Bologna Food & Market Tour with Local Dishes, Pasta, Wines & More
Overview
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On our Secret Food Tour Bologna: we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience.
We'll start with a traditional welcoming sweet. Then, we'll visit one of the oldest Salumeria of
the city to learn more about the local meat products and the famous pastas.
You'll enjoy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella di Bologna and many
more regional cold cuts in the oldest Osteria in the world with a glass of our local wine.
Next we have planned a taste of fresh, handmade pasta made just for us at a local Trattoria,
always with a glass of local wine (and a coffee, if you like it) Then we will visit the main local
food market, called Quadrilatero, and we'll enjoy a tasting of different types of balsamic
vinegar from Modena (8-12-25 years of aging) to discover how this amazing tradition is still
deeply rooted in this region.
Please note that we are not able to offer any gluten-free or vegan option yet.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Palazzo della Mercanzia
Welcome to the commencement of our culinary odyssey at Palazzo della Mercanzia. Our guide will initiate proceedings with introductions, setting the stage for an invigorating exploration of Bologna's dynamic culinary scene. The construction of the palace traces its origins back to the 14th century, and it historically served as the epicenter for the city's economic and commercial activities. A notable feature of Palazzo della Mercanzia is the imposing wooden statue of San Petronio, the patron saint of Bologna, proudly displayed on the facade.
Quadrilatero
A captivating and historic neighborhood nestled in the heart of Bologna, Italy, also known as the "Quadrilatero Romano," is celebrated for its medieval streets, and a plethora of culinary delights. The moniker "Quadrilatero" alludes to the district's rectangular street layout. Characterized by narrow, winding alleys harkening back to medieval times, the architecture reflects the city's evolution, featuring buildings adorned with traditional porticoes and vibrant hues. Quadrilatero is famed for its bustling market area, where locals and visitors alike can peruse a diverse array of stalls showcasing fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local specialties. The market creates a vibrant and colorful ambiance, establishing itself as a focal point for food enthusiasts. Quadrilatero, with its amalgamation of history, culinary treasures, and cultural vibrancy, promises visitors a delightful and authentic experience, inviting them to immerse themselves in the lively spirit of Bologna
What‘s Included
Sweet: Artisanal gelato
Savory: Artisan Mortadella sandwich, classic Tigella & Lasagna verde
Savory: 2 homemade pastas, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, Aged Parmigiano, Balsamic (8–25 yrs)
Sweets: Traditional welcome treat & artisanal gelato
*** 3 Hour Tour ***
Drinks: One glass of local wine
Drinks: Local red/white wines, traditional digestif & espresso.
*** 2-Hour Express Tour ***
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
Options
Private Bologna Food Tour
Private Tour Upgrade: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Bologna for only you and your group
2-Hour Express Food Tour
Choose this option to join our 2-Hour Express Food Tour Bologna in a group of 16 people or less!
3-Hour Small Group Food Tour
3-Hour Small Group Tour: Choose this option to join our Secret Food Tour Bologna in a group of 12 people or less!
Reviews
1,420 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tour
jlauerallen,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was fabulous! Claire was so fun and engaging. She made each stop so interesting and we loved the variety of foods and drinks to sample. We learned a lot about the city and its food. Highly recommend!
Well-fed in Bologna
T4274RNrichardl,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really great tour. Claire was outstanding - entertaining, lively and very knowledgeable about Bologna in general and Bolgnese food in particular. Visited an interesting and varied selection of establishments and ate and drank very well.
Excellent Food Tour in Italy!
annmc2020a1,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best food tour in Italy! Most excellent and friendly guide in Gabriele Comida. Gab’s enthusiasm for regional produce and food makes it such a fun time. Highly recommended!
Bologna Full & Tasty
charlie k,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tasty & informative! Claire did an excellent job of providing a variety of flavors at multiple locations and sharing background knowledge about the area, city, food preparation and food culture. Very enjoyable!
Deliziouso Bologna Food Tour
Ayric N,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matthew was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable & shared his passion for his home city. Generous tasting portions and manageable group size. Definitely would recommend this tour.
Great experience
Simon O,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and fun, our guide Claire was the perfect person to show us the food and streets of Bologna. Would highly recommend.
Wonderful food tour in Bologna
Vicki F,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you’re even thinking about booking this food and wine tour—do it. It ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our trip. From the very start, everything felt thoughtfully curated and genuinely authentic. This wasn’t a rushed, touristy checklist of stops—it was a deep dive into local culture through food and wine. Each location had its own story, and you could really feel the passion behind every dish and every pour. The food was incredible—fresh, regional, and perfectly paced so you could enjoy everything without feeling overwhelmed. Every tasting felt purposeful, from local specialties to dishes I never would have discovered on my own. And the wine and special drinks perfectly paired. What really made the experience stand out, though, was the guide. Claire was knowledgeable without ever being overwhelming, friendly without feeling forced—they created a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that made the whole group feel connected. By the end, it felt less like a tour and more like sharing a long, delicious afternoon with friends. If you love food, wine, and getting a real taste of a place beyond the surface, this tour is absolutely worth it. I’d book it again in a heartbeat.
A great introduction to the city and food. Do on day 1 of Bologna
W5869FWchrisw,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Claire was a great guide. Always a smile. Always a story. Deep knowledge of the food we ate and sites we saw. Pro tip: Unlike other food tours I’ve done, the amount of food was really nice. No need to conserve stomach space for the next spots. I left some food on my plate and later realized I easily could have eaten it all. Wine pared well.
Great way to spend 3 hours
Joseph M,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Federica was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable and passionate. All good and drink was fantastic plus learning about Bologna’s history
Eat, Drink, Learn
lisa303,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time with Federica! She was very knowledgeable about the food and the agriculture. All the food was delicious especially the tortellini in Brodo at Ramaciotto. On the charcuterie We learnt about a whole new meat we have never tried before Culatello Di zibello. Wear your stretchy pants!
From €64.80
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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