2 Best Restaurants in Bologna, Emilia–Romagna

The pastaio (pasta-maker) tradition in this bright honeycomb tiled pasta shop and casual restaurant—which often has a line around the block—started in 1963 in a town about 9½ km (6 miles) southwest of Bologna. There, Rina De Franceschi rolled sfoglia (dough) following family recipes. Take a seat at one of the communal wooden tables, write your order on the paper and wait for regional specialties like tortellini in brodo and tagliatelle al ragù (pasta with meat sauce) or a vegetarian take on a classic, like mezzelune rose ripiene di ceci, kale, e noci (red half-moon-shape pasta filled with garbanzo beans, kale, and hazelnuts). There's also a small selection of regional wines by the glass or bottle and desserts such as crostate (pies) to finish the meal. The last orders are taken at 8 pm and diners may enjoy their meals until 9 pm, making this spot ideal for lunch or an early dinner.

Here, in the mirrored interior, a mostly young crowd chows down on classic regional fare at affordable prices. Nimble staff bearing multiple plates sashay neatly between the closely spaced tables delivering such standards as tortellini in brodo and cotoletta alla Bolognese (veal with Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto). It is the kind of place where the waiters don't glare at you if you only order a plate of pasta—perhaps another reason it's a student favorite.