Bologna
In a country noted for exceptional cuisine, Bologna is a superstar. Some of the best-loved Italian food originated here, including classics like tortellini, mortadella, and tagliatelle. And the wine, cheese, and ice cream you’ll enjoy are the pride of Italy.
Chef Mario Batali spent three years in the Bologna area before introducing America to the pleasures of its cuisine. If you’re serious about Italian cooking, you should pay a visit to Tamburini, a fantastic food store and Italian cooking resource.
The Italian restaurants in Bologna can compete with those in Rome or Florence. But you’ll also eat well in taverns and cafes.
Here’s our list of the top Italian restaurants in Bologna.
1) Drogheria della Rosa
Located in an old pharmacy in the historic part of town, Drogheria della Rosa serves some of the best homemade pasta in town. Owner/chef, Emanuele Addone visits the market for fresh produce every day, and he prepares a terrific filetto al balsamico.
2) Diana
In business since the 1920s, Diana is one of the most famous restaurants in Bologna. Enjoy regional game, wild mushrooms, truffles, and carved meats in one of the three elegant dining rooms or on the terrace. Not far from Piazza Maggiore.
3) Ristorante al Pappagallo
In a Gothic building not far from the city’s towers, Pappagallo has hosted everyone from Toscanini to Hitchcock. Try their specialty – turkey breasts with truffles in a Parmesan, white wine sauce. Or enjoy the perfect tortellini or lasagna verde.
4) Meloncello
Noted for making the best meatballs (polpette) in the region, Meloncello is a tiny place not far from San Luca. Osso buco and stuffed rabbit are other great choices. And the desserts here, especially the rice torte and semifreddo, are worth saving room for.
Tagliatelle al Ragu
5) Marco Fadiga Bistrot
Named for the top chef in Bologna, Marco Fadiga is a stylish little bistro that serves, imaginative, inventive food combinations – something of a novelty here. Try guinea fowl with plums, veal with radishes and artichokes, or foie gras with dates. Fresh oysters are delivered every day.
6) Cesarina
Open for nearly a century, Cesarina serves traditional Bolognese cooking in pleasant, if slightly formal surroundings. The fish dishes here are especially good.
7) Trattoria Battibecco
With a Michelin star, Trattoria Battibecco is one of the top tables in Bologna. Seafood is the specialty, but everything chef Nico Costa prepares is first rate. Dine in the cozy dining room or on the porch when the weather’s nice.
8) Bitone
Wine lovers will appreciate the wine list here, which has more than 400 selections. Bitone has been in business since 1834. With wood beams and lots of greenery, the atrium dining room is one of the prettiest and the cooking has earned a Michelin star.
9) Da Cesari
Run by the same family since 1956, Da Cesari serves Bolognese classics like veal with Parma ham and truffles, as well as updated dishes like squash gnocchi and pumpkin ravioli. The two-level dining room is warm and rustic.
10) Da Gianni a la Vecia Bulagna
A favorite restaurant of residents, Da Giannni packs them in day and night with their excellent tortellini or mixed meats in brodo, pumpkin gnocchi with cheese sauce, and house-made salumi.
View Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Bologna in a larger map
Bologna Image Flickr: il CAMA
Tagliatelle al Ragu Image Flickr: WordRidden
