The best breakfasts in Bologna
Where to start the day in style
Starting the day well requires a dose of energy and good spirits. There is no better way to find it than by embracing the essential breakfast ritual at one of the city’s finest spots, sipping excellent coffee alongside a warm brioche, alone or with good company. With its magnificent piazzas, romantic porticoes and historic streets, Bologna offers remarkable addresses for a delicious morning, blending sweet and savoury delicacies to wake up every palate.
Whether you prefer a lingering breakfast enjoyed at an elegantly set table or the fast-paced daily rush of a quick yet superb espresso at the counter, every detail counts. Early risers or late sleepers, here is our pick of the best breakfasts in Bologna, celebrating quality, warm hospitality and authentic Emilian flair.
Impero
Via Indipendenza, 39
In the beating heart of the city, set along one of the historic centre’s main thoroughfares, Pasticceria Impero has been a benchmark for flawless breakfasts since 2005. Thanks to the in-house bakery workshop, you can enjoy freshly baked goods every morning, including standout brioches, plum cakes, muffins, cookies, mignon pastries, delicate single-portion cakes and a diverse selection of torte. Take a seat inside or make the most of the outdoor tables in the warmer months, savouring a well-pulled espresso or a creamy cappuccino made with blends from Torrefazione Pascucci. For those who like to experiment, an extensive specialty coffee menu is also on hand for a memorable morning start.
Laganà
Via Santo Stefano, 112
This pastry shop was born from the pastry passion of Michele Laganà, who moved from his native Sicily to test his skills against Bologna’s finest bakers. In 1955 he opened his shop on Via Santo Stefano, now run by his son Luigi. Family tradition, refined technique and mouth-watering recipes make the Laganà sweet selection a true celebration of flavour. The setting retains the authentic charm of old-world pasticcerie, with warm woodwork and glass displays giving way to platters of petits fours, brioches, cakes and crisp biscuits to pair with a steaming espresso or a velvety cappuccino.
Café Pasticceria Gamberini
Via Ugo Bassi 12
Recognised as a Historic Place of Italy since 2006, Gamberini has been an authentic institution for locals, championing traditional pastry craft since 1907. It is a genuine jewel where past and present meet harmoniously amid period furnishings and a bountiful selection of breakfast treats. Choose from classic custard and fruit pastries to artisanal torte and biscuits, alongside fine chocolate crafted in their own workshop. Settle into an elegantly dressed table overlooking the city streets and soak up the timeless charm: hot coffee and a sweet pastry make for a refined morning ritual.
Regina di Quadri
Via Castiglione, 73/a
This patisserie showcases the sweet artistry of Francesco Elmi, an acclaimed Bolognese pastry chef whose workshop produces stunning creations designed to delight eyes and palates alike. Breakfast at this Via Castiglione address is a true culinary highlight: à la carte pastries crafted with seasonal ingredients create a harmonious balance of creams, fruit, spices and inventive combinations, spanning individual entremets, assorted mignon, pralines and fine chocolates. Take a seat on the terrace, sip a creamy cappuccino alongside your treat of choice and start planning what to order on your next visit.
Botanica Lab Café
Via de’Toschi 2/g
Botanica Lab Café grew out of the plant-based vision of Botanica Lab, offering a sustainable approach centered on wholesome, nourishing food that never compromises on flavour. Breakfast here is a treat in an eye-catching design setting: marble tables, petrol-blue velvet stools, lush greenery, metallic accents and a counter inspired by French boulangeries. The menu tempts with flaky brioches, baked and raw vegan cakes, cold-pressed juices and a drinks list running from fragrant loose-leaf teas and classic espresso drinks to an indulgent matcha latte.
Papparè
Via De’Giudei, 2
Right beneath Bologna’s landmark medieval towers sits one of the most vibrant addresses in town. This bright spot caters to morning appetites with equal flair for breakfast and standout brunch dishes, balancing sweet and savoury options. The atmosphere is cheerful and relaxed, featuring wooden tables and bright colours in a carefully curated Nordic-inspired style. The breakfast menu includes brioches with generous fillings of creams and jams, alongside fresh orange juice, specialty coffee blends, traditional espresso and American-style coffee drinks.
Cafè Zanarini
Piazza Galvani, 1
Set across two floors inside Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, one of Bologna’s most distinguished historic buildings, this venue dates back to 1930, when it served as a gathering place for the city’s prominent figures. Today Cafè Zanarini is widely considered the living room of the city, offering an atmospheric break between past and present with furnishings recalling an illustrious bygone era. Attentive service and a delightful terrace complement an indulgent selection of brioches and pastries, making it the perfect choice for an elegant breakfast with a well-made cappuccino or espresso.
Pasticceria Carosello
Via di Corticella, 184/8
Pasticceria Carosello was founded through the shared dedication of Giorgio and Ivonne, who opened their first pastry shop in 1965. Today their son Maurizio welcomes guests to a refined, recently renovated and expanded space where family recipes blend with modern creations, all made with fresh, premium ingredients. A generous display counter greets you at the door, tempting morning visitors with cream- or fruit-topped cakes, krantz and fresh-filled brioches, all prepared directly in Carosello’s own workshop.
Caffè Letterario Sebastiano Caridi
Via Alessandro Manzoni, 2
Set within Palazzo Fava, the pastry artistry of master baker Sebastiano Caridi comes to life in tempting creations. From traditional brioches filled with rich creams and jams to miniature pastries such as cream cannoli, babà and tartlets, through to brightly coloured macarons and pralines, the selection is vast. Torte, leavened bakes and his famous ‘long cakes’ pair seamlessly with the café menu, where classic blends sit alongside specialty coffees enhanced with pistachio, cream, orange and chocolate. For a wholesome boost, the freshly made Succhi Vivi cold-pressed juices provide an energising start.
Caffè Terzi
Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 10/2
A true institution for coffee purists, Caffè Terzi was the first spot in Italy dedicated exclusively to coffee and tea, focusing entirely on meticulous roasting and exceptional quality. Step into this welcoming shop filled with the rich aroma of rare beans prepared as single origins and bespoke blends. Alongside your espresso or velvety cappuccino served with the customary glass of water, you will find delicious brioches, including vegan options, to complete your morning. Be sure to sample their daily treats as well: chocolate-dipped sour cherries and clementines, tartlets and delicate mignon pastries.
