The 10 Best Restaurants In Bologna's Centro Storico, Italy

Bolpetta is a restaurant that features every kind of culinary ball imaginable. Everything, except for the French fries, is served in the shape of a ball, from appetizers to desserts. You can find the eternal classic meatball as well as vegetarian options to boot. Ideal for a lunch among friends, Bolpetta offers sharing menus too.

Osteria del Sole is situated right behind Piazza Maggiore, and since this very characterful restaurant is actually an osteria, there is no meal without wine, of which a wide selection is available. Customers can find their place at the big wooden tables, and enjoy the jovial atmosphere in this historic landmark of Bologna. Check out the posters on the bright yellow walls, marking the history of this truly unmissable and traditional place.

High-quality and tradition are the two key words which describe this little restaurant. The warm environment at Da Nello, made cozier by the many pictures on the wooden walls depicting the establishment’s history, welcomes customers perfectly. Guests can also enjoy little cubes of mortadella as an appetizer, perhaps followed by a generous serving of lasagne. For a side dish, a wide choice of fried vegetables of every kind is available, and the restaurant also offers daily specials to boot.

A few steps away from the Torre degli Asinelli, this historic restaurant, established in 1919, succeeds in bringing together modernity and tradition, elegance and excellent flavors. Ristorante Pappagallo offers a wide variety of dishes to choose from along with great wines. Customers unfamiliar with the local cuisine can choose between two different tasting menus – a traditional one, with typical Bolognese dishes, and a more modern one that leaves space for the chef’s own creativity. Both are excellent.

This modern restaurant has a great view of the streets of the Centro Storico, especially in the summer, when customers can eat outside and enjoy the hot and sunny weather. But the view is just one perk of the dining at San Silvestro. High-quality food and service abound and customers can taste both traditional dishes or creative experiments, such as the pera sfumata al vino e canella, all in generous servings and exquisitely plated.

While strolling the streets of Bologna, this characterful restaurant can be found right on the path between Piazza Maggiore and the Torre degli Asinelli. At Trattoria Gianni customers can enjoy tasty local food presented with modern plating presentation, all while in a rustic setting surrounded by a warm environment and friendly staff.