Some of the bars in Milan and Turin increase pre-dinner crowds by offering free food starting at about 6 pm. I'm not talking small dishes of olives and potato chips, either. I'm talking all-you-can-eat buffet style, with different types of pasta, pizza, potatoes, fruit salad, and vegetables. I've never seen a cover charge, and all you need to do is order a drink to partake.
It's admittedly not high-end food, but for the tourist looking to save a little money or eat early, it's great. Of course Italy is not an all-you-can-eat culture. Italians buy a drink, take a tiny plate of food, and socialize - which is precisely the idea, and presumably the reason these places can stay in business.
If you do plan to just nibble along with the Milanesi or Torinesi, you'll still have a great local experience, soaking up the buzz of Italians just coming off work who are still dressed to the nines and relaxing with friends.
When we lived in Milan we often went for aperitivi in Piazza della Vetra, thinking we'd just have a quick drink and some nibbles and then have a proper dinner at Enoteca della Vetra across the square. But it never worked that way; we were always full after aperitivi.
If you want to be organized and not just find them as you wander, here's a good starter list of aperitivo places in Milan.
In Turin, there are quite a few on Via Po just down from Piazza Castello; Roma già Talmone, in Pza Carlo Felice has been recommended; and don't forget to wander the Quadrilatero Romano to find more.
Parma also participates in this wonderful tradition!
Buon Appetito!
Update: The New York Times Frugal Traveler published a piece on this on March 18, 2009
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