It is difficult not to eat great Italian food in Bologna, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s gastronomical centre. With its tortellini, prosciutto, parmesan cheese and mortadella, not to mention wines made from local grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Lambrusco and Pignoletto, it is perhaps little wonder the city is nicknamed ‘La Grassa’, the fat one.
At aperitivo time in Bologna, head for the Quadrilatero neighbourhood just off the Piazza Maggiore; here you will find plenty of little bars and food shops offering a relaxing drink and a simple but tasty snack of local cheese and cured meats. At some point during your stay, you should try tortellini in broth (tortellini in brodo). These tiny parcels of meat-filled pasta served in a delicious broth are one of Bologna’s best known dishes and can be found all over the city.
But for la crème de la crème, La Drogheria della Rosa is the place to go for a delicious lunch or dinner and try the restaurant’s simple local dishes in a cosy, informal atmosphere. Set in an old pharmacy with cluttered shelves crammed with phials, jars and other old-fashioned pharmaceutical paraphernalia, La Drogheria della Rosa offers an ever-changing menu of homemade pasta, meat and vegetable dishes that the staff will explain to you. And to drink: a selection of local wines of course!
Emanuele, the owner, is a great host, chatting to guests, pouring the wine and making everyone feel welcome. A charming place in the heart of Bologna.