Bologna, the heart of Emilia-Romagna, enjoys a reputation as Italy’s culinary capital. In a nation celebrated worldwide for its food, and where culinary traditions are meticulously preserved and passionately recreated, choosing where to dine in Bologna can feel like an overwhelming, yet exciting, task. This vibrant city is a pilgrimage site for food lovers, even drawing admiration from Italians hailing from other regions. The piatti tipici – typical dishes – of Bologna are legendary, featuring rich and comforting staples like lasagne alla bolognese, layered with a hearty meat sauce; delicate, hand-rolled tortellini in brodo, served in a flavorful broth; and a myriad of other exquisite handmade pastas.
The Emilia-Romagna region, cradling Bologna, is equally famed for its exceptional produce. The region is a land of culinary treasures, with cured pork products like prosciutto di Parma and mortadella, and the aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, standing as testaments to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. These ingredients take center stage during the nightly aperitivi, the Italian version of happy hour. Bologna elevates this pre-dinner ritual to an art form. And, of course, there’s pizza, gelato, and an array of other delectable dishes that draw visitors to Italy’s shores.
Finding a remarkable restaurant in Bologna is relatively straightforward. Seeking a recommendation from a local is a surefire strategy. Prioritize establishments bustling with Italian patrons. To simplify your culinary exploration, we’ve curated a list of must-visit destinations in Bologna. Prepare to immerse yourself in the genuine flavors of this gastronomic paradise.
1. Best Aperitivo: Zerocinquantino
In a city brimming with exceptional aperitivo spots, Zerocinquantino has established itself as an institution. With multiple locations scattered throughout the city and a dedicated local following, it is a testament to the quality and experience it offers. Aperitivo is traditionally enjoyed as a pre-dinner snack and drink. However, at Zerocinquantino, many Bolognans extend it into a full meal. Baskets brimming with local tigelle bread are presented alongside the region’s celebrated meats and cheeses, offering a taste of the local terroir. The extensive wine list features a wide selection available by the glass or bottle. The service is efficient, and the ambiance is lively and modern. For the quintessential Bologna aperitivo experience, visit the location on Via Pescherie Vecchie, just off Piazza Maggiore. Here, the energy of the city combines with the rich flavors of the region to create an unforgettable start to your evening.
- Address: Via Pescherie Vecchie, 3e, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 238039
2. Best for Handmade Pasta: Sfoglia Rina
Tradition, transparency, and innovation converge at Sfoglia Rina, a family-run restaurant with a rich history. Situated near Bologna’s iconic Two Towers (Due Torri), Sfoglia Rina began as a fresh pasta shop in the 1960s. Today, the pasta is still handmade, albeit on a larger scale, ensuring that the quality and authenticity are maintained. The daily menu includes traditional dishes like tortellini in brodo and lasagne alla bolognese. The weekly menu showcases a rotating selection of innovative flavors. Imagine green ravioli filled with potatoes and shallots, served with red olives, avocado, and lemon mousse, a dish that perfectly blends the familiar with the unexpected. Sfoglia Rina prioritizes sustainably sourced ingredients and offers pasta-making classes for children and adults. This ensures that the tradition of handmade pasta continues for generations to come.
- Address: Via Castiglione, 5/b, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 991 1710
3. Best for a Cheap, Authentic Meal: Trattoria da Vito
As with many lists of the best restaurants in Italy, the phrase "don’t come for the atmosphere" often applies. However, at Trattoria da Vito, a legendary gathering place for Bologna’s artists and intellectuals, the atmosphere might be precisely what draws people back. The interior remains unchanged, seemingly untouched since Vito himself departed. The menu has remained consistent, and the service hovers between charmingly surly and playfully sassy. The menu is remarkably affordable, with almost everything priced under 10 euros, excluding a few select bottles of wine. The meals are hearty and traditional, perfect for those with a robust appetite and a sense of humor. Expect rib-sticking fare that embodies the soul of Bologna.
- Address: Via Mario Musolesi, 9, 40138 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 349809
4. Best Bar: Bar Senza Nome
Bar Senza Nome – the "Bar With No Name" – transcends the typical bar experience. In the politically and socially engaged city of Bologna, it serves as a focal point for its young, diverse clientele and a successful community initiative. Many of the bar staff are hearing impaired, communicating with customers and each other through sign language, lip reading, and written notes. While this might seem like a gimmick elsewhere, at Senza Nome, it’s a testament to inclusivity and accessibility. The service is excellent, the ambiance warm and inviting, and the food – primarily aperitivo offerings – is both delicious and plentiful, with numerous vegan options. Combine these elements with cold beer on tap, a carefully curated wine list, and crowds spilling onto the sidewalk, and you have a place that resonates deeply with the community.
- Address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 5, 25034 Orzinuovi BS, Italy
5. Best Foodie Experience: FICO Eataly World
Prepare to be amazed by FICO Eataly World, a self-described food theme park dedicated to Italian gastronomy. You’ll find 26 bars and restaurants, food-themed amusement park rides, bustling markets, cooking classes, an expansive wine store, in-house factories producing food, and even farm animals, many of which are destined for the dining table. Situated approximately 5 miles northeast of central Bologna, FICO is a veritable pilgrimage site for Italian food enthusiasts. With its abundant dining options, family-friendly activities, and immersive experiences, it’s a full-day adventure for foodies and casual visitors alike. Reachable by bus from central Bologna or a weekend shuttle from Bologna Centrale train station, FICO promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
- Address: Via Paolo Canali, 8, 40127 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 002 9001
6. Best Tortellini in Brodo: Trattoria Anna Maria
In Bologna, tortellini in brodo is more than just a dish; it’s a sacred tradition. Recipes are passed down through generations, from nonnas (grandmothers) to zias (aunts). From the fresh pasta and savory meat and cheese filling to the slow-cooked broth, the preparation and enjoyment of this classic Emilian comfort food are deeply ingrained in the regional culture. It’s no surprise that many Bolognans have a preferred spot for tortellini in brodo. For many, that place is Trattoria Anna Maria, an establishment as venerable as the nearby University of Bologna campus. While Anna Maria may no longer be in the kitchen as she was for over 30 years, the dishes remain as authentic and delicious as ever.
- Address: Via delle Belle Arti, 17/a, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 266894
7. Best Lasagna: Osteria Va Mo La’
Alongside tortellini in brodo, lasagne alla bolognese is a cornerstone of Bologna’s classic primi piatti (first courses). This dish features a slow-cooked ragu (tomato meat sauce), layers of handmade pasta, creamy bechamel sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. The authentic Bologna version utilizes fogli verdi – sheets of egg pasta colored green with spinach. At Osteria Va Mo La’, the preparation is traditional. The setting is hip, cozy, and international, with books, vintage magazines, and wine bottles adorning the walls. Vegetarian versions of the lasagna are also available, ensuring that everyone can savor this iconic dish.
- Address: Via delle Moline, 3a, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 237201
8. Best for Atmosphere: Drogheria della Rosa
Drogheria della Rosa is a beloved favorite for its exceptional atmosphere. With tables spilling out under Bologna’s medieval porticos and an interior that preserves the building’s past as a pharmacy, complete with original fixtures, it exudes charm. Fortunately, the ambiance is matched by excellent food and service, overseen by chef/owner Emanuele Addone, who personally greets each table. The menu offers a blend of traditional Bolognese fare and dishes from across Italy.
- Address: Via Cartoleria, 10b, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 222529
9. Best for Michelin Dining: Ristorante I Portici
Surprisingly, given Bologna’s culinary reputation, the city has only one Michelin-starred restaurant, I Portici, situated within the hotel of the same name. Housed in an elegant Liberty-style salon with frescoed ceilings, I Portici maintains its Michelin star under the guidance of young chef Gianluca Renzi, who trained with Heinz Beck. Dining here is a splurge, but promises to be an unforgettable experience. For the most comprehensive taste of the restaurant’s offerings, opt for a tasting menu of 5 or 7 courses.
- Address: Via dell’Indipendenza, 69, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 421 8562
10. Best Pizza: Ranzani 13
Ranzani 13 proudly proclaims its pizzas as "small round works of art," a claim that resonates with many. Their "secret" ingredients include a whole-grain dough that’s airy, yet light and easily digestible, seasonal toppings, and a combination of traditional and innovative pizza creations. The hamburger menu caters to those seeking a change from pizza. The rotating selection of 300 beers on tap provides the perfect accompaniment to your meal. The main location is just outside the old city walls, with a satellite location at Mercato delle Erbe.
- Address: Via Camillo Ranzani, 5/12, 40127 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 345 881 1232
11. Best Gelato: Cremeria Santo Stefano
While not every city in Italy is renowned for its gelato, Bologna’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and culinary excellence ensures that it boasts some top-tier spots for all-natural, artisanal gelato. Cremeria Santo Stefano is a hidden gem, known for its freshly made gelato crafted with seasonal fruits, house-roasted nuts, and premium chocolate. They also offer macarons, chocolate candies, pastries, and traditional holiday desserts.
- Address: Via Santo Stefano, 70c, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 051 227045
12. Best With No Food: Osteria del Sole
As the name suggests, this restaurant serves no food. Instead, Osteria del Sole offers wine and beer, and that’s it. Customers reserve a table and bring their own food, sourced either from home or from nearby street markets and takeaway establishments. Osteria del Sole is an institution in Bologna’s medieval heart, having welcomed guests since 1465.
- Address: Vicolo Ranocchi, 1/d, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
- Phone: +39 347 968 0171
