Parmesan-Loaded Dishes and Where to Eat Them in Bologna

Tortellini in brodo

Bologna, known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One), has earned its reputation as one of Italy’s gastronomic capitals. Among its culinary treasures, Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, plays a starring role in many traditional dishes. From classic pasta dishes to hearty soups, the versatility and rich flavor of Parmesan define the essence of Bolognese cuisine. If you’re a cheese lover, especially one with a soft spot for Parmesan, Bologna is a dream destination. Here’s a guide to some of the best Parmesan-loaded dishes you can enjoy in Bologna and where to find them.

1. Tortellini in Brodo

Dish Overview: Tortellini in Brodo is perhaps one of the most famous Bolognese dishes. These small, ring-shaped pasta are filled with a mixture of pork, mortadella, and, of course, Parmigiano Reggiano. They’re traditionally served in a clear and savory broth, usually made from capon or beef.

Where to Eat:

Trattoria Anna Maria (Via delle Belle Arti, 17): A traditional spot known for its tortellini served in a rich broth. Anna Maria’s reputation for authenticity makes this restaurant a staple for anyone looking to experience classic Bolognese cuisine(Pagine Gialle).
Osteria Bottega (Via Santa Caterina, 51): Renowned for its tortellini and dedication to local, high-quality ingredients. Their version of this dish offers the perfect balance of delicate pasta and a savory, rich broth(Caseificio San Pier Damiani).

2. Lasagne Verdi alla Bolognese

Dish Overview: This is no ordinary lasagna. Lasagne Verdi alla Bolognese uses spinach-infused pasta sheets, layered with ragù, béchamel sauce, and a generous amount of Parmigiano Reggiano. The spinach in the pasta provides a delightful contrast to the rich meat sauce, while the Parmesan enhances its depth and richness.

Where to Eat:

Drogheria della Rosa (Via Cartoleria, 10): A charming spot where locals rave about the lasagne verdi, which are baked to perfection and topped with abundant Parmesan(WhereToGoIn).
Trattoria Bertozzi (Via Andrea Costa, 84): Known for delivering excellent traditional Bolognese fare, their lasagne verdi is loaded with layers of rich ragù and Parmesan(WhereToGoIn).

3. Cotoletta alla Bolognese

Dish Overview: The Bolognese version of the cotoletta (cutlet) is a hearty and indulgent dish. This veal cutlet is breaded and fried before being topped with prosciutto and a thick layer of melted Parmigiano. Finally, it’s finished off with a splash of broth to intensify the flavor.

Where to Eat:

Antica Osteria Le Mura (Vicolo del Falcone, 13): Crowned the best place for cotoletta alla Bolognese in 2022, this traditional eatery offers a perfectly balanced version, with no single flavor overwhelming the others(Il Resto del Carlino).
Ristorante Diana (Via Indipendenza, 24): A historic venue in Bologna, Diana is famous for its old-world charm and authentic cotoletta alla Bolognese, topped generously with prosciutto and melted Parmesan(Sfizioso.it).

4. Passatelli in Brodo

Dish Overview: Passatelli is a lesser-known Bolognese specialty but is a must-try for Parmesan lovers. Made from breadcrumbs, eggs, and a generous amount of Parmigiano Reggiano, these noodle-like dumplings are cooked in a meat broth, creating a comforting and rich dish.

Where to Eat:

Trattoria Bertozzi (Via Andrea Costa, 84): Their passatelli in brodo is packed with flavor, thanks to the high-quality Parmesan used in the dough(InBo)(Pagine Gialle).
Osteria dell’Orsa (Via Mentana, 1): A beloved spot for affordable, traditional Bolognese dishes, including a delicious version of passatelli in brodo(Emilia Delizia).

5. Zuppa Imperiale

Dish Overview: Zuppa Imperiale is a warming soup that features small cubes of baked dough made from semolina, eggs, butter, and Parmesan. The cubes are served in a clear meat broth, which softens the crispy exterior and releases the rich flavor of the Parmigiano.

Where to Eat:

Trattoria di Via Serra (Via Luigi Serra, 9): Known for its dedication to local, high-quality ingredients, this trattoria serves a traditional Zuppa Imperiale that perfectly showcases the rich flavors of Parmesan(Pagine Gialle).
Trattoria Valerio (Via Luigi Valeriani, 6): Another local gem that honors Bolognese culinary traditions, including a flavorful Zuppa Imperiale(Pagine Gialle)(Gastroranking).

6. Parmesan Risotto

Dish Overview: A creamy risotto made from arborio rice, slowly cooked in broth and finished with copious amounts of grated Parmigiano Reggiano. The result is a smooth, creamy dish with a nutty, umami-packed flavor.

Where to Eat:

Al Sangiovese (Via Paglietta, 12): Known for its risotto al Parmigiano, this rustic restaurant serves dishes that honor traditional Bolognese flavors while focusing on high-quality ingredients(Gastroranking).
Ristorante Da Cesari (Via de’ Carbonesi, 8): This long-standing family restaurant is known for its delicious Parmigiano-rich risottos, offering a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor(WhereToGoIn).

7. Minestrone with Parmesan Rinds

Dish Overview: This rustic vegetable soup gets a flavor boost from the addition of Parmesan rinds, which slowly release their flavor into the broth as the soup simmers. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish with the unmistakable taste of Parmigiano.

Where to Eat:

Trattoria di Via Serra (Via Luigi Serra, 9): Famous for its minestrone, made even richer with the addition of Parmesan rinds(Caseificio San Pier Damiani)(Il Cucchiaio d’Argento).
Trattoria Bertozzi (Via Andrea Costa, 84): Another spot to enjoy a flavorful minestrone with a generous helping of Parmigiano(Gastroranking).

Final Thoughts

Bologna’s relationship with Parmigiano Reggiano is deep-rooted and proudly showcased in its culinary traditions. Whether it’s in a comforting bowl of soup, a rich lasagna, or a decadent cutlet, the presence of Parmesan elevates each dish to new heights. For anyone visiting Bologna, these Parmesan-loaded dishes are a must-try, offering a true taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage. From cozy trattorias to historic restaurants, you’ll find that Bologna’s dishes are not just about food—they’re about preserving a centuries-old tradition, with Parmigiano Reggiano at the heart of it all.