31 Best Restaurants in Bologna, Italy in 2025
How could you not fall in love with the incredible restaurants of Bologna? The foodie landscape in this classic town is a blend of the best Italian fare generously seasoned with the sweet, lively spirit of the region. The restaurants around Bologna offer a world of culinary discovery that reflects the rich heritage and contemporary creativity of the city itself.
If your travels lead you in the direction of Italy, you'll need a handy list of restaurants in Bologna that are sure to show you a good time. Our travelog of exceptional restaurants around Bologna reads like a map of exemplary Italian dining, with all your favorite dishes included. Dig in and see what the restaurants of Bologna have on the menu!
Jump to Section
Find the Best Restaurants in Bologna, Italy
There’s no harm in wandering the roads of the old world yourself in search of good restaurants in Bologna, but you can also book food tours in Bologna to take a more direct route to delicious dining. Expert local guides have prepared thoughtful excursions through the prized restaurants of Bologna, with stops at historic sites and intriguing locales along the way. They're a safe bet for a spectacular culinary adventure.
The 31 Best Places To Eat in Bologna, Italy
1. Forno Brisa
A self-declared "rebel bakery," Forno Brisa gives restaurants in Bologna a hearty helping of fresh-baked passion. These fiery artisans create authentic Italian bread infused with a sense of community and social responsibility, the recipe for independent success.
The Vibe
Earthy and bohemian, a great spot to re-energize with a fresh loaf and fun conversation.
What to Order
Order a crusty, rounded loaf of bread made from stone-milled flour and discover how restaurants in Bologna turn bread into edible art.
Forno Brisa | Via Galliera 34D, Bologna 40121 | €
2. Sfoglia Rina
Head to Sfoglia Rina for a restaurant in Bologna where fresh pasta is prepared with a hearty helping of local character. "Rina" in the name refers to Rina Di Francheschi, the owner's grandmother and the originator of a pasta shop that began the traditions carried on by this quaint Italian kitchen.
The Vibe
Airy, sweet and brimming with soothing light and soft colors.
What to Order
Pink pepper gnocchi with butter and sage, lemon mascarpone and crushed tomatoes give you a beautiful bite that's equal parts old-fashioned and charmingly contemporary.
Sfoglia Rina | Via Castiglione 5B, Bologna 40124 | €€
3. Ristorante L'Arcimboldo
At Ristorante L'Arcimboldo, the artistry of a well-plated dish gives fine dining a polished edge. Brother and sister team Daniele Meli and Federica Fava combine their love of food and art to give restaurants in Bologna a blend of delicious gourmet compositions presented with imaginative flair.
The Vibe
Eclectic, stylish and welcoming to a variety of dining sensibilities.
What to Order
Enjoy some squid stuffed with vegetables and prawns on a cream of zucchini, rhubarb, apricots and seed waffle.
Ristorante L'Arcimboldo | Via Galliera 34, Bologna 40121 | €€
4. Da Cesari
Adding Da Cesari to your dining plans will give you a window into the timeless glow the best restaurants in Bologna cast onto the Italian dining circuit. This urbane nook is nestled into the cityscape, just waiting for eager eaters to make the discovery that locals have known for almost 70 years.
The Vibe
Wood paneling and beamed ceilings surround visitors with sheer trattoria romance.
What to Order
Pumpkin-stuffed ravioli served in butter and Parmesan sounds like the luxe creation you'd hope for when visiting restaurants in Bologna.
Da Cesari | Via dè Carbonesi 8, Bologna 40123 | €€
5. Osteria dell'Orsa
"Osteria" is an Italian word that translates to "pub" in English, and Osteria dell'Orsa provides the Bologna restaurant scene with a definitive pub-like energy. This is the place to come when you’re in the mood for socializing while you dine.
The Vibe
Bench-style seating turns strangers into friends, and friends into family!
What to Order
Enjoy the Ciaccio dell’Orsa that gives the traditional pizza a run for its Euros.
Osteria dell'Orsa | Via Mentan 1F, Bologna 40126 | €
6. Ristorante San Pietro
Find a table at Ristorante San Pietro and let the restaurants of Bologna work their considerable charms. Cultured takes on authentic Italian recipes presented with creativity set the table for memorable dining moments in the city.
The Vibe
Bistro stylings with white linen call for a more stylish dress code for visitors.
What to Order
A white pizza dressed with fresh tomatoes and a generous drizzle of balsamic is a prime pick, and it comes personal-sized so you can enjoy it all on your own!
Ristorante San Pietro | Via dè Gessi 5, Bologna 40121 | €€
7. Ristorante Donatello
You may not find a better restaurant in Bologna for true regional tastes than Ristorante Donatello. Bolognese specialties give diners a sense of the wonder this gem of a city contributes to the country's culinary landscape.
The Vibe
Art Nouveau touches transport visitors to an era of wistful Italian enchantment.
What to Order
The pasta bolognese is a signature dish found in many Bologna restaurants. Here, you can expect fettuccine with hearty ground beef and a healthy dusting of Parmesan.
Ristorante Donatello | Via dè Carbonesi 8, Bologna 40123 | €€€
8. Bottega Portici
With so many restaurants in Bologna competing for your attention, the gastronomic excellence of Bottega Portici is truly notable. In addition to handmade pasta specialties, this eatery offers a pasta shop for visitors to take the good stuff home with them.
The Vibe
This super cute dining room offers sleek, modern comfort for the contemporary diner to enjoy.
What to Order
Schedule a stop for breakfast to experience tigella, a regional bread served with scrambled eggs and bacon for a Bolognese version of a daybreak platter.
Bottega Portici | Via Indipendenza 69, Bologna 40121 | €€
9. Taverna del Postiglione
Follow the steps beneath the brick arch and make your way to Taverna del Postiglione, a retro oasis among the restaurants of Bologna. The beautiful courtyard, with stonework and iron fixtures, has murals on display, allowing you to enjoy classic Italian art while you dine.
The Vibe
The tromp l'oeil-style paintings provide a window into another era of Bologna's history.
What to Order
Share a Bologna trio with your favorite foodie and sample tortellini in both broth and ricotta, plus authentic lasagna, a hat trick that shows off the comfort food that's typical of restaurants in Bologna.
Taverna del Postiglione | Via Marchesana, 6E, Bologna 40124 | €
10. Trattoria da Me
The relaxed environment at Trattoria da Me is proof that restaurants in Bologna can play it sweet and easy, too! Though it's passed through many hands since its inception in 1937, the loving care and family spirit of this historic tavern has never waned.
The Vibe
Adorable homespun touches make this space feel like a country salon.
What to Order
The unique Upstream Ravioli dish fills fresh pasta with smoked salmon, goat cheese and sour cream, an ultra-decadent combination you have to taste to believe.
Trattoria da Me | Via San Felice 50A, Bologna 40122 | €€
11. Al Sangiovese
The walls of Al Sangiovese wear their old country heritage on their sleeve, though this warm-hearted Bologna restaurant is as much a stop-off for tourists in need of refreshment as it is a place for city dwellers to drop in for a quick bite. The deep bar and traditional menu here celebrate the best of Italy's iconic flavors.
The Vibe
Pub-style surroundings give diners a sense of lived-in comfort.
What to Order
Stick with simple pleasures and opt for a plate of Parmesan and truffle risotto.
Al Sangiovese | Via Paglietta 12, Bologna 40100 | €€€
12. All'Osteria Bottega
Fresh pasta, tempting cold cuts and decadent desserts are just some of the tastable treasures All'Osteria Bottega offers its guests. When restaurants in Bologna like this provide homey bites and refreshing sips, diners looking for a humble haunt find their home away from home.
The Vibe
Long tables and photos of the days gone by mean families feel welcome here.
What to Order
This restaurant in Bologna brings farm and field together. Try the rabbit-stuffed tortelloni served with roasted red peppers.
All'Osteria Bottega | Via Santa Caterina 51, Bologna 40123 | €€€
13. Ca' Pelletti
The staff at Ca' Pelletti intend to spoil their customers, so don't be surprised if you become entirely enamored by this Bologna restaurant. How do they do it? A proprietary blend of friendly service, energetic atmosphere and exceptional food and drink!
The Vibe
Youthful verve and an uninhibited spirit are a draw for diners of all ages and backgrounds.
What to Order
The cappelletti that gives this eatery its pun of a name (as spelled on the sign, it translates roughly to "everything is okay here!") is freshly made egg pasta. Get yours topped with butter and Parmesan, your favorite ragu or a simple cacio e pepe dressing.
Ca' Pelletti | Multiple Locations | €€
14. Gamberini
An old-fashioned pastry shop, Gamberini has given sweet-serving restaurants in Bolognia a burst of glamour for more than 100 years. The vintage service counter doles out dolci galore to patrons looking for a little sugar to sweeten their time out on the town.
The Vibe
The throw-back pastry case and old-time service counter are a perfect portal to old Italy.
What to Order
A slice of cream cake and a cup of espresso is destined to become your new favorite Italian meal.
Gamberini | Via Ugo Bassi 12, Bologna 40121 | €€
15. Va Mo Là
Seafood specialties transform the cozy halls of Va Mo Là into one of the most thrilling restaurants in Bologna. The name translates to "go there now," the perfect instruction for residents and visitors looking for Bologna restaurants with a humble heart.
The Vibe
Overfilled bookshelves and larger-than-life art surround visitors in a mix of library and art gallery energy.
What to Order
Pull up a chair and a custom charcuterie tray with a glass of your favorite wine and have an evening of easygoing food and fun.
Va Mo Là | Via delle Moline 3A, Bologna 40126 | €€
16. La Prosciutteria Bologna
Foodies looking for fun spots to gather with friends and unwind would do well to stop by La Prosciutteria Bologna. More than just a casual restaurant in Bologna, this sweet spot is a wine bar serving sandwiches, charcuterie and shareable plates that define the communal culinary experience.
The Vibe
This delightful deli has all the rustic charm of an old Italian village butcher shop.
What to Order
You may not be looking for restaurants in Bologna that serve wild boar stew, but as the old adage goes, "do as the Romans do."
La Prosciutteria Bologna | Via Oberdan 19A, Bologna 40126 | €€
17. Osteria Bartolini
The flavors of the Adriatic Sea are on grand display at Osteria Bartolini. One of the most creative seafood restaurants in Bologna, this waterfront kitchen shares the jewels of the ocean with discerning diners looking for a delicious catch.
The Vibe
Clean and sun-washed, with neutral tones that spread serenity from corner to corner.
What to Order
The homemade tagliolini with white fish ragu is a winner for fans of earthy fare made with attention to detail.
Osteria Bartolini | Piazza Malpighi 16, Bologna 40123 | €€€
18. Caffe Terzi
The picturesque presentation of Caffe Terzi recalls restaurants in Bologna of old. Visitors in search of a throwback spot for a sweet bite and an espresso can enjoy precious moments in a space that feels historic and modern all at once.
The Vibe
Stone tabletops and bold striped walls make guests feel like they’re in a Fellini film.
What to Order
Coffee lovers will swoon for the caffe di crème, a fluffy take on whipped coffee with an Italian kick.
Caffe Terzi | Via dell'Indipendenza 42, Bologna 40121 | €€€
19. La Trattoria del Tempo Buono
The name La Trattoria del Tempo Buono translates to the "trattoria of the good time," a not-so-subtle clue to the happy energy this eatery contributes to the restaurants of Bologna. Hospitality tops the menu, though the traditional dishes made from delicious local ingredients are a close second.
The Vibe
Soft tones and vibrant wall art contrast nicely in this sunny space.
What to Order
Spaghettoni del Pomodoro, or large spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, is as straightforward as Italian dining gets.
La Trattoria del Tempo Buono | Piazza S. Martino 4A, Bologna 40126 | €€
20. La Bottega di Franco
A visit to La Bottega di Franco is like a trip to an enchanted cottage, a unique offering that gives restaurants in Bologna a bit of fairy tale magic. Though located only a few minutes beyond the heart of the city, this elegant spot transports diners to a lush world of culinary comfort.
The Vibe
Flower-filled gardens and open-air verandas bring the freshness of the Italian countryside to the table.
What to Order
For an artful selection, the potato gnocchi with almonds and blue crab meat is a winning dish.
La Bottega di Franco | Via Agucchi 112, Bologna 40131 | €€€
21. Caffe Zanarini
Sugared treats become gleaming jewels behind the glass cases of Caffe Zanarini, a bakery filled with luxurious bakes that other restaurants in Bologna can only aspire to. This gem may be one of your sweetest stops in the city; come prepared to sample dessert delights and take a few home for later.
The Vibe
Simple interiors hold striking art as lovely as the pristine confections in the pastry case.
What to Order
Drink your calories with a rum hot chocolate, a specialty you may not find in other restaurants around Bologna. Pair it up with some sweet lemon and strawberry macarons.
Caffe Zanarini | Piazza Galvani 1, Bologna 40124 | €€€
22. Trattoria Oberdan da Mario
Homestyle dining is a way of life at Trattoria Oberdan da Mario, where handcrafted pasta becomes a performance to draw passers-by in for a bite. When restaurants in Bologna are this cozy and charming, it's easy for visitors to get swept up in the undeniable magic of Italy.
The Vibe
A tidy, art-filled space that glows with a warm romantic spirit.
What to Order
The yellowfin tuna tartare is a unique seafood dish that takes the form of precision gourmet cuisine.
Trattoria Oberdan da Mario | Via Oberdan 43A, Bologna 40126 | €€
23. Trattoria Bertozzi
The traditions of the Emilia-Romagna region are a philosophy Trattoria Bertozzi follows to the letter. One of the more centrally-located restaurants in Bologna, this winsome dining room is run by childhood friends Fabio and Alessandro, a culinary team that understands the importance of authenticity in Italian cuisine.
The Vibe
Whimsical touches like tile mosaics and a ceiling filled with baskets delight visitors while they dine.
What to Order
Tortelloni stuffed with ricotta and adorned with sage-infused butter sauce sounds like the kind of dining your secret Italian heart is longing for.
Trattoria Bertozzi | Via Andrea Costa 84, Bologna 40134 | €€€
24. Trattoria dal Biassanot
Simplified fare gives Trattoria dal Biassanot a casual character that lets the true flavor of restaurants in Bologna step forward. Handmade Bolognese originals in pasta form are adorned with fire-roasted meats and hearty vegetable accents that brilliantly merge the robust bounty of Italy's growers, farmers and wine-makers.
The Vibe
The arched colonnade patio is a time machine that spirits guests back to classic Italy.
What to Order
Go veggie with a platter of grilled eggplant and zucchini, served with Tomino cheese for a touch of added flavor.
Trattoria dal Biassanot | Via Piella 16, Bologna 40126 | €€
25. Botanica Lab Cucina
If restaurants in Bologna have an experimental side, Botanica Lab Cucina is the honorary representative. Gastronomic inventions using high-quality plant-based ingredients and soul-stirring botanicals show off a unique sense of gourmet imagination for curious eaters in search of a garden of culinary wonders.
The Vibe
Urbane energy turns this simplistic spot into a cosmopolitan escape.
What to Order
The colorful gnocchetti estivi is a deep bowl of potato gnocchi served with basil and pistachios in a pesto-like sauce.
Botanica Lab Cucina | Via Battibecco 4C, Bologna 40123 | €€
26. Ristorante Diana
A featured player among restaurants of Bologna since 1909, Ristorante Diana infuses the city's dining scene with a sense of history and elegance. This is where discerning diners passing through Italy come to experience the refined culinary legacy that only a century-plus pedigree can offer.
The Vibe
Classic styling and tableside service from the waitstaff hearken back to a more thoughtful era of dining.
What to Order
Anyone intrigued by to taste the city's truest traditions while exploring Bologna's restaurants would be wise to order a platter of lasagne verdi.
Ristorante Diana | Via Volturno 5, Bologna 40121 | €€€
27. La Capriata
Quench your thirst for refinement with a table at La Capriata, the crown jewel of upscale restaurants in Bologna. Sweet simplicity is the key to elegance in this thoughtful bistro, a prime spot for special occasions or just a romantic date night dinner with your sweetheart.
The Vibe
Your choice of garden courtyard or indoor seating lets you choose your preferred environment.
What to Order
Meat lovers can get their fill of fine cuts with cotoletta alla Bolognese. For a classic Italian dish, try the tagliatelle.
La Capriata | Stada Maggiore 19, Corte Isolani 1E, Bologna 40125 | €€
28. Zerocinquantino
Things get cozy at Zerocinquantino, an eatery that proves restaurants in Bologna don't have to be huge to offer big magic. You'll find it snuggled up against cobblestone streets, a perfect hideaway to grab a drink and small bites with your migliori amici (closest friends)!
The Vibe
Rustic brick, string lights and checkered tablecloths offer classic Italian décor with abundant authenticity.
What to Order
Request a charcuterie board for your group and you'll receive one of the prettiest and most appetizing displays you've ever encountered.
Zerocinquantino | Via Pescherie Vecchie 3E, Bologna 40124 | €€
29. Osteria Marsalino
The ultra-hip Osteria Marsalino provides restaurants in Bologna with a stroke of chic, laid-back style that's sure to appeal to modern diners. Order up a mezze platter or a dish of rigatoni and chill out during your travels around the city.
The Vibe
Cozy and semi-industrial, like an artsy warehouse transformed into a neighborhood hangout.
What to Order
You can't go wrong with a roasted veggie plate, piled deep with smoky grilled garden picks and creamed greens.
Osteria Marsalino | Via Marsal 13D, Bologna 40126 | €€
30. Buca San Petronio
Premier plates take the table at Buca San Petronio, one of the glossier restaurants around Bologna but with the warmth of a legacy eatery. Whether you take a table in the striking interior or soak up the sunshine with a spot in the handsome courtyard, you'll have prime seating for some spectacular Italian dining.
The Vibe
The outdoor dining area gives the sensation of a grand arched galleria.
What to Order
The filetto al pepe rosa presents slices of tender beef resting in a pool of creamy pink peppercorn sauce.
Buca San Petronio | Via de' Musei 2-4, Bologna 40124 | €€€
31. Trattoria Anna Maria
Foodies in search of a family-style eating experience can duck into Trattoria Anna Maria to see how welcoming restaurants in Bologna can be. With more than 30 years of service in the city, this quaint kitchen has hosted luminaries like opera virtuoso Andrea Bocceli and Olympic skier Alberto Tomba.
The Vibe
Red tablecloths and a vast collection of knick-knacks make this space feel like Nonna's house.
What to Order
Treat yourself to gnocchi al gorgonzola to discover how this restaurant in Bologna elevates rustic handmade pasta with zesty cheese sauce.
Trattoria Anna Maria | Via Belle Arti 17A, Bologna 40126 | €€€
As with most things Italian, the restaurants of Bologna are all about embracing the good life, in all its delicious forms. A mix of exceptional food, fabulous atmosphere and fun fellow gourmets provides the secret recipe for magical moments in one of the world's best foodie cities. When you're ready to take a bite out of Italy, Bologna restaurants will be sure to curb your appetite!
For even more ways to explore Bologna and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.