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Eat & Drink
We are trying to avoid being too objective, but the thing is: Bologna has the best food in the whole of Italy. Truth be said some Romans may disagree, so let’s say one of the best cucinas in the country… Local delicacies include a superb mortadella (a large Italian sausage), filled pastas such as tortellini and tortelloni, the famous meat ragu sauce (known as “bolognese” is some countries), parma prosciutto from the same-name-city in the vicinity, the brodo soup, rice cake and the list goes on. Food experts from all over the world flock to Bologna to learn how they make food so deliciously special. The city that also has a gelato university could have no other nickname than La Grossa, or “The Fat”, so get ready for a feast of flavors!
Please keep the secret: this is a small restaurant tucked away in a tiny street, yet Caminetto D’Oro holds what is consider to be one of the best pastas in town (bear in mind that in Bologna the standard of comparisons is extremely high). You need to ring the bell for access to the three very small rooms holding little tables in a charming ambience.… Read more »
In the old center of town this tiny restaurant, a “gourmet trattoria” as it calls itself, is both charming and unpretentious. Good weather allowing there are enjoyable tables outside, but on colder days choose the pleasant and intimate indoor area. What about the food? As is to be expected in Bologna, simply delicious… We started with a mouthwatering board of prosciutto and buratta, followed by… Read more »
In the old days local merchants would gather in tiny streets, with names such as Pescherie, Clavature and Drapperie, to trade goods and render services. Nowadays, the cobbled streets right by Piazza Maggiore have turned into a lively street market with a colorful food display in stalls, and many cafés, eating venues and the typical Italian rotisccerie. Walk around and stop for some eating and… Read more »
If you are in the region of Santo Stefano basilica, the seven churches, and feel like eating something do not waste any time searching and head straight to this tiny trattoria frequented by locals, and living proof that excellent food does not necessarily have to be expensive. Tucked away in a cross street, we were surprised with the very tasteful lunch, as well as the… Read more »
In a city that has a gelato university one expects to find amazing ice cream. Bologna will not disappoint. How to choose the best one to recommend with such good options around? We selected this Cremeria as the ice cream, as the name suggests, is creamy, made with first class ingredients and delicious flavors. The Nocciola from Piemonte was superb, as was the chocolate with… Read more »
The former mansion of the traditional Bentivolglio family is now one of the most beautiful bars in Italy, or maybe in the world (and this is no exaggeration). Located in the propertys old chapel, Le Stanze has afrescoes in walls and ceiling, all of them original, a jaw dropping view as soon as you enter its rooms. Other rooms also carry original works of Italian… Read more »
We stepped into this Osteria by chance and were really surprised to see such a crowd of local Italians considering it is located near one of Bologna’s most popular attractions, the Piazza Maggiore. Two large rooms (the one upstairs is smaller) with a sweet decoration and touches of Italian cucina objects provided for a very good meal. Skip the bread and head straight for the… Read more »
Conveniently located in the heart of the old city center, Diana is a very traditional Italian restaurant in Bologna, truly old style in its décor and service, with waiters serving the same clients for decades in their white jackets. The food is considered very good and traditional, there are no mousses, spheres or any sort of modern dishes to be found. The good-old tagliolini in… Read more »