Welcome back to @BitesofItaly. In this episode, we’re heading straight to the food capital of Italy: Bologna, home of some of Italy’s richest culinary traditions. We explore three unforgettable places to eat in Bologna, each representing a different side of the city’s food culture: historic, traditional, and boldly innovative.
🍷 1. Osteria del Sole (1465)
One of the oldest taverns in the world — continuously open since 1465.
No kitchen, no food, ever. You bring your own lunch from the surrounding markets while they provide wine, beer, and atmosphere.
A communal, buzzing, deeply authentic slice of Bologna’s soul.
🥘 2. Trattoria Collegio di Spagna
A hidden, old-school trattoria with no website and no social media.
Here, you’ll find classic Bolognese cooking at its finest, including Tagliatelle with ragù (DO NOT confuse it with spaghetti bolognese!). Simple, warm, timeless.
🔥 3. Antica Trattoria del Reno
A surprising culinary twist — part traditional trattoria, part international steakhouse.
They specialize in dry-aged meats from all over the world, BBQ-inspired pasta and appetizers, and creative Italian-American fusion done with respect and skill.
Whether you love ancient taverns, traditional cuisine, or bold new flavors, Bologna delivers all of it — past, present, innovation, and heart.
🎧 Watch, listen, and get inspired for your next Bologna trip.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 26: Bologna, Italy’s food capital
01:00 – Osteria del Sole: a tavern from 1465
02:10 – The BYO food rule explained
03:47 – What to bring: the perfect mortadella sandwich
04:29 – What mortadella really is
05:13 – Trattoria Collegio di Spagna: restaurant, a hidden gem
06:05 – Bolognese tradition celebrated in every dish
06:57 – Spaghetti Bolognese doesn’t exist
08:13 – Honest prices and authentic atmosphere
08:51 – Antica Trattoria del Reno: a steakhouse meets Emilia-Romagna
09:57 – Dry-aging display and global cuts
10:55 – Creative Italian–American fusion dishes
12:08 – Service, wine, and the full experience
12:38 – What these 3 places say about Bologna
13:31 – Next episode: mountain food in northern Italy
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