6 Best Restaurants in Bologna, Italy for 2025

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Emilia-Romagna’s beating heart, Bologna somehow flies under the radar of many visitors to Northern Italy. Indeed, even some leading guidebooks dub it a “gritty” workaday kind of city. Sure, it lacks the finesse of Milan, the artistic mastery of Florence and Aosta’s dramatic scenery, but Bologna holds its own.

Home to the world’s oldest university, majestic piazzas and throngs of imposing gothic architecture, there’s every reason to buck the trend and add Bologna to your bucket list. The Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums, Palazzo D’Accursio and the Archaeological Museum are worth the pilgrimage alone.

There’s one other reason to visit Bologna: the food. There’s a reason Italian cuisine can be found almost everywhere on the planet. In taste, quality and diversity, it’s hardly rivalled. Naturally, the city which birthed the international bestseller which we (wrongly) know as Spaghetti Bolognese, one of America’s most-loved sausages and Garfield’s favorite dish has to appear on every foodie’s Italian itinerary.

After doing the hard work of trying as many restaurants in Bologna as I could, here is my ultimate guide to the best 6 restaurants in Bologna in which to sample the originals.

Famous Foods to Sample in the Best Restaurants in Bologna

Tagliatelle al Ragu

A staple at the best restaurants in Bologna, this is the city’s most famous dish. And, for that matter, one of the world’s most famous dishes, albeit with a different name. Tagliatelle al Ragu is the dish from which we derived Spaghetti Bolognese.

Bolognese ragu is based on traditional French ragout which dates back to the 18th century. Around 1800, Pope Pius VII’s personal chef came up with the idea of serving this rich meat sauce with pasta, and Tagliatelle al Ragu was born. Whilst the rest of the world enjoys the dish with spaghetti, the best restaurants in Bologna still serve it as it was intended.

Lasgana al Forno

Although Bolognese ragu is the main component of modern lasagna, this classic dish’s origins precede the ragu, and not by a short time. Lasagna was first recorded by a Bolognese notary in 1282. Before the invention of ragu, lasagne was a far simpler dish. Served plain with just a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano and spices, it was eaten with pointed stick.

Today, the best restaurants in Bologna serve lasagna in its most traditional form. Known as lasagna al forno (literally, lasagna from the oven), it comes with thick layers of ragu and bechamel sauce. You’ll frequently come across green lasagna too. The pasta gets its color from adding spinach before it’s rolled.

Mortadella

First time visitors to the best restaurants in Bologna might get a surprise to find Bologna (Baloney) sausage doesn’t appear on the menu. That’s because Bologna sausage isn’t from Bologna at all; it was invented in the United States.

That said, Bologna can trace it’s origins to the city of the same name. It’s based on mortadella, one of Bologna’s most famous foods. Traditional mortadella Bologna contains cured pork, cubed pork fat (which have to be at least 15% to make the grade) and peppercorns. Mortadella may be a famous Florence street food, but if you ask me, it’s infinitely better in Bologna.

Tortellini

Another pasta Bologna claims as it’s own, tortellini is distinctive for its unique shape and small size. A little like a miniature ravioli, the pasta is stuffed with a mix of meat and parmesan with egg and nutmeg. It’s traditionally served in chicken broth (brodo), although these days can be found dished up with more common pasta sauces.

Whilst no one truly knows whether tortellini hails from Bologna or nearby Modena, you’ll find it proudly served at many of the best restaurants in Bologna. If you want to try it at its most authentic, order tortellini in brodo which is served in the traditional chicken broth.

6 Best Restaurants in Bologna

1. Trattoria da Me

Dinner at an romantic family-run trattoria is a must on every trip to Italy. Trattoria da Me has been in the same family since 1937. But whilst they still serve all the Bolognese classics, their incredibly ability to blend timeless recipes with the ever-changing times is what cements this gem as one of the best restaurants in Bologna.

The menu changes with the seasons, although there’s one dish that always takes the top spot: Tagliatelle al Ragu. Served just how was back in 1937, Trattoria da Me’s take on Bolognese is exactly the way it’s meant to be.

Of course, lasagna al forno or tortellini in brodo make an appearance too, alongside a frequently changing selection of carne (meat) dishes and freshly tossed salads.

2. Donatello

The next of our pick of the best restaurants in Bologna has been serving Bolognese classics for even longer still. Opened in 1903, Donatello is the place to go when you want to dine at a piece of Bolognese history. Bolognese cuisine needs little modernisation, which is good news because Donatello is stuck in a time warp.

Decked out with vintage furnishing, white table cloths and fine glassware, you’ll need to look up to see Donatello’s piece de resistance. The Art Nouveau ceiling mural has to be seen to be believed. One thing that has changed over the years is the collection of photos on the wall; all feature notable diners, staff and the owner’s family.

Their menu is a celebration of Bolognese masterpieces. Their love for local flavors, you can be absolutely certain, is exactly as it was 122 years ago. Make sure you try one of the regional specialties. Be it tortellini, ragu, lasagna or mortadella, if it’s from Donatello, it will be be bellissimo, though their pasta, always homemade, is a particular highlight.

3. Berbere

In case we hadn’t made it quite clear, no matter how long you’re staying in Bologna, there’s no need to stray away from Bolognese cuisine. But to paraphrase Saint Ambrose, when in Italy, eat as the Italians do. And no culinary journey through The Boot of Europe would be complete without an authentic Neapolitan pizza.

We tend to stray away from recommending chain eateries, but when one of the best restaurants in Bologna is exactly that, it would be wrong not to. Berbere may have expanded across the north of Italy, and more recently to London, but their story is a Bologna success story. Their first restaurant opened in the city in 2010.

Back then, the founders, brothers Matteo and Salvatore did everything from cooking to cleaning without any outside help. Fast forward 15 years and they have more than 300 staff in over a dozen stores. Where as expansion can often compromise standards, Berbere’s pizza is still prepared with living sourdough, high-quality fresh ingredients and is always stretched by hand.

4. Casa Merlo

Just down the street from stunning Palazzo Berloni, Casa Merlo needs no justification as one of the best restaurants in Bologna. It may be one of the new kids on Bologna’s restaurant block, but in just six years, it’s cemented itself as a local favorite.

If you’re still seeking out those Bolognese staples, Casa Merlo’s menu won’t disappoint. Naturally, they have ragu and lasagna, but it’s their tortellini which are the talk of the town. Just in case you’ve ticked off Bologna’s finest delicacies, you’ll be pleased to hear that Casa Merlo isn’t confined by tradition.

In their words, their dishes “aren’t meant to be described, but enjoyed”. Taste them, and you’ll soon realise there is nothing you can do but enjoy them. Their offerings change frequently; current highlights include roast chicken and a meat-free cutlet with vegan ragu.

5. Murtadela

When a light lunch is all that’s needed, there’s no need to seek out a certain sandwich shop named after an underground railroad when you have the best restaurants in Bologna on your doorstep. Bologna’s answer to a sandwich shop takes between bread to new levels.

As for their speciality: the clue’s in the name. Mortadella is the star of the show. Go traditional with a simple meat and bread combo or get creative and add mozzarella, ricotta, pomodoro or pistachio mousse. Alongside mortadella, they have a selection of other meats including salami and porchetta. If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to skip their single dessert offering- rich chocolate sauce oozing from a soft bun.

6. De Cesari

Perfect for a leisurely lunch after exploring Piazza Maggiore, De Cesari may be the last on our list of the best restaurants in Bologna, but it’s by no means least. Steeped in 70 years of history, starting life as an osteria (wine bar) in 1955, De Cesari has been serving traditional Bolognese cuisine since 1962.

The décor has changed little in that time; the rustic wood panelling will take you back to the Italy of yesteryear. Despite it’s small size, De Cesari’s menu is extensive. There’s everything you’d expect and a whole lot more. Our favorites include herby Italian roast beef with porcini mushrooms, homemade meatballs and their vegetarian specialty, cabbage flan.

True to their origins, the wine list is impressive, but what you really shouldn’t miss at Da Cesari are their desserts. All homemade, the cakes are out of this world and their ice cream on another planet. You won’t find many restaurants making their own gelato on site, so seize the opportunity while you can. If you’re feeling adventurous, or maybe brave would be more accurate, go for their gelato with D.O.P balsamic. It’s an acquired taste for sure, but you have to try it to acquire it.

Travel tip: Keen to go deeper into the foodie history of Bologna? I’m obsessed with this walking tour of the traditional foods of Bologna.

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