Bologna Food Tour

Just an hour by train from Florence, Bologna is a foodie’s paradise, and there’s no better way to experience it than on a guided food tour with a local expert. Here’s how my unforgettable day unfolded, filled with authentic flavors and insider insights.

We began at the lively Mercado Delle Erbe, where our guide introduced us to the market’s best-kept secrets. First up was a comforting bowl of tortellini in chicken broth, featuring delicate, hand-shaped pasta swimming in golden, flavorful broth. We then sampled aged Parmigiano Reggiano, savoring its nutty, crumbly perfection while learning about the centuries-old process behind this iconic cheese. Next, we didn’t need to go far, just to one of the market’s cozy eateries. There, we indulged in ragu lasagna, a masterpiece of spinach pasta layered with rich, slow-cooked meat sauce and velvety béchamel. It was comfort food at its best.

Our guide then led us to a nearby tasting room to experience traditional balsamic vinegar. Aged for decades, this syrupy treasure was unlike anything I’d ever tasted, thick, complex, and bursting with flavor.

Next, we wandered into the Quadrilatero District, Bologna’s historic open-air market. There, we sampled Tigelle, warm flatbreads filled with mortadella, lard and onion, or creamy local cheese. Paired with a glass of crisp local wine, it was the perfect way to take a break from walking around the city and hang out with the locals.

The grand finale was dessert: the most amazing pistachio gelato I’ve ever tasted, stored under metal lids, a hallmark of quality and freshness. For a final sweet treat, we grabbed slices of Torta Degli Addobbi, a traditional rice cake, to enjoy on the train ride back to Florence.

This three-hour food tour that we booked via Viator, was a true celebration of Bologna’s culinary treasures, each dish a delicious story of tradition and authenticity. It’s an experience that leaves you with a deeper love for the city’s flavors and food culture.