One of the biggest reasons Bologna is a popular tourist destination in Italy is its local food. To be fair, not only Bologna’s typical dishes but the specialties of the whole Emilia Romagna region. This is why I couldn’t miss a full Bologna food tour comprehensive of tasting and anecdotes.
Are you ready to eat for a full two hours non-stop? Let’s dive into Devour’s Tastes and Traditions Bologna food tour.
Tastes and Traditions Bologna food tour – My experience
I took this food tour on a day trip and it started in the morning as soon as I got off the Rome to Bologna fast train. The tour started in Piazza del Nettuno and took place all around Bologna city center. It was led by Benedetta, a very expert local guide who knew the city’s and region’s most authentic places, dishes, and eating habits.
Due to the great diversity of dishes and recipes in each Italian region, we can’t really talk about “Italian food“, and even though I’m Italian, I realized how little I knew about the culinary traditions of the Emilia-Romagna region. Benedetta shared so much knowledge about Bologna’s foods and dishes that I learned way more than I would have by visiting restaurants and markets on my own.
In fact, I had already been to Bologna and visited some of the places included in the tour, but my experience wasn’t even remotely similar. I never got to strike up a conversation with the local vendors about the origins of their business. I never learned the history of mortadella, nor I knew so many tortellini and tortelloni are being handmade every day in the local market.
Click here for more info and to book the tour!
First stop – Breakfast!
I had just got off an early morning train so an energy boost was just what I needed. We stopped at the historical Gamberini cafè under the porticoes of Via Ugo Bassi and had our breakfast a taste of two traditional Bologna cakes and pastries, the delicious rice cake and the divine pinza. The pinza was in two versions, one stuffed with apricot jam and one (my favorite) with sweet-and-sour Bolognese “mostarda”.
Caffè Pasticceria Gamberini is a favorite stop for the locals craving good coffee and traditional pastries to be enjoyed on the backdrop of the wonderful UNESCO-listed porticoes of Bologna.
After breakfast, we were off to the famous Mercato delle Erbe, literally two minutes away on foot.
Second stop – Parmigiano, mortadella, and tortelloni!
Our visit to the historical Mercato delle Erbe was in the name of the most famous local specialties.
First thing first: Parmigiano Reggiano, the one and only. We tried it of different ages, textures, and also combinations with a drizzle of authentic quality balsamic vinegar from Modena.
We met the local shop owners and indulged in fantastic bites and nibbles. Tucking into a typical sandwich stuffed with the traditional, flavorful mortadella and snacking on fresh green peas and tender fava beans led to a tasting of the famous tortelli stuffed with ricotta cheese and parsley and dressed with butter and grated Parmigiano.
We were already quite full but our Bologna culinary experience still had one stop before lunch.
Click here for more info and to book
Third stop – One-of-a-kind drink-only non-osteria!
From Mercato delle Erbe, we headed to the 15th-century Osteria del Sole, a traditional “non-osteria” located in a narrow alley near Piazza Maggiore. We had our covered picnic sitting at the tables of this typical place Bologna residents love.
But why “non” osteria? Because they don’t serve any food, only drinks. And also on the drink side, only wine. But at least you can choose between red and white! Actually, in more recent times, due to the high demand, now they are also serving beer. But that’s it, no more requests. And already from the entrance, they make it very clear: if you don’t drink, you are not welcome.
So how did this work for us? Our shrewd guide had already everything lined up. In the market, she bought traditional regional bread and cold cuts and once at the Osteria del Sole, we tucked into the delicacies paired with a glass of local wine.
Fourth stop – Lunch with REAL Bolognese ragout!
After a morning full of appetizers, lunchtime arrived. By the time we sat, Benedetta had already warned us. The real Bolognese ragout sauce features meat with a bit of tomato sauce, not what we were used to in the other regions of Italy which, to her eyes, is just tomato sauce with a bit of minced meat.
We were full, but Bologna’s fresh tagliatelle with ragù is a dish that’s just impossible to miss. A sensory overload that makes everyone happy.
Fifth stop – Dessert with a view!
Our Bologna food tour ended in what’s possibly the most iconic place of the Quadrilatero, under the porticoes in the shade of the two historical towers Garisenda and degli Asinelli.
Listening to the fascinating explanation of how the towers were made, what their purpose has been, and what’s been happening all around in the past centuries, we had our final dessert, a bite of “pinza” stuffed with “mostarda”.
My conclusion and final thoughts about the Tastes and Traditions Bologna food tour
This is not my first tour with Devour Tours. I have joined their Testaccio food tour in Rome as well as their pizza-making and pasta-making class in Trastevere, and also their Naples food tour, so I wasn’t new to their style.
This Bologna food tour confirmed what I knew, Devour Tours guides are knowledgeable and enjoy sharing their passion for the local foods and culture. Our guide Benedetta showed from minute one she knew what she was talking about and where to take us. I immediately had the impression she was a regular of the places we ate at, which made her and the tour even more trustworthy.
I never hesitate to recommend Devour Tours and I think this food experience in Bologna should be on the list of anyone seeking to discover the rich and famous gastronomy of the Emilia-Romagna region and its capital.
WANT TO READ THIS LATER? PIN IT TO YOUR BOARD!
