La Bottega di Franco

Tradition, elegance and international flair. Three qualities that, applied to food, define La Bottega di Franco. Just a few kilometres from the centre of Bologna, on via Agucchi, this restaurant sits well off the beaten tourist track, but we can promise you it is well worth the short journey.

Everything at La Bottega di Franco comes together to create a charming atmosphere. It begins with the setting, a historic manor house once owned by a Bolognese countess. The venue features dining rooms in varying styles, ideal for a business lunch, a candlelit dinner with your partner or even a fairytale wedding. In summer, the spacious veranda and the lovely outdoor garden are the most sought-after spots, while in winter the indoor rooms with an open fireplace take centre stage. There is nothing quite like the warmth of a hearth on a cold evening.

Open since 1981, La Bottega di Franco brings over 40 years of culinary history to the table alongside a deep bond with the region. The starters focus on fresh seasonal produce and change throughout the year. At the moment, choices include la Battuta di manzo dell’Appennino with pepper mayonnaise, mustard, crisp fennel and a quail egg; Radicchio di campo with crisp guanciale, hard-boiled egg and vinaigrette; and warm brioche with baccalà mantecato and potato cappuccino with nutmeg. A standout option, celebrated for quality and heritage, is the “Degustazione della Bottega”: 18-month Prosciutto di Parma, mortadella mousse, Parmigiano crème brûlée and vegetable giardiniera.

In Bologna, the heartland of fresh pasta, it is impossible to resist the Tagliatelle al ragù or the Tortellini in brodo: traditional classics that, centuries on, never fail to delight. For something more creative, highlights include Ravioli di patate e lardo di montagna all’ossobuco di vitello, robiola di capra ed erbe aromatiche, and Spaghetti alla chitarra, moscardini e ceviche di gambero rosa.

Browsing further down the menu, your eye is drawn to the Cotoletta di Iberico stile bolognese – a balance of history and innovation – and the Suprema di galletto stuffed with herbs, served with demi-glace and sautéed seasonal vegetables. If you prefer seafood, La Bottega di Franco also serves pan-seared Trancio di ombrina with spiced celeriac and teriyaki sauce, as well as baked Mazzancolle with smoked potato cream, raw asparagus and chopped hazelnuts.

To finish on a high note, the dessert list is varied and generous. Options range from Panna cotta alle mandorle with coconut foam to the refreshing Fresco cremoso al mojito with cocoa crumble and biscuit, through to Soffice al cioccolato bianco with lemon crumble, mango gel and red berry sauce. Yet La Bottega di Franco offers more than just fine food. Guests can also tour the restaurant’s well-stocked wine cellar, admiring a private collection of vintage wines and tempting cured meats hanging from the ceiling. A treat for the eyes, steeped in the flavour and history of Emilian tradition.

Photo Credit: labottegadifranco.com