Where to eat in Bologna with kids: my top family-friendly restaurants

Looking for the best family-friendly restaurants in Bologna? I know the struggle. 

Finding a spot where the pasta is legendary but the vibe is relaxed enough for a toddler is the ultimate travel challenge. Most historic trattorias in the center are cramped, but I’ve done the homework for you.

I’ve hand-picked these spots based on what really matters: space to move, high chairs, clean diaper-changing stations, and kid-friendly menus. 

Whether you need a slow breakfast, a long hillside lunch, a vegetarian aperitivo in Bologna, or a stress-free dinner, here is where both you and your kids will actually enjoy the meal.

Check out my personal picks below, organized by the moment of the day.

Let’s be honest: sometimes a high chair is all it takes to save a lunch. 
But I wanted more. 

When I look for a place to eat with a family in Bologna, I check for three things: space, safety, and a "no-judgment" vibe.

I selected these spots because they offer room for children to move freely without bumping into waiters. 

I looked for available high chairs, clean diaper-changing areas, and menus that offer more than just a sad plate of plain pasta. If you’ve been following my Bologna with kids guide, you know I value local authenticity. 

And that applies to family dining too.

From your first coffee to a final slice of pizza, these are my four essential stops.

If you want to start your morning in a space that feels like a contemporary illustration book, Zoo is where you go. 

It’s located in Strada Maggiore, just a few minutes from the Two Towers. Zoo is a creative hub that combines great food with a curated selection of children's books and local design.

The atmosphere is airy and relaxed. 
While you enjoy your specialty coffee and a bagel or a slice of homemade cake, your kids can explore the dedicated children's section. There’s plenty of room for strollers and the vibe is genuinely welcoming. 

Zoo regularly organizes workshops for both adults and kids, covering everything from drawing to ceramics. 
It’s the kind of place where nobody minds if a kid gets a little excited about their pancake while waiting for their pottery class.

• Info: zooopentaste.com
• Best for: a slow breakfast or a creative weekend brunch.

When the city center feels too loud, I suggest you head to the hills. 

Ca' Shin is a beautifully renovated villa inside Parco Cavaioni, about 15 minutes by car from the center. It’s my top choice for a long, traditional Sunday lunch with kids.

The food is seasonal and local, and the little ones can enjoy two absolute favorites: the Cotoletta alla Bolognese and the Torta Barozzi.

There is a massive park for the kids to run around and even an adventure park (albering) where they can play and climb among the trees. You can literally spend the whole afternoon here while they play in the fresh air. 

It transforms "eating out" into a full-day family escape.

• Info: cashin.coop
• Pro tip: book well in advance for weekends; it's a favorite for local families and it fills up fast.

Aperitivo in Bologna is a sacred ritual, but it can be tricky with a toddler. 
My solution? 

Le Serre. Located inside the old municipal greenhouses in the city’s main park, this place is a green oasis where nature meets urban culture.

It’s the perfect spot for a drink because the kids can wander among the urban gardens. 

The facility even hosts a nursery school called Terra and offers various educational services throughout the week. 

One important thing to know: the food here is strictly vegetarian. 
It is fresh, seasonal, and delicious, but don't come looking for cold cuts. 

After your drink, you're just a short walk away from some of the best gelato in Bologna.

• Info: leserredeigiardini.it
• Vibe: lush greenery, outdoor seating, and plenty of fresh air.

Pizza is usually the easiest answer for dinner, but I’m picky about quality. 
Berberè makes excellent sourdough pizza, served already sliced into eight pieces to make sharing easier.

While they have a couple of spots in town, I always recommend the Porta Saragozza location for families. 

It’s significantly more spacious than the one in the center and features a quiet internal garden. They offer a "baby pizza" for smaller appetites and the atmosphere is always lively and informal. Crucial advice: They do not take bookings over the phone. You must book online through their website. Don't waste your time calling; just click and go.

• Info: berberepizza.it
• Internal Link: If you’re a pizza enthusiast, you might want to compare it with my other favorites on the best pizza in Bologna list.

Sometimes you don't want a full sit-down meal. 
Maybe you're between museum visits or the kids are just "done" with restaurants. 

Here are my favorite survival spots.

This is one of my favorite stops for a treat. 
The name says it all: maritozzi (sweet brioche buns filled with cream) and artisanal gelato. 

The best part for parents? They often give a free small cone to very young children. 
It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

If you didn't manage to book a table, head here. 
It’s a vibrant indoor market with various stalls selling pizza, piadina, and pasta. 

It’s perfect for kids because the food comes out fast and the atmosphere is noisy enough that a crying baby won't turn any heads. For adults, it's a great spot for an early aperitivo as you can eat as early as 6:30 or 7:00 PM.

You will often find me here, either during a food tour or with my own son. 
It’s a high-quality "pizza al taglio" (by the slice) spot, Roman-style. 

For my son, I usually go for a classic Rossa or Bufala. 
For myself? I can’t resist the Smashing Pumpkins (pumpkin, gorgonzola, and pancetta) paired with a craft beer from Faenza. 
It’s quick, delicious, and next to the car-free Piazza San Francesco.

Eating out with kids in Bologna doesn’t have to be stressful. 

From breakfast at Zoo, to a long lunch at Ca’ Shin, an aperitivo at Le Serre, and a relaxed dinner at Berberè, these spots cover all the moments of the day.

The key? 
Space, fun, and a kid-friendly menu. Bologna has more hidden gems than you might think.

So, are you ready to explore Bologna with your kids and enjoy stress-free meals? 
Your little ones will thank you, and so will your taste buds.