Bologna, the largest city in Northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, has an interesting nickname – La Grassa. It translates as “The Fat One” in English, which probably gives you an idea of the city’s famously rich cuisine.
Surely, it overwhelms you with mouthwatering aromas on every street you take. The savory smell of famous tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and tortellini pasta is always wafting from every corner to take your hunger up by notches.
So, how do you choose the best places to eat in Bologna among its ‘fat collection’ of tempting restaurants?
Well, that’s what I’m here for today. I’ve put together this guide to the 15 best restaurants in Bologna, Italy after my countless visits to the city’s exquisite eateries.
Forno Brisa
Forno Brisa is all about embracing carbs, as their motto, “fanculo la dieta” (which literally means “f**k diets”) suggests. This independent bakery really takes its craft seriously.
They’re big on using slow, wild fermentation methods and ancient grains, and they’ve created a work environment that’s welcoming to everybody.
That’s why this is absolutely the place to go if you want to see how Bologna does bread-making. They’ve got it all – from artisanal bread to trendy third-wave coffee, tasty breakfast pastries, and even vegan cakes.
And let’s not forget about their pizza. It’s Roman-style, which means it’s easy on the stomach and comes with some really interesting toppings. You can get it with ‘nduja and burrata, anchovies, or just stick with a classic tomato.
And if you’re in the mood for a drink with your pizza, they serve that, too. You can enjoy a glass of craft wine there or grab a bottle to take home with your pizza. It’s pretty much a one-stop shop for all things delicious.
- Location: Via Galliera, 34d, 40121
- Phone: 051 248556
Al Regno Della Forma
If you’re a fan of Parmigiano-Reggiano, Bologna has just the treat for you within Al Regno Della Forma. And that’s because this shop is no short of a paradise for cheese lovers.
You know, Emilia-Romagna is famous for having the most DOP food products in all of Italy. And these are the foods protected by Italian law, and Parmigiano-Reggiano is one of the stars.
When you’re in this shop, you can be sure you’re getting the real deal. They follow very strict production rules to make this cheese. Those Parmigiano wheels all around you will definitely hit you with their amazing nutty smell the moment you walk in.
It’s not just Parmigiano, though. They’ve got an incredible variety of other Italian cheeses as well.I must say, if you’re looking to bring back some food souvenirs from Bologna, you’ve got to grab a piece of this cheese. It’ll keep you going until you can come back for more.
- Location: Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 45/A, 40126
- Phone: 051 233609
Bottega Pappagallo
Now, there’s an interesting story behind Bottega Pappagallo. It used to be Ristorante al Pappagallo, a place that had been around since 1919. After being open for a whole century, it closed down in September 2022.
It didn’t stay closed for long, though. It came back to life pretty quickly as Bottega Pappagallo, which is more of a fast-casual place now. But they’re still all about top-notch, traditional fresh pasta.
The cool thing is, you can get their dishes to go. So, if you’re in the mood for some really good tortellini, you can enjoy it wherever you like. Or, if you prefer, you can eat in and have your pasta served in a tasty broth or with a rich Parmigiano sauce.
What’s really neat is that you can watch the pasta masters, called sfogline, who make every single tortellino right there in the open kitchen. And seeing chef Federico Gasbarro taking over to plate up these little pasta treasures is a real delight, too.
- Location: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 22f, 40122
- Phone: 051 280 1418
Ristorante Diana
Ristorante Diana is one of those classic places that’s been around forever (since 1919, actually). And it’s still got those classical appeals like white tablecloths, fancy clientele, and all that old-school charm.
And you’ve got to love how they serve some of their dishes. When you order something, a cart rolls nicely up to your table, and suddenly you’ve got a steaming pot of tortellini in broth right in front of you.
And if you order gelato, it’ll be scooped straight from this special steel container called a carapina. And if that’s not enough, they’ll also pour some sweet Amarena cherries over it. It’s like enjoying dinner and a show all at once.
The thing is, a lot of these old-timey restaurants can get a bit lazy over the years. But not Diana. They’ve really made an effort to keep their standards high. It’s probably why they’re still considered one of the best in Bologna after all this time.
- Location: Via Volturno, 5, 40121
- Phone: 051 231302
Trattoria da Me
Next, I take you to Trattoria da Me. It’s run by this chef named Elisa Rusconi, who’s been making quite a name for herself since she opened the restaurant back in 2015. And trust me, that’s a big deal in Bologna. After all, the food scene is pretty much dominated by men.
There’s quite a uniqueness in how Elisa puts together her menu. It’s like she’s taken all these different influences and mixed them up in a really cool way.
She’s got dishes that remind her of her Sicilian dad’s cooking, like this pasta dish with tomato and this soft cheese called squacquerone. Then there are the local favorites, like lasagna, which she serves on Sundays.
And Elisa’s not afraid to get creative either. She’s got these unique dishes that’ll make you do a double-take. For example, she’s kept the option to start your meal with a savory cheese gelato. Or how about a risotto that combines licorice and saffron? It’s definitely not your average Italian restaurant.
- Location: Via S. Felice, 50, 40100
- Phone: 051 555486
Ahimè
Now, Ahimè is pretty interesting because it’s doing something different in Bologna, a city that’s usually all about traditional, heavy dishes. The restaurant is run by a bunch of young chefs who are really into fermentation and creative cooking.
Now, here’s the thing – some of the locals aren’t too sure about it, but Ahimè has found its own crowd, mostly people from other countries who are open to trying new things.
When you go there, you start off with this amazing sourdough bread that they let rise for ages, and they serve it with juniper butter. You can also get some free-range salami and oysters from nearby.
Then you move on to these small plates that are just bursting with flavor. Think squash ravioli with a hint of apricot vinegar, or turnips with lardo. They’ve even got gnocchi in dashi with parsley oil, and roasted veggies with miso and all these fruit-based sauces.
But wait, it gets even more interesting. They’ve got this spaghetti that’s inspired by gummy bears and flavored with wild licorice. Or you could try the chitarra pasta with duck liver and lemon. If you’re in the mood for meat, they’ve got duck tartare with African spices.
- Location: Via S. Gervasio, 6e, 40121
- Phone: 051 498 3400
Noi at Mercato delle Erbe
The Noi restaurant at Mercato delle Erbe is actually a part of this bigger market that’s got all sorts of food stuff going on – you know, produce, delis, pizza places, and even some spots where you can get cured meats. You can spot it in one of the corners where they’ve got a bunch of restaurants.
And it’s mostly known for these things they make called crescentine fritte. You eat them with this fresh, soft cheese called squacquerone (it’s a local thing) and some thinly sliced cured meats, which tastes really great.
But that’s not all they’re known for. They also do these awesome meatballs, or polpette as they call them in Italian. They’ve got the traditional kind, but they also get a bit fancy with it.
Like, they make these cold ones with mortadella that are coated in pistachio – it’s almost like a little appetizer. And their pasta is pretty good, too.
One of the best things about Noi is that it’s open on Sundays. That’s a big deal because a lot of other restaurants in Bologna close on Sundays, so it’s a great option when you’re looking for somewhere to eat.
- Location: Via S. Gervasio, 3, 40121
- Phone: 051 235214
Caffè Terzi
This great little place called Caffè Terzi has been around in Bologna since 2002, and they really know their stuff when it comes to coffee and tea. And that’s because they’re they’re actually a craft coffee roaster, which means they take their beans seriously.
They source single-origin coffee beans. Let’s just say it’s a fancy way of saying they get their beans from specific places, so you know exactly where your coffee is coming from. And it’s not just coffee, though. They’re also into whole-leaf teas, which are supposed to be the good stuff.
Now, you can find their coffee served in different places around Bologna, but if you want the best experience, you must check out their original bar. It’s got this really nice, retro vibe with vintage decor, with all the little details, right down to the ceramics they use.
- Location: Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 10/d, 40126
- Phone: 051 034 4819
Enoteca Storica Faccioli
Now, this place is actually a wine bar, although not just any wine bar. It’s pretty much the coup for people who are into natural wines. And if you’re a fan of charcuterie, you’re going to love Enoteca Storica Faccioli even more.
The interior is super classy, like the kind of place you’d expect to see bankers and lawyers hanging out. It’s not exactly what you’d picture for a natural wine spot, which usually attracts a more eclectic crowd.
Among their must-tries, there’s tagliere. That’s like a charcuterie plate, and it’s packed with these amazing artisan cheeses and local cured meats. They even have mortadella from this place called Pasquini, which is one of the last truly artisanal producers in Bologna.
And they’ll surely spoil your choices with their wine collection. They’ve got bottles from all over Italy lining the walls. And those from Emilia-Romagna are the ones you’ve got to try once. Then they also have these Lambruscos that are made like Champagne, which are definitely worth trying.
- Location: Via Altabella, 15/B, 40126
- Phone: 349 300 2939
Trattoria Bertozzi
The Trattoria Bertozzi restaurant is a bit out of the way, about a 30-minute walk from the city center, or you can grab a quick 10-minute taxi ride. As you make your way there, you’ll stroll through these lovely tree-lined streets in a residential area. And it’s quite charming.
The place is one of Bologna’s best traditional trattorias, so it’s pretty popular. They don’t have a ton of tables inside, and they fill up fast. So, if you’re planning to go, make sure you book ahead. On nice days, though, they’ve got some extra seating on the veranda, which is really nice.
Now, regarding the food, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. They make this incredible dish called gramigna. It’s this hollow, corkscrew-shaped pasta, and Bertozzi’s version is just amazing.
They smother it in this rich, fragrant saffron and Parmesan cream sauce with zucchini. And sometimes, they even add some crispy guanciale to it. I’ll say it’s one of the best plates of gramigna you can have in Bologna.
Besides, they’ve got a great selection of bubbles in the fridge and this extensive wine cellar. And the cool thing is they don’t just hand you a wine list. Instead, the staff will pair wines according to what you like. It’s a really nice touch.
- Location: Via Andrea Costa, 84/2/D, 40134
- Phone: 051 614 1425
Indegno La Crescentina 2.0
This one is all about street food, but with a twist – they focus on crescentine, which is this fried dough snack that Bologna is known for. The place was started by these three young guys – Edoardo Malvicini, Andrea Liotta, and Pierluigi Sapiente. They’ve done so well that they’ve already expanded to four locations.
Now, traditionally, crescentine are these little squares of dough that puff up when you deep fry them. People usually tear them open and stuff them with fresh cheese and slices of mortadella.
But these guys have put their own spin on it. They shallow-fry the dough instead, which makes it fluffier and more fragrant. It’s like a mini-flatbread that you can fold and stuff, making it perfect for a quick snack or lunch on the go.
What’s really interesting is how they’ve managed to attract younger people who want lighter versions of the typically heavy Bolognese classics. They’ve got all sorts of options for fillings.
You can go traditional with high-quality prosciutto or mortadella and fresh squacquerone cheese. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, they’ve got some pretty creative stuff too – like snails, a pesto made with lard from Modena, porchetta from Sardinia, and even a plant-based doner kebab with burrata.
And they’ve got other street food options as well. There’s this amazing cone of fried tortellini that comes with a warm Parmigiano dipping sauce and Sarawak pepper. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, they’ve got fried cappellacci stuffed with pumpkin. You can even add a black truffle to that if you’re feeling fancy.
- Location: Via S. Vitale, 62b, 40125
- Phone: 051 023 1730
Madama Beerstrò
If you’re into craft beer, you’ve got to check out Madama Beerstrò. It’s this cool, modern pub that started out in San Lazzaro just outside Bologna, but now they’ve got a spot right in the city.
They’ve made quite a name because of their great selection of craft beers. But they also serve up some really nice natural wines and these interesting cocktails. I’m talking about drinks made with things like hop infusions and homemade shrubs. It’s pretty unique stuff.
As for food, they’re all about that gastropub vibe. You can get these amazing, indulgent panini filled with things like mortadella or pulled pork. And the bread they use comes from some of the best local bakeries around. If you’re more in the mood for nibbles, they’ve got these great charcuterie boards too.
Besides, all the meats and cheeses come from small producers in the area, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.
- Location: Via S. Vitale, 31b, 40125
- Phone: 333 780 0869
Ruggine
The Ruggine is kind of hidden away in this little alley, which makes it feel like you’re discovering a secret spot. The funny thing is, it used to be a bike workshop, but now it’s this awesome mix between a vintage craft cocktail bar and a pub.
Now, I’ll be honest, the food is just okay. But that’s not really why you go there. The real draw is the drinks, and it’s become this artsy hangout in Bologna. The bartenders really know their stuff with classic cocktails.
They use spirits from independent distillers, which is pretty neat. And they’ve got this fancy ice machine that’s like a perfect middle ground between the hand-carved ice that some mixologists use and those tiny ice cubes that melt super fast and can ruin a good drink. It’s perfect for keeping your Negroni just right.
The place has got a great vibe, the drinks are consistently good, and the service is on point. Because of all that, it can get pretty busy. But that’s just a sign that it’s worth checking out, right?
- Location: Vicolo Alemagna, 2/C, 40125
- Phone: 051 412 5663
All'Osteria Bottega
The All’Osteria Bottega in Bologna is one of those places that always pops up on dining lists, but it’s got a bit of a mixed reputation among the locals.
The main issue is that some people think it’s a bit pricey. Yet, I’ll say if you’re looking for a restaurant in Bologna that consistently delivers on food quality and service and has a great wine list, this might just be your best bet.
They’re really into the whole slow-food movement here. For example, they serve this amazing culatello di Zibello that’s been cured naturally for 36 months. And it’s made from local heritage breeds.
But if you ask me, the real stars of the show are their cured meats (they source from some top-notch producers) and their main courses, especially the ones with game meat. There’s this pigeon dish in a wine reduction that’s absolutely fantastic.
- Location: Via Santa Caterina, 51, 40123
- Phone: 051 585111
Vagh in Ufezzi
Far away from the main streets, this little place called Vagh in Ufezzi is always packed with locals. It’s run by this lovely husband-and-wife duo, Antonella De Sanctis and Mirco Carati, who’ve been at it since 2005. Antonella takes care of the front of the house, and Mirco works his magic in the kitchen.
Now, here’s the fun part – you won’t find any fancy printed menus here. Instead, they write it up on construction paper and stick it on the walls, or sometimes it’s on a chalkboard. It’s all very down-to-earth and charming.
And their handwritten menu is always changing. You’ve got your fresh pastas, crescentine, and local cured meats. They also do seasonal dishes like tagliatelle with asparagus, and some rustic Italian fare like grilled capocollo with cardoons.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert – they’ve got some fantastic cheesy sweets to finish off your meal. As for drinks, the owners keep it simple. They just pick wines they enjoy themselves, which is pretty cool if you ask me.
- Location: Via de’ Coltelli, 9/C, 40124
- Phone: 051 296 1446
Thoughts
So, there you have it. You’ve got the scoop on Bologna’s best restaurants that capture the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From craft beer pubs to hidden cocktail bars and traditional osterias to street food havens, there’s no room for disappointment in the fat Italian city. Make a go for it to treat yourself.
