Nestled in the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy, Bologna is a haven for foodie travelers. Medieval cities dot the landscape from the Apennine Mountains to the Po River, and the smell of fresh pasta hangs in the air.
Our Bologna food guide introduces you to the flavors of the city from its traditional ragù to egg noodle pasta and beyond. We’ll cover the best places to eat in Bologna, from restaurants to markets, provide an overview of traditional cuisine, and give recommendations on low-cost experiences, tours, and more to give you a comprehensive overview of Bologna food.
Bologna food guide introduction
Bologna holds a few nicknames beyond its food reputation including, “La Dotta” or “The Learned.” Founded in 1088, Bologna University is the oldest in the Western World. Another Bologna nickname is “La Grassa, or “The Fat,” that gives a nod to Bologna’s culinary history. And the name “La Rossa”, or “The Red” pays homage to the terracotta tiled roofs of the city.
Take it all in by climbing to the top of the Asinelli Tower to see the colorful rooftops of the city before getting in touch with the flavors of the city, guided by our Bologna food guide. Your adventure with Bologna food starts with the city’s classic sauce.
The hearty Bolognese sauce called ragú first saw its rise in France. However, there are some key differences between the country’s sauces. In the French version, they infuse the sauce with meat broth but leave out the hearty meat Bologna’s version is known for.
Bite into the authentic cuisine of Bologna, Italy to experience an array of fresh egg-based pasta covered in ragú. Along the way, you’ll also savor “only in Bologna experiences” like truffles and famous meat-based mousse.
Best things to eat in Bologna
Bologna’s iconic dishes draw visitors from around the world who hope to taste authentic tortellini al brodo. This ring-shaped pasta comes stuffed with meat and cheese for a satisfying meal. Legend says an innkeeper saw the navel of the goddess Venus and created the unique noodles based on his newfound obsession.
Despite its name, Spaghetti Bolognese is not a dish locals eat in Bologna and is a tourist version that rarely hits the mark. The authentic Tagliatelle al Ragú dish features a handmade fresh egg pasta and draped with a ragú sauce. Search for the flavors of pork veal, carrots, pork, and perhaps a little tomato to enhance the flavor.
Bologna originated mortadella and the classic mortadella mousse that Americans call “baloney.” This pink, finely ground meat is traditionally made from pork, turkey, beef, or chicken is a must-try for any Bologna food guide. The result is flavorful melt-in-your-mouth meat flavored with olives and pistachios. Eat up a serving on its own, or look for tortellini dishes stuffed with savory mortadella mousse.
Prosciutto Crudo Di Parma, or parma ham, is another popular dish that’s served raw and cured with salt before its aged for a year or more. Stop by Ruliano Parma Ham factory for a ham tasting with wine. You can sample cured ham from anywhere in the world, but Prosciutto di Parma hails from the province of Parma.
Look beyond pasta in your Bologna food guide to taste the pride of Bologna, the Balsamic di Modena. Grapes are boiled down to a dark, thick syrup and aged for at least 25 years in wooden containers. Pour generously over pasta, and over bite-size chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano. The delightful contrast blends the cheese’s sharp flavor with the naturally sweet balsamic.
You should also spend some time exploring the hills of Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region to find black truffles. Bologna’s truffles are traditionally hunted from March to November. However, if you’re visiting in October, look for truffle events and a festival hosted by Tartu Festa.
Best places to eat in Bologna
Bologna’s renowned food reputation is well-deserved, and it’s challenging to find a bad meal while you’re visiting. However, that doesn’t mean some restaurants are better than others when it comes to real, local dishes, and unbelievable flavor. Here’s a round-up of some of our favorites.
Any Bologna food guide should also include a meal shared with the locals. Sit at the communal tables at Osteria dell’Orsa. Skip the menu and ask about daily specials like cotoletta alla Bolognese and Italian schnitzel. Via Mentan 1F 40126, Bologna, Italy in Ghetto Ebraico.
Over at Osteria della Fondazza, the fried bread called crescentini is a must. While you’re there, sample the florentine steak. Via Fondazza, 35, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy near Piazza Maggiore.
3) Ristorante da Nello in Piazza Maggiore
For mushrooms and truffles in a classic atmosphere, dine at Ristorante da Nello in Piazza Maggiore. If you somehow grow tired of Tagliatelle al Ragù, try the rice with mushrooms, known in Bologna as Risotto con Funghi. Via Monte Grappa, 2, 40100 Bologna, Italy just beyond Piazza Maggiore near Ghetto Ebraico.
Nestled on a hill overlooking Bologna, the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca features gorgeous views and a century-old eatery. Order the tortellini brodo with delicate dumplings in a light broth. Via di Monte Albano, 5, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy near the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca in Quartiere Saragozza.
For a Bologna food guide adventure off the beaten path, try Trattoria Bertozzi for an intimate setting with the best plates of gramgina. The hollow, corkscrew pasta comes smothered in flavorful saffron and Parmesan cream. Via Andrea Costa 84 40134 Bologna, Italy near Quartiere Saragozza.
The family-run Ristorante Da Cesari features pasta rolled out by hand and then stuffed with ricotta and fresh truffles. Via de’ Carbonesi, 8, 40123 Bologna, Italy near Piazza Maggiore.
7) Pigro off of Piazza Maggiore
Want to try that iconic pink meat? For a bite of the famous Mortadella, try the tucked away Pigro off of Piazza Maggiore. Via Dè Pignattari, 1b, 40124 Bologna, Italy near Piazza Maggiore.
Dine at the only Michelin star-rated restaurants in Bologna for a modern twist. Portici Restaurant serves modern dishes influenced by the flavors of Bologna. Via dell’Indipendenza, 69, 40121 Bologna, Italy in the Historic Center.
For an authentic meal at a Bologna institution, Al Pappagallo attracts locals, tourists, and celebrities. Try the classic tortellini in brodo and expect formal service with old-world charm. Via dell’Indipendenza, 69, 40121 Bologna, Italy just east of Piazza Maggiore.
All’Osteria Bottega features 36-month naturally cured culatello di Zibell and Bolognese fare. Look for unexpected dishes like pigeon in a wine reduction. Via Santa Caterina, 51, 40123 Bologna, Italy near Piazza della Mercanzia near Centro Storico.
11) Bistrò Domino
For a quiet dinner with a cozy ambiance, try Bistrò Domino. Order their seasonal dishes like strawberry with basil, tortellini with pear and emmental, and seafood pasta. Via Remorsella, 18A, 40125 Bologna, Italy near near San Donato and Convitto Universitario Madonna di S. Luca.
12) La Prosciutteria
Share a communal table at La Prosciutteria with teeming meat, cheese, and fruit boards washed down with reasonable carafes of wine. Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 19/a, 40125 Bologna, Italy near Ghetto Ebraico.
Breakfast in Bologna
Despite Bologna’s reputation as a culinary leader, locals also brew coffee with impressive skill. Stop by Aroma Caffè (Via Porta Nova, 12/b, 40123 Bologna, Italy, Centre Balogna) before a day eating your way through Bologna. Order a classic cappuccino or task the staff with picking the best coffee on the list to kickstart your morning.
Come hungry to Pappare’ (Via De’ Giudei, 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy, nearnear Ghetto Ebraico and the Old Jewish Ghetto) and choose sweet or savory croissants, dishes topped with salmon and avocado croutons, and pancakes. This eatery features both Bolognese and international dishes for a variety beyond Italian fare.
Sweet tooth in Bologna
Exceptional pasta is the staple of any Bologna food guide, but the city also offers opportunities for sweet tooth travelers. Look for treats like Pinza bolognese, a pastry filled with sweet jam. Dolci sweet ravioli with plum jam is also a popular option, along with Raviole di san Giuseppe dessert ravioli.
During the holiday season, treats like Pan Spezial Christmas cakes line the bakery shelves.
You can also find sweets spilling out of the street markets, like in the medieval area of Quadrilateral near Piazza Maggiore. Or plan a stop to luxuriate over handmade gelato, treats, and freshly brewed coffee at IL Gelatauro.
Best drinks in Bologna
Bologna’s cocktail scene is also overlooked for its food, but is still a must for your next visit. Order small bites and cocktails at Pastis by Mercato delle Erbe. Start with a Daiquiri Bolognese with Amarena sour cherries and ask the bartender about their favorites.
The mixologist at Casa Minghetti is ready to mix up their signature Italian Job for visitors. Look for drinks infused with chinotto, passion fruit, and bitter digestive. Martinis are also popular to pair with cold cuts and small bites.
For cocktails and aperitivos with a view, sip your favorites under the frescoes of the former chapel of Palazzo Bentivoglio at Le Stanze. This historic bar is a haven for architecture lovers looking for ambiance.
Drink your way through history at one of the oldest bars in Bologna at Osteria del Sole that opened since 1465. Look for this secret spot marked by a rectangular hole in the wall situated along via Ranocchi between via Orefici and via Pescherie.
Low-cost food experiences in Bologna
There are reasonable dining options in Bologna, but the endless options easily eats through a modest food budget in just a few days. Blend in some low-cost food experiences in Bologna for an authentic experience that won’t overwhelm your budget.
Learn more about Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region on the Bologna Secret Food Tour that explores all the spots the locals love. Tours kick-off with a traditional Italian breakfast of coffee and croissants followed by visits to traditional bottegas, pasta-making demonstrations, a walk through the medieval food markets, taverns, and more for a comprehensive overview of Bologna food.
You can also skip the tours altogether and browse the local markets on your own self-guided Bologna food tour. Start with the old market in Quadrilatero and browse the stands full of butcher shops, bakeries, produce stands, and much more.
The area is part of Bologna’s historical center area and is bounded by Piazza Maggiore, Piazza della Mercanzia, and Piazza Galvani. Ask for boar mortadella in Mercato di Mezzo.
Home-cooked food experiences in Bologna
The best way to savor the true authentic flavors of Bologna is to dine with the locals in their own homes.
Join up to 10 guests in the home of Bologna local Chiara in her 15th century stone farm estate. Restored and converted into a B&B, guests pick a few herbs from the estate before Chaira cooks up a regional Bolognese meal. The host also offers a cooking experience based on recipes passed down from her grandmother.
Travelers with pasta making on their bucket list can cook with Pio; an accountant turned artisan pasta chef. Pio offers market visits in Bologna to the authentic Albani market, a cooking experience for up to eight guests, and an in-home meal. Dishes include rolling, cutting, and cooking pasta to perfection before devouring as a group.
Share a traditional meal with a warm, Italian mother named Giovanna who was once a history and philosophy teacher. She now serves meals from her home, takes guests on market visits, or provides cooking experiences. Guests can learn to make traditional tagliatelle al ragù and lesser-known dishes like gramigna with sausage.
Top tips from experienced Bologna travelers
Devouring the city’s best food is a challenge for even experienced travelers. Check-in with what pro travelers say about tackling a Bologna food guide and how to best enjoy the city.
1) Savor the city
Despite its culinary reputation, Bologna is often passed over in favor of Rome or Venice. Give yourself several days to a week to savor the flavors and authenticity of your Bologna food guide.
2) Explore the streets
Although a tour or in-home dining experience is a must in Bologna, you should also spend a day wandering through the city’s colorful streets. Start from Piazza Maggiore and go east towards Quadrilatero and the Asinelli towers and look for food shops along the way.
3) Eat in Ghetto Ebraico
This former 16th century Jewish Ghetto is now a hip destination for bars, restaurants, and street art providing a gorgeous backdrop for your Bologna food guide.
Street food in Bologna
Street food is a delicious experience in Bologna and helps connect you to its history, flavors, and culture. Start at Mercato di Mezzo and look for fresh fish, bolognese rice cakes, and Pignoletto wine. As the oldest market in Bologna, the medieval area is best explored on a weekday market when shopkeepers are setting up.
For a snack while exploring Bologna, stop by the caldarroste kiosks in Piazza Maggiore. These chestnuts make a delicious snack to fuel you during a walk through the city.
Suggested food tour itineraries in Bologna
There is so much to eat and savor in any Bologna food guide, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Here are our suggestions on food tour itineraries to sample the best food in the city.
1) Start your day in the Piazza Maggiore
The central piazza in Bologna is an ideal place to start your journey through our Bologna food guide to connect with the city. Take your pick of coffee and pastry shops, followed by a walk down Via Drapperie to Quadrilatero area.
2) Explore the medieval market of Quadrilatero
Explore the shops in the old food markets in Quadrilatero owned by the same families for generations. While you’re there, try the salami rosa or authentic mortadella from Salumeria Simoni.
3) Eat in the home of a Bolognese local
Wherever you venture out into Bologna, make sure to save time to eat in the home of a local or take one of their authentic pasta-making classes.
You could spend weeks eating your way through Bologna and never tire of the hidden gems and local favorites. However, if you only have one day, try an authentic, communal meal at Osteria dell’Orsa. Devouring the meat and cheese at La Prosciutteria, or from the old market in Quadrilatero is also a wise choice.
You also can’t go wrong with a meal in a local’s home where homemade pasta and fresh meats, cheeses, and hearty sauces are the norm. After all, the best way to experience a new place is to eat like the locals do.
Bologna is a foodie’s paradise with endless cafes, restaurants, bars, and family-run shops to explore and sample. But despite its cozy vibe, there are so many places to eat and explore it can be difficult to know where to start.
Arm yourself with your Bologna food guide to journey through the city from where to eat to what to savor in Bologna’s best restaurants to eateries. Add in a tour, a taste of the city’s street food, and a home-cooked meal with a local. You’ll wrap up your trip with a whole new appreciation for Bologna’s rich flavors and history.
