Bologna, Italy

A spontaneous city trip to Bologna, Italy was needed to kick the winter blues in January. I’d heard so much about this city and it’s culinary culture, I just couldn’t resist. I had the chance to have a Belgian friend to tag along, she now lives in Italy and has good knowledge of the language (compared to my zero Italian). Although, I have to admit that my worries about not speaking the language were unfounded. Everyone spoke very good english and I got by without trouble.
It’s a gorgeous city, the architecture and streets have a continuous story to tell. It has the oldest European university and remains a young and vibrant city center.

In Bologna, you can soak in the culture, the food, the laid back ambiance and yet the upscale shops and just let your hair loose!

La Baita Vecchia Malga

Open from Monday to Saturday from 9h00 to 23h00
Sunday from 10h00 to 23h00

Founded in 2000, La Baita Vecchia Malga is a very popular shop with charcuterie, cheese and pasta specialties. Their high end products are sure to please and can be savored on high tables outside the store on the idyllic Via Pescherie Vecchie.

La Baita Vecchia Malga
Via Pescherie Vecchie, 3a,
40124 Bologna, Italy

Drogheria della Rosa

Open Monday to Saturday
from 13h00 to 14h30 and 20h00 to 23h00
Sunday from 13h00 to 14h30

Drogheria della rosa has been owned by Emanuele Addone for now 29 years. Very nice dishes served in an eclectic and original interior. All the pasta is handmade and the dishes are delicious. I also had the best pistachio semifreddo I’ve ever eaten!
Situated just outside the touristic center, it’s nice to get away from the busy crowds. friendly prices and kind and professional service.

Drogheria della rosa
Via Cartoleria, 10b,
40124 Bologna, Italy

Franco Rossi

Open 7/7
from 12h30 to 14h30 and from 19h00 to 23h00

Recommended to me by an acquaintance, Eric Daem, Ristorante Franco Rossi is an upper scale establishment that serves classic dishes and use very fine and fresh ingredients. A father and son restaurant, they take pride in their service, wine recommendations and cuisine, of course!

A raw artichoke salad had a delicate taste and a satisfying crunch. The pumpkin filled tortellini in sage butter, to die for and the sea bass with pistachio a perfect combination. My friend had grilled lamb chops and were full of flavor and juicy. We trusted their wine recommendations, so asked them to bring some glasses as the evening progressed.
A very worth while trip, Franco Rossi will be a favorite for the future!

Ristorante Franco Rossi
Via Goito, 3/a,
40126 Bologna, Italy

Osteria dell’Orsa

Open 7/7
Non-stop from 12h00 to 23h00

When coming to Osteria dell’Orsa, you must first arm yourself with patience. They do not take reservations and are very popular. You just come to the door, give your name and wait to be called. We were there on a sunny Saturday afternoon and waited about 30 minutes.
Large wooden tables are lined in many rooms without frills, everything is around the food. It’s not the fine dinning of other places we went to, but the dishes were seriously satisfying and the prices reasonable.
We couldn’t resist the taleggio al forno with honey and toast to dip into that marvelous melted cheese. Crostini Dotto, toast with their famous ragù sauce and parmesan cheese. And of course, you cannot come to Bologna with having tortellini in brodo, and it was so heart warming.
Certainly worth the wait!

Osteria dell’Orsa
Via Mentana, 1f,
40126 Bologna, Italy

Pasticceria Gamberini

Open 7/7
Non-stop from 7h00 to 21h00

Have you ever had a moment when you ate something and wondered: “Where have you been all my life?”
I had that moment, here at Pasticceria Gamberini, with their cannolo Siciliano. The pastry was so satistyingly crunchy, the ricotta, barely sweetened with small pieces of bitter dark chocolate and topped with pistachios and candied fruit. Gamberini was so good, we went all three days of our three day city trip.
It’s history dates to 1907 and it seems like all of Bologna know of their reputation. It’s always packed. But the service is efficient and quick and we were always received with smiles and professionalism.

Cafe Pasticceria Gamberini
Via Ugo Bassi, 12,
40123 Bologna Bologna, Italy