We will spend our 60th wedding anniversary in Bologna in late August 2026. We have heard that Bologna is known as the culinary capital of Italy, and Stanley Tucci's episode was great. We will not have fancy clothes because we pack like Rick Steves and will only have a pair of sandals for beaches on other parts of the vacation and running type walking shoes--no sports jacket or tie. So, can anyone recommend a top notch but not hoity-toity restaurant where we won't feel out of place to enjoy a special occasion dinner in Bologna.
Posted by
New York
184 posts
Happy anniversary! We ate at this restaurant several times whilst we were in Bologna. It has lots of character … and very good food. https://www.drogheriadellarosa.it/en/home/
It was reasonably priced and we were comfortable in our casual/nice clothing. You have to make a reservation in advance to get in.
Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3324 posts
Two that I really enjoyed.
More traditional, and especially good deserts:
https://www.da-cesari.it/
A bit more modern and smaller, with outdoor seating:
https://www.trattoriadame.it/
Posted by
Phoenix, Arizona
92 posts
Totally agree with da Cesari. And if you go there, don't miss the chocolate shop across the street -- oldest one in Italy (Majani 1796).
Also check out https://www.cantinabentivoglio.it/, We ate in the jazz club part when we went, and the meal and music were both excellent.
Posted by
91 posts
Congratulations!
I suggest Ristorante Diana to celebrate your matrimonial milestone.
https://www.ristorante-diana.it/
A jeweler in Venice, whose daughter attends the University of Bologna, recommended it. It didn't disappoint.
For my primo, I had the best lasagna ever - past, present and future!
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
84 posts
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. We will certainly eat well in Bologna!
Posted by
Vignola, Modena, Italy
651 posts
Majani is closed in August. It opens again middle/end of September when temperatures start to be lower. High temperature is not the best for chocolate.
In August a good idea could be even go outside the city in the hillside in an agriturismo in the hills. Are for sure less formal places where you can find often very good food and even a nice view and landscape.
Fattoria Zivieri and Corte d'Aibo are two examples.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, USA
84 posts
Thanks. We also plan to spend time in rural areas of Emilia-Romagna, but on our anniversary we’ll be in Bologna proper.