il Passatello di Bologna

The food was just okay. It was disappointing, especially considering it was the gastronomic capital of Italy. The service was good, but being in Bologna, I expected a truly flavorful meal, and that wasn't the case. The dishes had hardly any sauce and were also small.

It was a great joy to have dinner here yesterday. Initially, we didn't have a reservation, but the waiter, who seemed to be the manager, made sure to find a table for us, and we were very well attended to from the start. Then, the waiter Carlos and a very friendly girl served us, and I must say, VERY well! And the food was delicious. We ordered the picanha, and it was simply delicious and tender, better than in Brazil. The pasta was also excellent, perfectly cooked and incredibly delicious. The place didn't seem too touristy, as there were many Italians at the surrounding tables, which was even nicer, as we felt we had a truly Italian experience. And the prices are excellent. It's definitely worth it, and I would go back many times.

The restaurant is located on a side street and is clearly not a typical tourist trap. However, word has spread through platforms like this one that it's a good restaurant – which is why we weren't the only tourists there. We were lucky to get a table – the place was packed 30 minutes after we arrived, so a reservation is recommended. Both the service and the food were wonderfully Italian. The dishes were truly delicious. If I lived in Bologna, I would definitely go there more often.

Beautiful restaurant down a side alley away from the busy street. Service and food Amazing!

The place is really nice and I loved the Crescentini but what got me the most was the service, especially my waiter Carlos who provide an amazing service 😊

Excellent food. And Carlos's service was excellent.

An extraordinary experience.

Updated October 5, 2026 We returned to Passatello with the composed anticipation reserved for places dear to our hearts, and our already high expectations were not only confirmed but effortlessly exceeded. There's a kind of silent grace about this restaurant: the cuisine, masterful and faithful to tradition, is intertwined with raw materials of rare quality, while the service, impeccable and imbued with genuine kindness, envelops the guest with the same care reserved for a distinguished guest. Passatello thus confirms itself as a stop that doesn't accompany the journey but justifies it. A place where time seems to slow down, giving way to a discreet elegance and a hospitality reminiscent, in its restraint and composure, of old English homes. Returning is always a privilege. Arriving in Bologna for a brief stay, on Claudia's advice, I chose Passatello: a happy detour, born almost by chance during a morning flight. The restaurant presents itself with an understated elegance, never ostentatious. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, while the minimalist yet thoughtful table setting discreetly complements the dining experience. The quality of the ingredients is evident in every dish. The ragù, served alongside crescentine, creates a surprising combination: a balance between tradition and comfort, instantly evoking the most authentic Emilian cuisine. Desserts are a chapter in themselves: the mascarpone cream, paired with the distinct bitterness of dark chocolate, offers a refined and perfectly balanced contrast. To conclude the experience, a typical local amaro: Sette e Mezzo, a liqueur with a complex aromatic profile, where herbaceous and spicy notes intertwine in a dry and persistent finish. A special thanks to Larissa, whose kindness and smile made the experience even more enjoyable.

We had the most amazing dinner. We were incredibly fortunate to walk in after missing our reservation (my fault for putting the wrong address in). The owner is fantastic, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect for our last night in Italy. It was honestly the best meal of our trip. Thank you to the owner and staff for making us feel so welcome!