While on our way to a local restaurant, our host took us for a tour of Ambasciatori librerie.coop,…read moreand it was love at first sight. Three levels of books, cafes, and food-focused shopping was certainly a highlight in Bologna. For all my Portland friends, it is their version of Powell's Books, only with food and wine.
It is a modern, vibrant space with exposed beams and a glass ceiling with just a few remnants of the original church that were retained. What I really enjoyed was that you can enjoy almost every element of the business on site or to go. For example, on every visit (there were three), you would see people curled up with books in the elevated lounge area that is also used as a performance space.
There are cafes and bars operated by Eataly on all three levels with seating so you can dine (or drink) in, or take your purchases to go. The third floor is part bookstore and part Dispensa, a food store with shelves filled with endless varieties of pasta and sauces, next to small kitchen appliances. Of course, there is a very large cookbook section.
One thing to note, is that I never found an international or English language section in the bookstore. So all of my purchases were in the food and wine sections. The other really amusing thing is that the children's section is on the top floor right next to the wine bar. Wouldn't be surprised if little ones are handed a book while mom and dad slip away for a glass of vino.
There are escalators, as well as an elevator, for those with mobility issues. This is definitely on my don't miss list of places in town.
