12 Bologna Food Tours We Loved – Our Tasty Adventure in Italy’s Foodie Capital

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If you love food and Italy (who doesn’t?), Bologna is a dream come true. We spent time exploring this delicious city one bite at a time, trying Bologna food tours — each one offering something unique and seriously tasty.

On a true Bologna food tour, you’ll taste iconic local dishes like tagliatelle al ragù—the original version of what the world calls Bolognese—and delicate tortellini in brodo, floating in rich homemade broth. You’ll discover why Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma are so treasured, learning what makes them truly unique, from how they’re aged to the traditions behind them.

You'll also participate in the beloved aperitivo tradition, enjoying local Pignoletto wine paired with tigelle (round bread), prosciutto and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Bologna food tours also reveal to you those hidden gems, trattorias and street food spots, that truly capture the essence of Bologna. Some explore the rest of the Emilia Romagna region - known as the foodie capital of the country for a reason.

Plus, you’ll share the journey with fellow food lovers from around the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, this experience brings Bologna’s soul to life—one delicious bite at a time.

We’ve spent some time eating our way through Bologna, Emilia Romagna’s food capital, and have joined several food tours along the way.

On this page, we’re sharing the best Bologna food tours we recommend based on our personal experiences and research. Check out our top picks for 2025!

👉 Discover all the Bologna food tours we've selected in one place!

How to book a walking food tour Bologna?

We always use Viator and GetYourGuide for booking food tours in Bologna! These websites are reliable and the booking can be made in just a few clicks. You can still cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance! Or you can just reserve your spot now, without paying!


1. Secret Food Tour Bologna - walking food tour

  • Secret Food Tours Bologna runs every day at 10am, 10:30am, 3pm and 3:30pm in 2025 - and you can even book it as a private tour!
  • The tour meets at Piazza della Mercanzia, 4, in the heart of historic centre
  • The Secret Food Tours Bologna is $109.79 per person, and you’ve got the option to cancel for free if needed!
  • 👍 Want the perfect food tour Bologna, Italy? This is it! The fantastic reviews prove it.
Plate of traditional tagliatelle al ragù and handmade tortellini served on our Bologna food tour

If you're a foodie heading to Italy, you can't miss one of the top-rated Bologna food tours! With Secret Food Tours Bologna, you'll eat your way through this delicious city while learning why it's known as the food capital of Italy.

Your friendly local guide will kick things off with a classic Italian breakfast before taking you on a flavour-packed journey. Along the way, you’ll sample fresh handmade pasta (yes, including those famous tortellini), rich aceto balsamico di Modena (aged balsamic vinegar), local cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, regional wines, creamy gelato, and even a surprise dish that’s revealed during the tour.

Over the course of this 4-hour food tour Bologna, Italy, you’ll get an inside look at traditional pasta-making, visit a local shop to learn how real Parmigiano and balsamic vinegar are made, and explore the vibrant Quadrilatero market—a true hidden gem packed with local food stalls.

As you taste your way through Bologna, your guide will also share fun stories and historical tidbits about landmarks like Palazzo della Mercanzia and the stunning Basilica di San Petronio.

👉 Ready to eat like a local? Book your Bologna food tour with Secret Food Tours today!

Wonderful tour with Claire - would do again!
"Claire was a wonderful guide who provided much history and interesting commentary throughout our tour. We enjoyed many of Bologna's regional specialties and even got to see a pasta laboratorio. There was plenty of food served and by the end of the tour we were comfortably full. We would highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to explore Bologna's wonderful food history!"


2. Delicious Bologna food tour from a local perspective

  • Delicious Bologna food tour starts at 10am, Monday to Saturday, all throughout 2025
  • Meet your guide and group at Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking
  • The Delicious Bologna food tour is just $121.91 per person, and you can cancel for free if plans change!
  • 👍 You won't find a better food tour in Bologna - the reviews speak for themselves!
Handmade tortellini being crafted by traditional sfogline during a Bologna food tour

If you're heading to Bologna and love good food, you’ve got to check out one of the best Bologna food tours around. This 4.5-hour walking food tour with Delicious Bologna is hands down one of the most fun—and tasty—ways to experience the city like a local. Seriously, add it to your Italy bucket list!

What makes this tour so special? It’s super relaxed and friendly, with small groups (max 9 people), so it feels more like hanging out with new foodie friends than a typical guided tour.

You’ll start your morning like a real Bolognese—grabbing coffee at a cozy local café. Then you’ll watch traditional pasta makers (sfogline) hand-roll and shape tortellini right in front of you (it’s honestly amazing to see). Along the way, you’ll snack on delicious local salami, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and other regional bites.

One of the highlights is wandering through the Quadrilatero market. It’s packed with history, energy, and some of the best food stands in town. Think of it like a food treasure hunt with tastings and local aperitifs along the way.

Lunchtime is a real treat—three kinds of fresh pasta dishes paired with local wine. After that, you’ll sample aged balsamic vinegar and finish with a scoop of rich, creamy gelato. It’s the full Bologna food experience.

What makes this food tour Bologna, Italy, stand out even more is that it’s a Delicious Bologna food tour from a local perspective. The guides aren’t just knowledgeable—they’re passionate about the food, the culture, and making sure you have a great time. They’ll even tailor things if you're vegetarian (just give them a heads-up).

👉 Book your spot on this Delicious Bologna food tour now!

Bologna’s Best
"Excellent food tour with local guide Mattio. Would recommend to do early in your stay as not only do you get food tour but a great intro to Bologna sites and attractions too, plus recommendations for some of the best bars, restaurants etc for the rest of your stay. Well worth the money for this tour - don’t be tempted by cheaper ones. Breakfast and coffee, pasta making ‘factory’ (above a store on a normal street), Osteria del Sole (special bar), lovely lunch with tortellini in brodo, lasagna and tagliatelle ragu with wine. Then to deli to taste balsamic and finish at a famous gelateria for ice cream. Excellent tour thank you Mattio."


3. Classic Bologna food tour

  • Taste Bologna Classic Bologna food tour kicks off at 10am, available Monday to Saturday), throughout 2025!
  • Meet your group at the tobacconist in the corner with Via De Pignattari, just at the right of San Petronio Basilica
  • Classic Bologna food tour starts at $127.54 per person (with free cancellation option)
  • 👍 If you're after the gold standard in Bologna food tours, you've found it!
A selection of mortadella, salami, and bresaola served during the Classic Bologna food tour.

Looking for the perfect morning in Bologna? Join Taste Bologna's classic food tour and explore the city’s delicious culinary scene! With small groups (just 10 people), you’ll get a personal, relaxed experience as you savour the best local flavours and hear fascinating stories about Bologna's history.

During this 4-hour Bologna food tour, you’ll visit:

  • Local food shops where the friendly owners prepare fresh, mouth-watering treats
  • The historic food market, packed with regional specialties
  • A pasta workshop, where you’ll see traditional tortellini being made by hand

You’ll also enjoy a variety of local delicacies, including:

  • Gourmet Italian coffee
  • Classic tagliatelle al ragù (pasta with meat sauce)
  • Traditional cured meats
  • Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • Aged balsamic vinegar (you’ll love its rich, sweet, and tangy taste!)
  • Fresh-baked bread
  • A classic dessert
  • Local wines like Pignoletto and Lambrusco

Taste Bologna’s guides are food experts—many are even professional cooks! They’ll share insider tips and their favorite places to eat in Bologna. Plus, if you’re vegetarian or need gluten-free options, just let them know, and they’ll take care of you!

👉 Don’t miss out on the classic Bologna food tour—book your spot today!

Delicious Bologna!
"We thoroughly enjoyed the food tour (Classic Bologna) with Darren. He’s a great guide, and a genuinely helpful guy. It was just like a walk around the city with a friend – a bit of chit chat, a bit of sightseeing with interesting historical information from Darren and, of course, good food and drink. Lunch was at a really fascinating place – somewhere we wouldn’t have been able to work out ourselves. Darren’s food background is definitely an added bonus; he brings a lot of inside knowledge and colour to the tour."


4. Devour Bologna food tour: Tastes and traditions of Bologna

  • Devour Bologna food tour starts at 10am in 2025
  • The group meets at Piazza del Nettuno, in front of ExtraBo info point
  • Devour Bologna food tour starts at $87.61 per person (with free cancellation option)
  • 👍 This amazing walking food tour Bologna is a total winner - just look at all those 5-star reviews!
Your Bologna food experience starts with a cup of macchiato and a cake!

Ready to experience the ultimate Bologna food tour? Join the Devour Bologna food tour, a 3.5-hour walking tour that takes you on a delicious adventure through Bologna’s top food spots. With only 12 people per group, this intimate tour is led by a local guide who knows all the best eats.

Your day starts with a classic Italian coffee—espresso or macchiato—paired with a sweet treat at a cozy café. Then, you’ll head to the Mercato delle Erbe, where you’ll sample regional cheeses, premium balsamic vinegar, and authentic mortadella panini, all paired with sparkling wine. You’ll even taste more cured meats as you go!

Of course, no trip to Bologna is complete without pasta. You’ll dive into tagliatelle with rich meat ragù and three types of tortelloni, all handmade that morning. You’ll also get to see pasta-making in action!

The tour wraps up with a sweet local dessert, leaving you full and happy. Just a heads-up—this tour isn’t vegan-friendly, so let them know about any dietary restrictions when booking.

👉 Hungry? Book your spot on the Devour Bologna food tour now!

Wonderful tour of Bologna’s Food
"Our guide, Cristina, took us around the city to sample the food Bologna is known for, from Parmesan Reggiano to Parma Ham and Tagliatelle with Ragú. We also got to sample some wine of Emilia Romagna that I had never heard of before. I highly recommend this tour when visiting Bologna!"


5. Do Eat Better food tour Bologna

  • Do Eat Better Bologna tasting tour runs twice a day in 2025: once at 12pm and again at 6:30pm
  • Meet your group in front of Feltrinelli bookstore at Piazza di Porta Ravegnana (near Two Towers)
  • The Do Eat Better food tour in Bologna is $97.96 per person, with a free cancellation option if your plans change.
  • 👍 This is among most beloved Bologna food tours (with excellent reviews)!
Delicious "cotoletta alla bolognese" with baked potatoes served during the Bologna food tour.

We’ve chosen the Do Eat Better gourmet food tour Bologna for its perfect mix of history and mouthwatering local specialties. This 3.5-hour walking tour takes you through Bologna’s top food spots, blending the city’s rich culture with its iconic cuisine.

Your journey starts with classic Bolognese pasta—savour tagliatelle al ragù topped with Parmigiano or enjoy traditional tortellini in flavourful broth. Then, indulge in tigelle, round breads stuffed with cured meats, or dive into the famous mortadella salami.

For meat lovers, the tour’s highlight is “cotoletta alla bolognese”—a veal cutlet breaded, fried, and smothered in prosciutto, Parmesan, and a rich buttery sauce. It’s a local treasure you won’t find anywhere else!

Finish the tour with a sweet treat: opt for artisanal gelato or the beloved “torta degli addobbi”, a fragrant rice cake with orange and almond flavors.

👉 Book your spot on this traditional food tour Bologna, Italy now!

Amazing tour!
"We absolutely loved this tour! Eugenio is a treasure, he is so knowledgeable, showed us things off the beaten path, got us into some of the places that were actually on our list of things to do!! Some of the places he took us to had lines waiting to get in, but he marched us in immediately. He took us for amazing pasta, various other Italian specialties and ended with amazing gelato. This is a definite must on anyone’s visit to Bologna!!"


6. Italian Days food experience Bologna

  • Italian Days Bologna food and wine factory tour departs at 7am, available Monday to Saturday throughout 2025
  • Meeting point is Piazza XX Settembre, close to the train station
  • Italian Days food experience Bologna costs $266.16 per person (with free cancellation option)
  • 👉 This is one of the top food tours from Bologna, including stops in Modena and Parma!
A tasty platter of prosciutto served on the Italian Days food tour from Bologna.

Looking for a unique way to experience Emilia-Romagna’s food culture? The Italian Days Bologna food and wine factory tour lasts 8.5 hours and takes you into the countryside between Bologna and Modena, where you’ll visit local food factories and sample the region's best flavors—all while enjoying a comfy minivan ride!

First, you’ll stop at a real Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory. Watch the experts at work, touch fresh curd, and taste cheese at different ages to discover your favorite variety.

Next, head to a prosciutto factory, where you’ll learn how prosciutto is made and enjoy thinly sliced prosciutto, cured meats, homemade bread, and a glass of sparkling Lambrusco wine. Then, it’s time for a full lunch with appetizers, three types of pasta, more wine, and dessert!

The final stop is a balsamic vinegar producer in Modena, where you’ll experience the rich aromas and flavors of this iconic Italian condiment.

👉 Ready for a delicious day? Book your spot on the Italian Days food experience Bologna now!

What a great day!!...
"What a great day!! Alessandro, Roberta, Linda and crew all made this day a wonderful memory!! We learned so much about the parmigiana Reggiano, Modena balsamic and prosciutto processes plus enjoyed all of the delicacies!! From the great breakfast with wine to the fabulous lunch with soo much wine and food to the dance party! What a great experience!! So glad we chose to do this!! Grazie Mille!"


7. City Unscripted Bologna tasting tour

  • City Unscripted private food tour in Bologna can be scheduled anytime between 8am and 5pm throughout 2025
  • After booking, you can agree the meeting point to fit your preferences
  • This Bologna food tour costs $149.99, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts
  • 👍 This is one of the most genuine Bologna food tours!
Freshly baked bread, focaccia, and pizza from a bakery in Bologna.

City Unscripted’s Bologna tasting tour is fully customized to your preferences, so you can explore the city’s food scene exactly how you want. Plus, you can even choose your favourite local guide from several amazing options! We’d love to take this tour ourselves!

This 3-hour food tour Bolonga, Italy, takes you to local salumerias (specialty shops) where you’ll sample the best cured meats and cheeses, including the famous mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano. Your guide knows exactly where to find the tastiest, most authentic products.

Next, you’ll visit a pasta shop that makes fresh tortellini and tortelloni every day. Then, stroll through Mercato delle Erbe, Bologna’s largest covered market, where you’ll experience traditional Bolognese foods like silky tagliatelle alla ragù, freshly baked focaccia, and more—all made with zero-kilometer ingredients.

The tour also includes a stop at a local osteria and a visit to a gelateria for a delicious gelato to finish off your culinary adventure.

👉 Book your spot on the City Unscripted food tour Bologna, Italy today!

Great History, Sights and Street Food tour of Bologna
"We had a wonderful tour of Bologna with Nicola in mid-May 2024. Nicola is a PhD student studying history, and my husband and I were history majors, so this was a great match for us. We had a wonderful tour of the major sights in Bologna's main square, as well as the amazing shields and crests at the Archiginnasio Library. The tour was less food-focused as it was on sights until the last part of the tour, which was fine with us; we had Bolognese street food with Nicola of Mortadella panini as well as Tigelle - with a special local delicacy thrown in, pig lard mixed with parm cheese - not an every day eat but it was super interesting and we were happy to try it. Nicola has an extensive list of Gelateria that he loves and we went to one that had "whipped cream" gelato - it was unbelievable. If you love history and want some local street food flavor thrown in, this is the tour for you. Grazie, Nicola!"


8. Bologna food tour with a local guide

  • Tours and the City food tour Bologna runs daily in 2025, with start times at 10am, 10:30am, 4pm, 4:30pm, and 5pm
  • Meet your group at the Piazza del Nettuno, 4, in the very heart of Bologna
  • You can join this Bologna food tour starting at just $93.16 per person, and you can cancel for free if plans change.
  • 👍 This is among the most authentic Bologna food tours!
Tigelle, traditional round bread from Bologna, served with cold cuts, cheeses, and a glass of local wine.

This fun and friendly 3-hour Bologna food tour is all about sharing how locals eat and celebrate with friends and family. You’ll enjoy over 15 food and wine tastings, getting a real taste of what it means to dine like a true Bolognese.

Your foodie adventure starts with tigelle—traditional round bread—served with a spread of cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh bread, all sourced from the surrounding countryside. And of course, everything’s paired with delicious local wines.

You’ll also dive into two of Bologna’s most iconic pastas: tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini. Honestly, we still can’t pick a favorite—they’re both incredible. And yes, there’s more wine to go with them!

To wrap things up, the group heads to a local gelateria for a scoop of creamy, dreamy Italian gelato—the perfect sweet ending.

👉 Book this Bologna food tour Italy today!

Bologna food tour.
"Great tour in Bologna for the foodies. Our guide, Stefania was awesome. She was knowledgeable about the food as well as the sights. We tried some of the best local dishes from Emilia Romagna region. Good times."


9. Delicious Bologna's food experience from Bologna

  • Delicious Bologna food experience from Bologna starts at 7am in 2025
  • You'll be picked up at your hotel or nearby
  • Delicious Bologna food experience to Modena and Parma costs $275.18
  • 👍 This is among the best food experiences around Bologna (Modena and Parma)!
Ricotta cheese with aged balsamic vinegar, tasted on a Bologna food tour.You'll taste this creamy ricotta topped with aged Modena balsamic during your unforgettable Bologna food tour.

Looking for the best Bologna food tour? This 8.5-hour food experience near Bologna is packed with incredible value, rich flavours, and unforgettable moments.

Your day starts with a comfortable minivan pickup, followed by a classic Italian breakfast—freshly baked pastries and rich, aromatic coffee at a cozy local café. It’s the perfect way to begin your culinary journey through Emilia-Romagna.

Along the way, you'll meet passionate local artisans and watch them craft iconic Italian specialties like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, and regional wines. Yes, you’ll get to taste them all—from fresh ricotta and aged cheeses to cured meats paired with tigella bread, and that sweet, complex “liquid gold” balsamic vinegar.

This is a small-group tour, which means a more intimate, authentic experience with plenty of time to ask questions, take photos, and truly savour each bite.

👉 Ready to taste the heart of Italy? Book your Bologna food tour now and discover the flavours that make this region famous!

Fabulous foodie tour - Bologna
"Riccardo is an excellent tour guide who really gave his 1000%!! He made this tour super fun & very interesting, not to mention his awesome sense of humour. No mean feat considering the 7 am start time! Excellent food and drink as well :) This was definitely a trip highlight for me; cannot recommend highly enough!!"


10. Prosciutto factory tasting tour in Bologna

  • Italian Days prosciutto factory tour starts at 11am in 2025
  • You'll have to take a taxi to the prosciutto factory
  • 👍 This is among the best food tours in Bologna!
You'll get to try some tasty prosciutto di Modena on this fun food tour in Bologna!

Ever wondered how Italy's famous prosciutto is made? Get ready for a delicious journey at one of Bologna's rare, open-to-visitors prosciutto factories! This special 4-hour Bologna foodie experience lets you peek behind the curtain of Italian meat-making magic.

Watch in fascination as expert craftsmen transform pork into delectable prosciutto di Modena, guanciale, pork loin, and belly. But that's just the beginning! The real treat comes when you sit down to a feast that'll make your taste buds dance - imagine sampling different prosciutto varieties, crunchy bruschetta, authentic pasta, heavenly tiramisu, and wonderful Italian wines.

Your hosts, Ricardo and Alessandro, treat every visitor like family. Their warm Italian hospitality will make you feel right at home as you learn, taste, and even shop for these incredible meat products to take home. Trust us - this isn't just a factory tour, it's a slice of Italian food paradise! 👉 Book this culinary experience in Bologna!

Step into prosciutto heaven2
"This tour is a phenomenal experience for anyone who loves prosciutto/ham. Alessandro was a top-notch host, as he showed us around the facility and explained the nuances and differences between the various kinds of pork they process there. I can still smell the wonderful scent coming from many of the rooms. Following the tour, Alessandro's family provided us with a full meal with wine, including maybe the best lasagna I have ever had. I would recommend this tour with Alessandro 10/10 times!"


11. Bologna food markets tour in historic centre

  • My Bologna market food tour starts at 11am (every day except Sunday) in 2025
  • Meet your guide in front of the MERCATO on Via Belvedere
  • You choose the food you want to eat (and pay separately)!
  • My Bologna food tour costs €42
  • 👍 This is among the most special Bologna food tours!
Tigelle stuffed with freshly slices mortadella are so delicious!

This 2-hour morning food tour in Bologna is completely no-waste. You'll explore two vibrant food markets and visit family-owned shops. Your guide will show you how Bologna's residents shop, cook and enjoy the food.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to sample authentic delicacies like Parma ham, regional cheeses, hand-rolled fresh pasta, mortadella, traditional balsamic vinegar, local bread, and artisanal gelato. What makes this tour special is its flexibility - you choose what and how much to eat at each stop. The food costs are separate (approximately €17 total per person) and entirely optional. Everybody can join, even if you have food allergies or you are vegetarian.

👉 Save your spot on this special food tour Bologna Italy!

"How lovely to wander the markets and try selected specialty produce with Benne as our insider guide! Lots of food, it was our breakfast and lunch. Also we followed one of her many restaurant suggestions and had a beautiful authentic dinner later close by. With so much choice it is golden to have inside tips, Grazie Mille"


12. Bologna food tour from Florence

  • City Wonders runs Bologna food tour from Florence at 8am (Mon / Wed / Sat / Sun) in 2025
  • Meet your group at Piazzale Montelungo, close to SMN train station; your host will wait you on the left side of the street
  • Bologna food tour from Florence starts from €149 (now €119.20) per person
  • 👉 Experience this unique food tour in Bologna that departs from Florence!

On this 11-hour Bologna food tour from Florence, you'll step aboard a comfortable coach and head into the heart of Italy's culinary excellence. 

Your first stop is a local dairy, where the magic of crafting Parmigiano Reggiano unfolds in front of your eyes. Witness the meticulous process from the milk vats to the aging rooms, and savor the nutty, complex taste of this world-famous cheese aged to perfection.

Next, journey to a balsamic vinegar producer steeped in centuries of tradition. Discover how grape must transforms into rich, aromatic vinegar, and indulge in tastings of aged varieties. Pair these with Parmigiano shavings and enjoy a surprising treat - balsamic-infused gelato—highlighting the artistry of Modena’s culinary heritage.

This Bologna food tour from Florence continues at a cured meats facility, where you’ll uncover the secrets behind prosciutto production. Relish a light lunch of Italy’s finest cured meats, including prosciutto, truffle-infused culatta, and salami. Accompanied by aged Parmigiano, freshly baked tigelle bread, and a glass of local Lambrusco wine, this meal celebrates the Emilia Romagna flavours.

The day concludes in Bologna, where your tour leader offers a brief introduction to the historic city center. Enjoy free time to explore landmarks like Piazza Maggiore, wander its charming streets, or sample more local delights. Don't forget to buy some food souvenirs!

After a day filled with unforgettable experiences, relax on your scenic return journey to Florence.

👉 Book this Bologna food tour from Florence!


When is the best time to take a food tour in Bologna?

Well, you really can't go wrong - they're fantastic any time of day! But here's a little insider tip: we absolutely love the morning tours. Bologna food tours, usually kick off around 10am or 11am, and here's the best part - you get to enjoy both breakfast and lunch along the way.

Looking for some solid recommendations? You can't miss with either Delicious Bologna food tour or Taste Bologna food tour - they're both amazing!

If you need more flexibility, Secret Food Tours Bologna and Do Eat Better Experience run tours both morning and afternoon.

If you prefer something more personalized, City Unscripted and Withlocals offer private food tours in Bologna that work around your schedule - pretty convenient, right? Just make sure to plan your food adventure around whatever else you've got going on that day, and you're all set!

You can join a Bologna food tour any time of the year, but the best time to go is between April and June when the weather’s perfect for strolling around. September and October are also great months to visit!

Read also: What to Eat in Rome


What foods you'll eat on Bologna food tours?

Bologna, affectionately known as "La Grassa" (The Fat One), is a food lover's paradise. One of the highlights of most Bologna food tours is a plate of tagliatelle al ragù. This thick meat sauce is always served with tagliatelle, long flat ribbon pasta made with eggs and flour, never spaghetti. This slow-cooked sauce combines ground meat, soffritto, wine, and tomatoes.

Mortadella, is a must-try local specialty, whether your are on your own or taking a Bologna food tour. This refined smooth pork sausage is sometimes studded with pistachios and peppercorns. Because of its tender texture and mild taste, Mortadella is often enjoyed in thin slices, making it a popular choice in sandwiches, antipasti platters, or simply on its own, sometimes paired with cheese or fruit. 

Tortellini in brodo is another Bologna essential. These small, ring-shaped pasta pieces filled with meat, cheese, and nutmeg are served in a rich chicken broth. Their larger cousins, tortelloni, often come with ricotta and spinach filling. On certain Bologna food tours, you can watch "the sfogline" handcrafting fresh tortellini right before your eyes.

No Bologna food tour is complete without sampling Parmigiano Reggiano, produced in the region. Often paired with a few drops of traditional balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena, this aged cheese is a testament to local craftsmanship.

For street food, try tigelle, round flatbreads, eaten straight from the pan, stuffed with a delicious cured meats and cheeses.

End your tour with gelato, which some historians believe originated in Bologna. The city's gelaterias offer classic flavours alongside innovative combinations, providing a sweet conclusion to your culinary adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions – Bologna Food Tours

1. What happens on a typical food tour in Bologna, Italy?

A food tour in Bologna usually includes visits to local markets, family-run eateries, and traditional shops. You’ll get to sample regional specialties like fresh pasta, mortadella, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano while learning about Bologna’s rich culinary traditions.

2. How long does a food tour in Bologna, Italy, last?

Most Bologna food tours last between 2.5 to 4 hours, though some full-day culinary tours in Bologna offer a more in-depth experience.

3. Can food tours in Bologna accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! Many culinary tour providers can accommodate vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies—just be sure to let them know in advance when booking.

4. Should I book my Bologna food experience ahead of time?

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy travel seasons, as food experiences in Bologna can sell out quickly.

5. Are drinks included in a food tour in Bologna?

Many tours include at least one drink, such as wine, espresso, or a local aperitivo. Check the tour description to see what’s included.

6. What’s the price range for a food tour in Bologna?

Prices usually start around $90 to $100 per person. The cost depends on the length of the tour and how many tastings are included.

7. Is tipping expected on Bologna food tours?

Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated. If you enjoy your tour, a 5–10% tip is a nice gesture for your guide.

8. Are these food tours family-friendly?

Yes, many Bologna food tours are great for families and offer kid-friendly tasting options and non-alcoholic drinks.

9. What should I bring on a culinary tour in Bologna?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. Bologna food experiences often involve walking through the city’s historic center, so weather-appropriate clothing is a must.

10. Will I get to try classic dishes like tagliatelle al ragù?

Absolutely. A food tour in Bologna, Italy almost always includes signature dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and other local favourites.


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