Rodrigo

“We need to celebrate—let’s go to Rodrigo!” This phrase has become part of Bologna’s local slang across generations. Since the post-war era, Rodrigo, located on Via della Zecca, has been synonymous with luxury and refinement. This reputation was solidified between the 1970s and 1980s, when Michelin inspectors regularly awarded it a star under the leadership of Enzo Venturi. Though the Michelin recognition has long since disappeared, the restaurant remains a preferred destination for notaries, lawyers, politicians, celebrities, and dignitaries, who continue to see it as a symbol of high-quality dining and exclusivity.

During the pandemic, longtime chef and owner Enzo Venturi passed the torch to Roberto Capua, with Davide Paolillo—a manager returning to Bologna from Venice—taking charge. While the kitchen has been refreshed, particularly in cooking techniques and dish presentation, Rodrigo’s identity remains intact, albeit with a modernized approach.

In the past, oysters, lobsters, caviar, premium salmon, truffles, and fine cuts of meat were reserved for an elite clientele. Today, these offerings align with many other high-end restaurants in Bologna’s historic center. The 1980s DNA of Rodrigo is still evident but now reimagined in a contemporary way. The restaurant has also expanded beyond Bologna, becoming a brand with a presence in Milan, featuring a cocktail bar, a raw seafood bistro, and a fine-dining establishment.