10 Best Local Restaurants in Bologna

Osteria dell'Orsa is a homely Bolognese restaurant serving local favourites in a warm and friendly environment. Located in Bologna's famous university district, the venue is steeped in history. Having previously operated as a pub, it was founded in 1979 and quickly became a hive of local food and culture.

The venue initially hosted punk music events, but the spiky sounds presented back then eventually gave way to the smoother sensibilities of jazz, with Italian and international jazz acts continuing to serenade diners today. Osteria dell'Orsa's menu features just about all imaginable Bologna classics. Homemade pasta, tasty cold cuts, healthy salads and tempting desserts join house-speciality Weiner schnitzels on the must-try list.

Ristorante Da Cesari is a family-run restaurant in Bologna serving traditional food in a cosy, old-world setting. The venue has been in business since the early 20th century, with the Cesari family proudly running the show as far back as 1955.

Located close to Piazza Maggiore, the friendly wood-panelled restaurant is a great place to enjoy an authentic Bologna-style meal alongside a mixture of locals and travellers. Classic staples like Bolognese pasta, rabbit-stuffed ravioli, and scaloppina (thin-sliced meats) with cheese are just some of the delicious dishes to savour. The eggplant parmigiana and cabbage flan are among its standout vegetarian options.

Mamima Ristorante is a respected local restaurant in Bologna famous for its hearty meat and homemade pasta dishes. Though not designed as a tourist restaurant, the owners pride themselves on treating travellers and locals with the same friendly service, making sure everyone is well taken care of.

The kitchen features a large charcoal-fired grill from where many of their trademark meats are prepared, with beef steaks among the most popular options. There are plenty of tempting starter and side dish options, too, with a sprinkling of vegetarian dishes included throughout the menu. Pasta lovers should consider trying the delicious casarecce (short pasta) served with sausage, courgette and mascarpone cheese.

Ristorante Sotto l'Arco is a popular restaurant in Bologna that serves exquisite Italian dishes with a contemporary twist. Situated in a gorgeous villa on the outskirts of the city, the restaurant offers an unfettered dining experience in stunning surroundings.

Dishes are served with attention to detail and a modern aesthetic. Despite this gastronomic edge, the restaurant's atmosphere is warm and friendly, with the serving staff doing their best to make diners feel at home. If you find yourself at a loss to choose from the many tempting options, the 7-course tasting menu comes highly recommended.

Indegno – La Crescentina 2.0 is a local restaurant in Bologna serving hearty street food to an endless stream of customers. The kitchen offers up a contemporary take on traditional crescentina (fried bread) served with an array of optional fillings. Prosciutto crudo, potato croquettes, juicy tomatoes and fresh salads are just some of the tempting accompaniments to the must-try flatbreads. 

The staff serve with a smile and are happy to advise uninitiated patrons. You should be warned that the compact venue features only limited seating, but takeaways are great when the tables are full.

Mo Mortadella Lab is a cosy little delicatessen serving hearty, mortadella-themed panini (pressed sandwiches). The lengthy queues speak for themselves here, with the takeaway spot an ever-popular place for locals and visitors to grab a cheap and cheerful bite.

All manner of accompaniments is on the menu, with fresh vegetables, local cheeses and cured meats among its many options. Alongside generous fillings, the freshly-baked bread used to make the sandwiches is what makes them so special. Mo Mortadella Lab's popularity also makes it great for a spot of people-watching in Bologna.

Al Sangiovese Ristorante is a cheerful local restaurant that revels in offering visitors an authentic taste of Bologna. Located close to the popular Piazza Maggiore, it's well-situated for sightseers looking to refuel after a long day admiring local attractions.

The menu contains an array of starters, seconds, local mains, and desserts. The tagliatelle al ragu is a must-try dish for meat lovers, while the lasagne verde should appeal to vegetarians. The restaurant includes both indoor and outdoor seating, with friendly waiting staff giving diners the warmest of welcomes.

Trattoria del Tempo Buono is a traditional restaurant serving irresistible local food. The well-stocked menu includes a great array of meat, seafood and vegan options, alongside hearty homemade pasta. Each plate is prepared with a homespun feel.

The tagliatelle bolognese is a perennial favourite, while the pallotte cacio e ova (traditional Abruzzo cheese balls) is among the most popular vegetarian options. Gluten-free dishes are available too, with the staff doing their best to advise those with specific dietary requirements. The rustic-style restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating. There are plenty of tempting wines and beers available to help wash down your meal.

The Gallery Pizzart Food & Drink is a contemporary pizzeria serving imaginative pizzas and delicious wines. Pizza may not have been invented in Bologna, but it's beyond doubt that the city has embraced and finessed the doughy delight's production. The chic atmosphere, stylish surroundings and carefully-chosen soundtrack contribute much to the dining experience.

The Gallery Pizzart Food & Drink is a place for adventurous pizza-lovers, and, though you'll find classics here like Margherita and Quattro Stagione (4 Seasons), it's the gourmet section of the menu that houses the speciality toppings. Ingredients like pistachio, salmon, and caramelised onions are used to great effect, forming some surprisingly tasty alternatives to the run-of-the-mill varieties.

Osteria del Sole is a historic wine bar in Bologna famous for its impeccable cellar and timeless atmosphere. Dating back to the 1500s, the cosy osteria is one of the oldest venues of its kind in Bologna. Though there is, in fact, no kitchen present in the establishment, the friendly owner actively encourages you to show up with your own food. It’s one of the city's most unique dining experiences.

Working folk, artists, writers and tourists rub shoulders as they enjoy locally produced Pignoletto, Lambrusco, and Cabernet wines, while the nearby food vendors are happy to provide soul-soothing local fare to soak up the delicious vino.