Bologna: The Ultimate Food Tour with a Local
About This Experience
Explore the flavours of Bologna on a guided food tour through the city's most authentic local spots. Over roughly three and a half hours, you'll enjoy a full meal experience with drinks included across four or more delicious stops, while your English-speaking Local Food Expert shares the stories, traditions and culture behind every bite. The tour runs in a small group, so you can count on a relaxed, personal pace as you wander Bologna's historic centre, lively streets and charming porticoes.
Begin your culinary journey with tagliatelle al ragù, the city's most iconic pasta dish: fresh egg pasta ribbons served with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce. Next comes traditional tortellini, delicate handmade pasta parcels typically filled with meat and served in broth or with a light sauce. You'll then sample tigelle, small round breads served warm and filled with local specialities such as soft cheeses and cured meats, followed by mortadella, Bologna's famous delicately spiced cold cut prized for its smooth texture.
The tasting continues with cotoletta, a breaded, pan-fried meat cutlet that's crisp outside and tender within. Finish on a sweet note with either artisanal gelato or a slice of tenerina cake, a traditional chocolate dessert with a soft, gooey centre and a delicate crust. It's a memorable combination of authentic flavours, local culture and genuine hospitality in the heart of Bologna.
Highlights
- Savour Bologna classics: tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, tigelle, mortadella, cotoletta and a sweet finish
- Enjoy a complete tasting experience with drinks included across four or more stops
- Explore the city in a relaxed, intimate small group
- Spend around 3.5 hours of tastings, stories and local culture
- Discover Bologna's historic centre, lively streets and charming porticoes
- Learn from an English-speaking Local Food Expert throughout
What's Included
- ✓ English-speaking Local Food Expert
- ✓ Tastings across four or more stops (possible tastings: tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, tigelle, mortadella, cotoletta, gelato or tenerina cake)
- ✓ Water and alcoholic local beverages
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Any additional food or drinks beyond the included tastings
- Gratuities
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Details of any allergies or dietary restrictions (please inform us when you book)
Good to Know & Caveats
- This is a walking tour; although there are seated stops, expect around 10-15 minutes of continuous walking at times.
- Tastings may vary according to seasonality, availability and the time of day.
- Children under 10 receive a discounted price, and infants under 5 take part for free (a ticket is still required).
- The tour is led in English, and double-language tours (local language plus English) may be possible.
- For groups larger than 12 people, please contact the operator before booking.
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
Meeting Point
Meet at Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, in front of the Feltrinelli bookstore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Bologna food tour cost?
The tour is priced from €79 per person. Children under 10 receive a discounted price, and infants under 5 join for free, though a ticket is still required.
What will I taste, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Across four or more stops you may sample tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, tigelle, mortadella, cotoletta, and either gelato or tenerina cake, with water and local alcoholic drinks included. Tastings can vary by season, availability and time of day. Please let us know of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book.
Where does the tour start and how long does it last?
The tour lasts around 3.5 hours and begins at Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, in front of the Feltrinelli bookstore in central Bologna.
