If you have visited Bologna recently, which restaurants did you especially like? We like good food and good wine in a comfortable atmosphere. Any recommendations would be most appreciated!
Posted by
Chicago
223 posts
Was there in July. Can highly recommend the following:
Trattoria Da Me
Da Cesari
Trattoria Valerio
Da Me felt like modern Bologna, whereas Cesari and Valerio had a more traditional Bologna feel. Every dish was excellent. At either Cesari or Valerio, they had a pumpkin gelato drizzled w/ balsamic. Never had anything like that before. It was fantastic.
These were other restaurants I researched and considered based on feedback on various sources but didn't get to:
Osteria Al 15
Osteria Della Lanterna
Osteria dell'Orsa
Cantina Bentivoglio
All’ Osteria Bottega
Didn't get to everyone's favorite Sfoglia Rina for lunch as we had planned, but did Mo Mortadella Lab instead. I'd recommend that as well for an easy and inexpensive lunch.
Posted by
Milan Italy
108 posts
Hi Giangilberto from Milan, Bologna has such a great culinary tradition, my absolute favorite one is Da Cesari, located in the historic center a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, was the trusted restaurant of one of the best Italian singers Lucio Dalla, in fact his house museum is a few steps from there.
And also Trattoria di Via Serra, one of the most delightful spots in the city, offering a menu deeply rooted in tradition yet far from ordinary so much so that it has earned the Slow Food "Snail" award. Great emphasis is placed on local small scale producers, who supply the flour, cheeses, and cured meats.
https://www.trattoriadiviaserra.it/
Last but not least Antica Trattoria della Gigina, best gramigna evere (gramigna is a type of pasta typical of Bologna.), you can also enjoy the richness of bolognese cuisine, ranging from classic appetizers to seasonal boiled meats, as well as lasagna and tortellini in broth.
Posted by
95 posts
Restaurants
- Sofoglia Rina
- Ristorante Diana
- Osteria Al 15
Gelaterias
Cremeria Cavour
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
695 posts
Bologna has such a great culinary tradition, my absolute favorite one is Da Cesari
Da Cesari is fantastic. I’m not a big eater, but had two pasta dishes here, it was so good.
Posted by
NW Ohio
220 posts
We can definitely second the Trattoria di Via Serra recommendation, though it's very difficult to get a table. Your best bet is to go for lunch. Another restaurant we really enjoyed was Hostaria San Carlino. It's a bit off the beaten path but just a lovely family place with wonderful food. And nearby is a very good gelateria - Delizie Bolognesi.
Posted by
Birmingham, AL
8 posts
We were in Bologna for two nights in October 2025. We ate the first night at La Bottega Di Via Montegrappa. It was a cute, cozy restaurant. They were so friendly and helpful with answering questions and giving recommendations. We had the meatballs, lasagna, and a chocolate tort. They were so delicious that we ended up going back the following night for a ragu, tortelloni, panna cotta and tiramisu. We are tiramisu fanatics, and this place currently holds the #1 spot on our list.