Restaurants In Bologna

Bologna has a famed culinary reputation, and visitors will have no trouble finding establishments that are proud to carry on the tradition of serving authentic meals crafted from local, traditional and home-style recipes. Nationally, Bolognese and regional cuisine is known for its use of beef and pork.

Local cuisine

Of course, the first thing that must come to mind when contemplating dining options in Bologna is its eponymous dish, spaghetti Bologese. However, the city’s ambassador dish of pasta with meat sauce is locally referred to as tagliatelle al ragù, and the more well-known name can elicit looks of disdain in its hometown. Another signature dish of the city is filetto alla Bolognese — calf meat flavoured with Marsala wine then prepared with an ample amount of ham and parmigiano cheese. Those wanting an authentic dining experience may wish to try a true local favourite, the trippa Bolognese, in which cow intestines are prepared with eggs and parmigiano cheese then served hot with a heaps more cheese on top. To eat as the students do, namely, well and cheaply, seek out aperitivi. The local bars are famed for serving these free spreads to drinking customers, which include pastas, cheese, bread and vegetables. Some places serve elaborate buffets, while others may only serve a couple bar snacks.

Where to eat

The city has several upmarket dining establishments where you can spend a lot of money on a meal, but the food won’t necessarily be any better than in a local and much cheaper restaurant. Many restaurants and cafés are situated in the piazzas in the historic district, while a variety of establishments are located in the Univeristy quarter. International cuisine can also be found and restaurants on offer include French, Irish and Chinese.

For authentic local cuisine, try one of the many osterias, Italian-style pubs. The osteria Quindici is known for its plentiful gourmet plates at reasonable prices. However, know that some osterias serve drinks only. The 400-year-old Osteria del Sole is a Bologna institution, where locals grab lunch from the nearby markets and sit down to order the drinks to enjoy with their food. For aperitivi, try the elaborate spread at Caffe Maxim.