Restaurants in Bologna
Dining in Bologna is a memorable experience, whether at famous Ristorante Pappagallo or in a tucked-away trattoria. It's the high-quality produce and inventive local cuisine that makes the food so special. So many classic Italian dishes come from Bologna, including tortellini and tagliatelle pasta as well as, of course, ragù alla bolognese (bolognese sauce). Restaurants cluster around Piazza Maggiore square and most open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-10.30pm, closing on Sunday. There's usually a small cover charge. Service is sometimes included in the bill.
Diana
Formal Italian dining
North of Piazza Maggiore square, Bologna's famous Diana restaurant was
established in 1920. Roast or boiled meats served from the trolley are
specialities, along with salt cod with polenta, truffle shavings over
tortelloni and dessert of poached pears. A meal here is an
elegant, formal experience, served by white-jacketed waiters at white
linen-draped tables.
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Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 12pm-2.30pm & 7pm-10.30pm
Address
24, Via dell'Indipendenza, Bologna 182527
Telephone
+39 051 231 302
Transport
Bus 20 to Via dell'Indipendenza
I Carracci
Formal dining under frescoes
North of Piazza Maggiore square, I Carracci is Bologna's most elegant formal
dining room, boasting a ceiling covered in 16th-century Carracci-school
frescoes. Well-selected local and imported wines, seasonal produce and
regional recipes are the specialities. Tear your eyes away from the frescoes
to enjoy home-made tagliatelle, tortellini in broth, seafood
flan or ice-cream waffles.
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Opening Hours
Daily 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7.30pm-10.30pm
Address
Grand Hotel Baglioni, 8, Via dell'Indipendenza, Bologna 40121
Telephone
+39 051 225 445
Ristorante Pappagallo
Italian with a twist
In a medieval building near the Two Towers, Ristorante Pappagallo has been a
local favourite for a special meal since 1919. The warmly lit, atmospheric
room has arched ceilings, chandeliers and picture-lined walls. The cuisine
is traditional but creative Bolognese. Try specialities like rabbit ravioli,
squid and asparagus tagliatelle followed by saffron panna
cotta with cherries.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7.30pm-10.30pm
Address
3, Piazza della Mercanzia, Bologna 40125
Telephone
+39 051 232 807
Da Cesari
Rustic Italian cuisine
South of Piazza Maggiore square, century-old Da Cesari's elegant but
playfully rustic decor highlights the fine regional cuisine on the menu. The
varied selection includes cold meats and salads, regional tortellini
and veal and duck dishes.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7pm-11pm
Address
8, Via de Carbonesi, Bologna 182705
Telephone
+39 051 237 710
Ristorante Cesarina
Fine food with views
South-east of Piazza Maggiore square, overlooking Santo Stefano Basilica,
popular Ristorante Cesarina has a refreshingly uncluttered decor and
friendly ambience. The extensive wine list complements the menu's blend of
familiar favourites like tortelloni and lasagne to more adventurous
fare such as white veal or herbed rabbit.
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Opening Hours
Tue 7.15pm-10.30pm, Wed-Sun 12pm-2.30pm & 7.15pm-10.30pm
Address
19b, Via Santo Stefano, Bologna 40121
Telephone
+39 051 232 037
Trattoria Caminetto d'Oro
Modern Italian
This family-run trattoria, north of Piazza Maggiore square, has a
refreshingly modern atmosphere, friendly unfussy service and informal wooden
booths. They're justifiably proud of their great wine cellar and the high
quality of the regional, seasonal and organic produce they source. Trattoria
Caminetto d'Oro's delectable menu features home-made pasta and gnocchi
served with house-made bread.
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Opening Hours
Tue 12.30pm-2.30pm, Thu-Mon 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7.30pm-10.45pm
Address
4, Via de' Falegnami, Bologna 40121
Telephone
+39 051 263 494
Ristorante India
Traditional Indian restaurant
North-west of Piazza Maggiore square, Ristorante India's latticed screens,
traditional sculptures and wooden furnishings transport diners to the
subcontinent in an instant. Perhaps start with shrimp pakora,
followed by tandoori chicken, mutton tikka or lentil curry, then finish with
a palate-cleaning pistachio kulfi.
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Opening Hours
Daily 12pm-2pm & 7.30pm-11pm
Address
14a, Via Nazario Sauro, Bologna 40121
Telephone
+39 051 271 095
Clorofilla
Healthy vegetarian dining
Clorofilla is a light and breezy café, east of Piazza Maggiore square. With
the focus on modern, healthy vegetarian food, specialities include
seitan and tofu 'hot dogs', 'steaks', 'sausages' and 'cutlets'.
The couscous, bulgur and leafy salads are a meal in themselves. Drinks
include tea and herbal infusions or fruit and vegetable shakes.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm & 7.30pm-12am
Address
64c, Strada Maggiore, Bologna 40125
Telephone
+39 051 235 343
Transport
Bus 27 to Strada Maggiore
Tamburini
Landmark food shop
Near the Two Towers, Bologna's most famous delicatessen, Tamburini, has
counters laden with gourmet cheeses, meats, condiments, fresh pastas and
hors d'oeuvres. The self-serve restaurant is open for lunch so you can
sample the goods on sale. Just point at what you fancy from the display of
pastas, risottos, meat, fish and vegetable dishes.
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Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 8.30am-7pm
Address
1, Via Caprarie, Bologna 40124
Telephone
+39 051 234 726
