Have you tried to look at the restaurants in Bologna, but there are so many good restaurants in the city that you don't know how to decide? Whether you're traveling for work or with family, in Bologna, the home of tagliatelle, lasagna, and tortellini, you're spoiled for choice. If you're wondering where to eat in Bologna, get ready for a journey under the two Towers and through the porticoes of the historic center: we're about to share our best tips.
Markets and Tigellerias: Bologna's Street Food
Between piadinerias, markets, takeaway spots, and food trucks, Bologna has also managed to reinvent its classics to satisfy everyone, eating well and spending little.
- Bottega Portici: This small place, right under the two Towers, is living proof that you don't need to spend a fortune to eat an excellent plate of tagliatelle al ragù or handmade tortellini.
- L’Asporto: In a mix of gastronomy, snacks, fried foods, and meatballs, L'Asporto represents true Bolognese street food. For a stroll in the center of Bologna and a tasty treat, the crescentine and fried foods in a cone are finger-licking good.
- Pescheria del Pavaglione: The fritto di paranza (mixed fried fish) and octopus salads are just some of the delicacies that Pescheria del Pavaglione offers in its aperifish. Located in the Mercato di Mezzo, in Via delle Pescherie Vecchie, it's a fish shop by day and a must-stop for an unconventional aperitivo by evening.
- Aldina Glutenfree: Thomas and Davide, after discovering they both have celiac disease, decided to create Aldina and specialize in 100% gluten-free cuisine. In the menu, created by the two brothers, you can find focaccine, piadine, meatballs, and burgers made with seasonal, gluten-free, and natural flours.
- Tigelleria Tigellino: Craving a tigella on the go? Tigellino is the tigelleria you're looking for! A few steps from Piazza Maggiore, you can bite into an excellent tigella or try them all with a menu that includes four different fillings.
And if after a quick bite on the street you're still hungry, browse through these restaurants and find the perfect place for a meal based on typical products.
Restaurants, Osterias, and Trattorias
Food is a serious matter in Bologna. Over the years, the Chamber of Commerce has registered the most iconic traditional Bolognese recipes, such as tortellini, ragù, and cotoletta alla petroniana. To taste the strong and genuine flavors of this cuisine, here are our suggestions.
- Osteria dell’Orsa: If you want to eat in one of Bologna's historic restaurants, Osteria dell'Orsa is definitely an excellent choice. Given its location in the university area, there's often a long queue on weekends, but for traditional Bolognese cuisine, it's worth it and more. Between Emilian cold cuts, tigelle, and homemade tagliatelle al ragù, the menu changes daily, but for sure, you won't be disappointed!
- Osteria da Bartolini: shrimp skewers, mixed fried seafood, fish ragù spaghetti, tagliatelle with baby octopus, but also classic egg passatelli. At Osteria da Bartolini, you can certainly satisfy your craving for seafood in a fresh and bright atmosphere.
- Osteria Bottega: In Osteria Bottega's varied and tasty menu, cured meats and cheeses are the protagonists. Must-tries include the ciccioli pressed in the wooden press, black pig mountain lard, aged Romagnola guanciale, but also rigatoni with giblets and guinea fowl galantine, true dishes from the past.
- Osteria del Sole: Speaking of historic places, this is Bologna's oldest osteria, opened in 1425. Its specialty is high-quality wines and, in fact, Osteria del Sole has neither chefs nor kitchens: you can bring whatever food you want!
- Sfoglia Rina: on one side a fresh pasta workshop, on the other tables and chairs for a pleasant lunch, in a homely atmosphere.
After a day of work or wandering with the family, there's nothing better than a good, refreshing meal. Even better when you sleep well, like at the B&B HOTEL Bologna, a comfortable and quiet haven for your business trips or visits to the Bologna fair.