Bologna

University District

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(19,019)$$Closed

It is the quintessential student tavern where long communal tables foster conversation over steaming bowls of fresh pasta.

SignatureTagliatelle al ragù

Bolognina

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(1,996)$$Closed

This slow-food sanctuary sources ingredients exclusively from the surrounding Apennine hills, elevating humble mountain recipes.

SignatureTortelloni filled with ricotta and mountain herbs

Saragozza

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(1,496)$$Closed

A temple of traditional gastronomy where the ingredients are sourced with obsessive care and served in a formal, classic setting.

SignatureTortellini in brodo di cappone (capon broth)

Quadrilatero

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(2,447)$Closed

Operating since 1465, this historic tavern only serves wine; you must bring your own food purchased from the nearby market stalls.

SignatureA glass of local Pignoletto wine

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(1,001)$$Closed

Tucked away in a quiet alley near the main square, it offers reliable, classic Bolognese comfort food with warm service.

SignatureGramigna con salsiccia (curly pasta with sausage ragù)

Cirenaica

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(5,362)$Closed

A legendary rustic tavern once frequented by Italian singer-songwriters, maintaining an old-school, no-nonsense atmosphere.

SignatureCotoletta alla Bolognese (veal cutlet with prosciutto and melted parmigiano)

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(3,923)$$Closed

It brings the Adriatic coast to the city center, serving pristine fried fish under a massive, ancient plane tree.

SignatureGran Fritto dell'Adriatico (mixed fried seafood)

Marconi

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(472)$$$Closed

A refined establishment focusing on high-end, southern Italian seafood preparations with clean, modern plating.

SignatureRaw seafood platter (crudo)

San Vitale

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(340)Closed

Creative, contemporary seafood dishes served in a beautiful, historic courtyard during the summer months.

SignatureSeared octopus with seasonal vegetables

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(442)$$$$Closed

Dine under magnificent 16th-century frescoes by the Carracci brothers, enjoying impeccably prepared regional meats.

SignatureFilet of beef with local black truffles

Saragozza

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(1,917)$$Closed

A neighborhood favorite known for its friendly service and excellent execution of grilled meats and traditional roasts.

SignatureGrilled pork ribs

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★3.8(404)Closed

Part butcher shop, part restaurant, specializing in Piedmontese beef aged on-site and cooked to order.

SignatureBistecca alla Fiorentina (T-bone steak)

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(1,742)$$$$Closed

Set inside a grand, former 19th-century theater, this Michelin-starred venue offers a dramatic backdrop for highly creative cuisine.

SignatureModern interpretation of traditional tortellini

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(785)$$Closed

A sleek, speakeasy-style restaurant that applies fine-dining precision to classic Bolognese recipes in a contemporary room.

SignaturePigeon with seasonal accompaniments

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(1,666)$$$Closed

A historic institution with white-jacket service, representing the old-world elegance of Bolognese high society.

SignatureIl Carrello dei Bolliti (the boiled meat trolley)

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(10,682)$$Closed

A modern pasta shop where you choose your freshly made pasta from the counter to be cooked and served immediately.

SignatureGramigna with sausage and saffron

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.9(1,225)$Closed

A tiny spot specializing in hot, freshly baked tigelle and crescentine served with premium local cold cuts.

SignatureTigelle filled with squacquerone cheese and rocket

Quadrilatero

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(4,979)$$Closed

A historic delicatessen offering a self-service lunch counter with high-quality traditional dishes at excellent prices.

SignatureLasagna alla Bolognese

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,571)$$Closed

A stylish, fully plant-based restaurant focusing on organic, raw, and cooked dishes made with high-quality seasonal ingredients.

SignatureRaw zucchini noodles with cashew pesto

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(306)$Closed

An organic self-service buffet located in a historic building, offering a peaceful atmosphere and healthy, macrobiotic-leaning options.

SignatureSeasonal vegetable tempura

Porto

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,316)$$Closed

An organic bistro serving creative vegetarian and vegan dishes made with locally sourced, biodynamic ingredients.

SignatureSavory vegetable tart with local herbs

San Donato

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(854)Closed

A legendary warehouse venue on the outskirts of the city, famous for hosting world-class techno and electronic music acts.

Bolognina

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(1,830)

Located inside a park behind the train station, this venue hosts excellent indie rock gigs and alternative club nights.

Porto

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(1,010)Closed

Housed in a medieval gatehouse, this historic venue is the heart of the city's queer nightlife and cultural activism.

Santo Stefano

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(935)$$$Closed

An opulent, French-inspired bar filled with antiques, serving some of the most complex and creative craft cocktails in the city.

Pratello

★★★★★★★★★★4.7(433)$$Closed

A retro-styled bar celebrating mid-century Italian design, specializing in classic Italian aperitivi and amari.

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(609)$$$Closed

A sleek, modern terrace overlooking the historic streets, perfect for high-end people-watching and premium mixology.

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(2,658)$$Closed

A subterranean brick-vaulted cellar that has been hosting top-tier international and local jazz acts for decades.

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,445)$$$Closed

An intimate venue hosting a diverse lineup of soul, jazz, and pop artists alongside a great wine list.

Porto

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(4,851)Closed

It houses an exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art, including the permanent collection of local painter Giorgio Morandi.

NoteAllow two hours; €€ entry fee.

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(3,811)Closed

Located in a Renaissance palace, it features one of the most important Egyptian collections in Europe and rich Etruscan artifacts.

NoteExcellent audio guides available; €€ entry fee.

Santo Stefano

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,319)Closed

A beautiful museum showcasing centuries of musical history, rare instruments, and original scores by Mozart and Rossini.

NoteSet in a stunningly frescoed palace; € entry fee.

Saragozza

★★★★★★★★★★4.7(13,063)Closed

A hilltop basilica connected to the city by the world's longest continuous portico, consisting of 666 arches.

NoteFree entry; the walk from the city walls takes about an hour.

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(6,059)Closed

The world's largest brick Gothic church, famous for its unfinished facade and the longest indoor meridian line in the world.

NoteFree entry; modest dress required (shoulders and knees covered).

Santo Stefano

★★★★★★★★★★4.8(2,446)Closed

Known as the 'Seven Churches', this is a fascinating, labyrinthine complex of interconnected medieval chapels and cloisters.

NoteFree entry, though donations are encouraged.

University District

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(4,066)Closed

It houses essential works from the Emilian school of painting, including masterpieces by Raphael, Giotto, and Guido Reni.

NoteQuiet on weekdays; €€ entry fee.

Borgo Panigale

★★★★★★★★★★4.8(5,850)Closed

A futuristic, private industrial complex dedicated to photography and technology, exploring the relationship between art and industry.

NoteFree entry; located slightly outside the center but easily reached by bus.

Centro

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(293)Closed

Art collections displayed inside the lavish, historic apartments of the Palazzo d'Accursio, overlooking Piazza Maggiore.

NoteOffers great views of the square from the upper windows; € entry fee.