My 5 best cheap eats in Bologna

06/08/2020 - Category: Eat

Travel on a budget and eat well in Bologna? Science-fiction?
No, but you need to know where to go.

Street food and aperitifs can be an option for a fast lunch.
Here are 5 restaurants not far from Piazza Maggiore where you can sit, eat and be happy for less than 25€.

1. Zenzero Bistrot

Zenzero Bologna Tempura — *Vegetables tempura at Zenzero Bistrot: the way I always start there*

I'm sure you have one special place.
One that you have followed since it opened. Where you spent moments of your life that you'll never forget.
Zenzero Bistrot in Bologna is this place for me.

Nadia opened it in 2006 to offer great organic food when organic wasn't yet a trend. The place is small and cozy and keeps one of the best quality/price ratios in Bologna.

Start with vegetable tempura or carasau bread with seasonal vegetables.
Go on with their handmade pasta but don't forget the desserts. Options for meat lovers as well.

Price

lunch menu 15€, dinner 25€

Info

Via Fratelli Rosselli, 18, 40121 Bologna
Tel: +39 051 587 7026
www.zenzerobistrot.it

2. Eataly Ambasciatori

Budget restarurants bologna eataly ambasciatori orig — *The outside of Eataly Ambasciatori, now it's full of tables to eat*

Eataly in Bologna is not only FICO or Mercato di Mezzo.
Half a bookshop, half a food store, Eataly Ambasciatori is my only food mall in Bologna where I can spend hours.

Get a photography book or browse a travel magazine while eating a good dish of Gragnano pasta with fresh tomato sauce.

Young local chefs are in the kitchen to combine tradition and innovation with Slow Food ingredients.

Price

About 22€

Info

Via degli Orefici 19
Tel: +39 051 0952820
www.eataly.net/it_it/negozi/bologna

3. Osteria dell'Orsa

Budget restarurants bologna osteria orsa orig — *Tortelloni with ricotta cheese at Orsa*

Inside the university area, L'Orsa (the bear) is one of the most famous osteria of Bologna.

It's the place to eat tagliatelle and tortellini surrounded by university students.
The menu changes daily but you can always find crostini, salads, or panini for a light lunch.

Reservation is not allowed. If you have to wait in line, check out the wonderful cinema bookshop next door.

Price

20€

Info

Via Mentana, 1, 40126 Bologna
Tel: +39 051 231576
www.osteriadellorsa.com

4. To Steki

Budget restarurants bologna to steki orig — *Cheese meatballs to start your Greek lunch*

A Greek restaurant in Bologna?
Cut the wine, Andrea!

Eating Greek in Bologna is different from other ethnic cheap food you can find. A pita gyros is not only tasty but also traditional.

Bologna hosts one of the most important Greek communities in Italy and Greek food is almost as popular as pizza amongst students and locals.

To Steki is the oldest Greek restaurant in Bologna, in the middle of the University area.

Start with a tasting of meatballs, feta cheese, and pita. Then grilled meat or fish without forgetting to ask about the daily dishes.
Skip the home wine and choose a bottle, or go straight to ouzo or tentura.

Price

25€ with wine and dessert.

Info

Largo Respighi, 4/E 40126 Bologna
Tel: +39 051 268012

5. Sfoglia Rina

Budget restarurants bologna sfoglia rina orig — *Fresh tagliatelle and side dish: the perfect formula of Sfoglia Rina*

In the age of Tripadvisor and food blogs, there's still an analog, flawless sign of a quality restaurant.

The queue.

You need to stay in line to enter Sfoglia Rina, no matter when you arrive. Under the 2 towers, near Quadrilatero food market, close to offices, Sfoglia Rina hasn't only a strategic position.

Their lunch formula is perfect:
- One of the best pasta in Bologna, handmade
- Side dish with vegetables and bread
- Free water and service
Choose between the classics or explore original combinations like passatelli with mortadella and zucchini in summer.

Price

16€ for pasta, vegetable side dish, bread and water

Info

Via Castiglione, 5/b, 40124 Bologna BO
Tel. +39 051 991 1710
www.sfogliarina.it