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BOLOGNA ​FOOD TOURS

Join our Bologna food tours focused on Bologna's major attraction: its food.

WHY TASTE BOLOGNA FOOD TOURS

Looking to jump-start your delicious stay in Bologna and get oriented in the local food scene? Or have already spent a few days in the city and would like to better understand its foodie vibe?

EAT THE MOST AUTHENTIC BOLOGNA FOOD

Taste gastronomic curiosities and discover the best places to eat authentic local food without wasting time (and meals) on trial-and-error

GET QUICK ORIENTATION IN ITALIAN CUISINE

Learn about its specialities, ingredients and flavours so you can navigate a menu at any Bologna restaurant. Planning to eat a Big Mac while travelling? Sorry our tours are not for you

RECEIVE EXCELLENT INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS

Get tailor-made tips about legendary restaurants, hidden cafes and family shops. Enjoy only great food for the rest of your stay and run away from the tourist traps

NO UMBRELLA TO FOLLOW

Join small groups - max 10 guests - to blend in with locals. No umbrella to follow: consider us as your local friends to help to get the best of your time

WELL REWARDED FROM EXPERTS

Since 2013 we received +400 5 stars reviews for our experiences. Are we the best food tour in Bologna? Only you can tell.

WHO CHOSE US

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPERIENCE BOLOGNA

MUST-DO-TOUR IN BOLOGNA

YOU CAN'T BEAT ADVICE FROM A LOCAL WITH REAL LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

A DEFINITIVE 'MUST DO'

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: GOOD FOOD AND EXPERIENCED GUIDES

AMAZE YOUR TASTE BUDS IN MODENA

Delicious Bologna - Bologna Food Tours

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Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Delicious Bologna - Bologna Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Delicious Bologna - Bologna Food Tours

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Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Delicious Bologna - Bologna Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Parmigiano and Balsamic Vinegar experience

Get to know the best products of Emilia Romagna: visit a Parmigiano Factory, discover all secrets of Aceto Balsamico DOP in a family run Acetaia of Modena, taste local wine in a small winery

“Terrific experience!!”

“Really enjoy it”

Experience organised in collaboration with Italy By The Bite.

Description

An authentic food experience to meet the best food artisans of the region and their products: Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico, Local wine.

Wake up early to see the entire process of making Parmigiano Reggiano, you won’t regret! We pick you up with a mini van and stop in a cafè for a classic italian breakfast: coffee and fresh pastries, then ready to start the tour!!

#Stop 1: Parmigiano Reggiano experience

Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano Factory and get to see the entire production of the king of cheeses, how it’s made, the different phases of the process and visit the impressive room where they store and age thousands of wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano. Taste different ages Parmigiano Reggiano and other cheese made in the “caseificio” like fresh ricotta and erbazzone.

#Stop 2: Local Winery and Aperitivo/Lunch

Visit a winery in Bologna hills, get to know local grapes of Emilia Romagna region and taste some glasses of wine. Every glass of wine you taste is served with tigelle, local focaccia, regional charcuterie and cheeses.

#Stop 3: Discover Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP

Last stop of the tour is to discover the black gold of Modena: visit an old Acetaia, get to know the process of Balsamic Vinegar, the differences between IGP and DOP and sample several bottles (12 and 25years old), also on top of Gelato!

199€ Adults – 169€ Under16

(Transport and food included)

Groups & Language

A restricted group of people (min 2 – max 8) to make our foodie experience more personal and intimate. Tour led by a local host in english.

Starting Time

7am in the city centre of Bologna. Pick up at your hotel or nearby, we’ll tell you the meeting point after you reserve.

A confirmation email will be sent after we verify the availability of the tour. You can reserve your spot by paying with credit card, or contact us if you don’t feel comfortable with this system of payment. 

If it’s not possible to book the tour, contact us , we’ll try to accomodate your request if possible.

This experience is available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It is not available on   Italian national holidays and some weeks in August.

All tastings are included in the price, more details about the itinerary will be provided after we confirm your reservation., we accept reservation for min.  2 people and max. 8 people., cancellations made 7 days prior to the scheduled tour date are fully refundable. no refund within 7 days of starting the activity., *depending on the season the itinerary and the schedule could be changed.  , local cuisine is mainly pork based, if you are vegeterian, let us know and we’ll provide some cheese dishes, we can’t welcome vegans and celiacs..

Bologna Food Tasting Tour with a Local

Uncover the classic Italian city of Bologna one bite at a time on a guided food tour. Enjoy traditional Italian dishes at restaurants and eateries loved by locals.

Not only food, along the way you'll visit the heart of Bologna, the main squares, a food market, and some hidden places that would be hard to find by yourself. Your local host will entertain you with some stories telling you about the culture and traditions of Bologna.

• Italian breakfast cappuccino e cornetto
• Brief visit to a pasta factory 
• Cured meat, parmigiano and aceto balsamico tasting
• 3 famous homemade pasta dishes at a traditional trattoria
• Slice of Roman pizza
• Artisanal Italian gelato
• 10:00 am: Tour start
• 2:30 pm: Tour ends

Included Highlights

Additional information, confirmation.

You will receive the confirmation of your booking's availability within 24 hours. Once confirmed, please present your booking reference number at the cooking school.

Cancellation

Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to the activity

Traveler Photos

Traveler Reviews

Via Valdonica 8 40126 Bologna

Meeting Point

Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, in front of Feltrinelli Book Store

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12 Mega Epic Food Tours in Bologna You Can’t Afford to Miss in 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: November 8, 2023

Categories Europe

Ready to eat your way through the foodie capital of Italy? If so then this mega epic guide to the best food tours in Bologna is deffo for you.

After all, I love eating almost as much as I love breathing. I’ve also been to the mega epic city of Bologna more times than I can count.

Therefore, I am the perfect foodie to introduce you to all of the best food tours Bologna has to offer.

Because when it comes to food tours, some are hot and some are not. Plus, some can be super expensive and a total waste of your hard-earned dollars.

But, never fear because all of the best Bologna food tours listed here come with the Girl with the Passport stamp of approval and are highly rated by travelers from all across the globe.

So, stop stressing and start enjoying some of the best food that Italy has to offer.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

🍕 Busy? Then book this 3-Hour Secret Bologna Food Tour now ! It’s my personal fave and a great way to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. 🍕

Best Food Tours in Bologna

1. 3-hour secret bologna food tour.

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (90 Reviews) Price: $95.86 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: between the 2 towers in front of the San Petronio statue Operator: Essor Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Eat your way through Italy’s culinary capital on this 3-hour “secret” food tour in Bologna .

But why secret, you might wonder.

Well, your local guide is going to sidestep the typical restaurants and take you well off the beaten path.

So, throughout one of the best food tours in Bologna, you’ll feast on ​​Ragù alla Bolognese at a simple trattoria and dig into delicious moreish charcuterie.

“Awesome tour that simultaneously covers the food (duh), the drinks, bits of history, and local customs! More than worth it’s value, you leave super full and with lots of extra bits of trivia. Our guide Caterina was fantastic and super helpful, it was such a pleasure to listen to her and visit all the little stores and restaurants with her! Definitely recommend!” Anonymous ( Read more reviews now )

And in addition to eating homemade pasta, you’ll have a quick peek at how the sfogline (pasta-makers) of Bologna create this amazing food.

Plus, for a small surcharge, you can upgrade your booking to include ammazzacaffé.

Basically, this is an Italian custom where you wash down an afternoon coffee with a liqueur beverage.

Plus, the guide will introduce you to the sights and history of Quadrilatero – the historic heart of Bologna – as you enjoy artisanal gelato along the way.

Seriously, what’s not to love?

2. Historic Highlights of Bologna and Food Tasting Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (2 Reviews) Price: $130.02 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Bottom of the Two Towers, next to the San Petronio statue Operator: Art and Food Tours SNC Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Experience the beauty of Bologna and its captivating cuisine with this 4-hour walking and tasting tour .

In fact, you’ll see the historic highlights of the city during this top-rated food-tasting tour that expertly mingles sightseeing with snacking.

So, after you rendezvous at the Two Towers in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, your guide will steer you through the streets of Quadrilatero.

You’ll then get up close to the likes of Santa Maria dei Servi and the Church of San Martin while learning all about the significance behind the incredible architecture this city has to offer.

With an emphasis on art, this is one of the best food tours in Bologna for art lovers.

However, the foodie aspect of your tour starts at one of the city’s most authentic markets.

“Interesting tour full of history and local food. Our guide took us to her favourite spots where locals prepared special treats and we sampled some of the famous local products. Our guide willingly bought extras she talked about for us to try as well. I would highly recommend Sara as a guide and host. Well done!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

There, you will nibble on cured meats and cheeses that are perfectly paired with puffy bread and balsamic vinegar from Modena.

Later, you’ll dine on fresh pasta with Bolognese sauce before enjoying a glass of wine at a neighborhood osteria.

Ultimately, the tour finishes with coffee, dessert wine, and a sweet treat on the side to help you end your day on a high note.

3. Bologna Food Tour from a Local Perspective

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (453 Reviews) Price: $121.06 per person Duration: 4.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Get the sharpest intel on where to eat in Bologna during this food tour that is delivered to you by an actual city resident.

See, this Bologna food tour from a local perspective lasts 4.5 hours. So, you’ll basically dedicate a half-day to eating.

In total, you’ll visit 6 food stops including markets, stores, cafes, and trattorias. But, the best part? You’ll find none of these eateries listed in guidebooks.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful with recommendations on places to eat and see. The food provided was great. I highly recommend.” Louis ( read more reviews now )

So, after meeting your guide and fellow foodies in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, you’ll be whisked away for a classic Italian breakfast.

But, this is just the warm-up for lunch which consists of fresh pasta, charcuterie, and tigella bread with pesto.

Finally, you’ll part ways with the group after grabbing a scoop of gelato.

4. Self-Guided Bologna Food Tasting Tour with Vouchers

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (49 Reviews) Price: $41.44 per person Duration: 1 day 📍 Meeting Point: Fontanella d’acqua potabile Operator: BOLOGNA TOUR Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Hungry for some budget-friendly food tours in Bologna?

If that is the case then check out this self-guided food-tasting tour with vouchers .

Now, with this tour the deal is that upon booking you’ll receive a map and a set of coupons.

Each voucher will specify what it covers and where you can use it. Plus, you can scan the QR code to follow the route on Google Maps.

Actually, what’s unique about this tour is that you’ll end up trying dishes you’d probably overlook without the voucher.

“Really well organised pack with great local food from really friendly, welcoming people.” Oliver ( read more reviews now )

But, you can anticipate enjoying handmade chocolates, mouthwatering ice cream, and parmesan.

Also, the tour includes a tasting at Tigellone where you can eat the famous flatbread with typical ragù sauce.

Additionally, you’ll stay hydrated with a glass of wine and a coffee along the way as you enjoy one of the best food tours in Bologna.

5. Guided Traditional Food of Bologna Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (44 Reviews) Price: $96.43 per person Duration: 3.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, in front of Feltrinelli bookstore Operator: Do Eat Better Experience Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Calling in at 5 unique stops, this 3.5-hour guided traditional food tour exposes you to the classic dishes of Bologna.

For example, you’ll try Bolognese tortellini stuffed with meat and parmesan with your choice of broth or garnish.

However, another highlight is Bolognese cotoletta or a cut of veal served with a rich, creamy sauce that is then topped with smoked ham and parmesan.

Plus, you’ll dig into a platter of cured meats and cheeses that are all served with crusty fresh bread.

And last but not least, you’ll indulge in brazadela, a rustic cake with a similar texture to a donut that is prepared with lemon zest. FYI, it’s typically dipped in Lambrusco wine before you take a bite.

“One of the best food tours I’ve taken. Plenty of food from local places.” Jaclyn ( read more reviews now )

Of course, you’ll wrap things up with a warm espresso at a historic cafe.

Just be aware that this tour is heavy on the meat since that’s typical of Bolognese cooking. Therefore, vegetarians might prefer a different option when looking for the best food tours in Bologna.

6. Bologna City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5.0 (19 Reviews) Price: $42.26 per person Duration: 1-3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza del Nettuno, Operator: BOLOGNA.WINE Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

See, where there’s great food, there’s usually some equally epic wine.

And, the Emilia-Romagna region is responsible for around 9% of DOC production.

So, while most of these top food tours in Bologna do feature the odd glass of vino, this Bologna city center guided wine walking tour is all about the wine.

In fact, this tour gives you a choice of two options since two of the tours last either 1 or 2 hours and are focused solely on tasting the wines of Colli Bolognesi.

FYI, that’s a stunning wine-making spot just south of the city.

“Really enjoyed this. Filippo was a great guide and we went to some different places and drank some great wine! Definitely tried new varieties and learned a lot about wine and Italy! Fully recommend.” Kathy ( read more reviews now )

Whereas, the 3-hour version also features food in addition to all that glorious wine. And this foodie goodness will be enjoyed in one of the oldest taverns in central Bologna.

So, overall, you can expect to sample between 2 and 5 wines. Plus, the tour will walk you around the historic sights of Bologna too – making it a wine and sightseeing tour in one.

7. Food Markets Tour with a Local

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (10 Reviews) Price: $46.22 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Mercato delle Erbe Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Grab your tote bag, slip on your comfiest sneakers, and roll up with a big appetite because this Bolgona food tour is gonna be awesome.

See, this 2-hour food markets tour with a certified guide gives you the chance to shop and eat like a real Bologna local.

In fact, this tour takes you to a special Italian store where you can sample and purchase a wide variety of cheeses, meats, pastas, and wines.

Additionally, you’ll wander through a medieval-era covered market while your guide shares insider wisdom and expert cooking tips.

“I really loved this tour as we all had a lot of fun and embraced trying new food and wine! Luckily I got a wonderful group of people where we all mingled and tried the food. The guide Bene was very insightful about Bologna!” Allison ( read more reviews now )

Overall, this is one of the coolest food tours in Bologna if you want to experience local life.

But, it’s important to bring plenty of euros. Because as a market tour, this outing doesn’t include the cost of any food consumed or purchased.

Therefore, budget an additional €15-20 ($16-21.50 USD) to cover what you buy.

However, do remember that you’ll have your personal shopping guide at your side to make recommendations.

8. Classic Bologna Food Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (186 Reviews) Price: $126.56 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza Maggiore Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Meet your guide in Piazza Maggiore bright and early because the first stop on this 4-hour Classic Bologna Food Tour is breakfast.

Therefore, you can look forward to breaking the ice with the other participants over pastries and coffee.

Then, once caffeinated, the classic Bologna food tour takes you to the Mercato delle Erbe.

This is where you can pick up Italian produce with the aid of your expert guide. Then, the remainder of the tour includes a wander through the city’s oldest food market.

“Matter was v knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the food culture in Bologna. The tortellini tasting was amazing and the pistachio ice cream was to die for!” Vince ( read more reviews now )

Additionally, you’ll swan dive into Bolognese food culture at a boutique selection of osterie.

So, anticipate dining on Ragù alla Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, balsamic vinegar drizzled over bread, and dessert.

Of course, a highlight is seeing how tortellini are made. Plus, you’ll sip on delicious wines like Pignoletto and Lambrusco along the way.

9. Torre degli Asinelli Entrance Ticket and Bologna Food Tasting

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (155 Reviews) Price: $18.42 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍 Meeting Point: Under the Asinelli Tower Operator: BOLOGNA TOUR Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, if the thought of climbing up 498 steps fills you with dread then try this for an incentive.

Because, when you buy this Torre degli Asinelli entrance ticket and Bologna food tasting , you’ll feel way more motivated to do this climb.

See, in a nutshell, this tour package gives you access to the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world.

Known as the Two Towers, the Asinelli Tower, and its sister La Garisenda, was first built in the 12th century and add to the modern-day charm of Bologna’s skyline.

“This was really good value and booked with the san Luca basilica train. (Didn’t realise it was the same company which turned out to be amazing as we didn’t have to meet 2 people) the guide met us at the tower and handed us our tickets for the train and the tower along with the vouchers for the food tastings which were amazing. We ended up not having to pay for lunch as you got wine, meats, cheese and bread, ice cream and Crescentina. You also get a QR code to scan for an audio guide about the tower and for landmarks around the town. Would totally recommend.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Therefore, after catching your breath and getting tons of cool photos, you’ll go back down to the piazza and use your various food vouchers.

Usually, these include a slice of pizza at a hidden pizzeria or cured meats and cheeses, plus a coupon for

Additionally, you’ll receive a coupon for dessert.

Best Food tours in Bologna That are Beyond the City

10. emilia excellence food tour from bologna.

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (13 Reviews) Price: $245.09 per person Duration : 7 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Picked Up from Your Hotel Operator: BOLOGNA TOUR Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, you can’t exactly call yourself a foodie if you pass up the chance to visit the wider Emilia-Romagna region while in Bologna.

Because as you already know, this iconic, culinary city is the capital of this gorgeous region.

And this Emilia excellence food tour takes you on a gastronomic journey through the hills and pastures of this incredible place.

So, over the course of this amazing 7-hour journey, you’ll visit a Parmigiano Reggiano producer, a balsamic vinegar maker, and a winery.

“Fantastic! Did cheese, wine and then balsamico. I was wondering why balsamico was last but totally made sense in the end. I could’ve spent hours more at each stop. Absolutely fascinating and delicious!” Eunice ( read more reviews now )

After all, these are the three principal food products that this area is known for.

You’ll also enjoy a tour and tasting delivered to you by an expert guide at each location.

Additionally, this trip includes an epic 2-course, traditional Emilian lunch too.

Plus, this is a private tour. Therefore, you’ll have the luxury of a personal chauffeur.

Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge but it’s one of the best food tours in Bologna for a special occasion.

11. Olive Grove and Vineyard Tour with Product Tastings

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (12 Reviews) Price: $16.25 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies by tour Operator: Palazzo di Varignana s.r.l Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Beautiful Bologna will blow your mind with its gastronomy, architecture, and culture.

But, as you might have gathered, Bologna’s reputation for rad food and wine wouldn’t be where it is without its rural surroundings.

Therefore, this private olive grove and vineyard tour with product tastings takes you outside of the city.

And over the course of 1-1.5 hours, you’ll explore an estate where wines are produced alongside extra virgin olive oil, preserves, juices, saffron pistils, and goji berries.

“Memorable experience and we’ll worth the visit. Learned a lot!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Of course, you can buy as many or as few items as you wish. You can even choose to have just an olive oil tasting or upgrade your experience to include wine.

And, prices rise based on whether you go with standard or superior options when booking one of the best food tours in Bologna.

Plus, wallet-friendly prices all around make these some of the best budget food tours in Bologna.

12. Bologna E-Bike Guided Tour with Brunch or Aperitivo

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (13 Reviews) Price: $119.18 per person Duration: 3-5.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies by Tour Operator: SLOW EMOTION Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Head for the hills and uncover Bologna’s natural beauty with a cycling tour accompanied by tastings and lunch.

See, this Bologna e-bike guided tour with brunch or aperitivo sets out from Casalecchio di Reno.

From there, you’ll cycle through Bologna city center as well as the hills and parks that dot the outskirts of the city.

This excursion also includes an electric bike rental, which takes the heat off when it comes to getting physical.

So, all you need to do is choose between a half-day (3 hours) or a full-day (5.5 hours) activity.

Now, the shorter tour includes both a cheese and wine tasting. Meanwhile, the day tour also features a farmhouse lunch that is made using regional and local ingredients.

“Great tour – ebikes and our guide Stella were both great. Stella saw we appreciated nature so took us on a route that made the most of that. we tried delicious wine, ham and cheese and learned about the surrounding area. The bikes were easy to use and meant we could cover a large distance in the day. very memorable experience. thanks! would recommend.” John ( read more reviews now )

Therefore, this is easily one of the best food tours in Bologna for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Just be aware that the price of this tour is a bit higher as this is a private activity rather than a shared day tour.

Best Food Tours in Bologna FAQ

What is the most famous food in bologna.

The most famous food in Bologna is Bolognese sauce. However, locally it is known as ragú and is a hearty meat sauce that is typically served atop pasta.

Believe it or not, the dish actually originated in France but was first served in Imola in the 18th century

What food is Emilia-Romagna famous for?

Emilia-Romagna is known throughout the world for its homemade pastas. These are also usually stuffed and filled with all sorts of meat, cheese, and vegetables.

But, the region is also known for its fresh, egg-based pasta which is usually topped with a ragù.

What Food to bring back from Bologna?

Food that you should bring back from Bologna includes:

• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Green lasagna
• Tortellini in brodo
• Prosciutto di Parma
• Lasagna Bolognese
• Tagliatelle al ragu
• Certosino di Bologna

What Foods is Bologna known for?

Foods that Bologna is known for are:

• Salty cheese
• Homemade pasta
• Cured meats

Additional Italy Foodie Resources You’ll Love

• Best Food Tours in Naples
• Best Food Tours in Rome

There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best food tours in Bologna.

Tell me, did your picks for the best food tours bologna has to offer make the list if not then let me know in the comments below., and if you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later..

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Tour gastronomico di Bologna da una prospettiva locale

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Delicious Bologna - Bologna Food Tours

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Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective

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Delicious Bologna - Bologna Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Savoring the Flavor: The Best Self-Guided Bologna Food Tour

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One Day Bologna Food Walking Tour

Get ready to indulge your taste buds in an unforgettable culinary adventure through the streets of Bologna. This itinerary will take you on a self-guided tour of the food capital of Italy, where you’ll discover the city’s best-kept culinary secrets and savor its most mouthwatering dishes.

Whether you’re a foodie looking for new flavors or a traveler eager to explore the local food scene, join us as we discover the best places of Bologna’s culinary landscape, one delicious bite at a time, and experience the flavors that make Bologna a food lover’s paradise.

In this Bologna food guide, we’ll share with you a detailed map and itinerary for a one day Bologna food tour, alongside the perfect DIY lunch menu, tips for visiting Bologna, and lots of information about the food of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Best Bologna Food Tour

This is a free self-guided classic Bologna food tour, perfect for small groups to discover all of Bologna’s food secrets as you  travel around Italy , one of the best gastronomic countries in the world.

In every café, shop, and hostelry we visited, food tastings were offered gladly by people who love to show off the amazing and delicious array of local foods and produce.

With any Bologna gastronomic tours, private food tour, day trip, or even so-called ‘secret food tours’, you risk being taken to a place because the tour guide gets a commission, not because it’s the best, or indeed, secret!

Every place on our list is there because we have visited ourselves over many visits, enjoyed an authentic experience, and been impressed with the amazing food and hospitality.

We think this is a better way to experience fabulous food and the local perspective, and it’s free! But, if you prefer to book a Bologna food experience with a local guide, these top food tours would be our pick:

Is this your first time visiting Italy? Get all the information you need in our Italy Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Cooking Classes in Bologna

If you feel inspired by all these delicious ingredients and flavors, one of the best things to do in Bologna is take a cooking class. This is a great way to learn about local food and cook and eat Bologna’s traditional dishes. 

Our recommended pasta-making class is a hands-on home cooking experience with a local host, where you’ll learn to cook with traditional recipes in a typical Bologna home.

If that’s fully booked or you fancy learning another Italian cooking skill, check out our other picks:

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Italy . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Where to Stay in Bologna

For a touch of luxury, book the Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni . The century-old legacy of Bologna’s finest hotel shines through in its opulent interiors adorned with antique furnishings and priceless artworks. Superbly located in the heart of the city, and with a welcoming ambiance, this is the top spot to stay in Bologna.

The beautiful  Phi Hotel – Al Cappello Rosso is a mid-range hotel located on the doorstep of Piazza Maggiore. With fabulous bedrooms designed by contemporary artists, over 600 years of history, and restaurant serving delicious Italian food, this is an excellent choice for Bologna

Casa Isolani is a B&B with three charming apartments designed for self-reliant travelers who value a cozy setting over round-the-clock service. Its unbeatable location ensures easy exploration of Bologna on foot, especially after a long day of tasting!

Are you visiting Bologna as part of a longer trip? An Italian road trip is the best way see this gorgeous country, and our guide to road tripping in Italy has all you need, including maps, routes, highlights and tips, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Best Food Tour Bologna Map & Itinerary

• Piazza Maggiore – Café Gamberini – Mercato Della Erbe – Le Sfogline – Tamburini – Simoni Laboratorio – Osteria del Sole – Enoteca Storica Faccioli – Majani Cioccolato Boutique – Caffe Zanarini – Cremeria Cavour
• 8 miles / 13km / 18,000 steps
• Ten food stops along the route
• Full day tour, we suggest starting by 9am
• Pack water and wear comfortable shoes
• Our info is free, you’ll only pay for what you eat or buy

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box at the top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Piazza Maggiore

Our starting point for your self-guided tour of Bologna is one of two central squares in Bologna, the other being Piazza Nettuno.

Admire the distinct brick architecture and beautiful facades of the palaces and churches flanking the main square then head for Via Ugo Bassi to the north of the square.

Before you head west towards breakfast and tour Bologna, take a moment to look east to Piazza di Porta Ravegnana and admire the view of the spectacular le Due Torri , the two towers of Torri degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda dominating the skyline.

These colossal towers are two of only 20 medieval towers remaining in Europe. One looks like it’s going to topple over, the other is not so far behind but, remarkably, you can still climb to the top of the latter!

Café Pastry Gamberini

Your first stop is for breakfast, our favorite meal of the day! There is a multitude of cafés in which you can enjoy a traditional breakfast of very good coffee and a cornetto , Italy’s version of the French croissant, filled with delicious and sticky apricot jam. 

Café Gamberini  was our choice and it didn’t disappoint! You can sit inside or have breakfast al fresco; the coffee is superb and the pastries melt in the mouth.

Mercato della Erbe

Your next stop is Mercato della Erbe , or Herb Market, is a popular and large food market in the city center sells fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, pasta, fish, bread and other local delicacies.

Like all local markets in Italy, the produce is seasonal and comes from local factories and the rich and fertile land that surrounds Bologna, and is displayed with pride and passion.

The smells of whatever is in season will hit you as you enter… for us it was strawberries, the juicy fragrance reminding me of hot summer days, picking our own as kids.

There is a fabulous fish restaurant here too. Pick your fish in the market, whatever was caught that morning, and the restaurant will cook it for you whilst you wait.

Le Sfogline

Exit at the back of the Mercato Delle Erbe, look to your right and there is  Le Sfogline  the most unassuming shop ever! All the famous chefs have cooked here and the owners, Dani and Monica, have made egg pasta all over Europe.

The name comes from the Italian word sfoglia , which is a type of pasta dough, and a sfogline is a person who makes the pasta dough. A sfogline is usually characterized as a middle-aged woman who stretches and rolls the dough with a rolling pin called a mattarello , and stretches and shapes the pasta on a large wooden pastry board called a taglieri .

We bought the  traditional Italian food  of tortelloni stuffed with ricotta cheese and were given a detailed description of how to cook and serve this wonderful fresh pasta by the lovely Dani, almost like a private food consultation!

Visiting Le Sfogline is a wonderful experience and you can also watch the sisters making the tortelloni, a labor-intensive task, but clearly done with love and passion.

The British chef, Rick Stein visited Le Sfogline and took a cooking class with Dani when he was making the TV show of the book Long Weekends .  Buy your pasta here and follow one of his delicious recipes.

Quadrilatero

From here, your Bologna walking food tour will take you southeast, back towards Piazza Maggiore and the Quadrilatero, the old town of Bologna and the heart of the city.

The Quadrilatero is home to en eclectic mix of small shops, adjacent to old-fashioned delis, gelaterias, and architecture from the Middle Ages including the famous Porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You have a few choices for lunch: go all in for a multi-course lunch with wine pairings at one of Bologna’s top restaurants; pick one of the many good restaurants serving reasonably priced pasta and platters of local antipasti, meats, and cheeses, or buy your own at one of the many  gastronomia  or  salumerias  (delicatessen) and enjoy a picnic in the square.

By far our favorite way to enjoy lunch in the culinary capital of Italy is to utilize the long trestle tables at Osteria del Sole, where you can buy a drink at the bar and strike up a   conversation with your fellow diners as you enjoy your picnic lunch.

If you decide on the buy-your-own option, don’t forget to also buy plastic cutlery!

This salumeria has been on this very spot on Via Caprarie since 1932. Tamburini stocks an amazing array of hams, cheese, and antipasti. You can also buy Culatello, the most expensive ham in the world, here.

In the area around  Tamburini , there are many restaurants and salumerias , all selling a huge choice of hams, cheeses, and too many other local goodies to mention.

Simoni Laboratorio

Pop round the corner to this famous delicatessan, with hams swinging from the ceiling and fat cheeses stacked against the wall, it is everything a salumeria should be! 

Try tasting some of the meats and cheeses at Simoni Salumeria before you buy to find out what you like the most.

The Perfect Bologna Lunch

You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by now if you’re buying your lunch from a salumeria , there is so much to choose from. Here’s our perfect (and typical) Bologna lunch menu for two:

• 4 thin slices of mortadella (flavored if that takes your fancy)
• 4 slices prosciutto crudo
• 60 g parmigiano reggiano
• 60g squacquerone cheese
• small tub of roasted tomatoes
• small tub of rosemary-roasted potatoes
• 2 piadine , the delicious Bologna flat bread perfect for making a sandwich
• cutlery and wipes
• bottle of water or wine!

For more inspiration, scroll down to see the top eleven foods to eat in Bologna!

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Osteria del sole.

Osteria del Sole   is one of the oldest standing osterias or taverns, alive today. Dating back to 1465, everything in the place is over 500 years old and there is history in every brick.

The osteria is hard to find, situated halfway along via Ranocchi on the right as you come from Piazza Maggiore. There is no signage, just literally a hole in the wall leading to a door …look for the hole in the wall. It’s not obvious, but once you find it you’ll wonder how you didn’t see it!

There is no kitchen here, only a bar. You bring your own food, condiments, cutlery, and wipes (there is no loo or place to wash your hands, which will get greasy eating Italian ham) and settle at a place on one of the long trestle tables to enjoy your meal.

Drinks are available at the bar; bottled beer, and a vast selection of wines including the delicious traditional Italian Prosecco and champagne, all very reasonably priced. The atmosphere is kicking, the chatter loud; this is an amazing experience, go once and you’ll be hooked!

Enoteca Storica Faccioli

Full from lunch and perhaps ready for another glass of wine, head over to  Enoteca Storica Faccioli  a genuinely local wine bar at the northern end of the Quadrilatero.

The owners, Stefano and Elisa, will guide you through wine tastings of delicious local wines with interest and knowledge.

Majani Cioccolato Boutique

A ten minute walk south will clear your head and restore your appetite. What food tasting tour is a good food tour without the sweet note of chocolate?

Majani has been making chocolate in Bologna since 1796. This is a beautiful shop where you can sample the different types of chocolate on offer, including the iconic Fiat chocolate. Not to be missed!

Caffe Zanarini

Reward yourself, it’s time for a coffee break! Caffe Zanarini is the perfect place to sit and relax for a few moments enjoying your surroundings and admiring the stunning desserts, cakes, and  delicious Italian biscuits . You really have to try something!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caffè Zanarini (@caffezanarini)

Cremeria Cavour

Cremeria Cavour is our final stop on your walking tour of Bologna. You’ve made it! give yourself a big pat on the back. By now you’ve covered around 8 miles and 18,000 steps and this means you deserve a gelato!

A two minute walk east will bring you to this very pretty cremeria where the gelato is creamy and bursting with flavor; have it in a pot and you get a meringue on top!

Eleven Best Foods to Eat in Bologna

Spaghetti bolognese.

One of the traditions of Bologna is for spaghetti Bolognese to be made with tuna and a fresh tomato bolognese sauce. If you want the rich flavors of ragu alla Bolognese with a meat sauce, it will be served with tagliatelle, flat thin strips of pasta. Try either dish and taste Bologna in every delicious mouthful!

This silky smooth ham is made with ground pork meat. Bologna’s mortadella is famous for the fineness of the ground meat, which gives its wonderful, fine texture.

Sometimes flavored with pistachio or pepper and studded with fat, make sure you buy this fresh and sliced thinly. This is such a local food and the sandwich filling of choice in Bologna.

Prosciutto Crudo

Prosciutto crudo, prosciutto di Parma or Parma ham comes from pigs fattened by whey left over from the making of Parmesan cheese; the techniques to produce the best prosciutto crudo have been passed down and perfected from generation to generation.

Make sure you buy products marketed as DOP. This is short for Protected Designation of Origin; as the name suggests, this certification ensures that products are locally produced to exacting recipes and standards.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

This is the superior Parmesan cheese and one of the most famous Italian cheeses , made using techniques that have barely changed in centuries.

This cheese is so versatile and can be used in many dishes – try it when cooking pasta or risotto, sprinkled over your salads, or eat as a nibble with a glass of dry white wine.

If you want to see this famous cheese being made, we recommend this popular  Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory and Parma ham tour from Bologna . You’ll get to see the delicious cheese and ham being made and then enjoy a tasting at the end of the tour.

Tortellini & Tortelloni

Tortellini always has a meat-based filling, whereas tortelloni are filled with ricotta and parsley or spinach. Tortellini is traditionally cooked in and served with a broth, whereas tortelloni is cooked in water or stir-fried, traditionally with butter and sage, and served dry.

Both are served topped with grated or shaved Parmesan. When we bought our tortelloni from Le Sfogline, we cooked it and served it with a browned sage butter. This simple meal was some of the best pasta we have ever eaten.

Balsamico di Modena

Authentic DOP Balsamic di Modena can be 25 years in the making. Rich, thick, and smooth, this vinegar goes with virtually anything Italian! Like a fine wine, it is complex with layers of flavor and comes to life on your palate.

Take a  food tour in Modena  (just 50 minutes away from Bologna by car) and try the traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena with some chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano or fresh ripe strawberries; it blends perfectly and tastes incredible.

Culatello di Parma

Culatello is the most expensive ham in the world, currently selling for over €110 per kilo! It is only produced in a very specific place near the Po River, close to Parma. The mists that roll off the river Po provide the perfect environment to produce this king of cured meats.

The hills in the Emilia Romagna region are home to the most prized ingredient, the truffle. Black truffles are sought from March to November. The more expensive white truffle can only be found during October and November when the annual truffle festival is held.

Squacquerone Cheese

Not well known on the world stage, Squacquerone cheese is great for making a sandwich with Parma ham and your piadine bread, this cheese tastes like cream cheese, yogurt, and sour cream mixed together and it’s delicious!

Gelato is perhaps not a specific food of Bologna, however, there is an important connection. Bologna actually has a Gelato University (really!) and the region manufactures the best gelato-making machines in the world.

Try gelato from a shop with big sunken steel pots with lids on display; this maintains a consistent temperature for each batch and you know the vendor is serious about the quality of his gelato.

Although gelato means ice cream, the Italian version’s texture is denser, smoother, and richer than ice cream. Gelato also uses milk, cream, and sugar, but gelato uses less cream and more milk than ice cream and typically contains no egg yolks or eggs.

Lambrusco Wine

A sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region, Lambrusco comes in dry, semi-sweet, and sweet varieties, each with its own unique character and flavor. Lambrusco is a perfect wine to pair with food and works well with both rich and light dishes.

This excellent  culinary day trip from Bologna  lets you try the tastiest gourmet foods of Emilia, including a balsamic vinegar tasting, a Lambrusco wine tasting and you’ll even see a Ferrari at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena!

This gastronomic walking tour of Bologna has really been all about the delicious local cuisine, learning about where it comes from, how it’s produced, and where to eat and buy it.

Known as  la Rossa la Grassa e la Dotta , meaning the red, the fat, and the learned, Bologna has much more to see than food!

Red references the terracotta red rooftops of the historic center; fat refers to the delicious food and produce found in Bologna and the wider Emilia-Romagna region; and learned refers to Bologna University, founded in 1088, which is one of the most ancient and prestigious universities in the world.

So, as you walk around Bologna on your quest for the perfect pasta or the creamiest cheese, remember to look up and around, and admire the architecture of this historic medieval city.  There are so many things to do in Bologna  other than eat!

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More From Forbes

Bologna’s mission: snatch third place from serie a giants juventus.

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BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 01: Charalampos Lykogiannis of Bologna FC celebrates with teammates at ... [+] full-time following the team's victory in the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and US Salernitana at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on April 01, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

When Joey Saputo acquired Bologna in 2014, the club had been freshly relegated to Serie B and stripped of its best on-field assets.

Archimede Morleo captained the side throughout that trepidatious 2014-15 campaign, one that began with Coppa Italia defeat to third division strugglers L’Aquila. 17 victories from 42 second-tier matches was enough to clinch fourth place and a spot in the Play-Off Finals, and after scraping past Avellino and Pescara, Bologna made it back to Serie A.

As the 2015-16 season commenced, the market value of Saputo’s squad stood at $30.7 million, 793.9% less than at the time of writing - a delicious return on investment by any entrepreneurial standards. The Italian Canadian’s project then suffered growing pains for the best part of the next decade, achieving a top-half-of-the-table finish on just one occasion. Nobody expected what was to follow.

Fortunes changed with Thiago Motta’s appointment in 2022. At 39 years of age, Motta arrived without great expectations, working away meticulously, adding layers to the legacy of the late Siniša Mihajlović who oversaw 131 matches in the dugout between 2019-2022.

Motta’s focus was on the future as he squeezed out Marko Arnautović to empower Jonathon Zirkzee, the Dutchman who is the brains of the operation on the field. Riccardo Orsolini has also thrived under the former Spezia coach, producing the career-best form which saw him recalled to the Italy Squad for the recent tour of the US . On match day 31 against Salernitana, Orso scored a milestone 50th Serie A goal as Bologna soared to within striking distance of third-placed Juventus.

That was Orsolini’s tenth goal of 2023-24. Along with 11 more from last season, the 27-year-old is the third Italian to score 10+ goals for Bologna over two different seasons (since the three points for a win era began in 1994), joining Marco Di Vaio and Giuseppe Signori. He’s also the top Italian goalscorer in Serie A.

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With eight rounds remaining, fourth-placed Bologna has 57 league points, surpassing last season’s total of 54 to set a new club record. Not since Julio Cruz wore the red and blue back in 2002 has the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara brimmed with such pride, with 15 wins and seventh position.

In 2023-24, Bologna’s home stadium has become a fortress with Saputo’s side boasting the second-strongest home form (12 wins) and the sixth-best record on the road (4). Over the past ten match days, only Inter Milan (28) has accrued more league points than Bologna’s 25 (from a possible 30), with free-falling Juventus dropping 20.

Here lies the opportunity to mow down the 36-time Scudetto-winners. Only two league points adrift of Max Allegri’s purported ‘title challengers’, and with the third-best defence and fifth-best attack in the division, Bologna has emerged as the revelation of European football alongside Xabi Alonso ’s Bayer Leverkusen.

Motta’s 2-7-2 system was flawless throughout the 3-0 demolition of Salernitana. Lewis Ferguson, Orsolini and Alexis Saelemaekers excelled, the latter now expected to ask for a permanent stay. The 24-year-old, who joined Bologna on loan from Milan , produced this magnificent drive that gave his side a 2-0 lead at the break.

In hope of a $20 million discount, Milan wants to include Saelemaekers in a potential swap deal that could send the $76 million-rated Zirkzee to the San Siro. Given Bologna’s success, the Italian press thinks Ferguson had made the Juventus wish list, with Motta the lead candidate to replace Max Allegri. Should Bologna end the season higher than the Bianconeri , the groans across the nation will only get louder, a sobering thought for Andrea Cambiaso who was recalled from the Dall’Ara by Allegri last June.

How long can this disastrous run of poor form continue for Juventus? Thankfully, following a period of one win in nine Serie A matches, a positive response to the weekend’s loss to Lazio came midweek - against Lazio - with a first-leg 2-0 semi-final win in the Coppa Italia. Considering Juventus are fighting on two fronts and still have to face Roma and Milan in the league, many are questioning if they can repel Bologna’s advances.

The Bolognese Job

UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification is not yet guaranteed for the Rossoblu , who must encounter top-five hopefuls Roma and Napoli away from home before the campaign concludes. Despite somewhat easier fixtures against Frosinone, Monza, Udinese and Genoa, it’s the penultimate match with Juventus that could secure a third-place finish for the first time since 1967.

Bologna has not been this close to Juventus (after 30 Serie A rounds) since 1970-71 when Giuseppe Savoldi netted 15 times to help the Felsinei to fifth, a result they have not been able to repeat for 53 elusive seasons.

Milan, San Siro, September 14, 1969. A line-up of Bologna F.C. took to the field in the away defeat ... [+] versus Inter Milan (0-1), Matchday 1 of the Italian Championship 1969Ð70 Serie A. From left to right, standing: F. Janich, G. Vavassori, F. Cresci, G. Savoldi, T. Roversi, M. Ardizzon; crouched: M. Perani, G. Bulgarelli (captain), L. Mujesan, I. Gregori, A. Scala. (Photo by: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

No team from Emilia Romagna has won a major continental trophy since Parma’s UEFA Cup in 1999 (now known as the Europa League), nor qualified for the UCL group stage since 1998, also Parma . Alarmingly, the region’s only involvement over the past 16 years was Sassuolo’s in 2016.

Times may be changing in Italy’s heartland. By qualifying for a UEFA club tournament in 2024-25, Bologna’s 24-year dry spell will end. Moreover, a top-four finish assures the return to Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 1964, with a $17 million windfall to boot.

Snatching third place may not be the primary objective for Motta but history can be created by staving off Roma, Napoli and Atalanta. Overtaking Juventus would write a new scripture into the Bologna bible and, more importantly, bump up those player market values by a few more percentage points.

For Saputo, third place could come sooner than expected with victory over Frosinone on Sunday should Juventus lose to Fiorentina .

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