Looking for the best Bologna food tour?
Bologna is Italy’s food capital, and this page is your essential guide to the city’s iconic dishes and the top food experiences you can book in 2025.
After discovering the traditional foods below, you’ll find our curated selection of
the best Bologna food tours, including market walks, pasta classes, truffle hunts, and gourmet day trips.
Bologna Food Tour: 5 Traditional Foods You Must Try
Bologna, the vibrant capital of Emilia-Romagna, is one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary cities. Known affectionately as La Grassa (“The Fat One”), it boasts a long-standing reputation for indulgent, high-quality cuisine. Thanks to its rich agricultural surroundings—stretching from the fertile plains of the Po Valley to the rolling Apennine foothills—Bologna has access to some of Italy’s finest ingredients.
From rustic mountain recipes to royal court delicacies, the city has earned its place as a true gastronomic capital.
And the best way to explore it? With your fork. Below, we highlight five iconic dishes you’ll discover on our Bologna Food Tour options — a guided journey into the heart of Italy’s most delicious traditions.
Crescentine (Tigelle)
These beloved little round breads, originally from the Apennine mountains, are also known as tigelle. Traditionally cooked between heated clay or iron discs, crescentine develop a crisp exterior while staying warm and soft inside. Once baked, they’re sliced open and filled with aged prosciutto, ciccioli, or the decadent Pesto Modenese.
Mortadella di Bologna
Forget the American notion of “bologna” — real Mortadella is a masterpiece.
Made from finely ground pork and studded with white fat cubes, it is slow-cooked in brick ovens for up to 72 hours.
On our tours, you’ll sample artisanal versions served alongside aged cheese and Pignoletto wine.
Parmigiano Reggiano
Known as the King of Cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is aged from 12 to 36 months.
Bologna’s western province hosts several dairies still producing cheese the traditional way. It pairs beautifully with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.
Tortellini in Brodo
Tiny handmade pasta rings filled with pork loin, prosciutto, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in a slow-simmered capon broth. Bologna’s most iconic comfort dish.
Zuppa Inglese
A nostalgic dessert made from layers of custard, chocolate cream, and sponge biscuits soaked in Alchermes liqueur — the perfect end to a Bolognese meal.
The Best Bologna Food Tours & Experiences
If you want to explore Bologna through its flavours, here are our most popular food experiences — all starting in or near the city.
Taste the Tradition: Bologna Food Walk
A guided walk through Bologna’s historic markets with tastings of mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh pasta shops,
and artisanal delicacies. Perfect for first-time visitors who want a local experience.
Foodie’s Delight Tour – From Bologna
Our most complete factory experience: Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar acetaia, and a prosciuttificio.
Generous tastings and optional winery brunch or cooking class.
Bologna Pasta-Making Class
Learn to prepare authentic tortellini and tagliatelle with a local sfoglina. Hands-on and ideal for food lovers.
Gourmet Food Tour + Pasta Class
A half-day gourmet tasting experience combined with a hands-on pasta-making workshop — the perfect foodie combination.
See Tour Details →
Truffle Hunt in Savigno (Near Bologna)
Join expert hunters and trained dogs in the Apennine hills for an authentic truffle experience.
Discover Truffle Hunt →
Why This Page Helps You Choose the Best Bologna Food Tour
- A clear overview of the foods Bologna is famous for
- Direct access to the most authentic tours and experiences
- Safe, direct booking with Emilia Delizia
- Options for every taste: walking tours, cooking, truffles, full-day gourmet trips
Whether you love markets, fresh pasta, countryside traditions, or gourmet tastings, you’ll find an experience that suits your style.
Discover more from Emilia Delizia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.