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.
Top-end
Expand all1. Diana - Formal Italian dining
Show more
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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
2. I Carracci - Formal dining under frescoes
Show more 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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
3. Ristorante Pappagallo - Italian with a twist
Show moreIn 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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7.30pm-10.30pm
Address
3, Piazza della Mercanzia, Bologna 40125
Telephone
+39 051 232 807
Mid-range
Expand all4. Da Cesari - Rustic Italian cuisine
Show more
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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7pm-11pm
Address
8, Via de Carbonesi, Bologna 182705
Telephone
+39 051 237 710
5. Ristorante Cesarina - Fine food with views
Show more
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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
6. Trattoria Caminetto d'Oro - Modern Italian
Show more
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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
7. Ristorante India - Traditional Indian restaurant
Show moreNorth-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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Opening Hours
Daily 12pm-2pm & 7.30pm-11pm
Address
14a, Via Nazario Sauro, Bologna 40121
Telephone
+39 051 271 095
Budget
Expand all8. Clorofilla - Healthy vegetarian dining
Show moreClorofilla 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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
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
9. Tamburini - Landmark food shop
Show moreNear 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.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 8.30am-7pm
Address
1, Via Caprarie, Bologna 40124
Telephone
+39 051 234 726
