Bologna Food & Market Tour with Local Dishes, Pasta, Wines & More
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
On our Secret Food Tour Bologna: we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience.
We'll start with a traditional Raviola with Mostarda alla Bolognese. 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. This tour is also not wheelchair-accessible.
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.
No gluten-free options available
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
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
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!
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!
What‘s Included
Savory: Artisan Mortadella sandwich, classic Tigella & Lasagna verde
Savory: 2 homemade pastas, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, Aged Parmigiano, Balsamic (8–25 yrs)
*** 3 Hour Tour ***
Drinks: One glass of local wine
Sweets: Traditional welcome treat & artisanal dessert
Sweet: Artisanal dessert
Drinks: Local red/white wines, traditional digestif & espresso.
*** 2-Hour Express Tour ***
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,517 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bologna Food Tour
X2705JHkeithh,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mattea was an excellent guide and we enjoyed learning about and eating the food. It was a great experience.
Great food experience
Rena L,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Caterina guided us on our tour through several Bologna shops and the food market. She was friendly and knowledgeable. This was my first secret food tour, but will not be my last!
Great tour
K7509JOsimonm,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Katerina excellent tour guide
Authentic and memorable
Jne1126,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gabriel was extremely knowledgeable and expertly guided us through the food scene in Bologna. The variety of local products that we tasted were full of flavor and history. Not only did Gabriel explain the quality of the Italian products, but he also answered many questions about Bologna the city. We walked away feeling much more knowledgeable about Bologna and the food here. Would recommend this tour to anyone. We’ve done food tours all over the world, but this one was exceptional and memorable.
Mattia was a fantastic...
Rachelle T,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mattia was a fantastic guide and made every effort to tell us more about the local culture and answer any questions. The pasta, charcuterie, wine, balsamic vinegar and gelato were all delicious and a small group of around 10 made it easy to hear Mattia and made the tour efficient.
Excellent
Karen Strøjer H,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had the pleasure of joining the Secret Food Tour in Bologna with Mattia as our guide, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. With great enthusiasm, Mattia shared his knowledge of the city’s history, culture, and culinary traditions. He guided us through charming streets and authentic local spots that we would never have discovered on our own. Along the way, we enjoyed a variety of delicious Italian delicacies, and every tasting was enriched by fascinating stories and local insights. Mattia is warm, engaging, and truly passionate about his city. He created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that made the tour one of the highlights of our visit to Bologna. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience the true essence of Italy through its food, people, and culture. Thank you for an unforgettable experience! Best regards, Helle and Karen
We had an amazing tour....
Julie P,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing tour. You will love the food and our guide, Matthew had so much knowledge about the food in the region.
Great tour, great guide
Sinead K,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was a great and knowledgeable tour guide. We learned so much and got to experience a great side of Bologna’s food and drinks.
A taste of Bologna
Susan S,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The food tour was easily the best experience of my trip to Bologna. Frederica was a superb guide who shared her knowledge in a friendly and informative manner. The visit to the pasta maker was so interesting and I just loved watching the energetic way he rolled out fresh pasta and the efficient way he filled the tortellini. Both the pasta with ragu and the tortellini al brodo were delicious. We had an equally fun time tasting various prosciuttos, as well as other cured meats and aged Parmesan. Tasting the aged balsamic vinegars was another highlight as was the local wines, ice cream and local biscuits. A real taste of Bologna.
Terrific Experience
NicoPolo87,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hands down our favorite tour- and not just because it was food. There were several options available and Im happy with our experience with this one. Our guide Mattia did such a fantastic job and set the standard for what you want in a guide. He was friendly/engaging, informative and just handled the group super well. Mattia expressed his knowledge of food almost as if he was both a historian and chef - he wonderfully articulated everything and was able to answer any questions anyone had. The food we tried was extensive - pastries, pasta, REAL balsamic, wine, a selection of meats and cheeses and gelato. Highly recommend the tour and highly recommend our particular guide, Mattia!
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