The city is lit by a buzzing gastronomic scenario. Specifying that along with the invasion of touristy eateries of little interest, fortunately there's an increase the wide-ranging ambitious projects that diversify the city's dining scene. Bologna is now a destination not only for those looking for traditional restaurants, but also for those hoping to find new ideas and gastronomic stimuli. Just think of the quality growth of foreign kitchens (for example Yuzuya), to young cutting-edge projects (from Sentaku to the very recent Scarto), to the bread and pizza revolution (Forno Brisa and Berberé as pioneers in their respective genres), to redesigning city markets and urban spaces. Also in summer the city transforms into a cultural and gastronomic hub, offering festivals and many outdoor spaces to eat and drink well, fighting the heat of the coming months. Here are our suggestions, including new openings and favourite oldies.
Pizzeria Portici: On the terrace of hotel I Portici summer brings a menu entirely focused on pizza. The pies are baked in a wood-stoked oven and in addition to the 4 on the menu, a fifth offer rotates daily. Ingredients hail from the Campania region (birthplace of the new chef, Emanuele Petrosino), but there’s room for local Emilia fare with the Pizza Portici, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano aged 36 months and Prosciutto di Parma, aged 18 months. Dining is al fresco with views of Parco della Montagnola and the Pincio staircase. There’s a musical carpet also. This is only one of the many gastronomic projects born within the hospitality group.
Via dell'Indipendenza, 69
Scaccomatto agli Orti: This is a fixture of the Bologna summer, until September the kitchen of Mario Ferrara moves to the gardens of via della Braina, but only for three days a week. The context is particularly evocative of a 17th century courtyard hidden from view, which has preserved the memory of the medieval convent garden (in the same a recent soft opening of no-waste cocktail bar Scarto, facing the secret garden in back). The Salotto nell'Orto opens every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 7:45 pm with producer features, book presentations and tastings. Dinner, however, starts at 9:00 pm with a fixed menu that changes according to the inspiration of the chef patron of Scaccomatto (50 Euro per person).
Via della Braina, 7
Kinotto: This is the first summer of the bar born on the initiative of Locomotiv at the Baumhaus Network inside the Railway After-work Club, last March. Seating is indoors, in the reimagined vintage style space, but also outdoors, sitting at tables around the steam engine. But in the park of the Railways in Via Serlio diners can also opt for the ethnic cuisine of Al Binéri, of social cooperative Arca di Noè, or select pizza sold by weight of PizzArtist, an old acquaintance of the park aficionados.
Via Sebastiano Serlio, 25/2
L'altra sponda al Giardino del Cavaticcio: The summer at the Giardino del Cavaticcio will once again chock with events planned for the festival created by Cassero Lgbti Center, held until September 23rd 2018 (in conjunction with the Biografilm Park billboard, again at Cavaticcio). The food offer is particularly interesting: Berberè with 4 pizzas from its summer menu, and Go Fresh, with salads and fruit popsicles, every night, from 7 pm.
Dynamo Picnic alla Velostazione: Since last spring, the Dynamo Velostazione courtyard has begun to live by day, from 10 am to 10 pm for an informal lunch or dinner that focuses on an unusual picnic delivery service in collaboration with La Svolta (and its local cuisine and small productions) and the bike riders of Ubm. Lately the offer has increased with the arrival of Pancake, a hamburger truck born in Imola and that will be "parked" in the park all summer. Furthermore, focaccias, pizzas and cheesecakes by Olmo. In addition, takeout, or sitting at the tables or simply ordering something to drink.
Via Indipendenza, 71/Z
Mercato Ritrovato:The Slow Food "mercato della Terra" market arrived in Piazzetta Pasolini at the beginning of spring 2017, opening every Saturday morning. In the coming months, the proximity to Biografilm film library, will allow the market the opportunity to stay open even at night, every Monday and until 11 pm, with a food offer that features wine counters of loca producers and winemakers: 12 Bolognese wineries will fill the square. Bread and pizzas provided by Forno Brisa, kebabs by Pollo Samoggia, seafood by Pescevia and many others. The summer bar of Cameo film library is open every day, under the guidance of Camera Sud, with cooking menus throughout the day.
Via Azzo Gardino, 65
Rudere a Monte Donato: The Rude Bar e Osteria located in Via Rialto is a very well known restaurant in the Bologna nightlife scene. Opened in 2016 by 4 young members, it's a sandwich shop serving cold dishes, but also wine bar, cocktail bar and small club playing good music. The novelty of summer 2018 is called Rudere, on the hills of Bologna, in Monte Donato, in the garden of Podere Canova inside the public park Forte Bandiera. Every evening and all day during the weekend, the proposal is what made founders popular around town. Grazieng boards, local products, craft beers, and a drink list. Screenings and evening concerts to boot.
Via Gaibara, 1, parco di Forte Bandiera
a cura di Livia Montagnoli
