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 amazing 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 being referred to as the culinary capital of Italy!
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Self-Guided Bologna Food Tour
Bologna Breakfast
Where: Bar Billi 1833
Order: Espresso and Pastry
Open Hours: Fri-Wed 6:30 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Via Pietro de Coubertin 1
Just before the long walk up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, we have the perfect cafe to start your Bologna food tour! This traditional Italian cafe was founded in 1833 and will give you the jolt you need to get your morning going.
When you walk 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 if you want to start the party early on your visit to Bologna!
Lunch in Bologna
Where: Pizza Casa
Order: Traditional Margherita Pizza or Speciality
Open Hours: Every day 11am-11pm
Location: Via delle Belle Arti, 6, 40126
Let me 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 you €2.50 which is sooo cheap! However, we highly recommend trying one with specialty pizzas with toppings at one of the best restaurants in Bologna Italy. By eating your delicious pizza outside you can even get a view in to watch as they prepare them. If there’s one place not to miss on our Bologna food tour it’s Pizza Casa!
Bologna Drink & Snack Time
Where: Mercato delle Erbe or Cafe Zamboni
Order: Drink of Choice
In the center of the city is the local Bologna market called Mercato delle Erbe. 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 if you see anything that strikes your fancy!
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 you 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 for this food in Bologna Italy. We experienced the same thing on the canals of Milan which was also amazing.
It’s almost like Italy’s version of Spanish tapas! We only wish we would’ve figured out where to eat in Bologna sooner because it’s a really cheap way to snack around the city. The best one we came across was at Cafe Zamboni. It will cost you around €10 euros for a drink, but then you’ll have access to the most impressive aperitivo buffet we saw on our visit to Bologna.
More Great Bars To Grab a Drink
Dinner in Bologna
Where: Osteria dell’Orsa
Order: Tagliatelle al Ragu
Open Hours: Every day 12:15am-11pm
Location: Osteria dell’Orsa
We hoped you saved room on your 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 amazing, but you should definitely try this one. Also, make sure you pile it high with parmesan cheese as this delicious dairy product is also from Bologna. We recommend ordering the house red wine to go with your dish, as a half liter craft will only cost you €5 euros.
Delicious Dessert
Where: Cremeria Cavour
Order: Chocolate and Amarena Gelato
Open Hours: Tues-Sat 12:00 PM-11:30 PM and Sun 11:00 AM-11:30 PM
Location: Piazza Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour
While there are plenty of incredible dessert options, is your day really 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
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay In Bologna Italy
Ultra Luxury (High End) – Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni – Set in an 18th century palace with antique furnishings and modern luxuries. This five-star hotel is located in the heart of Bologna and is so incredible you’ll never want to leave.
Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Residenza Bianconcini – Stay in a historic Italian building just steps from all the action of the city. Unique rooms with wooden features, and a wonderful breakfast with homemade cakes!
Hostel Life (Budget) – Dopa Hostel – One of the most popular and stylish hostels in Bologna. You’ll have your pick of dormitories or private rooms, and located just 800 meters from the Bologna Towers. Also, near all the best restaurants if you’re looking for where to eat in Bologna.
For more places to stay on your visit to Bologna you can find the latest prices here!
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Italy Travel Planning
Explore Italy: Milan Cathedral Rooftop – 10 Things to do Milan – One Day Verona
Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Rome to Venice for under $30 USD!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Italian road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around the world. Book a Florence winery tour, Capri Boat trip or street food tour with a local guide in Rome!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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