Bologna is a great city to explore on foot so we’re doing lots of walking; which is just as well really because, of course, the food here is wonderful. One of the joys of every new city is discovering fantastic little restaurants and bars tucked away in unexpected places and serving the most delicious food and wine.

Making friends

Our current favourite (what day is it?!) is a little ‘enoteca con cucina’ on the edge of the Jewish quarter. The owner, whose family has been in the region for centuries, serves typical Bolognese food and local wine. The menu is mostly handwritten on pieces of cardboard propped around the tables and on the walls. And the food is fabulous!

The lovely ristoratore happily shared with us stories of Bologna’s history…at one point gathering us up to lead the way along the little cobbled street to a large iron grill in the road. As we peered down he explained that we were looking at the original street level, part of a network cobbled pavements and rooms that still exists beneath the current city.

Then it was back to the table where a couple of glasses of Nocino appeared – a bitter sweet liqueur made from green walnuts and apparently much enjoyed by monks in the middle ages (no surprise there…it’s about 45% alcohol by volume!).

Though there are many wonderful options for dinner in Bologna, Enoteca e Cucina is a highlight.