Da Cesari is on Via de’ Carbonesi 8 in Bologna, a short walk from Piazza Maggiore. The restaurant has been in the same family since 1955, when Ilario Cesari took over what was then an osteria and wine retailer. His son Paolino and wife Irene transformed it into a full restaurant while keeping it tied closely to traditional Bolognese cooking. Today it is run by the same family and remains one of the more consistently recommended addresses in the city for visitors who want regional food done properly rather than for the tourist market.
What to Order
The first courses are the reason to come. Tagliatelle al ragù is the dish most associated with Bologna and Da Cesari’s version uses freshly made pasta and a slow-cooked meat sauce. Tortellini in beef broth and ravioli stuffed with rabbit are also reliable choices. When truffles are in season, ricotta tortelloni with truffles appears on the menu — the kitchen sources truffles from the Savigno hills.
Among the secondi, Scottona beef fillet and pork cheek with balsamic vinegar are characteristic of the kitchen’s approach: local ingredients, straightforward preparation, nothing unnecessary. Grilled porcini appear when they are in season. The menu also features Culatello di Zibello and Parmigiano Reggiano prominently, reflecting the family’s connection to the wider Emilian food tradition.
The Wine
The wine list is curated by Paolino Cesari and draws heavily on Emilia-Romagna, including bottles from the family’s own Umberto Cesari winery. Pignoletto and Sangiovese from the family estate are well represented. The staff know the list well and can suggest pairings without being asked. For traditional Bolognese food, a glass of local Pignoletto with the pasta is the standard pairing.
Practical Information
- Address: Via de’ Carbonesi 8, Bologna — a short walk from Piazza Maggiore
- Reservations: Recommended, particularly at dinner and on weekends
- Capacity: Around 60 seats in the main dining room, 40 in a private room
- Price: Mid to upper-mid range — expect around €35–50 per person with wine
For more restaurant recommendations in Bologna, see our reviews of Ristorante Diana and Trattoria Anna Maria. For a broader picture of what the city offers, see our guide to things to do in Bologna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Da Cesari good?
Yes — Da Cesari is consistently recommended for traditional Bolognese cooking. The pasta is made fresh daily, the wine list draws on the family’s own Umberto Cesari winery in Emilia-Romagna, and the kitchen stays close to regional recipes without chasing trends. It is not the cheapest option in Bologna but it is one of the more reliable ones for first courses in particular.
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Do you need to book Da Cesari in advance?
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. The dining room seats around 60 and fills up on busy evenings. Walk-ins may find space at lunch on weekdays, but booking a day or two ahead is safer. The restaurant can be contacted directly or booked through the usual reservation platforms.
What is Da Cesari Bologna known for?
Da Cesari is known for its tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in beef broth, and a wine list tied closely to Emilia-Romagna producers. The restaurant has been run by the same family since 1955 and is regarded as one of the more authentic addresses in Bologna for regional cuisine — popular with both locals and visitors who want traditional food rather than a tourist-facing menu.
How much does dinner at Da Cesari cost?
Expect to spend around €35–50 per person with wine. A primo (first course) is typically €14–18, a secondo €22–28. The wine list has options across a range of price points, with good coverage of the family’s own Umberto Cesari label at the lower end.
What is the best pasta to order at Da Cesari?
Tagliatelle al ragù is the dish Da Cesari is best known for and the most consistently praised item on the menu. Tortellini in broth is the other standout — the broth is made in-house and the pasta is fresh. When truffles are in season (autumn and winter), the ricotta tortelloni with truffles from the Savigno hills is worth ordering if available.
Where exactly is Da Cesari in Bologna?
Da Cesari is at Via de’ Carbonesi 8, in the historic centre of Bologna between Piazza Maggiore and the Quadrilatero market district. It is a five-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore and close to the main food market streets. The area is pedestrianised and easily reached on foot from most central hotels.
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