Bologna: La Grassa (the fat) and proud
Highlights
Savor Bologna’s signature flavors with 24 and 36-month Parmigiano Reggiano and 15 and 24-year aged balsamic vinegar, each crafted with generations of expertise 🧀
Try your hand at making your very own tortellino 🧑🍳
Stroll through Bologna’s medieval food market, where ancient recipes and gourmet secrets are waiting to be discovered 📜
Try traditional tigella with prosciutto, a mortadella sandwich, and the city’s famous rice cake, all prepared by Bologna’s culinary masters.
Take in iconic landmarks like the Two Towers, Piazza Maggiore, and Santo Stefano Basilica, while uncovering their fascinating ties to Bologna’s food culture 🏛️
Experience the lively University District, where students and locals gather in historic osterias for great food and good company 🍝
Dig into classic pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, made the authentic Bolognese way, and finish with a sweet surprise – chocolate tortellino.
Tour Description
Welcome to Bologna, where medieval streets lead to bustling markets, and every meal tells a story. With its rich history and world-famous cuisine, this city is a dream for food lovers.
On this three-hour food tour, you’ll explore the Quadrilatero, Mercato di Mezzo, and the lively University District. Taste fresh pasta with rich Bolognese sauce at family-run trattorias, enjoy handmade tortellini, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, artisanal cured meats, and exquisite balsamic vinegar—each bite packed with tradition. Pair it all with local sparkling wines, and you’ll see why Bologna is called “La Grassa” (The Fat).
Join us for 10 delicious tastings, great wine, and the fascinating stories behind Bologna’s incredible food scene.
Dietary Information
Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
Why Eat with Us?
Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent Bologna locals.
Bologna’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.
Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.
Cultural Immersion: See Bologna through the eyes of a local.
Established Expertise: More than a decade of experience in Italy. We’re simply the best food tours in Bologna!
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Adult (From 18) From €89
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Adolescent (13-17) From €80
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Child (4-12) From €71
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Free cancellation 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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EATING EUROPE INC. CANCELLATION POLICY
Small Group Tours
A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.
Private Tours
A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™
Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.
LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS
Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.
CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS
Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!
DISCOUNT CODES
Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.
AMENDMENT POLICY
We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:
E-mail: [email protected]
The Flavors You'll Taste
- 24 and 36 month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano with 15 and 24-year aged balsamic vinegar
- Your own piece of handmade tortellino
- Handmade tortelloni
- Tagliatelle with bolognese sauce
- Tigella with prosciutto
- Friggione (traditional Bolognese dish made with slow-cooked onions and tomatoes)
- Mortadella sandwich
- Torta di Riso (almond-flavored rice cake dessert)
- Chocolate tortellino
- Pignoletto (sparking white wine)
- Lambrusco (sparkling red wine)
- Traditional espresso
- Water
Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Meeting Point
1 Piazza Re Enzo
40125, Bologna
Your guide will be wearing a purple bag and waiting for you in front of the Desigual store.
What Makes the Quadrilatero, Santo Stefano, and the University District Special
The Quadrilatero is Bologna’s ancient food heart — a maze of medieval lanes where salumerie hang curtains of mortadella and prosciutto, pasta shops roll fresh tortellini behind glass windows, and cheese vendors stack wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano like golden towers. Every step is an education in Emilian cooking. This is where Bologna earned its nickname — La Grassa — and it wears it with absolute pride.
Santo Stefano unfolds in elegant porticoed streets around one of Bologna’s most beautiful piazzas. Its medieval basilica sets a contemplative tone, but the neighbourhood is quietly one of the city’s best for eating — refined trattorias, intimate wine bars pouring Lambrusco, and small delis where a tagliere of local cured meats and squacquerone cheese becomes a perfect meal.
The University District pulses with young, restless energy around Europe’s oldest university. Its streets are loud, political, and gloriously cheap to eat in — packed osterias serve enormous plates of ragù for a few euros, aperitivo bars overflow onto the pavements, and late-night piadas are grabbed on the way home. Generous, unfussy, and made for sharing — just like the neighbourhood itself.
What people are saying
Why Eat with Us?
Dining with Purpose
We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.
Private tours
Looking for a private food tour? Whether you’re visiting with a group or a local craving a unique day out, we’ve got you covered!
For more details or specific requests, reach out to [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Tour Information
Is a food tour in Bologna worth it?
Absolutely, a food tour in Bologna is highly recommended. The city is known as Italy’s gastronomic heart, and a food tour offers an immersive experience in its rich culinary culture. You’ll have the opportunity to taste iconic dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragù, tortellini, and Mortadella, while also exploring local
What food is Bologna famous for?
Bologna is renowned as Italy’s culinary capital, famous for dishes like authentic Tagliatelle al Ragù, a rich meat sauce served over fresh egg pasta, and savoring the creamy perfection of tortellini, small pasta parcels often enjoyed in broth (in brodo).
The city is also known for its Lasagne alla Bolognese, layered with ragù and béchamel, and for local favorites like Mortadella, a flavorful pork sausage. Specialties include Crescentine (Tigelle), small flatbreads typically filled with meats and cheeses, and indulging in Parmigiano-Reggiano, the famed “King of Cheeses.”
For those with a sweet tooth, while Zuppa Inglese is a local treat, Bologna’s gelato is a must-try, crafted by masters who have perfected the art.
What’s included in the price of the food tour?
All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.
How long are the tours?
Our Bologna tours range in length from 3 to 3.5 hours.
What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?
Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. For example, you might explore the bustling city center with us!
What is the group size?
Our tours have maximum capacity of 12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Bologna.
I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?
We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.
Do children under 4 need a ticket for the tour?
Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included for children under 3 and under. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.
Food and Drink
What kind of food will we taste?
You will taste local and regional Emilian and Italian dishes, from handmade pastas to traditional cured meats, experiencing Bologna’s culinary culture. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Are drinks included?
Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.
Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?
Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.
Are portions enough for a meal?
Yes. On each of our Bologna tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.
Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?
Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.
Booking and Payment
How do I book?
Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.
Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?
We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.
What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?
Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.
Accessibility & Safety
Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?
We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.
Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?
Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!
What should I wear?
There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.
Are tourists welcome in Bologna?
Yes, absolutely! Bolognesi are proud of their city and are happy to share it with visitors who embrace its unique character. The warmest welcomes are found when visitors appreciate the rhythm of local life—whether that’s by supporting the traditional salumerie under the porticoes, being mindful of noise in the student quarter, or simply taking the time to stroll and appreciate the city’s medieval architecture.
That spirit of mindful travel is at the heart of what we do. Our small group food tours are designed to connect you with the real Bologna, introducing you to the local families behind our favourite vendors and sharing the stories that make the city so special.
Tour Experience & Expectations
Will the guide speak my language?
Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Italian as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.
Do I need to tip the guide?
Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!
Will we visit the same places as other tours?
No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Bologna tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.
Do you offer private or custom tours?
We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Bologna tour to suit your specific needs.
City Tips
Discovering Aperitivo in Bologna
An Essential Guide to Gelato in Bologna
A Local’s Guide to Bars in Bologna
A Guide to Lasagna alla Bolognese in Bologna
A Local’s Guide to Street Food in Bologna
EATING EUROPE INC. CANCELLATION POLICY
Small Group Tours
A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.
Private Tours
A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™
Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.
LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS
Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.
CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS
Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!
DISCOUNT CODES
Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.
AMENDMENT POLICY
We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:
E-mail: [email protected]











