We couldn't get in. Ended up eating pizza at the shop next door. We only found out that the…read morerestaurant was open after ordering pizza at their pizza place. Very confusing...

A Memorable Meal at Ristorante Trattoria La Grotta dal 1918…read moreby Pam Werley | OurTable42.com Sometimes, a meal becomes more than food on a plate--it turns into a lasting memory. That was our experience at Ristorante Trattoria La Grotta dal 1918, a charming 35-table restaurant tucked into the countryside of Emilia-Romagna. Though it took nearly 30 minutes to drive from our Airbnb, the moment we stepped inside, we knew the journey was worth it. We were greeted at the door by Chef Andrea Funi, dressed proudly in his chef's coat and hat, radiating warmth with a big Italian smile. His passion for food is infectious--he personally guided us through the menu, making recommendations like an old friend welcoming you into his home. Chef Funi's commitment to local sourcing is evident in every bite. From eggs and cheeses to grapes and meats, it's a true farm-to-fork experience. He even makes his own wine, and we had the pleasure of enjoying a bottle of his Shyrah--smooth, bold, and absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was as generous as the food. Over the course of two glorious hours, we soaked in the cozy dining room, shared homemade liqueur, and swapped food stories with the chef. I even had the opportunity to meet the talented kitchen team--what an inspiration! Each dish was presented beautifully, a reflection of the care and pride behind every plate. As we said our goodbyes, I felt not only full, but creatively charged. Chef Funi reminded me why I love to cook: for the joy, the connection, and the celebration of ingredients. I'm heading back to my Minnesota kitchen dreaming of morels, prosciutto, ricotta, and all the seasonal flavors of Bologna. Thank you, Chef Andrea Funi, for one of our most memorable meals in Emilia-Romagna. You've truly inspired me. -- Pam Werley Minnesota home cook, blogger, and recipe maker behind Our Table 4 2, a community of home cooks who find joy in sharing a meal, even when there are just two at the table.

Upscale countryside dining - Bologna style One of the…read moreawesomer things about Italy is that the food improves qualitatively in the countryside, and Bologna isn't an exception. La Grotta is out around 30-40 minutes from the city proper, it's an excellent drive, and the place is beautiful - both inside and outside. The ingredients and dishes are curated, the owner and chef are friendly and knowledgeable, and the ambience/service are perfect. The only downside is that, imo, the plates themselves don't quite live up tit he hype. Don't get me wrong, they're very very good. It's just that you can get pretty much the same level at awesomeness at around half the price at a bajillion places in the surroundings. That said....if the money doesn't matter, it is very worth it.....

Eat here! There is absolutely nothing to not love about this place. The food was delicious. The…read moreservice was outstanding. We loved it and want to eat here again before we leave.