Darcy

Meeting a high-quality traditional cuisine restaurant under Bologna’s Due Torri seemed unlikely, yet one of the most well-matched duos in the local restaurant scene has managed to fill this gap. Cynthia Ravanelli and Dario Stagni made a name for themselves years ago with Officina del Gusto in Castenaso, a restaurant that, despite its inconvenient location, attracted a loyal clientele thanks to its high-quality traditional recipes, excellent ingredients, and outstanding wine selection.

Their approach hasn’t changed in the heart of the city, where many restaurateurs either fall victim to tourism or compromise due to the different setting. In a contemporary, internationally styled venue, they offer artisanal cuisine with in-house production of pasta and baked goods, a strong connection to small-scale producers and farmers, and a passion for high-quality wines, both Italian and international. The label “contemporary osteria” fits perfectly: pre-industrial tradition meets modern cooking techniques, healthy and digestible ingredients, and a stylish atmosphere.

The menu is entirely focused on flavor, featuring must-try tortellini in a 30-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano cream (from Rosola dairy’s white cows), one of the best lasagnas in the city, and elegant reinterpretations of regional dishes, such as the refined cappelletto alla parmigiana. Among the mains, highlights include an incredibly tender and juicy cotoletta alla bolognese, melt-in-your-mouth glazed ribs, finely chopped Bianca Romagnola beef tartare with anchovy mayo and Fratelli Pavesi’s pickled vegetables, as well as vitello tonnato and an onion tarte tatin with Parmigiano and Modena balsamic vinegar, which perfectly balances the rich umami flavors. Desserts remain abundant and deeply rooted in tradition.

The price-to-quality ratio is always reasonable, especially considering the restaurant’s prime location.

Porro, Parmigiano Reggiano, limone bruciato

Ac Hotel (hotel), Casa Bertagni (hotel), Angolo della Freschezza (bottega alimentare), Kiss (abbigliamento)