Food

What to eat in Bologna: 7 food specialties you can’t miss

If you’re coming to Bologna, leave your diet at home. We’re called La Grassa (“The Fat One”) for a reason, and around here, food isn’t just a meal… it’s the heart of local culture.

But here’s a tip from us, the locals: not everything labeled “traditional” actually is. Our region, Emilia-Romagna, is a goldmine of flavors, but it’s also a battleground. Every city has its own pride, and yes, we fight hard.

Tortellini, for example have been arguing over who actually invented them between Bologna and Modena for centuries. Different recipes, same name, endless passion.

Exploring the food scene in Emilia-Romagna can be tricky. Our region is a mosaic of flavors, and while the world knows our “Big Three kings” Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Balsamic Vinegar there are other 50 shades of  deliciousness.READ MORE

Beyond Tiramisu: where to eat Bologna’s best traditional sweets

If you’re searching for the best Tiramisu in Bologna, you’re definitely not alone.

It’s one of Italy’s most iconic desserts, and for many travelers, trying it is necessary.

But the truth is… Tiramisu isn’t a traditional Bolognese dessert.

Let’s start by the origins. Tiramisu has origins in Northern Italy, and its roots trace back to the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions, not Emilia-Romagna. So, while you can find great Tiramisu in Bologna, locals are more likely to finish a meal with something that’s been part of the city’s culinary tradition for generations.

Picture this: you’ve just finished a plate of tortellini in brodo and tagliatelle al ragù.
What comes next? Not tiramisù but something better, something local.

Let’s dive in.READ MORE

Street Food Aperitivo Tour in Bologna

Spring in Bologna has a special kind of energy. The days grow longer, the sun warms the streets, and the portici slowly fill with people enjoying the simple pleasures of Italian life. What could be better than a stroll through the university streets, a chat with friends, and something delicious to eat and drink?

With the return of good weather, locals and visitors alike love to eat and drink outdoors, making this the perfect season to explore Bologna through its street food culture.

Bologna may not be as famous for street food as cities like Palermo, Rome or Naples, but it still offers plenty of delicious bites that reflect its culinary traditions.

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Window of shop Bruno e Franco in Bologna

Where to buy the best fresh pasta and salumi in Bologna : Salumeria Bruno e Franco

Salumeria Bruno e Franco is a landmark for locals who crowd the shop every day to buy the best delicacies for which Emilia Romagna is famous. Warmly welcomed by Franco, the owner, you can find regional cheese, salumi, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a big variety of fresh pasta made by Grazia, Martina and their team of sfogline in a small pasta factory, a few steps from the shop.

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Trattoria del postiglione Bologna

Best trattoria in Bologna for your sunday dinner

So it’s sunday evening, here you are in Bologna and you wish find out why it’s named “city of food” and “la grassa”, but everything seems to be closed? Don’t worry, actually not everything is closed and here’s our list of some great traditional trattorie (restaurants with a penchant for simplicity and local homey food) that are happy to welcome you on a sunday evening.READ MORE