
If you’re a food lover and a visit to Bologna isn’t on your Italy itinerary, it’s time to change that! This booming city drew us in with its lively streets, beautiful markets, and most importantly… countless Bologna food options. Our self-guided Bologna Italy food tour will take you from sipping espresso and chowing down at the best restaurants, to the most fun local market in town. After a full day of exploring where to eat in Bologna, it will be easy to see why it’s been referred to as the culinary capital of Italy!
Our One Day Bologna Food Tour
Bologna Breakfast
Where: Bar Billi 1833
Order: Espresso and Pastry
Location: Via Pietro de Coubertin 1
Bar Billi is the perfect spot to start your day before the scenic walk up the Portico di San Luca. This traditional Italian cafe was founded in 1833, and will give you the jolt you need to get your morning going.
Upon walking in, you’ll see both locals and tourists standing by the bar and enjoying an espresso. If you walk past that there’s a nice patio in the back where you can have a normal coffee, pastry, or even an Aperol spritz to start the party early on your visit to Bologna!
Bologna Travel Tip: When looking for where to stay in Bologna, you can’t beat the Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni. Also, check out Residenza Bianconcini or even the Dopa Hostel if you’re traveling on a budget.
Lunch in Bologna
Where: Pizza Casa
Order: Traditional Margherita Pizza or Speciality
Location: Via delle Belle Arti, 6, 40126
Let us just say this is the first pizza we’ve ever had where we were launched into a full-on depression after eating it. Why do you ask? Well, because I don’t think we’ll ever eat a pizza this good again!
Bologna’s Pizza Casa was jam packed from the second we walked in. It may feel like pure mayhem trying to get your order in, but it’s 1000% worth it once you see the tasty pies they’re pumping out.
A Margherita will only cost around 3 Euros, which is sooo cheap! However, we highly recommend trying one with specialty pizzas with toppings on your Bologna food journey.
By eating your delicious pizza outside, you can even get a view in to watch as they prepare them. Don’t get us wrong. There are endless pizza places among the best restaurants in Bologna Italy. Just make sure to stop into Pizza Casa if you’re in the neighborhood.
Bologna Food & Snack Time
Where: Mercato delle Erbe or Cafe Zamboni
Order: Drink of Choice
There is a Bologna market called Mercato delle Erbe located in the center of the city. Here they have everything from fruits and vegetables to deli meat and bread.
You can also grab a sandwich or drink at one of the cafes inside the market. Another option when looking for where to eat in Bologna is getting into the Aperitivo scene.
Starting late afternoon at most Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, you’ll see an appetizer spread come out near the bar area. The idea is to buy a drink, and then have full access to the snack buffet!
Most of the time you’ll see finger foods, deli meats and cheeses, chips, peppers, and small plates of pasta among this food in Bologna Italy. We experienced the same thing on the famous Milan Canals, which is worth checking out on your visit.
Honestly, this is kind of like Italy’s version of Spanish tapas! After traveling more in Italy, we’ve found it to be the cheapest style of eating in the country. It even allows you to eat out in popular cities like Venice on a budget.
The best one we came across was at Cafe Zamboni. It will cost you around €10 euros for a drink. Then you’ll have access to the most impressive Aperitivo buffet we saw on our Bologna food tour. More fun Bologna bars we loved were La Prosciutteria, Corner Bar, Jukebox Cafe, and Zerocinquantino – Tigelle & Vino.
Dinner On Your Bologna Food Tour
Where: Osteria dell’Orsa
Order: Tagliatelle al Ragu
Location: Osteria dell’Orsa
We hope you saved room on your self-guided Bologna food tour because it’s finally dinner time! This traditional eatery has gained notoriety as one of the best restaurants in Bologna Italy, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door.
They specialize in farm to table dining and most people order the house special Tagliatelle al Ragu. After all, you can’t visit Bologna and not get the very pasta it’s famous for!
They have many other dishes and appetizers that looked delicious, but you should definitely try this one. Also, make sure you pile it high with parmesan cheese, as this dairy product is also from Bologna.
We recommend ordering the house red wine to go with your dish. A half liter craft here will only cost you €5 euros.
Delicious Dessert
Where: Cremeria Cavour
Order: Chocolate and Amarena Gelato
Location: Piazza Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour
Would a day of food in Bologna really be complete without an Italian Gelato? Cremeria Cavour is a must-try when looking for where to eat in Bologna, where even a small cone here comes with 2 scoops.
Our favorite flavor combo was chocolate and Amarena (cherry). We would say to finish off your Bologna food tour with a Gelato, but you’ll be lucky to make it the entire day without having one or two already!
If gelato isn’t your thing or your want to try another local treat, make sure to pick up a Torta di Riso. This sweet rice cake is a specialty of food in Bologna Italy and can be found at any bakery.
Have any questions about our Bologna food tour or want to recommend more of the best restaurants in Bologna Italy? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Did you visit the world’s oldest university in Bologna?
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We walked around it, but didn’t have time to do the tour that day. Amazing place!! Also, loved walking the longest Portico in the world. Love this city