Bologna Italy Travel Guide! So Much Pasta

It had been 15 years since my last visit to Bologna, so when I had the chance to choose just one city to explore during a wedding trip to Tuscany, Bologna quickly became the clear choice. Flying into Milan was not only more convenient and affordable than Rome, but it put me within easy reach of one of Italy’s great culinary destination, without the intense crowds that you find in cities like Rome or Florence! After landing in Milan, I hopped on a train and soon found myself wandering the streets of Bologna.

There’s something truly special about simply strolling through Bologna: ducking into little shops, savoring the aromas wafting from trattorias, and letting the city’s charm unfold at its own pace. Still, with only a few days to spend, I found it helpful to have a bit of a plan; the sheer abundance of things to do and eat can feel overwhelming. So here’s what I discovered with my limited time in this vibrant city.

Here are some of my favorites, but to see the complete list of every spot check out substack, link below

Ahime- This was the best meal I had in Bologna! It’s Michelin bib gourmand recommended, and every dish was so unique using a mix of seasonal regional ingredients to create the most surprising bites! You can go for dinner too, but I sat at the counter for a solo lunch! I started with their sourdough with salted lemon butter, pro tip, save the bread for the rest of the dishes because you’re going to want to soak up all the sauces into it!

Next was Gazpacho with sea bass and smoked caviar. It was a little sweet, a little acidic, and omg the smoked caviar. Such a nice and refreshing way to start the meal!

Mantis shrimp Ravioli with blue cheese, lavender, and figs was so surprising! Funk of the blue cheese, sweetness from the fig, little shrimp flavor just coming through in the end.

Beet root with a caramelized yogurt and teriyaki was excellent, especially with those hazelnuts, adding a crunch! Along with the umami and salt from the teriyaki, that bite was delicate, refreshing, and really beautiful!

And finally the tomato whipped cream dessert was unreal! These tomatoes are glazed in honey with a little whipped cream, and were naturally sweet and acidic, and paired perfectly with a little more sweetness from the honey and whipped cream. Such a delicate balance of sweet and savory! One of my favs ever!

Mo Mortadella Lab- In the heart of Bologna was the most recommended spot to me, Mo Mortadella lab, which specializes in what else, beautiful mortadella sandwiches on a super crusty toasted bread! There can be a line, but it moves quickly, and it was an unforgettable sandwich! I got the #18 which adds to that mortadella and bread, stracciatella and a pistachio cream!

De Cesari- Ristorante de Cesari is an institution in Bologna, being family run for generations! To get a reservation we went in the night before, and were able to put our names down for the next night! Another spot of course most well known for their handmade pastas, we got their ricotta tortelloni with black scorzone truffles, and I’m going to keep eating bolognese while in bologna, and got theirs with tagliatelle! Between the two dinners, this one I preferred.