It’s Sunday in Bologna, and the air smells of something slow-cooked, rich, and comforting. On almost every family table, there’s one dish that never fails to bring people together — lasagna Bolognese. You might have tried “lasagna” elsewhere, but here, it’s a whole different story. Thinner green pasta sheets, silky béchamel, and a deeply flavored ragù alla bolognese layered with care and patience

In Bologna, you won’t hear locals asking for lasagna — they’ll say lasagne. The plural form matters. It’s not just a language quirk; it’s a reflection of the layers themselves. Each sheet (sfoglia) is rolled by hand, often by a sfoglina — the skilled women who keep the city’s pasta tradition alive. Together, these golden-green sheets become lasagne, each layer essential, none alone. So yes, lasag

Crispy, puffy, and impossibly light — gnocco fritto is one of those Italian treasures that make you fall in love at first bite. You may know Emilia-Romagna for its Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto di Parma, but this simple fried dough holds a special place in the hearts (and breakfasts) of Modenese locals. Curious to know what makes it so special?Let’s dive into its history, authentic recipe,

What is gnocco fritto?

The scent of fresh bread mixes with roasted coffee and the chatter of shoppers in the courtyard of Bologna’s Cineteca. Baskets filled with greens, wheels of cheese, and a few hens clucking somewhere between the stalls. A guitarist strums under a tree while a vendor passes a slice of pecorino to a curious child. Among all Bologna food markets, Mercato Ritrovato is the one that best captures the c

What is Mercato Ritrovato A farmers’ market born in a film yard Set inside the courtyard of the Cineteca di Bologna, the city’s film archive, Mercato Ritrovato feels like a movie scene — only the extras are real people and the script smells of sourdough. The Cineteca di Bologna is one of the most respected film archives in Europe. It restores old movies, runs the Modernissimo Cinema, and hosts op

If you’ve ever dreamed of kneading dough in a sunlit Italian kitchen or sipping Lambrusco while a local chef teaches you the secrets of perfect tortellini, then an Italy cooking class should be at the top of your travel list. Italy isn’t just a place to eat well — it’s where food becomes a story. A ritual. A way of life. And what better way to connect with this culture than by rolling up your slee

The soul of Italian cuisine: why Emilia-Romagna is a food lover’s paradise Why Emilia-Romagna is Italy's gastronomic capital Picture this: golden fields, ancient towns, and the comforting aroma of simmering ragù drifting through the air. Welcome to Emilia-Romagna, a region where food is not just nourishment — it’s a form of art. From Bologna to Modena and Parma, this region is responsible for some

When travelers think of Italy, they picture pasta, pizza, wine, and gelato. But the real way to discover the country’s culinary soul is by joining a food tour in Italy. These experiences connect you with local traditions, hidden eateries, and passionate guides who know the backstreets better than any travel book. Still, not every tour is created equal. After more than a decade organizing culinar

The size of the group can make or break your Italian food tour. A group of 20 people shuffling from one trattoria to the next doesn’t allow you to interact with your guide, ask questions, or squeeze into those tiny, authentic shops where locals actually eat. You’ll end up in larger, more touristy venues, missing out on the intimate vibe that makes a food tour special. That’s why at Taste Bologna w