Where to eat in the Bolognese hills
A day trip immersed in good food and nature
Ma quanto è bello andare in giro per i colli bolognesi… sang Cesare Cremonini, riding his Vespa across the lush green expanses surrounding the city. A pastoral escape just minutes from the city centre, far from the traffic noise, immersing yourself in nature and the peace of the open countryside, where sky and hills blend in shades of green and blue. The Bolognese hills are also a food haven, where cured meats, cheeses and a glass of house wine make the perfect companions for an outing with friends.
Discover the welcoming warmth of atmospheric farmsteads, converted barns, rustic osterias and agriturismi, where local produce and regional heritage bring out the authentic flavours of Emilia-Romagna. Whether for Sunday lunch or an escape from the city, here is our pick of the best places to eat in the Bolognese hills.
Il Boccone del Prete
Via Siepelunga 56/4
An elegant restaurant set within the exclusive setting of the Golf Club Siepelunga, with sweeping views over the Bolognese hills and the city. A large dining room with understated decor and soft lighting welcomes guests in winter, while a lovely outdoor veranda beckons in warmer weather. The seasonal menu also features special tasting evenings revolving around fish, truffles and game, paired with regional flavours and an extensive wine list. A timeless, charming gourmet destination.
Trattoria Monte Donato
Via Siepelunga, 118
A historic trattoria opened around 1920, once offering rooms to holidaymakers exploring the hills. Today, Trattoria Monte Donato is a dining haven serving authentic Bolognese flavours, from handmade fresh pasta to seasonal vegetables and homemade desserts, all enveloped in the quiet of nature. Paper placemats, large wooden tables and an outdoor terrace welcome guests into a rustic, relaxed setting for a satisfying, unpretentious meal.
Osteria dal Nonno
Via di Casaglia, 62
Run by the Natali family since 1901, one of the oldest osterie in Bologna, Dal Nonno is a reliable choice for anyone looking for home-style cooking with breathtaking views of the hills around the city. A small wood-and-stone house with a spacious terrace where you can sit at large wooden tables and take in the panorama, awaiting a menu of 100% local flavours: crescentine and tigelle, cured meats, cheeses, pickles, vegetables in oil, salads and a selection of desserts prepared strictly on-site, including the famous pinza filled with apple jam and grape must. A glass of locally produced wine is unmissable, from aromatic and sparkling reds to fresh whites.
Cà Shin
Via Cavaioni, 1
A farmhouse reimagined to breathe new life into Parco Cavaioni, where you feel right at home surrounded by art and good food in an easy-going yet refined setting. An on-site vegetable garden yields seasonal produce, while brick walls and warm wood set the stage for a menu blending Bolognese tradition with American barbecue, steered by Chef Ivan Poletti, who joined Cà Shin to leave city frenzy behind. It is an ideal spot to reconnect with nature, just eight minutes from central Bologna.
Fienile Fluò
Via di Paderno, 9
An old barn with rustic appeal and thoughtful details, set along the ridges surrounding Bologna among the gullies of Monte Paderno. Legend has it that around 1906 a phosphorescent stone was discovered here, drawing travellers from science and literature—inspiring the name Fienile Fluò. Today, it serves authentic seasonal food made with locally sourced ingredients from nearby producers, ranging from crescentine and charcuterie boards to fresh pasta and vegetarian dishes.
Agriturismo Ben Ti Voglio
Località Castell’Arienti 5A/5B
A charming agriturismo set in a 19th-century farmhouse near Parco del Paleotto, surrounded by the Bolognese hills. Here, country living meets understated taste with natural shades of white and cream alongside wood, design accents and period furnishings. The kitchen focuses on traditional recipes guided by freshness and seasonality, working with local produce to enjoy on the outdoor terrace overlooking the hills with a glass of good wine.
Agriturismo Albireo
Via dei Colli, 43
A small, reservation-only agriturismo welcoming guests into a homely setting amid the lush hills. As Albireo points out, booking at least two days in advance is essential to align with the harvest and fresh produce, which turn into traditional dishes cooked just like grandmother made them. It is a warm, family atmosphere celebrating the culinary history of Bologna, where everything is prepared from scratch with care.
Carosello
Via del Sasso,1, Pianoro
A rural spot surrounded by greenery where home cooking takes centre stage, featuring traditional pasta and mains, crescentine, tigelle, cured meats, cheeses and classic polenta with mushrooms. Homemade desserts, like the rich torta tenerina with mascarpone, are best enjoyed to the last crumb in the large garden surrounding the property. It makes an ideal getaway with family or friends, in an easy-going setting minutes from the city.
Casetta Magli
Via Gorgognano, 9, Pianoro
Feel at home in the hills at Casetta Magli, a meeting spot for good food and relaxation just minutes from Bologna. There is no set menu here: dishes change daily with the seasons and are served on welcoming communal tables. Guests choose between three offerings: traditional fare, a feast of crescentine and tigelle, or a bespoke dinner crafted by the chef. The large outdoor area is a real highlight, featuring a vegetable garden, play areas and space for a stroll.
Antica Hostaria della Rocca di Badolo
Via Brento,4, Badolo
A rustic stone farmhouse where an open fireplace, local stone walls and original exposed ceiling beams create an inviting atmosphere. Outside, the view looks out across dramatic natural scenery ascending the hills near Bologna. Chef Andrea Santacaterina crafts regional Appennine dishes around seasonal produce, spotlighting truffles—Bianchetto and Nero Scorzone—and mushrooms alongside handmade pasta and fragrant mains. A rustic retreat that truly celebrates homemade cooking.
