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The Bologna food tours, Italy are the best way to eat your way through this Italian city.
A walking food tour Bologna brings you the tastiest mortadella sandwiches, handmade tortellini pasta (you'll see also how they are made by Sfogline), the appetizing plates of tagliatelle pasta tossed into meat ragù that will delight your taste buds!
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.
We have spent some time in Emilia Romagna's capital, tasting our way through the city and have done multiple Bologna food tours. On this page, we're only sharing the best food tours in Bologna, Italy, based on our own experience and our research. Here are our top picks for 2025!
In all cases, Bologna’s food scene is diverse enough to be enjoyed by people of all ages and preferences. Solo travellers, couples and families with kids will enjoy taking a walking food tour in 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!
Treat yourself to one of the best Bologna food tours, where you'll discover why everyone's crazy about the food here!
On this Secret Food Tours Bologna food tour, your friendly local guide will start you off with a tasty breakfast, followed by lots of yummy samples - fresh pasta, special vinegar (aceto balsamico di Modena), cheese, wine, gelato, and a surprise dish they'll reveal during the tour.
Along 4-hour food tour Bologna, you'll watch real pasta makers create ring-shaped tortellini from scratch (it's pretty amazing!) and then taste their very best dishes. Your guide knows all the good stuff about shopping for real Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and will take you to a traditional shop to learn about aged balsamic vinegar and taste it.
You'll also visit the Quadrilatero food market, where your guide will show you all the most exciting food stands. It's like a treasure hunt for food lovers! In addition, you'll hear fascinating history facts about sights such as Palazzo della Mercanzia and Basilica di San Petronio!
👉 Book Secret Food Tours Bologna food tour!
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!"
Let us introduce you to one of the best food tours in Bologna! This incredible 4.5-hour morning food tour in Bologna is definitely worth adding to your bucket list. In our experience, it's one of the best food tours you'll find, not just in Bologna, but in all of Italy!
Delicious Bologna food tour is like spending a wonderful morning with a small, friendly group (never more than 9 people) as you discover the city's amazing local specialties. You'll get to hang out in authentic Italian café, watch skilled sfogline (traditional pasta makers) craft perfect tortellini by hand, and sample mouth-watering salami and aged parmigiano. The tour takes you through the historic Quadrilatero market where you'll enjoy aperitifs and more delicious tastings.
This walking food tour Bologna includes a fantastic lunch featuring three different pasta dishes paired with wine. And for the grand finale, you'll taste aged balsamic vinegar and finish with a creamy scoop of gelato. The guides on Delicious Bologna food tours are absolutely fantastic - they really know their stuff and make sure everyone has a great time. Just remember to let them know ahead of time if you're vegetarian!
👉 Book your spot on this 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."
Looking for a perfect morning in Bologna? Join Taste Bologna's classic Bologna food tour! They keep groups small (just 10 people) so everyone can enjoy the experience. You'll taste amazing local foods while a guide shares interesting stories about Bologna's history.
During 4-hour classic Bologna food tour, you'll visit:
Classic Bologna food tour includes gourmet Italian coffee, 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, classis dessert and local wines (Pignoletto and Lambrusco).
Taste Bologna's guides really know their food - some are even professional cooks! They'll share their favourite places to eat during your stay in Bologna. Just let us know if you're vegetarian or need gluten-free options, and they'll take care of you!
👉 Don't miss classic Bologna food tour!
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."
Experience the culinary delights of Emilian Romagna on this intimate 3.5-hour Devour Tours walking food tour Bologna, limited to just 12 participants. This mouthwatering adventure is absolutely worth every minute and penny! It's guided by a Bologna native!
Your gastronomic journey begins with a proper Italian wake-up call - a perfect espresso or macchiato paired with a cake at a charming local café. Next, you'll explore the bustling Mercato delle Erbe, where you'll indulge in various regional cheeses, premium balsamic vinegar, and savor authentic mortadella panini, accompanied by sparkling white wine. More cured meat tastings await as the tour progresses!
No Bologna food tour would be complete without pasta, and you'll feast on tagliatelle with a rich meat ragù and three different types of tortelloni, all handmade that morning. You'll even get to witness the fascinating art of traditional pasta-making in action!
This food experience in Bologna concludes with a delectable local dessert that'll satisfy your sweet tooth. Just remember to notify the tour operator about any dietary restrictions when booking (note that the tour isn't suitable for vegan participants). 👉 Book Devour Bologna food tour!
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!"
Experience the perfect blend of history and gastronomy with Do Eat Better walking food tour Bologna. This delightful food journey through the city combines cultural exploration with mouthwatering local specialties - what could be better than discovering Bologna through its famous cuisine?
Your 3.5-hour food tour in Bologna begins with classic Bolognese pasta dishes: savour the rich tagliatelle al ragù topped with Parmigiano, or enjoy traditional tortellini swimming in flavourful broth. Then, treat yourself to tigelle, charming round breads stuffed with local cured meats, or sample the city's celebrated mortadella salami.
For meat enthusiasts, the tour's highlight is the unique "cotoletta alla bolognese" - a local treasure you won't encounter elsewhere. This dish features a carefully prepared veal cutlet, breaded and fried to perfection, then elevated with prosciutto and Parmesan cheese. The dish is finished by simmering in broth and butter, creating an unforgettable sauce. So inviting!
Round off one of the best Bologna food tours with sweet delights: choose between artisanal gelato or the beloved "torta degli addobbi", a fragrant rice cake infused with orange and almond flavours that's cherished throughout the region. Remember to mention any dietary restrictions when booking!
👉 Book this traditional food tour Bologna!
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!!"
This Italian Days food experience doesn't take place right in the city, but in the countryside between Bologna and Modena. A comfy minivan picks you up in Bologna to take you to the countryside for food factory visits. This gourmet tour is a feast for all senses (lasts for 8.5 hours).
First stop on Italian Days food tour from Bolonga, is the real Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory! You'll get to watch the master cheesemakers work their magic, and here's the cool part - you can actually touch the fresh curd and taste the cheese at different stages. They'll let you sample both young and aged varieties, so you can figure out which one makes your taste buds happiest.
The second stop on this Emilia Romagna food tour is prosciutto factory, where you'll learn about prosciutto production and enjoy it, thinly sliced along other cured meats and homemade bread and a glass of sparkling Lambrusco wine. But save some room - there's a proper lunch coming up with appetizers, three different kinds of pasta, more wine, and of course, dessert!
Lastly, on Italian Days food tour from Bologna, you'll visit a traditional balsamic vinegar producer in Modena. Get ready to enter what I like to call the "balsamic wonderland" - the aromas and flavours of this precious Italian condiment enjoyed drizzled over dishes.
Sound tempting? It's seriously one of the best ways to experience the amazing food culture of Emilia-Romagna! 👉 Book Italian Days Bologna food and wine factory tour!
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!"
City Unscripted's Bologna tasting tour is fully tailored to your preferences. You can even choose your favourite local guide (from among many options). We would love to take this tour someday!
Within this 3-hour walking food tour Bologna, you'll visit small salumerias, specialist food stores that sell cured meats and cheeses (your host knows exactly which ones make the best mortadella and parmigiano). Mortadella is often enjoyed in thin slices.
Plus, you'll visit a specialty pasta store where they produce fresh batches of tortellini and tortelloni daily. You'll also admire the biggest covered market in town, the Mercato delle Erbe, for a true taste of Bolognese tradition where everything is made with 'zero-kilometer ingredients', from silky tagliatelle alla ragù to freshly-baked focaccia. A visit to a local osteria is also in the itinerary of this Bologna food tour, as well as a gelateria.
👉 Book this food tour Bologna!
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!"
We picked this 3-hour Bologna food tour as it's completely private and more affordable than the other ones. You'll fall in love with food from Emilia-Romagna region during tastings on this food tour in Bologna (you'll try 10 different foods in total). Some of them are tortellini fritti, formaggio bianco, prosciutto, tigelle... You'll quench your thirst with a selection of drinks like coffee, an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) cocktails, wine and beer.
This is not only culinary tour, but also a cultural and history journey through Bologna. Along the way, you'll stop to admire the Piazza Maggiore, Quadrilatero, and Piazza del Nettuno and hear about their local relevance from your host.
👉 Book this special food tour Bologna!
"Not only did Giuseppe introduce us to the special foods and places in Bologna, but by the time we separated, it felt like we were saying goodbye to an old friend. We won’t share where Giuseppe took us (you’ll need to do a tour with him😉), but we had an assortment of food experiences we would not find anywhere else, including gelato that will likely be the last we’ll ever have because there’s no point in going back to the gelato we are used to elsewhere, and a stop in a place that is so unique we’ve not seen anything like it anywhere in the world. In addition to the food, Giuseppe shared local history and a passion for Bologna. It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon. (When you meet Giuseppe, you will understand why his photo shows him holding a huge sheet of pasta)."
The goal of guides on this 3-hour food tour in Bologna is to show how they enjoy with friends and family. You'll be eating and drinking like a true Bolognese. Be ready for over 15 food and wine tastings, showcasing the very best of local cuisine on one of the best Bologna food tours.
During this food tour in Bologna, Italy, you'll eat tigella, a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, all sourced from the nearby countryside, paired with local wines. Plus, you'll get to try two of the most beloved pastas - tagliatelle and tortellini (we can't decide which one is better) accompanied by more local wines. To end on a sweet note, the group on this Bologna foodie experience will stop by gelateria to taste a yummy gelato.
👉 Book this Bologna food tour with a local guide!
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."
This Delicious Bologna food tour that spans 8.5 unforgettable hours, is carefully selected for its exceptional value and authentic experiences.
Your journey begins with a comfortable minivan pickup, followed by a classic Italian breakfast of aromatic coffee and freshly baked pastries at a charming local café. As the day unfolds, you'll meet talented food artisans who are masters of their craft, watching them create legendary products like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar (rich and sweet), and exquisite local wines.
You'll taste a real staff - ricotta and various Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, local wines (along tigella and cured meats) and liquid gold from Modena - balsamic vinegar. You'll be part of a small group! 👉 Book this food experience near Bologna!
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!!"
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 food 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!"
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 Bologna food tour!
"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"
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!
On a Bologna food tour, you'll eat the most delicious tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini al brodo, you'll learn why the Parmigiano cheese and prosciutto di Parma are so unique. A food tour in Bologna takes you through traditional trattorias and vibrant markets of city, like the Quadrilatero, to see where locals buy their food ingredients for preparing the meals. Plus, you’ll meet fellow food lovers and your friendly local guide from 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!
Various Bologna food tours run all year round, but April to June is the best period when the weather is pleasant for walking around. Other ideal months are September and October.
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. 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.
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.
Yes, kids can absolutely join a food tour in Bologna! Many food tours in the city are family-friendly and offer a fun, educational experience for children. While the tours focus on Bologna's rich culinary traditions, they also make the experience enjoyable for younger travellers by including interactive activities and tastings that appeal to all ages.
Kids can enjoy learning about how traditional Bolognese dishes like fresh tortellini are made, and they’ll likely love sampling delicious treats like gelato or fresh cheese. It’s a great way to introduce them to the flavours of Italy in a relaxed and engaging way. Just be sure to check with the tour provider beforehand to ensure it’s suitable for younger children!