10 Best Non-Touristry Restaurants in Bologna


 

A picture of Italian food

Italian food-by Ed Hawco-Wikimedia Commons

Bologna remains one of the off-the-beaten-track places in Italy since its located in Centra Italy. Known for its authentic food culture, specialty, and regional wines, Bologna is a top destination for food lovers planning a visit to Italy.

One of the reasons why you must visit Bologna is because Bologna people are known for being relaxed and enjoying a good work-life balance so their local nightlife culture is special.

Hundreds of people sit in crowds outside of local bars, squares, or terraces to drink spritz(a typical Italian wine-based cocktail), talk, and laugh all night long.

Tortellini typically served in chicken is also a specialty here in the local restaurants. Escape the crowds and enjoy local foodies in one of Bologna’s local restaurants with a unique dining experience.

Here are the 10 best non-touristry restaurants in Bologna to try out.

1. Osteria dell’Orsa

This is a traditional restaurant founded in 1979 and located in Bologna downtown in the university area near Via Indipendeza and Piazza Maggiore, two of the most important zones in Bologna.

It specializes in local and homemade fresh pasta such as the Ragu tagliatelle Bolognese, tortellini soup, Lasagne, and the famous Schnitzel.

Visit their website for more details about this cozy restaurant, ranked #116 among Bologna pubs &bars. It is rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #149 of 1317 restaurants in Bologna.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Mon-Sun;12:15-10:30 pm
ADDRESS: Via Mentana, 1f, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 231576

2. L’Arcimboldo

A picture of people making tortellini

Making tortellini-by Wittylama-Wikimedia Commons

This place is a little gem. The restaurant’s innovative spins on tortellini and other regional classics, plus an art exhibition in the cellar.

It is ranked #17 of 2890 restaurants in Bologna and rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor for its quality food with nice presentation and super friendly service.

Visit their website to order tasty Che, Zuppa Inglese, and panna cotta.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Tue-Sat;12:30-2:30pm,7:30-9:30pm and Sun;12:30-2:30pm
ADDRESS: Via Galliera, 34, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 248073

3. Al Sangiovese Restaurant

This is a small typical restaurant in Bologna city center, a few meters from the enchanting Piazza Maggiore and the central Via D’Azeglio.

Located in the heart of the city, it is ideal for tourists but also for those in need to spend a lunch break enjoying the typical flavors of the city.

It specializes in Bolognese meat, pasta, and vegetable dishes, in its cozy,wood-lined dining room. Their website offers more information on their services.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Mon-Sat;12:15-2:30pm,7:15-10:30pm
ADDRESS:Vicolo del Falcone, 2b, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE: +39 051 583057

4. Trattoria del Tempo Buono

This is an Italian restaurant, very attentive to product quality and a specialty of incredible Italian cuisine in the center of Bologna.

It has a rural space with sidewalk tables serving handmade pasta and Mediterranean seafood dishes.

Dogs and children are allowed. It is rated 4.6 of 5 on Tripadvisor for its quality food, pleasant atmosphere, and friendly staff. Visit their website for more information on offered services.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tue-Sat;12-3 pm,7-11 pm, and Sun;12-5 pm
ADDRESS: Piazza S. Martino, 4a, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 054 8873

5. Drogheria Della Rosa

A picture of pasta

Pasta 4-by Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka-Wikimedia Commons

This is a quirky, homey restaurant serving traditional pasta and meat dishes, plus desserts and a large wine list.

The owner Emanuelle is very hospitable and their menu changes weekly providing excellent food.The restaurant is famous for Tagliatelle al ragualla Bolognese,and Tortellini.

It is ranked #34 of 2890 restaurants in Bologna and rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor. Visit their website for more details about their services.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Tue-Sat;12:30-2:30pm,8-10:30pm and Mon;8-10:30pm
ADDRESS: Via Cartoleria, 10b, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 222529

6. I Carracci

A picture of frescoes in Carracci

Carracci, Remo thieves herds, Palazzo Magnani, Bologna-by Agostino Carracci-Wikimedia Commons

I Carracci is an Italian restaurant with a polished fine dining destination and is highly known for its frescoes inside the Grand Hotel Majestic. Make a booking through their website to enjoy exclusive loyalty discounts.

I Carracci is in the Michelin Guide selection for its ceiling which is decorated with superb frescoes by the school of the Carracci brothers hence the name.

It is rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #82 of 1761 restaurants in Bologna.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Mon-Sun;12:30-2:30pm,7:30-10:30pm
ADDRESS: Via Manzoni, 2, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 225445

7. Da Silvio

Da Silvio is a relaxed eatery with wood-paneled walls and a retro feel, offering traditional cuisine.

Among the typical places of Bologna, in the heart of the historic center, Da Silvio could be defined as a meeting place for lazy overeaters.

It is rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor for its superb Italian cuisine, amazing staff, and casual and cozy atmosphere, and ranked #474 of 1763 restaurants in Bologna.

Book a reservation through their website and get to enjoy their services.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Tue-Sat;12:30-2pm,7:30pm-12am and Mon;7:30pm-12am
ADDRESS:Via S. Petronio Vecchio, 34d, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 587 4079

8. Donatello

Donatello is an enduring, cozy restaurant offering staples such as pasta and meat dishes.

It is run by the Fanciullacci family and is a place of excellence, delighting its customers with traditional Bolognese cuisine since 1903.

It is ranked #34 of 1764 Bologna restaurants and rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor for exceptionally good meat, comfy atmosphere, and decent service.

Visit Donatellos website to book reservations and get to enjoy their dining options.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Mon-Fri;12-2:30pm,7-10pm
ADDRESS: Via Augusto Righi, 8, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 388 999 0279

9. Ristorante Ciacco

This restaurant has a history that dates back to 50 years. The area hosting the restaurant rooms was the basement of a 17th-century cellar.

It is specialized in seafood dishes and local staples like tortellini. Visit their website to make a reservation.

It is ranked #80 of 1317 restaurants in Bologna and rated 4 of 4 on Tripadvisor. Ristorante is 0.1 miles from Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Mon-Sat;12:30-2:15 pm,8-10:30 pm
ADDRESS: Via S. Simone, 1/c, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 265441

10. Oltre

A picture of lemon inspired cocktail

Lemon-inspired signature cocktail-by Mayra Elizabeth-Wikimedia Commons

Oltre is a sleek, intimate restaurant presenting reimagined provisions, plus wines and unique cocktails.

This restaurant in the lively Mercato Delle Erbe district has an entrance decorated with hundreds of stickers, gaining it the appearance of a record shop rather than a new eatery.

It combines a lighthearted, young,designer-style look with a menu featuring traditional favorites from Bologna alongside a few more contemporary options.

Oltre is ranked #94among Bologna restaurants and rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor. Visit their website for information about their services and dining options.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS:Mon-Fri;12:30-2:30 pm,7:30-10:30 pm
ADDRESS: Via Augusto Majani, 1/b, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
PHONE:+39 051 006 6049