• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Ready to taste the best food in Bologna? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Bologna—with a visit to the lively Mercato delle Erbe included Monday through Saturday!

Destination

Bologna, Italy

Category

Food Tours

Duration

3 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Italiano, Français, Español, Română

Included

• Private Guide
• 10 Local Food & Drink Tastings
• Vegetarian Options Available
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 6 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at In front of 'Pollo e Patate Pollomino' - Bologna to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. 10 Tastings

   This tour includes 10 food and drink tastings. Your local host has hand-picked each one of the tastings based on their love for food, and knowledge of the city. Enjoy only the most authentic bites the city has to offer!

4. The Classics

   A food tour in Bologna would not be complete without the most typical and beloved dishes in town. Enjoy a bite of the ultimate classics torta di riso and tortellini fritti and taste them in their true local flavor!

5. Locals’ Favorites

   Discover more of the local cuisine by trying some of the ultimate locals’ favorites food treats. Try unique food, typical of Bologna picked by your local host and hear why they love it so much!

6. Typical Drinks

   With drinks included as part of the tastings this real experience comes with a real local spirit! The 10 Tastings include 2-3 specially selected drinks that complement your culinary experience. Whether it’s non-alcoholic refreshments or regional specialties, the offerings are thoughtfully curated by your local host to reflect the spirit of the destination. Drink availability may vary based on the cultural norms of each city, making each tour a unique experience.

7. City Highlights

   This tour is more than just food, it’s a cultural experience! In between food stops, discover city highlights for a well-rounded experience that will satisfy your appetite for Bologna. From food, drinks, must-sees and local hot spots; this tour has everything on the menu!

8. Vegetarian Alternative

   Looking for a vegetarian alternative? It’s possible! The tour has been created with alternative tastings to fit your preferences. Just let your host know!

9. Special Diet or Allergies?

   If you follow a special diet or have an allergy to a specific food, let your host know! They’ll make sure to take that into consideration so you can have an enjoyable and safe experience

10. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Debora

(About local Giuseppe)

9 September 2025

Booked this tour with Pino for my parents and I. Pino is a lovely and knowledgeable pasta lover and foodie. The tour was informative, delicious and paced to our liking, including experiencing some true Bologna gems. Truly enjoyable

Ashley

(About local Giuseppe)

8 September 2025

Giuseppe was so kind, funny, and informative - an exceptional guide. Loved hearing the history of all of the food of Bologna he introduced us to. Each tasting was delicious and by the end, we were stuffed and had to box stuff up to take home - come with a hungry belly!Amazing Guide, Delectable Food

Greg🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Giuseppe)

29 August 2025

Giuseppe led us on a merry course of good food and lovely wine through the streets of Bologna. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Bravo Giuseppe, a true gent

Rohan

(About local Giuseppe)

28 August 2025

Giuseppe gave a great authentic trip through local foods with a good dose of history and humour. Also his restaurant recommendation was the best!Brilliant Bologna

Steve🇺🇸 United States

(About local Riccardo)

20 August 2025

1

The food tour led by Riccardo was fantastic in every way. Not only did Riccardo lead us through the Bologna food markets, sharing tasty treats with us, but, as we walked, he also educated us on the history and art of medieval and Renaissance Bologna, detouring at times through historic streets and buildings to give us a sense of what Bologna was like 500 to 1,000 years ago. The tour was scheduled for 3 hours, but it was actually longer due to our interest. Great guide and host. Couldn't ask for a better afternoon in Bologna and with a better guide. Fantastic Food Tour and Guide

debbie.meech🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Giuseppe)

4 August 2025

We had a great food tour with Giuseppe. We went to the large Bologna market and watched pasta being made and then ate two different types with a local glass of wine. We ordered lots of meats, deli products, cheese etc from various stalls and went off to a bar which allowed you to have a picnic and buy their wine. Their Lambrusco was great. We finished the tour off with gelato, perfect. Thank you Lovely food tour

Lisa Marie🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Sarah)

26 July 2025

Sarah was a fantastic guide! She contacted us ahead of time to ask about our preferences and allergies or if there is anything we don‘t eat. Her tour included local highlights as well as lesser known gems and we immediately fell in love with the Pignoletto! Sarah told us a lot about Bolognese culture and cuisine, and provided all sorts of recommendations which were very helpful for the rest of our trip. She even sent us a list of her 18 favorite restaurants and wine bars with short descriptions and after our tour she texted us recipes for famous local dishes. It was the absolute best way to start our trip and we highly recommend Sarah‘s food tours to anyone, especially if you haven‘t been to Bologna!Best way to start a trip!

Darcie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

24 July 2025

We absolutely loved our tour and we loved doing it with Guiseppe. He was so knowledgeable and sweet! The food he chose was the best food we have had in Italy so far!Perfect tour ans guide

Liesbeth

(About local Giuseppe)

16 July 2025

We ate and drank all the specialities of Bologna. However, our - albeit friendly - tour guide did not offer us much more than organising this eating and drinking. Apart from some information about the local pasta, we did not experience his culinary knowledge of the local food, or stories of culinary Bologna. We are left with the feeling that, with a bit of help from the internet, we could easily have organised this tour ourselves. Disappointing

Asger🇩🇰 Denmark

(About local Giuseppe)

14 July 2025

My wife and I enjoyed 3 hours with Giuseppe, who not only introduced us to wonderfull food and a secret place (Osteria) in the middle of Bologna, but also was very patient, so that we could speak and improve our italian. A perfect combination for two Italy-lovers. We give our best recommendations. Great lunch & language experience

jay🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

4 July 2025

Marco was great. Took my family to local places that were very fun. We were tired of standard Italy (pasta) and he took us on a fun food tour of other things. Amazing foodie tour

Richard

(About local Giuseppe)

3 July 2025

Giusseppe is een gepassioneerde man die veel weet over de (eet)cultuur/geschiedenis van Bologna . Hij nam ons mee naar fijne authentieke plekken waar we konden genieten van al het lekkers Bologna te bieden heeft.

Stuart

(About local Giuseppe)

1 July 2025

Our food tour with Giuseppe in Bologna was an absolute delight, a perfect blend of culinary exploration and cultural immersion that left us hungry for more! Starting at the vibrant market in Piazza Maggiore, Giuseppe guided us through a mouthwatering array of Bologna’s finest foods, each stop a testament to the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. From the delicate tortellini in broth and creamy tortelloni with ricotta to the bold flavours of pickles, olives, anchovies, and capers, every bite was a revelation. The mortadella and prosciutto were melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and the assortment of cheeses was simply divine. The grand finale at a gelato shop with over 40 flavours was a sweet dream come true, and sipping Lambrusco at a cozy bar while chatting about our day was the perfect way to unwind. Giuseppe was more than a guide, he felt like an old friend. His warmth, patience, and gentlemanly charm made us feel right at home, as if we’d known him for years. His passion for Bologna’s food and culture shone through as he shared stories and insights, weaving together the history of landmarks like Piazza Maggiore, Quadrilatero, and Piazza del Nettuno with the flavours we savoured. He even went above and beyond by recommending Da Cesari, a fantastic family-run restaurant on Via de’ Carbonesi, where the incredible host Riccardo (Ricci) welcomed us with open arms and served up a meal that was nothing short of extraordinary. Giuseppe promised a tour that would let us fall in love with Bologna’s cuisine, and he delivered beyond our expectations. The 10 tastings, carefully curated across multiple local spots, showcased both classic pastas like tortellini and unique local cheeses like aged Parmigiano Reggiano with balsamic figs. His thoughtful approach ensured the experience was tailored to our group. This wasn’t just a food tour, it was a cultural culinary journey that brought Bologna to life through its flavours, sights, and stories. If you’re looking for an authentic, personalised, and unforgettable culinary adventure in Bologna, Giuseppe is your guy. We can’t wait to return!Giuseppe’s Gourmet Bologna Adventure!

Janis

(About local Marco)

25 June 2025

Marco went above and beyond when giving our tour. The weather wasn’t ideal and we were a small party of three but he followed through with the commitment and we had a fantastic time. I highly recommend this tour and ask for Marco if you get the chance!Above and beyond!

Daniel 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

19 June 2025

Marco provided us with local flavors, bites and sights. He knew the local vendors and was very informative. We especially enjoyed the parmesan cheese tasting, cannelli making, and balsamic vinegar tasting. Marco was a wealth of info and stories, and very at ease. But, I have to say Marco looked rather unkempt. He gave the appearance that he slept in the clothes he had on and just rolled out of bed. Overall, I would recommend the private tour.Local knowledge and flair

Ann Marie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

18 June 2025

Welcoming, informative and genuine- the tour was like spending time with a long lost cousin or family member. The culture of Bologna and the food that defines it was explained and shared in this brief but amazing experience. Gieseppe was the perfect host!Amazing encounter

Nita🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Sarah)

13 June 2025

The food tour was a really good insight into the foods and wines of Emilia Romana. Sarah is really passionate about Bologna and we really learnt a lot about the region and its specialities. Bologna Food tour

Jennifer

(About local Giuseppe)

11 June 2025

What a wonderful afternoon with Giuseppe! Not only did we learn about local foods and have some delicious tastings, Giuseppe was a joy to spend time with. Thank you for a great experience in Bologna!Wonderful experience with Giuseppe!

Susan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

11 June 2025

The tour with Guiseppe was wonderful. We met at a market where he took us to various shops where he purchased food and wine for us to taste. He explained what each item was and how it was prepared. As they say, “he knew his stuff”! And we were stuffed by the end of the tour. I would definitely recommend doing a tour with him.Amazing!

Mark🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

9 June 2025

We had a great time touring around Bologna, sampling many different types of local cuisine will discussing everything under the sun. Thanks Marco, you got our trip off to a great start! Great time with Marco!

Kerstin🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Giuseppe)

3 June 2025

Die Tour mit Giuseppe war ein voller Erfolg! Wir haben ganz viel über das Essen und auch noch die Geschichte von Bologna erfahren. Dazu gab es reichlich Kostproben von Oliven über frische Pasta bis zu Eis und dem absolut unverzichtbaren Espresso! Ich kann sie nur wärmstens empfehlen.Kulinarischer Nachmittag in Bologna

Suzy

(About local Giuseppe)

31 May 2025

We truly enjoyed our tour with Giuseppe. He was absolutely fantastic - knowledgeable and engaging, but with a lovely low key manner. From the very beginning, it was clear he had a deep love for the city and its culinary traditions, which made the experience feel authentic and immersive. A Culinary Journey Through Bologna

Veronica

(About local Giuseppe)

29 May 2025

We travelled from Florence to experience Bologna’s famous food. It was all we had hoped it would be because of Giuseppe. His background knowledge was to our advantage as he guided us from one location to the next and at the same time gave us a history lesson. Thankyou Giuseppe. Fabulous Bologna Food Experience

ANNE🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

27 May 2025

We had Giuseppe as our local tour guide and he was perfect! The passion he has for the foods of Bologna really shines through and made everything come to life for us. Everything we tried was delicious. Absolutely loved going to the Osteria and have wine while eating what was bought for us to try. The gelato at the end was delicious. Giuseppe’s food tour was amazing!

Tracy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

27 May 2025

We were passing through from Venice to Florence and added this experience to taste the delights of Bologna. Food stops were delicious! Quick Stop in Bologna

inbal🇮🇱 Israel

(About local Giuseppe)

24 May 2025

We had a lovely afternoon with Giuseppe. He is very welcoming and warm, has a lot of knowledge and a very very generous man. We ate soooo much and everything was delicious. He took us to places we wouldn’t have known otherwise. I highly recommend!Great tour!

Brenda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Jason)

23 May 2025

Jason was very knowledgeable and provided context for interesting sites and food stops. Loved learning about and sampling local dishes from family run local businesses and was very understanding and flexible when I got delayed in meeting up with him. It was very worthwhile to spend my only free time touring with Jason!Fun walking food tasting tour!

Lydia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

21 May 2025

My boyfriend and I had never visited Bologna. We chose to do a food tour because of Bologna’s reputation… and we booked the BEST! Giuseppe was kind, knowledgeable, friendly, and introduced us to food we would have overlooked otherwise that was simply delicious! We also had the privilege of sitting and enjoying a true Osteria. We wanted the traditional experience dating back centuries, and Giuseppe delivered! And we found a delicious new wine we hope to find back in the United States. Salud to Giuseppe and the incredible tour he provided. Fabulous experience

Joseph🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

14 May 2025

Guiseppe was terrific! Had a great time - plenty to eat, drink and see. A must do!So Glad We Did This

Kerry🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Giuseppe)

14 May 2025

We spent an amazing 3 hours with Guiseppe (Pino) on the 10Tastings of Bologna Tour. Being a retired pasta maker, Pino has an absolute passion for the local food, and he imparted his knowledge of Bologna, and its traditional food and culture, in a captivating way. Our tour started at the historic Mercato dell Erbe, with its specialist shops and stalls. We tasted a variety of foods from artisanal shops and enjoyed a glass of Prosecco. Cheese, meats, olives and marinated vegetables were bought in the market, and traditional breads elsewhere, to provide for our lunch at the historic Osteria del Sole, an unassuming historic tavern that only serves alcoholic beverages…no food! As we traversed the old city, Pino talked about the culture and traditions of Bologna, whilst stopping to talk about historic buildings also. Our tour finished with tasting some of the local gelato. This tour was a wonderful local experience. Pino was warm and engaging, and was the perfect guide for sampling the local Bologna cuisine. Highly recommend this tour with Pino. Fantastic tour. A true taste of Bologna.

Samantha🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sarah)

8 May 2025

Sarah was very generous with her time for us. Not only did we get flavors from several places in the market and around town, but she toured us around other interesting locations that had nothing to do with the tasting tour. She has a vast knowledge of Bologna and is a sommelier with intimate knowledge of wine in the region. Having done a different food tour last week in Venice, which was also lovely, we appreciated this curated experience that didn’t leave us feeling too stuffed to walk - we were happy and satisfied. We would highly recommend Sarah, who was very accommodating to our involuntary schedule change (don’t ask) and extremely helpful. Very kind and knowledgeable

michael.surtell

(About local Giuseppe)

5 May 2025

Me and my friend did a tour with Giuseppe on the 2nd of May 2025. We had a lovely time an Giuseppe is a true legend. We really enjoyed eating a lot of local delicacies, learning abour Bologna and discussing Bolognese recipies. We can truly recommend this if you are interested in food. Great time with Giuseppe!

Amanda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

24 April 2025

Guiseppe was an amazing host to take us around the city for delicious food and drinks. He gave us a sampling of all of the best Bologna had to offer and provided a wonderful insider perspective as someone who grew up and raised his family there. As a former pasta maker, his passion for pasta and food was evident throughout the tour. He took us to all of the best places and even added a stop in when we asked to have an afternoon coffee. I cannot recommend this tour with Guiseppe enough!Guiseppe was phenomenal!

Madalene 🇿🇦 South Africa

(About local Marco)

22 April 2025

We enjoyed the food tour with Marco, it was very interesting to learn about different foods in Bologna. Food was really good and more than enough, topped with the best gelato. Marco spend time with us and very willing to answer questions Excellent foodtour with Marco

Arlan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

20 April 2025

Giuseppe was delightful. A wealth of historical knowledge and daily life. His pace and energy matched ours and he took his time to make sure all of our questions and thoughts were answered. Food was plentiful and so was the wine. All locally sourced.

Jim🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

16 April 2025

Guiseppe was an excellent guide for our tour. He knew many of the vendors at the market and was able to provide a great local take on the food, the atmosphere, and the history. My wife loved the rice cake he sent me home with. Can’t reccommend this tour and Guiseppe in particular, enough. If you’re in Bologna, see it with Guiseppe!Wonderful food tour of Bologna

andrew

(About local Giuseppe)

15 April 2025

Amazing food, great food and local history. Guiseppe is such a lovely man, so passionate and so knowledgable. A real treat, thank you Guiseppe, GraziPerfect!

Marjon

(About local Luca)

7 April 2025

Luca told us a lot about the city and took us to nice places where we tasted typical bolognese dishes and delicious wine. I eat gluten-free and he has done his best to arrange alternatives for me while my family enjoyed the pasta and cake. Thanks Luca!Great experience

Anna

(About local Sarah)

6 April 2025

We had a walk around Bologna with Sarah for well over three hours. On the way we experienced the amazing food this region has to offer. In addition to the well known hams and cheeses, Sarah introduced us to other stuff on the menu that we probably wouldn’t have tried if it hadn’t been for her recommendation. In addition to the food and wine tastings, Sarah shared her knowledge of Bologna’s history and culture. A perfect day to discover this hidden gem! Heaven for a foodie

Larrena

(About local Giuseppe)

5 April 2025

This is one of the best food tours we've ever been on, and we've been on A LOT! Giuseppe was amazing! From the appetizers to the fresh meats and cheeses, Pollo e Patate, and finished with some delicious gelato... GREAT!! This is the only food tour where we've walked away with a bag full of food! Perfect experience! Bologna Food Tour

Justin

(About local Giuseppe)

2 April 2025

Colette🇮🇪 Ireland

(About local Giuseppe)

26 March 2025

We really enjoyed our tour with Giuseppe. I can't think of a better way to learn about the food of a fabulous city and region than with an expert local pasta maker. We are so happy to recommend Giuseppe as your guide to the best of Bologna.

Melanie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Giuseppe)

15 March 2025

I was very excited for this tour, I texted with Giuseppe and he was very receptive to my requests . He also made sure we hit the unique spots in Bologna only locals know. He really knows the city and made the tour feel like a friend was showing us around. He has my highest recommendation! A Perfect 10!

Erika🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

14 March 2025

Marco is a true insider who deftly handled any good related questions we threw at him. We navigated Bologna with several bonus stops. Highly recommend.Thereof no substitute for experience

Joan

(About local Giuseppe)

24 February 2025

Not only did Giuseppe introduce us to the special foods and places in Bologna, but by the time we separated, it felt like we were saying goodbye to an old friend. We won’t share where Giuseppe took us (you’ll need to do a tour with him😉), but we had an assortment of food experiences we would not find anywhere else, including gelato that will likely be the last we’ll ever have because there’s no point in going back to the gelato we are used to elsewhere, and a stop in a place that is so unique we’ve not seen anything like it anywhere in the world. In addition to the food, Giuseppe shared local history and a passion for Bologna. It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon. (When you meet Giuseppe, you will understand why his photo shows him holding a huge sheet of pasta). Fantastic afternoon with Giuseppe.

r648x5qgk7

(About local Giuseppe)

17 February 2025

Our food tour with Giuseppe was wonderful. He was engaging, shared his passion for Bologna, the food, and culture. We tried so many delicious tastes, including my favorite the regional pesto sandwich. molto delicato Grazie Mille Giuseppe!Eccellente

Alice

(About local Giuseppe)

15 February 2025

My husband and I had a great time with Giuseppe. He was really knowledgeable, told us loads about the food and drink we were trying and took us to some interesting places. The food and drink was amazing! We would highly recommend Giuseppe! A great tour!

John

(About local Marco)

12 January 2025

Marco is larger then life, both in personality and stature. His knowledge of the food scence in Bologna and surrounding areas is matched with his love and passion for it. Lucky this is a walking tour, because we needed. Each meal was amazing. Marco was also adaptive with his itinerary, as we told him we had already done a city walking tour, so he took as to other locations in the city, which we didn't explore previously.I'm still full!!!

Michelle🇺🇸 United States

(About local Marco)

27 December 2024

Marco is a special character and we thoroughly enjoyed our day with him. He showed us lots of places the locals go, was full of great tips, very knowledgeable, and of course the food samples were spot on. We’d do it again just to peel a layer deeper. Thank you Marco! Great day with Marco

Miriam🇺🇸 United States

(About local Jason)

27 December 2024

Jason was a pleasure and full of great information. My two adult sons and teenager all enjoyed his tour. It was a holiday so lots of places were closed and yet Jason figured it all out for us. Great Tour