This Eataly in Bologna is different from most other locations in that it's half bookstore, half…read moreeverything else you'd expect from an Eataly (cafe, bar, grocery store).
Located in a three-story building a stone's throw east from the main Piazza Maggiore and directly across the alley from Mercato di Mezzo (a separate moderate sized food hall), the Eataly retail space is spread over all 3 floors, with groceries mainly located on the 2nd story. The ground/1st floor is mostly books and a casual bar/cafe, where they serve simple pastries and coffee/tea in the morning and apertivo options (meaning light bites and classic cocktails) in the early evening.
Upstairs on the second floor (1st floor for Europeans ;), there is a selection of olive oils, vinegars, condiments, dry goods, snacks, candies, wines and liquors, and gifting items. A smaller selection of grocery items than other Eataly locations and no fresh produce. There is a wine bar/beer garden area upstairs as well though it didn't seem to be in use during the couple times I dropped by in early April, however the still carried quite a broad wine selection considering the space.
I dropped by one late afternoon and tried the fried polenta and an aperol spritz. The food was kinda unimpressive, the fried polenta felt a bit thick and heavy, the drink was ok. It took a while to wait for the food though the drink was ready fairly quickly. Overall a convenient location to pick up a food/cook book in Italian or other souvenirs.