Often referred to as La città Rossa (The red city) because of its predominant color, and as La Grassa (the fat), for its gastronomic variety, Bologna, Italy is the ideal destination for travelers who love good food and unforgettable flavors.
Although Bologna is not as well known or popular in Italy as other tourist destinations, we are sure that many of the typical dishes of this city and its Emilia Romagna region will be familiar to you. They have spread across the globe and are loved in their different versions, from the delicious lasagna al ragù Bolognese to the irresistible Parmesan cheese.
What food is Bologna known for?
Bologna’s culinary history goes beyond their ingredients, and it’s what has allowed them to build a unique identity. In Bologna, Italy, food matters. And it matters a lot. Bologna’s food is famous in Italy and the rest of the world for its homemade fresh pasta, balsamic vinegar, cold cuts, Lambrusco wine, and parmesan cheese.
You may have heard before about the region, Emilia Romagna is famous for its flavors and all towns and cities have delightful dishes and unique combinations to explore. There’s a reason why Bologna is the region’s capital and largest city. Dive into Bologna, Italy’s food and you’ll notice a lot of the most popular Italian dishes worldwide.
Must-try food in Bologna
Tagliatelle al ragù
A classic of Bolognese cuisine, tagliatelle al ragù is a must-try. The dish consists of the perfect fusion of tagliatelle (long fresh pasta made of flour and egg) and an irresistible meat sauce (a mixture of pork and veal) seasoned with onions, celery, and carrots.
Its texture must be creamy and smooth to the palate, so it is essential to cook it over low heat for several hours, adding tomato sauce and red wine.
When serving, remember to add the iconic Parmesan cheese. In Bologna, Italy, dishes can always use a bit more Parmesan!
Tortellini in brodo
Bologna’s first course is usually fresh pasta, so the tortellini in brodo (in broth) is no exception. These are pasta bundles filled with pork loin, eggs, Bologna mortadella, Prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano, and nutmeg, with the particularity of being boiled in a chicken broth that accompanies them in the dish.
A delicious and comforting meal that fills your stomach, especially during winter, but that you’ll want to eat all year round.
Mortadella
Whether on sandwiches, pizzas, or charcuterie boards, mortadella will always be the protagonist if you are in Bologna. If you’re wondering what mortadella is, it is a cooked sausage made with finely ground pork, fat, and spices, noted for its intense aroma and delicious flavor.
Currently, mortadella is an IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), so it cannot be called mortadella if it is not made in Bologna. Mortadella can be enjoyed at local delis and markets like Mercato di Mezzo or Mercato delle Erbe. Many trattorias also serve mortadella as part of an antipasto platter.
Lasagna al ragù
A typical Bolognese dish, lasagna al ragù is one of the hallmarks of Italian cuisine. This delicious dish, generally cooked on Sundays at home by all the Italian grandmothers, is composed of layers of fresh pasta, ragù sauce, béchamel sauce, and parmesan cheese.
Undoubtedly, when visiting Bologna you must compare if the taste is the same as as the one you have always tasted in your country, both at home and at your go-to Italian restaurant.
Cotoletta petroniana
How would the typical Milanese cotoletta be with some upgrades? The result would be the cotoletta petroniana, one of the most beloved main dishes by the bolognese. It is breaded meat fillets fried in lard, topped with prosciutto, parmesan cheese, and a sauce.
We are sure that cotoletta petroniana would be one of the most irresistible dishes to try in a typical Bolognese trattoria.
Crescentina
If you are looking for the perfect match for mortadella and prosciutto di Parma, this would be the crescentina. These are small fried flour squares made with wheat flour, yeast, salt, water, milk, and lard. They are typically served as an antipasto on a platter of cheese and cold cuts.
Torta di riso
Dessert should never be missing, and in Bologna you should try the torta di riso (rice cake). As we’ve said before, in Bologna, Italy, food is of utmost importance. You’ve already seen a variety of ragù dishes, but desserts are also essential to finish a great meal.
Just imagine the flavors of the typical rice pudding in a baked cake, all mushy and tasty. We strongly recommend that you enjoy it with a coffee. Of course, don’t forget how to order a coffee in Italy like a local. Italians take it very seriously.
If you’d rather take your coffee elsewhere, we suggest you check out the places that have the best coffee in Bologna.
Parmigiano Reggiano
One of the Italian cheeses known all over the world is the Parmigiano Reggiano. Although it does not belong to Bologna but to its sister city Parma, this ingredient is very present in Bolognese dishes because it is perfect to improve their flavors.
Want to take some home? you’re in luck! Parmigiano Reggiano is a popular souvenir from Bologna. Look for aged wheels in local markets or specialty shops, and make sure it’s vacuum-sealed for transport.
Prosciutto di Parma
Prosciutto di Parma, the king of Italian cured meat. You can eat it by itself, with a glass of wine, on top of pizza, on a sandwich, and in basically any way you can imagine. Pair it up with a cheese table for a delightful Italian evening.
As its name suggests, it belongs to Parma and consists of a raw pork leg cured with salt for a long time. Its flavor is intense, salty, and delicious.
Green lasagna
Bolognese green lasagna involves spinach noodles in layers combined with ragú and bechamel. What a delicious idea! Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper green lasagna without an unspecified amount of Parmigiano Reggiano. We won’t say how much we like to use when preparing it. This is definitely a healthy and complete dish that we’d like to see more in any and all restaurants around the globe.
Of course, preparing the spinach noodles is not an easy tasks, and doing all the lasagna, as with any other typical lasagna dish, is a labour of love that will take a considerable amount of time. Thankfully, when visiting Bologna you’ll be able to find it all around and taste a variety of them. Definitely make sure to try it in at least one of the best restaurants in Bologna.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bologna’s Famous Foods
What is Bologna most famous for in terms of food?
Bologna is renowned as the “culinary capital of Italy” and is best known for its traditional ragù alla Bolognese sauce, mortadella, handmade pasta like tagliatelle and tortellini, and its iconic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
What is ragù alla Bolognese? How is it different from spaghetti Bolognese?
Ragù alla Bolognese is a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce traditionally served with fresh egg pasta like tagliatelle. Unlike the widely known “spaghetti Bolognese,” the authentic dish does not include spaghetti and focuses on a deeper, meatier flavor rather than a heavy tomato base.
What’s the best time to visit Bologna for food lovers?
While Bologna’s food scene is fantastic year-round, visiting in autumn or winter offers a chance to enjoy hearty dishes like ragù and tortellini in their full glory. Spring and summer are perfect for exploring fresh markets and al fresco dining.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Bologna’s traditional cuisine?
Absolutely! While Bologna is famous for its meat-based dishes, vegetarians can enjoy fresh egg pasta with butter and sage or Parmigiano Reggiano. Vegan options are less traditional but can be found in many modern restaurants catering to dietary preferences.
What’s the difference between Parma ham (prosciutto di Parma) and mortadella?
Both are cured pork products but differ in preparation and flavor. Parma ham is dry-cured and thinly sliced, offering a delicate taste, while mortadella is a cooked sausage with a smooth, rich flavor.
Are there food festivals in Bologna?
Yes! Bologna hosts food events like the Mortadella Bologna Festival and Cibus in Città. Additionally, the city participates in festivals celebrating regional products like truffles and balsamic vinegar.
Update notice: This article was updated on January 3, 2025.
