Locals’ Favorites Food Tour in Bologna

Next, a guided stroll through Bologna city center’s cobblestone streets brings you to an authentic eatery often overlooked by visitors. Sit down and enjoy a feast of handmade pasta, including world-famous tortellini and tagliatelle, paired with local wines before wrapping up your tour at arguably the best gelateria (ice cream shop) in Bologna.

Locals’ Favorites Food Tour in Bologna Description

Your 3-hour tour includes:

• Guided exploration of Bologna's Old Town

• Tastings at 5 different authentic locations

• A wide variety of local foods and wines

• Personalized recommendations for your stay

• Small group size for a personalized experience

• Insight into Emilian culture and cuisine

Welcome to Bologna Old Town!

Your foodie adventure through Bologna begins in the charming Piazza del Nettuno, and although this square is always buzzing with locals and visitors, finding your guide is easy—just look for the mighty statue of Neptune. Here, surrounded by magnificent Renaissance art and architecture, your guide will provide an overview of the adventure ahead, which is all about uncovering authentic eateries tucked off the beaten path.

Start with an Aperitivo

Aperitivos are an essential part of Italian culture. So, it only makes sense to kick off this tour with a sampling of your own. Head to a local bar and learn how this pre-meal drink has become a staple in Italian culture and experience for yourself how it's the perfect catalyst to get conversations flowing and spirits soaring. Aperitivos are also meant to stir your appetite, and right on time, you’ll be treated to a delectable array of cold cuts and cheeses.

Authentic Pasta

Buzzing from your aperitivo, it’s time for a delightful stroll through the Old Town’s narrow streets. Tune in as your guide highlights the historical and architectural gems that have made Bologna a must-visit destination, and pause to admire imposing red-bricked buildings and medieval towers. Then, after about 10 minutes of walking, it’s time to tuck into a local restaurant for delectable handmade pasta. Dishes change with the season, but you can look forward to specialties like tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù paired perfectly with regional wines.

Bologna, the cradle of Italian pasta all’uovo

Tortellini and tagliatelle are both traditional types of pasta originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where Bologna is located, and which is renowned for its fresh egg pasta tradition.

Tortellini are small, ring-shaped pasta filled typically with a mixture of meat, cheese, and more. Legend has it that tortellini were inspired by the shape of Venus's navel, with each fold representing the bellybutton. Making tortellini involves rolling out thin pasta dough, cutting it into small squares, placing a small amount of filling in the center of each square, and then folding them into the distinctive ring shape.

Tagliatelle are long, flat ribbons of pasta, similar to fettuccine but narrower. Traditionally, tagliatelle are made by rolling out pasta dough into thin sheets and then cutting them into strips. The width of tagliatelle is typically around 6-8 millimeters.

In Emilia-Romagna, both tortellini and tagliatelle are often served with rich, hearty meat-based sauces like ragù alla bolognese, a slow-cooked meat sauce made with tomatoes, minced meat, onions, carrots, celery, and wine.

You certainly heard about "bolognese sauce". This term refers specifically to the sauce from the city of Bologna!

A sweet finale

Last but certainly not least, continue to a local gelateria. Choose your favorite from a range of delightful flavors and learn how to distinguish authentic gelato by its texture, color, and presentation—a skill that will serve you well on future Italian adventures. Also, be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on where to explore next, as with a happily full stomach, it’s time to bid farewell and enjoy the rest of your stay in Bologna. Ciao!