The Best Restaurants with Michelin Awards in Bologna, Italy

Average bill: €54 – €84

Award: 1 Michelin Star

Chef: Nicola Annunziata 

I Portici is not just any ordinary restaurant but a blend of fabulous architecture, delectable cuisine, and rich history. Housed in the iconic Eden Theatre, which used to be a musical café in the 19th century, it boasts an ample, elegant, and bright dining space that is a visual treat to the eyes. The Liberty-style frescoes, chandeliers, marble columns, and the grand piano on the stage add to the restaurant's charm and character. Those looking for a more romantic ambience can book a table in the 14th-century ex-icehouse, with its glass floor providing glimpses of the well-stocked wine cellar below. Over the years, I Portici has had the pleasure of welcoming famous guests from various backgrounds, such as artists, politicians, and actors. The restaurant is also renowned for its involvement in Bologna's cultural scene by regularly organizing art exhibitions, concerts, and other events.

Executive Chef Nicola Annunziata is one of the youngest starred chefs in Italy. His menu is inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can choose from the a la carte options or the five- or seven-course tasting sets. The menu showcases numerous standout delicacies, such as marinated amberjack with pumpkin ice cream, roasted octopus with cocomerina apple chutney, and pork glazed with honey and chili. The presentation of each dish is crafted with attention to detail and a focus on both taste and aesthetic appeal. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring a selection of Italian and international labels.

Average bill: €9 – €23

Awards: 1 Michelin Green Star, Bib Gourmand 

Chef: Lorenzo Vecchia

Those looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Bologna should definitely give Ahimè a try. Its cozy and intimate atmosphere, combined with rustic decor and soft lighting, provides diners with a relaxed and romantic feel. At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Lorenzo Vecchia, who won the Young Ethical Chef award at CARE's 2018 conference and is recognized as the most ethical chef in Italy, with boundless attention to the environment, people, and work.

Ahimè serves traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients. The menu is constantly updated and is not divided into courses, allowing all dishes to be protagonists and keeping vegetables as the main element. Diners can choose from a variety of specialties, including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and flavorful meat delicacies. Each dish is beautifully presented, with an emphasis on simplicity and quality. The bread is a stand-alone meal on the menu and is baked with Emilian grains and sourdough over ten years old. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of wines, including numerous regional varieties.

Average bill: €38

Award: Bib Gourmand by Michelin

Chef: Alessandro De Agostini

Osteria Bartolini is a charming restaurant located in the Palazzo Dondini Ghiselli and serving exquisite food at affordable prices. Its stylish interiors are bursting with greenery, as is an outdoor terrace that provides a lovely space for dining al fresco in the shade of the large plane tree, which is more than 280 years old.

Osteria Bartolini serves traditional Bolognese cuisine using locally sourced produce. The restaurant takes special pride in its fish menu, which reflects the soul, seasons, and moods of the Adriatic Sea. The chefs go to the market every morning to personally select the fish used in their dishes, ensuring the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Diners can also choose from a range of antipasti, pasta, and hearty meat entrees, all of which are prepared with care and attention to detail. Desserts are made in-house and showcase such delicacies as meringue with custard, cremoso with hazelnut and mascarpone, and orange zest and caramel ice cream. A good selection of local and international wines is also available to pair with a meal. For those who prefer to dine at home, Osteria Bartolini offers takeout service, with dishes freshly cooked and delivered in environmentally friendly containers.

Average bill: €45

Award: Bib Gourmand by Michelin

Chef: Tommaso Maio

Head off the traditional tourist trail to experience top-notch regional cuisine in an informal, friendly atmosphere at Trattoria di Via Serra. This cozy restaurant is located in Bolognina, Bologna’s historic working-class neighborhood known for its striking red brick shops, impressive graffiti works, and multicultural vibe. The place is rather chamber-like, with around 35 seats comfortably arranged in three rooms.

The menu boasts a variety of traditional dishes that include such highlights as tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne alla bolognese, and the mouthwatering tortelloni filled with ricotta and spinach and served with sage butter. In addition to the classics, the restaurant offers creative twists on traditional recipes like cotoletta alla bolognese, a breaded and fried veal cutlet stuffed with Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham. Vegetarians will surely enjoy the delicious crescentine fritte, a typical Bolognese snack made from fried dough. The desserts at Trattoria di Via Serra are also not to be missed. Heavenly tiramisù and a creamy panna cotta with a drizzle of caramel sauce will never leave you indifferent. To enhance your experience, choose a wine pair from a good selection of international and Emilia-Romagna labels that include wines made from local Lambrusco and Sangiovese grapes.

Average bill: €12 – €85

Award: Bib Gourmand by Michelin

Chef: Armando Martini

If you are looking for a peaceful dining experience away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots, Al Cambio in Bologna is an excellent choice. Housed in a former stagecoach exchange station, this contemporary restaurant is a local favorite, offering an inviting and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional osteria. Vintage furniture and wooden objects add to the charm of the decor.

Al Cambio serves traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, curated by the experienced chef Armando Martini. The menu features well-loved delicacies such as cotoletta alla Bolognese, guinea fowl breast with truffle-scented potatoes, and tagliatelle al ragù, all expertly prepared to satisfy even the most discerning palates. The classic tortellini, served in a hearty broth, are also good, but the standout dish is certainly the lasagne verdi, which alone is worth a visit. The wine list is extensive, including many regional labels. The impeccable service provided by maître d' and manager Piero Pompili contributes significantly to the restaurant's popularity among locals and tourists alike.

What factors do you consider when choosing a restaurant during your travels? How important is it to you whether the restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.