So.... you and your partner are running around Bologna, getting romantic under porticos, shopping…read morefor leather, shopping for things, shopping, shopping, shopping. Then you almost walk into FP Pallotti Franco Never mind that you just had a satisfying lunch a few hours ago but, you're in Bologna where everything screams deliciousness. We ogled from outside, we saw specialty coffees being served, more importantly we saw an oasis of sweets. Had to come in here. And when I did oooooh, ooooh. I honed in on the desserts. We tried the panna cotta, chocolate/pistachio bonbon and a tortina. Loved the bites we had so much we vowed to come back. I think you will too. Visits: 1 Tip: Close to the University of Bologna, they close early like 7pm.

A little bit off the beaten track, but there is no place like it in Bologna for an early morning…read moreCappucino and Brioche. Offering a wide variety of pastries snacks and coffee specialities this small café on the Via de Borgo has it all. The staff are really nice and it's worth tracking down here for a good start to the day.

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.

Got coffee in here, and it was alright, just normal. Nothing special nor anything bad about itread more

Al fresco lunch on a beautiful clear afternoon after a long morning of checking out the Bologna…read moresquare. I had a panini with prosciutto cheese and tomato and Joan had some different sandwich. A little stuffy on the server having to deal with tourists ordering things too early in the day. So no pasta for us! lol. Silly Italians. Topped everything off with Pistachio gelato's and all was well. No toilet. Or at least non that I found.

I'll be honest this wasn't one on my list to try however I'm so glad we did. Being American it's…read moreintimidating to order when honestly Italian is not something I'm good at. Anyhow the service was nothing short of wonderful. They welcomed us and walked us through the whole thing. This gelato was so creamy, smooth, with the flavors being on point. Prices I thought were very reasonable considering what it was and compared to the US. Don't hesitate to try even if they say it's a chain.

Going to venchi in Italy is like going to Panda Express in China... overpriced and not that good.read more

Fantastic coffee, pastries, sandwiches. BUSY place with outside and inside dining. Perfect…read morecroissants - many varieties.

Stopped in to enjoy an apertivo and Impero's selection of complimentary tapas that you have…read moreunlimited access to as long as you order at least one cocktail. It's an interesting marketing concept that I wish would catch on in the U.S. :) The space is very large and features both indoor and outdoor seating. It was extremely busy when we arrived but we managed to snag a table for two outside. The tapas buffet selection was varied and interesting and included finger sandwiches, pastas, rice, pastries, and more. As an added bonus, they bring you a complimentary cheese pizza just make sure to ask for it. We only stayed for one cocktail each but mine was very delicious and packed a punch. The food was just good/ok. Nothing mindblowing in a country where mindblowing food can be found on every corner but worth a stop in for the money.

Having lived in Bologna, I would say m that there are a bunch of other aperitif places that serve…read morehigh quality snacks and drinks so this wouldn't be my go to recommendations. However, I'd recommend this place for travelers as it does have a good variety and is definitely aesthetically pleasing!!

I couldn't walk past Gamberini without taking a look inside. The cakes and fruit tarts displayed in…read morethe window were gorgeous! Berries, nuts, seeds, cream beckon you to try them...having just eaten I managed to stave off the temptation by getting only a couple cookies. Only to realize I'm not really a fan of the texture of the traditional cookies, they taste kinda like shortbread (which aren't my fave) bit too sandy for my preference. The jelly was good, the taste of the pistachio in the pistachio cookie was kinda light compared to my expectation. If I'm in Bologna again I'd certainly stop by and try some other items. The staff was courteous and the other pastries, desserts and chocolates looked delicious. Seating consisted of several smaller tables on the right side of the shop, it was pretty full on a weekday afternoon, which tells me it's a popular spot.

Wonderful little pastries of local assortment, perfect for trying out different flavours. Free…read morewi-if with registration.

This is a great place to eat and grab a quick bite. They have a huge selection of food and drinks…read moreand cheap prices . I decided to get a mini sandwich with prosciutto in it. The bread was soft and baked with a glaze on top. I went next door to the macaron gelato booth and had the al bergamotto macaron. It was fantastic. My mouth felt like it died and went to heaven and back again. Laduree was always my favorite but this macaron... it blew it out the water. Probably the best macaron of my life! The sweetness just melts into your mouth. They said the flavor was a type of tea. I've never heard of it or had it before. If you come here, I highly recommend checking out the macarons!

My favorite cafe so far in Italy! The staff are so upbeat and helpful and their food and coffee is…read moregreat. I came on December 23rd, Tuesday morning and it was packed! A lot of people but the line moves pretty fast. They have Panettone boxes hanging from the ceiling and art work all over the walls. They roast their own coffee in house making really good cappuccino. Their pastries are great too. Since we're here around Christmas, they recommend us getting the Panettone. We got their apricot and chocolate Panettone and it's amazing! Best Panettone I've had so far. Their other savory pastries are great as well. Highly recommend this cafe I hear in Bologna.

Chocolate brioches and the bread are the highlights!! The coffee is also super high quality…read more Service is quick and ambiance is fun. Perfect for sitting at a cafe and doing work.

Great pastry shop and good coffee. A slightly hidden gem, you can't see the entrance from the…read morestreet as you half to walk under the front of a building to get there. In any event the space is nice with outdoor seating in the back, and the service is quick. There is a nice selection of pastries and they are cheap and delicious!

A pleasant little pastry place for coffee and tea with a lovely large bathroom and friendly…read moreproprietor next to the towers.