Bologna Restaurants

  1. Drogheria della Rosa

    With its wooden shelves, apothecaries' jars and bottles, it's not difficult to picture this place as the pharmacy that it once was. Nowadays it's a charming trattoria run by an affable English-speaking owner who will happily go through the day's choices with you (there's no printed menu). Expect the tried and tested such as steak with balsamic vinegar and tortellini.

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  2. Gelateria delle Moline

    A student hangout, this modest gelateria stands out for its unusual speciality - ice cream served with focaccia.

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  3. La Sorbetteria Castiglione

    This gelateria achieved international recognition in 2003 when it was awarded a Premio Speciale at the Concorso Internazionale Gelatissimo. Judge for yourself if its homemade ice cream is up to the mark.

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  4. Pizzeria La Brace

    Neither pizza nor fish are considered Bolognese specialities but that's what they do here, and what they do well. If a pizza doesn't appeal, the carpaccio di pesce spada (thin slices of raw swordfish) followed by a fritto misto (mixed fish fry) is a fine alternative. Hanging football shirts and portraits of Hollywood icons provide an unusual décor.

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  5. Tamburini

    Bologna's most-famous delicatessen also has a classy self-service lunch canteen. To grab a table get here early or be prepared to queue.

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  7. Trattoria del Rosso

    This perennially popular trattoria is said to be the oldest in the city. A busy, bustling place, it's good for solid meats and filling pastas. The daily menus are exceptional value and the vegetarian options a welcome sight in such a meat-obsessed city.

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  8. Trattoria Mariposa

    A genial, laid-back trattoria, the Mariposa serves simple, homemade food to a faithful crowd. The menu varies but you'll usually find tortellini, either with burro e salvia (butter and sage) or ragù , and polpetti (meatballs). Service is friendly and the prices are honest.

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  9. Trattoria Meloncello

    Perfect for a pit stop on the way up to the Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, this unassuming trattoria is loved for its delicious Bolognese cooking. After a bowl of homemade pasta, try the stuffed rabbit, a house speciality, before rounding off with a homemade semifreddo (chilled dessert).

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