First on our list of the 7 best restaurants in Bologna is Trattoria da Pino. This vintage-style restaurant serves up some of the most delicious traditional Italian cuisine in town. Their menu includes tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella sandwiches, and a variety of handmade pasta dishes. The atmosphere is warm and inviting – perfect for an intimate dinner with friends or family.

For seafood lovers, there’s no better place than Pescheria Federico II. Located near the bustling Mercato di Mezzo market, this fishmonger-turned-restaurant offers up some of the freshest catches from the Adriatic Sea. The interior is decorated with cheery blue walls and colorful chairs, making it a lively and inviting spot. The menu focuses on grilled seafood dishes, but their real star is the raw fish platter – an impressive variety of crudo, tartare, and other raw delicacies.

Another must-visit restaurant in Bologna is Antica Trattoria della Ghirlandina. Located in the heart of the city’s historic center, this trattoria has been serving up hearty Italian favorites for over 100 years. The cozy atmosphere and traditional decor make it a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Their menu includes classic dishes like tortellini en brodo (tortellini in broth) as well as more modern takes on Italian cuisine.

Just outside the city center lies Trattoria Dal Nonno, a cozy trattoria that serves up homestyle cooking. This family-run restaurant has been around since the 1950s, and it reflects its rustic roots in everything from the decor to the menu. The focus is on traditional favorites like tagliatelle al ragù and pasta con ceci (chickpea pasta), all made with fresh ingredients sourced locally.

If you’re looking for something truly special, head to Ristorante di Gualtiero Marchesi. Named after one of Italy’s most renowned chefs, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers up exquisite modern Italian cuisine. Dishes are incredibly sophisticated yet simple at the same time – think ravioli in mushroom and truffle sauce or veal shoulder with porcini mushrooms. The menu changes regularly, but the quality remains consistently excellent.

Finally, no visit to Bologna would be complete without a stop at Ristorante Ermes. A gastro-temple of sorts, this restaurant is run by chef Giancarlo Perbellini – the current holder of three Michelin stars. Everything here is made from scratch and prepared with precision and perfection in mind – from risotto to carpaccio to homemade pasta dishes and more.

For something truly unique, try Osteria del Cappello. This cozy osteria is tucked away on a side street in the historic center of Bologna and serves up creative dishes inspired by traditional Italian cooking. The menu changes seasonally and features ingredients like local meats, cheeses, and produce from the nearby Mercato di Mezzo.

These seven restaurants offer some of the best dining experiences in Bologna. No matter what type of cuisine you’re looking for – be it traditional or modern – there’s something for everyone here. Buon appetito!