Italy’s growing reputation as one of the strongest nations producing craft beer globally has crystallised in the launch of a Birreria – including a craft beer brewery – at the largest Eataly in the world, in Rome.

Eataly Rome’s Birreria is a convivial space on the first floor of Eataly Ostiense, serving home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus lots of tempting bar food – including pan-baked pizzas which have to be tried.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

Drop in for a pint at the wrap-around bar on sip an IPA or two on comfy leather sofas. Otherwise, choose a table to for a sit-down meal accompanied by freshly poured pints in the company of friends.

I recently popped in to Eataly’s Birreria to sample some of the latest beers on tap and try highlights from the spring menu, which adds some extremely tempting new dishes to a catalogue of old favourites.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

We tasted sample sized portions of home-brewed Eataly ales – ranging from a blonde to a golden ale, an IPA to a chestnut infused beer – trying the beers alongside excellent bar food. Below, tomato and anchovy topped bruschette really hit the spot.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

The Eataly empire only has three on-site breweries in the world – in Rome, Chicago and Moscow. So if you’re travelling to Rome, this is a rare chance to sit opposite the vats and beer-making instruments and drink a literally freshly-poured pint.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

Another new entry on the food menu are these moreish chicken nuggets, perfect for sharing with a friend.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

You can’t visit the Birreria at Eataly without trying one of their pan-baked pizzas. The medium-thick bases have a tasty, lightly fried quality and the well-leavened dough perfectly sets off a range of toppings.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

This pizza with a ‘gricia’ topping combines pecorino cheese with matchsticks of pork cheek for a tasty combination channelling Roman cuisine.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

One of my favourites is the classic cheese and tomato margherita, which never fails to please.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

There is also this sensational version with uncooked buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto and fresh cherry tomatoes, which proves a light but decadent flavour combination.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

Of course, Eataly’s Birreria isn’t just about pizza – there are plenty of yummy options on the new menu, including this mouth-watering hot-dog. This really hit the spot, respecting the traditional parameters of hot-dog perfection with its light bread, caramelised onions and savoury wurst, but impressing with artisan quality.

Eataly Rome's Birreria at Eataly Ostiense serves home-brewed pints, a rotating tap list of guest ales, plus tempting pan-baked pizzas and hot-dogs

We couldn’t leave without trying the classics from the dessert menu, and this simple but authentic tiramisu was a satisfying end to dinner.

All in all, I’m in a huge fan of Eataly’s Birreria in Rome and highly recommend it to the most assiduous craft beer fan in search of an authentic Italian craft beer experience.

Eataly Rome | Piazzale 12 Ottobre 1492 | 00154 Roma | Tel: +39 06 9027 9201

Testaccina was a guest of Eataly’s Birreria in Rome