Bologna Food Tour: Tagliatelle, Mortadella & Local Expert Guide

Taste what Bolognese locals eat, stop by stop, with someone who knows the city's food stories.

A small-group food tour in Bologna led by a local food expert, walking through the historic center and tasting handmade tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, cotoletta alla Bolognese, artisanal gelato or Torta degli Addobbi, and espresso: the equivalent of a full meal across at least four stops in 3.5 hours. The guide speaks English and Italian, shares insider knowledge about each dish and its history, and keeps groups small so every guest gets personal attention. Water and at least one alcoholic drink are included. This is a walking tour, so moderate fitness helps.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bologna culinary tasting tour

• Meet local food expert
• Taste fresh handmade pasta
• Try tigelle or Mortadella
• Experience Cotoletta alla Bolognese
• Enjoy artisanal Italian ice cream or Torta degli Addobbi
• Drink espresso in local coffee shop

The experience

The tour starts near the Fountain of Neptune with your local food expert, who meets you and begins with handmade pasta: either tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese finished with local Parmesan, or traditional tortellini in broth, both iconic dishes that introduce Bologna's culinary identity without overwhelming the palate for what comes next. The guide explains the history and technique behind each preparation as you eat, sharing why these dishes matter to the city and how they're made.

From there, the walk moves to a second stop for either fresh tigelle (the most requested food in the Emilia-Romagna region, topped with local ingredients), or true Bolognese mortadella served in a cone or on a platter. The third stop brings cotoletta alla Bolognese: veal fried, then finished in broth and the oven, served covered in melted cheese and smoked ham, a dish that shows how Bolognese cooking layers technique and richness. By this point you've moved through several neighborhoods and tasted the progression locals follow.

Dessert is either artisanal gelato or Torta degli Addobbi, a rice cake with roots back to 1400, prepared for Corpus Domini when Bologna's balconies filled with colored drapes. The tour closes with espresso in a local coffee shop: the traditional Italian finish. Over 3.5 hours, the stops add up to a full meal, and the guide's commentary ties the food to Bologna's streets and history, so you're not just tasting dishes but understanding why they exist here.

What’s included

• Water and at least one alcoholic drink.
• a local food expert guide speaking English and Italian.
• tastings of handmade pasta, cured meats, cotoletta alla Bolognese, artisanal gelato or traditional cake, and espresso across at least four stops.

Options for this experience

3 options

DealGuide in English or Italian · Only on 10 Nov · 12:00Surprise

Lunch on the Bologna food tourGuide in English or Italian · 12:00

Bologna Tour Lunch with Drink CardGuide in English or Italian · 12:00Drink card for guests 18 and over: during the tour you will be served at least 3 alcoholic drinks, which may be wine, beer or spirits.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 3h 30m, runs every day at 12:00, from € 60.30 per person, with a live guide in English and Italian, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Do Eat Better Experience

Is this one for you?Book the lunch option if you want the tour to anchor your midday meal, or the dinner option if you prefer to eat in the evening: both follow the same route and tastings, so the choice is about when you want the full meal to happen. The small-group format means the guide can answer questions and adjust the pace for your group, rather than moving through a larger crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What exactly do I eat on the Bologna food tour?

You taste handmade tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese or tortellini in broth; fresh tigelle or mortadella; cotoletta alla Bolognese with cream, Parmesan and ham; artisanal gelato or Torta degli Addobbi; and espresso. Across at least four stops, these tastings add up to a full meal.

How long does the tour take and how much walking is involved?

The tour runs 3.5 hours and moves through Bologna's historic center on foot, stopping at different eateries. You'll need moderate fitness to walk comfortably between stops.

What drinks are included?

Water and at least one alcoholic drink are included for guests over 18. The espresso at the end is also part of the experience.

How many people are in the group?

The tour runs in small groups to ensure every guest receives personal attention and guidance from the expert. The exact size is kept intentionally limited for an authentic experience.

Can I do this tour if I have food allergies?

Guests with severe or life-threatening food allergies are unfortunately unable to participate for safety reasons. If you have mild allergies or dietary preferences, contact the operator before booking to discuss options.