11 Best Michelin restaurants in Bologna & nearby (2026 Update)

Finding a Michelin-starred meal in Bologna can be a bit of a treasure hunt. 
If you stick strictly to the city center, you’ll find one historic gem tucked away under the porticos, maintaining the city's culinary honor. 

But to truly experience the depth of our region's 'Food Valley,' you have to look just a few kilometers beyond the city walls.

I spent months visiting (and revisiting) these kitchens, from the quiet Apennine hills to the salt-air breeze of the Adriatic coast, to understand which ones truly live up to the hype in 2026. 

This isn’t just a list pulled from the guide; it’s my personal selection of the best starred experiences within reach of Bologna.

Whether you’re looking for avant-garde techniques or a traditional trattoria that happens to hold a star, here is the breakdown of what's in the heart of the city and which destinations are worth the drive. I’ve included travel times, updated prices, and the one dish that, for me, makes the whole trip worthwhile

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
 

📍 Distance from Bologna: I Portici is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Bologna city centre. It's about 5 minutes walking from Stazione Centrale train station and 10 minutes from Piazza Maggiore

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 40 min by car

The story of San Domenico began in 1970 with Nino Bergese.

People used to call him "the king of chefs, the chef of the kings" for his noble background. 

Flowers, abat-jours, leather sofas, and baroque music create the warm atmosphere of a time when eating out was a luxury habit. 
Those times have gone, but 40 years later the 2 Michelin stars are still shining.

A pristine classic cuisine that picks up local ingredients like red potatoes, pigeon and asparagus and elevates them with the skills and precision that only study, repetition and experience can build.

The dish to wait for? 
Uovo in raviolo with butter, Parmigiano Reggiano and white truffle. When Anthony Bourdain was in Bologna he went there to watch the full process. Not hard to say why.

Prices
Menu from 160€

I suggest you
Go on Wednesday if you were born after 1970. They make the same menu for a cheaper price.

One dish not to miss
The pigeon.

Info
Via Sacchi, 1, 40026 Imola BO
Tel. +39 0542 29000
www.sandomenico.it

📍 Distance from Bologna: 40 min by car / 30 min by train.

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 25 min by car

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 45 min by car / 30 min by train.

Important: Booking opens 6 months in advance. Check the release calendar on the official website or you'll miss out.

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 1 hour by car / 45 min by train.

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 2 hours by car

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 1.5 hours by car

Da Lucio is one of the most radical and talked-about seafood restaurants in Italy.

Chef Jacopo Ticchi earned his first Michelin star in the 2026 Guide thanks to a unique approach centered on fish aging, a technique used to reduce moisture and intensify flavor, changing both texture and depth.

Located on Rimini’s Darsena, the restaurant overlooks the Adriatic Sea and features an open kitchen where fire, grill, and wood oven take center stage.

Almost the entire fish is used, including offal and lesser-known cuts, in a cuisine that challenges the idea of “freshness” and redefines contemporary seafood dining.

This is not classic Romagna seafood: it’s bold, technical, and deeply personal.

Prices
Tasting menu: 145€

I suggest you
Go for the tasting menu. It’s the only way to fully understand Ticchi’s philosophy and experience cuts and preparations not available à la carte.

One dish not to miss
The brodetto, reimagined with aged fish and perfectly controlled cooking.

Info
Viale Ortigara, 80, 47921 Rimini RN
Tel. +39 0541 161 2020
da-lucio.com

📍 Distance from Bologna: about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car

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, and black garlic with lemon.

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 1.5 hours by car

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

📍 Distance from Bologna: 1.5 hours by car

Final thoughts: how to choose?

Choosing where to eat in our region is a matter of balance. 

If you want to stay within the medieval walls, I Portici is your only starred choice, and it’s a magnificent one. 

But if you have a car and an extra afternoon, driving to Amerigo or Casa Mazzucchelli will give you a deeper look into the soul of our hills.

My advice? 
Don't just chase the stars. 

The real magic of Bologna lies in the contrast: a 12-course tasting menu on Friday night, and a paper plate of handmade tortellini in the middle of a crowded market on Saturday morning. 

Our Bologna Food Tours are designed for small groups (max 10) who want to find the soul of the city, one backstreet at a time.

No white tablecloths, just real food and real stories.