Bologna: Italy's Underrated Food Paradise?
- Peregryn travel writers
- Apr 2
- 6 min read
Bologna is the city that quietly rewrites the rules of Italian cuisine. Yes, there's the ragù (and it's nothing like you think). But beyond the familiar, you'll find a world of culinary surprises: vibrant markets overflowing with local treasures, Michelin-starred chefs pushing boundaries, and hidden gems where nonnas still reign supreme.
The foodie capital of the foodie region of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna has flown under the radar for far too long. After all, this is a region that has contributed a whole host of culinary favorites to the Italian dining table, such as balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese and Parma ham.
It’s also perfectly located to combine with a host of other Italian sites, from Florence to Venice and Milan, all easy to reach by train. So here’s your Bologna travel guide, created for foodies.
Why Bologna Steals Our Foodie Hearts
Other than being a foodie favorite, Bologna has plenty to offer. The city is known as La Dotta, La Grassa e La Rossa (The Learned, the Fat, and the Red), a nod to the fact that it is home to the oldest university in Europe, its impressive culinary prowess, and both its rosy-hued buildings and staunchly left-leaning politics.
Simple pleasures come from wandering around exploring the rich history of Bologna. There is elegant, palatial architecture to be found – the first stop should be at the oldest university in the Western world, the University of Bologna. Founded in 1088, it’s older than Oxford University and the Aztec Empire. Its fascinating Archiginnasio anatomical theater is worth a visit.
Beyond that, taking in the old town is highly recommended, with its striking medieval towers, the romantic rust-red rooftops and the beloved porticos, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city comes alive in the beautiful piazzas, and the city is centered around Piazza Maggiore. Whether stopping for a morning espresso or soaking up the atmosphere with an al fresco dinner, it’s a thriving place at any time. Watch the world go by, then head off to admire the symbolic Fountain of Neptune, the elegant Biblioteca Salaborsa public library, or the moving monument to Italian partisans of the Second World War at Sacrario dei Partigiani.
For a more Bohemian crowd, the Ebraico bar scene, just off the Piazza Maggiore, is worth exploring. The former Jewish neighborhood is a maze of labyrinthine alleyways and winding streets.
Looking for adventurous things to do in Bologna? If you want to step out of the city, there are plenty of amazing day trip possibilities. Motor Valley, the home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Pagani, and Maserati, is a haven for car lovers based in Emilia-Romagna, with exciting factory and museum tours available.
If you feel like exploring another beautiful foodie haven, nearby Modena is a great day trip option and easily reachable by train or car.
How to do foodie Bologna
Wondering what to eat in Bologna? Your first taste of Bologna’s food scene comes with the sparkle of an aperitivo. As the workday winds down, you can join the locals starting the evening with a delightful cocktail and a small plate. At many restaurants around the city, this is a cheap and cheerful offering.
The Quadrilatero is the place to follow this up. This network of small, winding streets is lined by stalls, restaurants, and vendors selling freshly baked bread, cuts of cold meat, delicious cheeses and more. It's a fabulous way to explore Bologna’s cuisine. In the Quadrilatero, you can discover the Mercato di Mezzo, Bologna’s premier indoor food market renovated in 2014.
For a slice of authentic Bologna life, the lively Mercato delle Erbe is another wonderful stop. A working market, it continues a fine tradition of selling fresh produce while also serving as a popular meet-up spot for locals.
They say the best way to get to know a new destination is through its food. In Bologna, you can go back to the origins of one of the world’s most famous meals. Complete your visit with a generous helping of tagliatelle al ragù, famously known as spaghetti bolognese.
For other local delicacies, tortellini in broth, a special chicken and pasta soup, will warm the heart on brisk winter days. Green lasagna is a fun variant of the traditional dish, with the addition of spinach. The rich and intense flavor of Mortadella cured meat is not to be missed.
Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese, from local Parma, on your meal for that delicious nutty flavor. To accompany all of this mouthwatering food, what else would you try other than the wine? As they say, when in Rome… or in this case, Bologna.
The fresh Pignoletto white wine, both still and sparkling, represents Bologna wonderfully. If your palate is more attuned to red wine, you’ll love Lambrusco. Typical of the region, it is one of the country’s best-selling tipples.
Where to stay in Bologna
There are plenty of enchanting hotels in the city, from the splendid to the cosy, all with their own signature style. Here are some of the best hotels in Bologna, Italy.
With a century-long reputation of excellence, Bologna’s most prestigious hotel is set in an elegant 18th-century palace in the heart of the city. Gold and purple adorn the walls, and the sumptuous decor is complemented by works of art.
Offering a once-in-a-lifetime stay in a 12th-century medieval tower, the Torre Prendiparte is one of the best places to stay in Bologna, complete with 11 floors and spectacular views of the terracotta rooftops.
Enjoy all the home comforts of Casa Bertagni, a private home converted into a hotel of character, from the classic Bolognese courtyard to the creative interiors chosen with care and detail.
Amid the historic gems of the medieval centre, this hotel combines the classic with the comfortable, featuring an ornate glass dome ceiling in the beautifully decorated lobby and offering a peaceful place to refresh and recharge.
Where to eat in Bologna
It’s always wonderful to try the classics and old favorites of Bolognese cuisine, but there are many chefs doing exciting new things with traditional ingredients. Here are some of the top restaurants in bologna.
Since 1919, this staple of the Bolognese culinary scene has offered everything from hearty tortellini in broth to sweet, syrupy gelato with consistency and quality. One of the best restaurants in Bologna, beloved by locals.
Tantalise your tastebuds with cuisine from Emilia-Romagna, featuring authentic recipes and mouthwatering cured meats. Specialising in slow-cooked food, an affectation of Bolognese food, the culatello di Zibello is highly recommended.
Near Mercato delle Erbe, Ahimé offers inventive variations of Bolognese cuisine with sustainably sourced and locally produced ingredients deserving of its Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy. This makes for beautifully presented meals offering seasonal variety.
A lively trattoria that owes its popularity to a marriage of persuasive traditional dishes and variations on beloved favourites, under the wing of the fabulously innovative head chef and owner Elisa Rusconi.
Away from the well-trodden tourist trail and in a working-class district, this trattoria offers a warm welcome to all with hearty cuisine from Emilia-Romagna. This cosy restaurant is always popular though, so reservations are essential.
Run by a husband-and-wife team, this casual and friendly osteria always has something new on the traditional menu, with seasonal takes, fresh local produce, and simple but pleasant wines that stay true to the Bolognese culinary ideal.
Set in a musical cafe from the 19th Century, this frescoed Michelin-star restaurant offers inspired Mediterranean dishes across a variety of tasting menus paired with fine wines and a romantic atmosphere.
Don't Delay: Bologna Awaits
Super walkable and easy to explore, there are plenty of things to do in Bologna amongst the beautiful frescoes, striking porticoes and thriving piazzas. The buzzing little city of Bologna has inspired a foodie tradition and exported its hearty, humble recipes, making some of the most beloved meals in the world. Without the throng of tourists in bigger cities, it’s the perfect place for a foodie to lose themselves.
And with regular train times and well-connected by road, it’s easy to travel out to other amazing Italian cities like Florence, Parma, Modena, and Venice for a combined holiday.
Everyone needs a sprinkle of Italian romance in their life. Capture it with a visit to this delightful city in the heart of Emilia-Romagna.
