Top 5 Places to Try Local Food In Bologna, Italy

You have planned a trip to Bologna but you don’t know where to eat some good Italian cuisine? Check out our top 5 Places to try local food. Choose your favourite, reserve a seat and enjoy some delicious meals!

#1 Tigellino

To begin your food tour, you should definitely stop by Tigellino. Born in the area of Modena, the tigella is a very typical food in Bologna and in the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s a kind of bread, very small and round in shape, which you can fill in with any ingredient you like. The most traditional are, for example, local salami and cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano. Sweet fillings are included (chocolate, cream, Nutella…). You can also find vegetarian and vegan options! Don’t miss this specialty. You won’t regret it!

#2 Pasticceria Impero

Located in the city centre, here you can taste some of the best pastries and cakes in Bologna. Cookies, cakes, croissants… indeed a challenge to your sugar levels! We recommend you the “bombolone“, a doughnut filled in with cream. You must try Pasticceria Impero’s doughnut with pistachio cream. An absolute treat!

#3 Bottega Portici

You’ll find it beneath the famous Two Towers. They also have a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy traditional food and a great view at the same time. Bottega Portici’s famous for its handmade pasta: tagliatelle, tortellini, lasagna. All made by the amazing people who work there everyday. What’s more, you can taste the best selection of local salami and cheese and, if you go in the morning, also a good breakfast. You don’t want to miss it!

#4 Osteria dell’Orsa

If you haven’t had enough pasta at Bottega Portici and want to try more traditional dishes, then you should check out this lovely tavern. The prices are very reasonable and you have plenty of choice for first dishes, seconds and desserts. Make sure to go there a bit earlier than the usual time of the meals – the place is often busy, but it’s absolutely worth it!

#5 Gelateria Gianni

The best way to end your Italian food tour in Bologna is to have some gelato for dessert. Gelateria Gianni is the most famous gelato shop in Bologna. It offers a great variety of ice-cream flavours, which you can combine as you prefer. Like Bottega Portici, you can find it right under the Two Towers. Eat some good ice-cream and enjoy the perfect view!