When you think of Italy, it’s impossible not to think about the food, and when it comes to food, Bologna is in a league of its own. This city, nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, is often referred to as the food capital of Italy, and for a good reason. With a culinary heritage that includes some of the most beloved ingredients and dishes in the world, Bologna is a paradise for food lovers. From its world-renowned Parmesan cheese to balsamic vinegar, mortadella, and the richest, most flavorful wines, Bologna offers a dining experience like no other. This guide will take you on a journey through some of the best restaurants in Bologna, ensuring that your taste buds are treated to the very best that this beautiful city has to offer.
Where to Eat in Bologna: A Culinary Adventure
Bologna is a city where food is celebrated with passion, and this is reflected in the sheer number of incredible restaurants you’ll find here. Unlike other tourist-heavy cities, where you might have to be wary of tourist traps, Bologna’s restaurants consistently offer high-quality meals. The city is filled with eateries where you can drop in unannounced and be greeted with a plate of something delicious.
However, given the wide variety of dining options, it can be overwhelming to choose where to eat, especially if you’re only in the city for a short time. While you could easily spend your entire visit hopping from one restaurant to another, sampling all that Bologna has to offer, there are a few standout places that shouldn’t be missed. These restaurants provide unique gastronomic experiences that embody the essence of Bolognese cuisine. And a little tip: always book a table, especially if you’re dining on a Friday or Saturday night, as these places are popular with both locals and tourists alike.
Understanding Our Restaurant Recommendations
Before diving into the list of must-visit restaurants, it’s important to know what guides our choices. We are passionate about good food and believe that a significant part of any travel experience is the food you eat. We don’t necessarily seek out the most expensive restaurants, but we do prioritize local ingredients, traditional recipes, and unique dining experiences. Our goal is always to find places that offer a true taste of the region, where the food is prepared with love and reflects the culinary traditions of the area. If that sounds like your kind of dining experience, then you’re in for a treat with our selection of Bologna’s best restaurants.
Oltre: A Gourmet Experience Like No Other
Let’s start with one of the top spots in the city: Oltre. This restaurant is a hidden gem located just a short 10-minute walk from the iconic Piazza Maggiore. Despite its unassuming exterior, which might make you think it’s just another club, Oltre is one of Bologna’s most acclaimed dining establishments.
The first time we visited Bologna in January 2020, we made the mistake of not reserving a table at Oltre. When we arrived, the staff kindly but firmly turned us away, as the restaurant was fully booked. That’s how popular this place is. Determined not to miss out again, we made sure to book a table well in advance for our next visit, and it was worth every bit of the anticipation.
At Oltre, we indulged in the Menù Heritage, a set menu priced at €65, which showcases the best of Bologna’s culinary traditions. This included dishes like vol-au-vent with friggione, a rich local tomato sauce, rabbit, tortellini, and the famous ragù, along with Coteletta Bolognese. For dessert, we were treated to a Fiordilatte, a delicate pudding topped with caramel sauce. Each dish was a masterpiece, perfectly balancing flavors and textures.
Oltre isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is perfect for special occasions, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a business meeting. If you’re looking to celebrate or simply want to enjoy one of the best meals in Bologna, Oltre is the place to be.
La Baita Vecchia Malga: A Taste of Local Tradition
For those who want to immerse themselves in the local flavors of Bologna, La Baita Vecchia Malga is a must-visit. Situated in one of the quaint side streets near Piazza Maggiore, this deli-restaurant has been a staple in Bologna since 1969. It’s the perfect place to sample some of the region’s most famous specialties, including a variety of cured meats and cheeses.
One of the most popular dishes here is the tagliere di salumi, a platter filled with an assortment of sausages, hams, and salami, served alongside tigelle, small round breads that are perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors. If you’re a cheese lover, don’t miss the tagliere formaggio, where you’ll find slices of the finest Parmesan and other local cheeses.
The atmosphere at La Baita Vecchia Malga is as inviting as the food. You can choose to sit outside in the charming street or upstairs in the cozy dining area. The deli also offers a wide selection of products to take home, so you can continue to enjoy the flavors of Bologna long after your meal.
Margheri Bologna: The Art of Pizza
No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in pizza, and Margheri Bologna is the place to do just that. Located in the northern part of the city, this cozy pizzeria is a favorite among locals, which is always a good sign when it comes to finding authentic food.
On our second trip to Bologna, we stumbled upon Margheri while searching for a place to eat on a quiet Tuesday evening. The restaurant was buzzing with activity, and we were the only tourists among a sea of local pizza lovers. The atmosphere was lively, and the smell of freshly baked pizza filled the air.
We each ordered a different pizza—Carmelo, a red pizza topped with burrata, and Calabresella, a white pizza with spicy sausage and kale. Both pizzas were outstanding, and we couldn’t agree on which one was the best. The bill for two pizzas, a glass of red wine each, and water came to just €38, making it not only delicious but also incredibly affordable.
Margheri Bologna is a great option if you’re looking for a casual dining experience with some of the best pizza in the city. They also offer takeaway, and there’s plenty of parking nearby if you’re driving.
Trattoria Caffè del Rosso: A Classic Lunch Spot
For a traditional Bolognese lunch, Trattoria Caffè del Rosso is the place to go. This family-run restaurant, located just a 10-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, offers a menu filled with classic dishes from the region. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.
One of the standout dishes here is the Lasagna alla Bolognese, made with the distinctive green lasagna sheets that are unique to this region. Another favorite is Tortellini in Brodo, delicate tortellini served in a rich, clear broth. Both dishes are simple but bursting with flavor, showcasing the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs.
Trattoria Caffè del Rosso is a popular spot with locals, so if you’re planning to visit for lunch, it’s a good idea to arrive before 1 pm to ensure you get a table. The restaurant fills up quickly, especially with regular diners who know a good meal when they see one.
Drogheria della Rosa: A Dining Experience to Remember
Drogheria della Rosa is one of those restaurants that you simply have to visit when in Bologna. This charming eatery offers a menu of regional dishes that are both simple and delicious, served in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. What sets Drogheria della Rosa apart is the personal touch—there’s no printed menu here. Instead, the owner, Emanuele Addone, personally comes to your table to describe the day’s offerings.
The lack of a formal menu might make you wary at first, but don’t worry—you’re in good hands. The starters, main courses, and desserts are all top-notch, and the generous portions of extras, like small glasses of wine, bread, and freshly picked tangerines, make you feel like you’re dining with friends rather than at a restaurant.
One of the standout dishes is the Tagliatelle ragù, a classic Bolognese pasta with meat sauce. But be careful not to ask for Spaghetti Bolognese—this dish is not served here, and the locals might give you a funny look if you request it! Another must-try is the mascarpone al cioccolato, a decadent dessert of mascarpone cream topped with chocolate sprinkles. And don’t be surprised if the bottle of Limoncello is left on your table after dessert—it’s all part of the generous hospitality at Drogheria della Rosa.
Osteria al 15: Local Flavors in a Cozy Setting
Tucked away just above Porta San Mamolo, Osteria al 15 is a small, unassuming restaurant that you could easily walk past without noticing. But once you step inside, you’ll find yourself in a warm and welcoming space filled with locals who come for the food and stay for the atmosphere.
The menu at Osteria al 15 is a celebration of traditional Bolognese cuisine. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great place to enjoy a hearty meal. Start with a Squacquerone di Romagna, a creamy fresh cheese, or Pesto Modenese, a savory spread made with seasoned lard, served with tigelle bread.
For the main course, you can’t go wrong with Tortelloni Burro e Salvia, cheese-filled tortellini with butter and sage, or Polpetta, large meatballs served with fried potatoes. And be sure to save room for dessert—Osteria al 15 is known for its Chocolate Salame, a dessert that looks like a sausage but tastes like a rich chocolate biscuit.
Osteria al 15 is definitely worth the walk from the city center. The combination of delicious homemade food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service makes it a true gem in Bologna’s dining scene.
La Trattoria del Tempo Buono: A Hidden Treasure
Located in the heart of Bologna’s restaurant district, La Trattoria del Tempo Buono is a place that you might overlook if you didn’t know better. Situated on the small square of Piazza San Martino, this restaurant is surrounded by other excellent dining options, but it’s the most crowded of the bunch, and for good reason.
We discovered La Trattoria del Tempo Buono by chance, and it turned out to be a fantastic find. The menu is filled with local favorites, and everything we tried was exceptional. We started with Carpaccio Gessetto, a delicate veal carpaccio with Parmesan sauce, followed by tortellini and tagliatelle, both of which were cooked to perfection. With a glass of wine each and the cover charge, the bill came to just €50, which was great value for the quality of the meal.
The atmosphere at La Trattoria del Tempo Buono is cozy and informal, making it the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy your meal. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, so if you’re looking for a quintessential Bolognese dining experience, this is the place to be.
San Silvestro in Cantina: A Friday Night Feast
Friday nights in Bologna are a special time, with locals and visitors alike heading out to enjoy the city’s vibrant dining scene. If you haven’t booked a table in advance, you might find yourself wandering the streets in search of a place to eat. That’s how we stumbled upon San Silvestro in Cantina, a charming restaurant that beckoned us in with the enticing aroma of good food.
Despite it being October, we were able to sit outside in the mild evening air, and soon after we arrived, the tables were filled with diners eager for a high-quality meal. The menu at San Silvestro in Cantina is packed with local specialties, and we couldn’t resist trying a bit of everything. The truffle dishes were a highlight, as was the aubergine steak with mozzarella balls. We also sampled a variety of pasta dishes and ended the meal with Pinza Bolognese, a shortbread-like roulade filled with jam.
San Silvestro in Cantina offers a dining experience that’s both elegant and relaxed, making it the perfect place for a special night out in Bologna.
A Quick Bite and a Costly Coffee: University Eats
If you find yourself near the university area in Bologna, you’ll notice an abundance of small eateries offering quick and affordable snacks. Streets like Largo Respighi, Via Zamboni, and Piazza Giuseppe Verdi are lined with places where you can grab a slice of pizza al taglio or a sandwich with mortadella, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
However, be prepared to pay a premium if you decide to sit down for a coffee at one of the cafes around Piazza Maggiore. The central location means higher prices, but if you venture a little further into one of the side streets, you’ll find that the price of a coffee is often cut in half. One such gem is Il Forno di Un Chicco, a small bakery located just north of Piazza Maggiore. Here, you can enjoy some of the best croissants in Bologna, and the charming courtyard filled with locals and tourists alike makes it the perfect spot for a leisurely morning.
Exploring Bologna’s Bar Scene: The Perfect Aperitivo
In Bologna, the locals don’t usually head out to dinner until after 9 p.m., so the hours leading up to the meal are often spent enjoying an aperitivo at one of the city’s many bars. Whether you prefer a classic Negroni, a bubbly Negroni Sbagliato, or a refreshing Aperol Spritz, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
Via Zamboni is particularly popular with the younger crowd, thanks to its lively student bars, but if you’re looking for something a bit more refined, head to Gran Bar in the city center. This cozy spot offers an extensive cocktail menu and is a favorite among Bologna’s creative crowd. For a more traditional experience, Via Pescherie Vecchie is lined with bars and restaurants where you can sip a glass of wine and watch the world go by.
Final Thoughts: Discovering the Best of Bologna’s Culinary Scene
Bologna is a city that lives and breathes food, and its restaurants are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Emilia-Romagna region. From gourmet dining at Oltre to the traditional flavors of Osteria al 15, there’s something for every palate in this vibrant city.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample the best of Italian cuisine or simply someone who enjoys a good meal, Bologna offers a dining experience like no other. The city’s restaurants not only serve up delicious food but also provide a glimpse into the culture and traditions that make Bologna such a special place.
So, whether you’re planning a trip to Bologna or just dreaming of your next culinary adventure, let this guide be your roadmap to the best dining experiences in the city.
