La Salsamenteria Bologna

Don’t be misled by the surrounding area or the seemingly touristy exterior—La Salsamenteria is, in fact, a rare find in Bologna’s city center: one of the very few trattorias offering honest prices, homemade cuisine with high-quality ingredients, and a solid wine selection. The two-story restaurant is decorated with memorabilia, emblems, and iconic tributes to the city, creating a warm and informal atmosphere.

Giacomo Ragonesi and Andrea Scibiia are among the few under-35 Bolognese restaurateurs in town, and over the past couple of years, they have refined their approach by improving cooking techniques and expanding the wine list, focusing on natural wines from both local and out-of-region producers, prominently displayed on shelves at the entrance.

The secret to their success lies in the expert sfogline who make fresh pasta daily. Their tortelloni burro e salvia stand out for their silky dough and rich, velvety filling, while the tortellini in Parmigiano cream achieve perfect balance, and the tagliatelle al ragù feature a satisfyingly coarse texture with a thick, flavorful sauce. The cotoletta alla bolognese is tall, juicy, and generously topped with premium prosciutto and Parmigiano, perfectly glazed.

Their commitment to quality extends to seasonal meats, personally sourced by Giacomo from small-scale suppliers in the Apennines. Given the restaurant’s constant full house, those looking for an alternative (or simply a backup plan) can visit their other venture, La Buca di San Francesco in Piazza Malpighi—an excellent choice for larger groups.

Balanzoni con mousse di ricotta e mortadella; balanzoni burro e salvia

Hotel Corona d’Oro (hotel), La Ferramenta (abbigliamento), Bottega Portanova (bottega alimentare)