Top 5 Things to Eat in Bologna

Although a value add, I didn’t go to Bologna to experience its stunning porticos, tall twin towers or vibrant student life.

I went to eat. Plain and simple. And that, I did.

The food in this city is beyond amazing. It’s the home to the single most foreign marketed Italian dish of all time, bolognese.

And the region is home to Italy’s most exported DOP goods (DOP is the Italian acronym for Denominazione Origine Protetta or in English controlled destination protected – in layman’s terms it simply means 100% real deal!). Namely Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico di Modena and Prosciutto di Parma.

You won’t have too much trouble finding a good meal in these parts but if you’re visiting Bologna anytime soon, here are the top 5 foods not to miss while you’re in town.

Top 5 Things to Eat in Bologna

1. Bolognese

The rich and delicious ragu alla Bolognese was of course born in Bologna. This rich meat based tomato sauce is cooked for hours and traditionally served with tagliatelle or lasagna.

Where to try: 

Osteria Bottega
Via Santa Caterina, 51
Ph: +39 051 585111

2. Tortellini 

The Bolognese are famous for their tortellini which are usually stuffed with meat or tortollone (a larger version usually filled with ricotta). The most common way to eat tortellini is in brodo (clear broth) and tortellone are often pan fried with butter and sage.

Where to try: 

I Carracci, Grand Hotel Majestic ‘Gia’ Baglioni
Via Indipendenza, 8
Ph:  +39 051 225445

3. Salumi e formaggi

Bologna is home to mortadella and it’s a must eat while you’re here.  Culatello di Zibello is also hard to miss (it’s similar to prosciutto but as the Italian name suggests is taken from the backside of the pig rather than the leg) as is prosciutto di Parma.

Where to try:

Salumeria Simoni
Via Drapperie, 5, Bologna, Italy
Ph: +39 051 231880

Or on an Italian Days Food tour complete with visits to see how Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico di Modena and Prosciutto di Parma is made.

4. Lasagne

Layer upon layer of fresh handmade egg pasta and slow cooked ragu alla Bolognese. What’s not to love about lasagne. And in Bologna you’ll find the very best.

Where to try:

Zerocinquantuno
Via de Pignattari 1/F
Ph: +39 051 510515

5. Lambrusco

While Lambrusco is often perceived as low quality wine outside of Italy, the Bolognese are super proud of this fresh and sparkly drop. They drink it with about anything and it’s a great accompaniment to a tagliere (board or platter) of salumi and formaggi. When in Bologna…

Where to try:

Tamburrini Wine Bar
Via Caprarie, 1
Ph +39 051 234726

Author’s Bio: Maria Pasquale was born in Melbourne to Italian parents, but always knew Rome was her destiny. She manages marketing & social media for Eating Italy Food Tours in Rome, is the creator of popular food, travel and lifestyle blog HeartRome (www.heartrome.com) and the Rome correspondent for 10Best, the online travel pages of USA Today.