10 Best Michelin star restaurants near Bologna

If I say Michelin starred restaurant near Bologna your first thought will go to Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana.

And I can say you're right because the #1 restaurant in the world is a worth-a-plane place.
But it's not the only Michelin star that you should check out if you are in Bologna.

It took me some time (and money) but here are other different places that have more than a star in common.

Bologna is home to one Michelin-starred restaurant, Ristorante I Portici.
Located in the heart of the city on Via Indipendenza, it holds the distinction of being the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Bologna's historic center.

​The first surprise is that is located inside I Portici, one of the best hotels in Bologna, a few meters from the train station.

The restaurant is set in the elegant cafè chantant, called Teatro Eden, which opened in 1889.

Young chef Nicolò Annuziata arrived at I Portici in early 2023, after an intense career around European Michelin stars.

Don't expect a classic cacio e pepe or panzanella.

Just open your mind and mouth and you won't get disappointed.

Prices
Starting from 110€ for the 8 courses menù

I suggest you
Ask to eat inside the old ice cave used by the pope. A wonderful and intimate location to eat by candlelight.

One dish not to miss
Broken spaghetti with seafood

Info
Via dell'Indipendenza, 69, 40121 Bologna
Tel. +39 051 4218562
Email: [email protected]
www.iporticihotel.com/ristorante-i-portici

Savigno is a small town inside Val Samoggia, about 25min from Bologna, surrounded by woods and hills full of vineyards.

Since 1934, Amerigo has offered the best products of his land in a family trattoria opened by Alberto Bettini's grandparents.
​
You won't find any fois gras or caviar there, but only the best local and seasonal products.
Like mushrooms and truffles (black and white), salmerino river fish, or deer, in a cuisine that celebrates tradition mixed with innovation.

A warm and cozy location inspired by a vintage style, with old coffee machines and liquor posters on the walls. A jump back to the ‘30s!

At the entrance there's a small shop to buy some products, I recommend their liquors (China China or Marasca) or saba (cooked grape must).

Prices
50€ à la carte, 68€ fixed-price menu

I suggest you
On the first Sunday of the month, Savigno hosts the antique market. Go for a walk and take home some vintage souvenirs

One dish not to miss
Amerigo's egg. A sort of soufflé, soft as a cloud usually served with truffle when available, I ate it with asparagus.

Info
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 14-16, 40060 Savigno (BO)
Tel. +39 051 670 8326
Email: [email protected]
www.amerigo1934.it

Casa Mazzucchelli in Bologna makes wheat the star ingredient, not just a side.

The place feels global, mixing Copenhagen's design with a Zen-like ambiance. Massimo Mazzucchelli and his sister Aurora run the show, blending family traditions with innovative techniques.

The restaurant has evolved from its historic Marconi days without lowering its standards.

Bread, grown locally, features in every course, enhancing the dining experience.

Dishes like sourdough ravioli, mackerel with almond frangipane, and duck breast with honey-glazed chicory show their creativity.

If you're looking for contemporary cuisine with Emilian and Sicilian roots, put Casa Mazzucchelli on your list.

Prices
6 courses menu from 100€

I suggest you
Not far from Casa Mazzucchelli, you can visit Rocchetta Mattei and Alvar Aalto's Riola church. 2 landmarks of Bologna's Apennines mountains.

One dish not to miss
Maccheroni stuffed with smoked eel, raw oysters and spinach

Info
Via Porrettana, 291, 40037 Sasso Marconi BO
Tel. +39 051 846216
casamazzucchelli.com

Osteria Francescana in Modena is more than a restaurant—it’s a global culinary icon.

Helmed by the legendary chef Massimo Bottura, this three-Michelin-starred establishment has twice been crowned the best restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants (2016 and 2018).

Located in the heart of Modena’s historic center, Osteria Francescana redefines Italian cuisine, blending local traditions with contemporary art and innovation.

Chef Bottura pays homage to Emilia-Romagna’s rich heritage while constantly pushing boundaries, presenting dishes that are as thought-provoking as they are delicious.

Standout dishes include "Five ages of Parmigiano Reggiano," a tribute to Modena’s beloved cheese, and the poetic "The crunchy part of the lasagna," which elevates a childhood favorite to haute cuisine.

Every detail, from the carefully curated artwork on the walls to the flawless wine pairings, creates an immersive dining experience.

Prices
Tasting menus start from 320€

I suggest you
Get the wine pairing. And a taxi to go back to your hotel.

One dish not to miss
"The crunchy part of the lasagna," a playful reimagination of a traditional Italian dish.

Info
Via Stella, 22, 41121 Modena MO
Tel. +39 059 223912
osteriafrancescana.it

Arnaldo Clinica Gastronomica in Rubiera holds a unique place in Italy’s culinary history. Established in 1936, this revered institution became the oldest Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy, earning its star in 1959 and maintaining it ever since.

Few restaurants in the world can boast such a legacy, blending tradition with impeccable quality.

The restaurant exudes charm, with its warm, rustic interiors and the feeling of stepping into a world where time slows down to savor every bite.

The Vacondio family, now in its fourth generation, continues to honor its roots while perfecting every dish on the menu.

Among the culinary highlights is the spugnolata, a masterful lasagna made with delicate spugnole (morel mushrooms).
This dish is a celebration of Emilia-Romagna's terroir, with layers of handmade pasta, creamy béchamel, and the earthy depth of morels creating a luxurious, unforgettable experience.

The menu also features other classics like erbazzone, tortelli with spinach, the legendary cappelletti in brodo, and bollito misto, all served with attention to tradition and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Prices
Tasting menus start from 60€

I suggest you
The place is also a hotel called "L'aquila d'oro", if you'd like to sleep there after a fantastic dinner.

One dish not to miss
The spugnolata lasagna with spugnole mushrooms.

Info
Via Emilia Est, 23, 42048 Rubiera RE
Tel. +39 0522 626124
clinicagastronomica.com

Ok, it's about 1,5 hours from Bologna, but I promise it is worth the effort.

We're in the bassa, the flat humid area near Po' river where you go to follow one myth: culatello. A heavenly cured meat, caressed by the fog rising from Emilia's land.

Massimo Spigaroli gets the best from it, like for its guinea fowl covered by culatello and cooked in clay.
Or just try it pure to taste how aging changes its flavors.

If you haven't had enough culatello at our Parma food tour, write that address on Google Maps.

Prices
90€ (Tasting menu)

I suggest you
Try also the Hosteria del Maiale, for a cheaper experience dedicated to the pig.

One dish not to miss
Podium of Culatelli from “White Pig” aged over 18, 27, and 37 months.
​
Info
Strada Palazzo due Torri, 3, 43010 Polesine Parmense PR
+39 0524 936539
www.acpallavicina.com

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Longiano, Magnolia Restaurant is a gem of Italian fine dining with two Michelin stars.

This exquisite establishment is the perfect blend of elegance, innovation, and respect for the local territory, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

Led by chef Alberto Faccani, Magnolia opened its doors in 2003 and quickly garnered international acclaim for its meticulous craftsmanship and bold, creative approach to traditional Italian cuisine.

Chef Faccani draws inspiration from both the land and the sea, thanks to Longiano’s proximity to the Adriatic coast and the Romagna hills. This unique geographical position is reflected in the menu, which masterfully integrates the bounty of both environments.

The tasting menus feature innovative creations like risotto Riviera Adriatica and cappelletti with sea cream, crustacean and caviar, showcasing Faccani’s precision and creativity.

Seasonal ingredients and unexpected pairings are central to the experience, ensuring every visit feels fresh and exciting.

Prices
Tasting menus start from 150€

I suggest you
Pair your meal with a visit to Castello Malatestiano, a stunning medieval castle that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside

One dish not to miss
Eel, pumpkin, grapefruit and sage.

Info
Via Giardino, 3, 47020 Longiano FC
Tel. +39 0547 665530
magnoliaristorante.it

Located in the charming seaside town of Cesenatico, La Buca is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.

With one Michelin star, this elegant yet welcoming restaurant reflects the culinary mastery of chef Andrea Bartolini, whose menus pay homage to the Adriatic Sea and the traditions of Romagna.

Chef Bartolini, a proud native of Cesenatico, creates dishes that celebrate the simplicity of the sea’s bounty while elevating it with modern techniques and creativity.

Every ingredient is sourced locally, often directly from the fishermen of Cesenatico’s Porto Canale, ensuring exceptional freshness and authenticity.

At La Buca, highlights include the "Tagliolini al ragu di canocchie" (homemade tagliolini with mantis shrimp ragù) and the "Crudo di mare", a delicate selection of raw Adriatic fish and shellfish.

Andrea Bartolini also owns the renowned Osteria Bartolini in Bologna, where you can enjoy some of his signature dishes—like the traditional fritto misto—served under the shade of the enormous plane tree in Piazza Malpighi.

Prices
Tasting menus start from 100€

I suggest you
Stroll along Cesenatico’s historic Porto Canale, designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

One dish not to miss
Passatello layers, brill, borage, black garlic with lemon.

Info
Via L. Da Vinci, 4, 47042 Cesenatico FC
Tel. +39 0547 1860496
labucaristorante.it

Nestled just a short distance from the lively center of Cesenatico, Ristorante Ancòra is a refined destination for those who seek to experience the Adriatic Sea’s bounty through a modern and creative lens.

The restaurant’s name, Ancòra, means both “anchor” and “again” in Italian, symbolizing its commitment to staying rooted in tradition while constantly evolving and reinventing itself.

Chef Agostino Iacobucci brings a unique perspective to the kitchen, drawing from his Neapolitan roots and blending them with Chef Marco Garattoni’s deep connection to Romagna.

Together, they create a harmonious dialogue between Southern and Northern Italian culinary traditions.

Try the Adriatic seafood risotto, 80s style for a sample of that or Iacobucci's iconic three-leavened Babà for dessert.

Prices
Tasting menus start from 79€

I suggest you
For an authentic taste of local life, visit the Piazza delle Conserve, where traditional ice houses once stored fresh fish.

One dish not to miss
The “Spaghetti with clams memory” button.

Info
Viale G. Carducci, 113, 47042 Cesenatico FC
Tel. +39 0547 21904
ristoranteancora.it

Get the best from your time in Bologna

Ok, these are the Michelin Restaurants near Bologna to spend that romantic dinner you've been planning for too long.

But as you've set the quality to the highest level, can you eat ordinary food while you visit our land?

During our food tours, we visit legendary restaurants, hidden cafes and family shops famous for being the top in their field.

So read our +600 5 stars review on Tripadvisor and follow the advice of The Guardian, BBC's Rick Stein and Netflix's Phil Rosenthal who chose us in the past.