio, appreciated for its informal atmosphere and its central location between the sea and the island’s hills. Hospitality and attention to customers are often mentioned among its most valued qualities, along with the opportunity to enjoy drinks and local products.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Dove si trova: Piazza del Popolo, 8, Rio Nell’elba
