Best Places To Eat In Bologna

In the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Bologna offers an unparalleled culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. Here are some must-try food spots in Bologna, focusing on popular street food to truly immerse yourself in local culture.

1. Mortadella Sandwich (Panino con la Morte) at Bar crestienza

A classic Bolognese sandwich filled with mortadella, a unique type of bologna sausage made from finely hashed pork meat, pistachios, and myrtle berries. The best place to savor this delight is at Bar Crestienza (Via degli Orefici 1/b), a historic sandwich shop that’s been serving delicious mortadella sandwiches since the 1940s.

2. Ragú in Piazza Maggiore

Strolling around the beautiful Piazza Maggiore, you’ll find many food stalls selling Bologna’s famous ragù, a slow-cooked meat sauce traditionally served with tagliatelle pasta. One of the most popular street food stalls is Da Mea (Via Drapperie 16).

3. Fresh Pasta at Pastificio Bonafini

While not strictly street food, a visit to Pastificio Bonafini (Via Caprarola 8/B) is a must for fresh pasta lovers. This artisanal pasta shop offers a wide selection of traditional and innovative types of pasta, made with care using local ingredients. Grab some to-go and enjoy it as street food in one of Bologna’s picturesque squares.

4. Cu’paiò (Crescent Moon-shaped Pizzas) at Pizzeria del Cappello

A popular snack, cu’paiò are crescent-moon shaped pizzas made from a thin, crispy dough and topped with various ingredients like prosciutto crudo di Parma, mortadella, or cheese. Head to Pizzeria del Cappello (Via delle Belle Arti 46/a) for some of the best cu’paiò in town.

5. Gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano

End your gastronomic tour of Bologna with a sweet treat from Cremeria Santo Stefano (Via degli Orefici 18). This historic gelateria has been serving up delicious and creamy artisanal gelato since 1932, using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.