Where to Eat in Bologna, Italy

A major part of travel in Italy is enjoying the country's varied and rich cuisines, but in Bologna food comes to the fore and becomes the attraction, with Conde Nast Traveler describing the city as "the gastronomic capital of northern Italy." Americans accustomed to what should more appropriately called "Italian-American cuisine" will find Bologna, a city that sits in the center of the region that gave the world Parmesan cheese, salami, tortellini and ragu, a place where the food is both strikingly exotic and yet also familiar. This is a theme that reverberates throughout the city, whether it be on a coffee stop at a scenic cafe or for an evening of fine dining.

Drogheria della Rosa: This intimate, little restaurant occupies what was once a pharmacy, and is the sort of place that might be a little on the cramped side, but packs plenty of conviviality and the charm of a classic trattoria. The chef makes a daily trip to the market every morning to buy selections for the restaurant, contributing to a seasonal menu that might change substantially from day-to-day and features fare such as cheese and zucchini tortellini and lamb sauteed with rosemary.

Divinis: A reasonably-priced refuge for oenophiles, Divinis displays its commitment to fine wine by lining both floors of the restaurant with wine bottles. Wine tastings are held through the week, and the menu includes a surprisingly long list of premium labels that come by the glass. Finally, in a rarity for Europe and Italy in particular, Divinis maintains continuous hours, so patrons enjoy a late lunch at 3 pm following a busy day of sightseeing.

Godot Wine Bar: Located near the university, this is a hip place that draws a diverse crowd, all drawn together by their love of vino. The menu is a fluid creation of seasonal offerings, and while excellent it is often overlooked in favor of a wine list that often extends beyond 1,000 different labels and vintages.

Le Stanza del Tenente: This cafe is one of the must-see places during a stay in Bologna, as it is set in a Renaissance building where candlelight brings out the best in the four-century old frescoes on the walls. Nevermind the refreshments, because while those are quite enjoyable, the main attraction here is the ancient atmosphere.

Nicola's Pizzeria: For those who cannot dream of traveling in Italy without trying the pizza, Nicola's is the place to go in Bologna. The pizzeria is widely considered as the best in the city, serving up pizza pies with excellent, crispy crust and a wide selection of toppings in generous proportions. Set on a lovely plaza, Nicola's outdoor seating is a real treat and an especially pleasant setting for dinner.

Pappagalo: Pappagalo is more than just a fine Bolognese restaurant, but an Italian institution that has received rave reviews from Conde Nast and Frommer's. Set on the ground floor of a Gothic mansion and evoking an elegant, yet simple and traditional atmosphere, this is an outstanding place for an exercise in the traditional cooking of Bologna.