Italy Travel And Hotel Guide

Anna Maria , Via Belle Arti 17a (tel 051.266.894). A favourite with the orchestra from the Teatro Comunale nearby; the sfogline (pasta-makers) work out front at lunchtime. Especially worth trying are the tortellini al gorgonzola . Closed Mon. Da Amedeo , Via Saragozza 88. A good place to try tortellini in brodo (in clear broth) and other Emilian specialities, including game. The vegetable dishes and desserts are reliable. Closed Sat.

Belle Arti , Via Belle Arti 14. A noisy, studenty place with friendly service and extra-large pizzas. Closed Wed.

Da Bertino , Via Delle Lame 55. The place to come for no-nonsense Bolognese peasant-style cooking. Bollito and arrosto (boiled and roast meats) are brought to your plateau on a metal trolley, accompanied by a range of traditional relishes. Closed Sun.

Cesari , Via dé Carbonesi 8 (tel 051.226.769). One of Bologna’s perennial top choices for calibre Emilian cuisine and friendly service. Closed Sun.

Clorofilla , Strada Maggiore 64c. A non-smoking vegetarian restaurant - just the place if the “fat of Bologna” has been weighing you down. Closed Sun.

La Colombina , Vicolo Colombina 5 (tel 051.231.706). Very attractive, very authentic, and evenhandedly expensive, but excellent value if you’re looking for trusty Bolognese specialities. Closed Tues.

Fantoni , Via del Pratello 11. Family-style Bolognese food on one of the oldest streets in the city. Amazing value for money, but open lunchtimes only. Closed Sun.

Trattoria Gianni , Via Clavature 18 (tel 051.229.434). Definitely one of the top options in Bologna. Try the ultra-traditional bolliti , a variety of meats boiled in the Emilian way. Moderate prices. Closed Sunday evenings and Mon.

Grassilli , Via del Luzzo 3 (tel 051.222.961). Way up in the expensive category, serving Emilian dishes that have been adapted with flair to suit modern tastes, accompanied by exceptionally good service. An experience to remember, though you’ll definitely need to book ahead. Closed Wed.

Al Montegrappa da Nello , at the Piazza del Nettuno end of Via Montegrappa. Try the very Emilian antipasti, in which apiece prosciutto is described according to the town it comes from. There are around half a dozen non-meat dishes on the menu too. Closed Mon, throughout Aug, plus Sat & Sun in summer.

Nino’s , Via Volturno 9c (off Via dell’Indipendenza). Pizzeria that serves a good selection of pizzas as well as home-made pasta - try the lasagne. Closed Mon.

Pizzeria Antica Brunetti , Via Caduti di Cefalonia 5 (tel 051.234.441). An elegant old wood-panelled restaurant on two floors, handily located close to Piazza Maggiore, that specializes in fish and seafood dishes and pizza. Moderately priced. Closed Wed.

Pizzeria Ristorante di Porta Saragozza , Via Saragozza 7. Friendly and lively, serving enormous pizzas at moderate prices. Many gay clientele. Closed Wed.

Self-Service S. Lorenzo, Via S. Lorenzo 4. Convenient cafeteria/restaurant off Via Marconi, serving traditional Bolognese dishes. Closed Sat evenings.

Il Tarì , Via Collegio di Spagna 13. A trattoria and pizzeria featuring fish dishes, such as delicious spaghetti allo scoglio - with mussels and galletti mushrooms. Enormous salads, too. Closed Thurs.

Teresina , Via Oberdan 4. A great family run restaurant serving regional dishes as well as very good southern Italian food, including fish (L50,000-60,000/25.83-30.99 for a full meal), with tables outside in summer. Closed Sun.

Da Vito , Via Mario Musolesi 9. (tel 051.349.809). Though difficult to find, this trattoria is famous throughout Bologna for its carpaccio (air-dried beef), served with brioche and cheese. Closed Wed.

Tags: 17a, amedeo, belle arti, cesari, colombina, emilian, family style, fantoni, gorgonzola, moderate prices, pasta makers, peasant style, relishes, teatro comunale, top choices, tortellini in brodo, trattoria gianni, vegetable dishes, vegetarian restaurant, vicolo