You don't get much more classic lunch break than Vecchia Malga, one of many choices in the alleyway…read morestreet off of Bologna's main square, Piazza Maggiore. There are plates of thinly sliced meats with cheeses everywhere so it's hard to choose where to go, especially if you're a couple of vegetarians like us. We made a good choice here, ordering a cheese board for one and a mixed salad. The cheese board was so plentiful that we had to re-confirm that this was just a serving for one. It was. Really generous with 6 different local cheeses of various tastes and firmness, surrounding a cup of honey which sealed the deal for us. We loved this cheese board and left referring back to it as we had cheese in other places on our trip. The salad (I mean you have to occasionally eat vegetables...even in Italy) was basic, just arugula and tomatoes, but was super-fresh. Also they brought the region's famous bread in a paper bag. Well, I don't know if "famous" is the right word, but this is the only place in the world we'd experienced the bread brought in paper bags, so sign me up for its autograph. This was a great choice for a cheese plate among the many options on this street and in the area. The cheese board especially was our favorite cheese in the whole country.

Such an amazing experience for a couple of first time visitors to Italy. We enjoyed a sample board…read moreof meats and cheese, and while I thought the concept of lard as a condiment was strange, holy cow was that tasty! And I don't know why something as simple as tortellini in broth is so tasty, but it is the ultimate comfort food! The atmosphere was incredibly cozy on the cold and damp day we visited,. Our waiter took excellent care of us, and we enjoyed watching the butchers at work assisting customers. Tucked up in the loft with a glass of wine, and later a coffee, was a perfect afternoon!

A great place to get fresh pasta in Bologna. They don't take reservations so expect to queue during…read morebusy times. Came for weekday dinner around 7:30 and it was about a 15 mins on queue until we got seated. The place is very busy inside and popping. you write your order on paper which is a cool experience. I ordered the tagliatelle al ragù and the tortellini in brodo, and both were excellent. The tagliatelle had that perfect fresh, silky texture, and the ragù was rich, deeply savoury, and comforting without being overly heavy. It felt like exactly the kind of dish you come to Bologna hoping to eat. The tortellini in brodo were equally memorable: delicate, neatly made pasta parcels in a clear, flavourful broth that was simple but full of depth. This place is highly recommended showcasing Bolognese cuisine.

I was a bit hesitant seeing the line, but it was fast moving and worth it…read more It's a fairly small restaurant, with half the seating around one giant table. It's not a place you'll linger over a leisurely meal. But the food is terrific. The menu is split between classics and creative takes, it was great to share and sample from several. There are certainly more "authentic" places you could go (even though this one has been around for decades); a dinner place in Italy whose kitchen closes at 8 raises an eyebrow. But it's a great experience as a visitor and inviting.

Patio and second floor indoor dining by Piazzo Maggiore…read more Pluses 1. Good lasagna 2. April spritz good Areas to improve 1. Wine by glass - Sangiovese was not good 2. Ragu too salty Server disappeared and you pay inside at the register. Fun to people watch. Good value. Recommended!

We sat inside on the 2nd floor and had the Emilia platter and assorted Tortellini's and…read moreTortelloni's and a caprese salad. The place is also a deli and has very good food. Delicious in fact. It is a supreme way to avoid all of the suspect English only menu's at the door with strapping young Italians trying to draw you in to eat their generally inauthentic Italian fair. You will see locals in the know here. Our food tour guide directed us to go here and she was correct. The service was very efficient but the young lady serving us was deep into her Italian holiday serving tenure and not exuberant by any stretch of the imagination. Still she didn't make a single mistake. Still a little personality would have earned this place five stars! I'll have to give it four for that only.

Unfortunately we were here while most vendors were still closed. We got some giant cherries. The…read moreprice was higher than it was on the street and due to the heat some were a bit soft.

Stopped in as part of a food tour, so the experience was probably different than it would be if we…read morehad just popped in. As a result, the service was super friendly and attentive. There are a bunch of cute stores. Solid amount of options between pasta, cheese, meat, produce. I'm not sure I necessarily would have needed to come here it it weren't part of a food tour but in the end it was a nice experience. Not as overwhelming as some other similar markets may be and a nice way to see some of the authenticity of the area.

No complaints. Really good meats and cheese, tasty local wine and friendly staff. Off the tourist…read moretrail, which is nice

The owner of the restaurant served us and he was the most friendly person we encountered all…read moreweekend. He told us about how he started this place with his friend and where they came from. The food was absolutely amazing. We came across this place on accident after realizing everything else was closed that late at night. Their "tigelle" are the best I've ever had, they're little hot dough patties. We got the sampler and they had different flavors. The truffle one was the best.

Delicious and easy sandwich shop. Great value, quick service, perfect before classes. 10/10read more

Excellent bread, mortadella, cream, rocket. Bologna…read more That's a 5 star review in and of itself and Il Panino is one of the best representations of that you will find in the city. I was there before the crowd rush and was able to take my time and savor the magic. They have something for whatever you are in the mood for but mortadella in Bologna is hard to beat.

Begium and Italian artesional beer, french and italian wine, local cheeses, cured meats, homemade…read morepastas, all sorts of baked goods and a delightful owner. Great little spot!

I tried the zeppole, which was delicious. My biggest regret was that I had just eaten and I was…read morenot staying in a place with a kitchen so that I could buy lots of the pasta to cook. Next time, I am going to make sure I have a kitchen so that I can partake of these amazing offerings like the spinach and pork ravioli, the pumpkin and meat tortellini and their tagliatelle. Basically, give me some of everything here. The shop workers were very patient as I investigated every item in the store. It's very close to the main Piazza, so stumbling upon the shop was easy.

Walking through the streets in Bologna, there were so many specialty shops and confectioners…read more What struck me about Paolo Atti e Figli was the wonderful sweets they had on display at the store window. The old-fashioned beautiful display reminded me of the winter holidays and enticed me to go in and try something. I decided to buy some sweet rice cake which was charged by the weight. Forgot exactly what is was called " Torta di Riso" but was something di riso as it has rice baked in it and was simply rich and delicious. They also have the famous certosino. it's a traditional Bolognese cake, which is also sort of like a western fruit cake with honey, candied fruit, stewed fruit, jam, almonds, pine nuts, cocoa powder, dark chocolate and wine syrup. The cake was not cheap but was so delicious and memorable that I vow to return when I visit Bologna again.

I have shopped at a Lidl in North Carolina and it is similar except more pasta, vegetables…read morevarieties, and a deli that mainly favors baguettes or squares of pizza slices. Cheap beer and wine are here with limited household or pet products. The detection alarm was set off by a young lady while I watched from the checkout line. The security guard physically searched the woman, looking for stolen food but she was clean. We have more rights in the States compared to our neighbors overseas. You must bring bags or containers since bags are not provided at an Lidl globally.

It is always fun and exciting to visit grocery store while I am on the road traveling, especially…read morewhen I am in a foreign country. Lidl is located right across from our hotel. Time to stock up on bottle water, snacks and of course cheap local wine! 1.49 € ?! I think I can drink this like water? There are also fresh pastry and hot food to go with your wine. It did take me a little while and help of the security to figure out how those bakery cabinet works.