Best Aperitivo in Bologna

Enjoying an aperitivo in Bologna is a can’t-miss experience, as this pre-dinner tradition is a quintessential part of the culinary culture in this charming city. Every day, before locals tuck into their evening meals, you’ll spot dozens of establishments serving up snacking plates alongside wines and cocktails.

I’ve spoken about my favorite aperitivo spots on my Bologna food tours, and I’ve rounded up the best in the business to create this handy guide for all you need to know about aperitivo in the city!

What is Aperitivo?

If you’re a first-time visitor to Italy, you may not be too familiar with the aperitivo concept. In essence, it involves savoring an alcoholic beverage and some Italian snacks to boost your appetite before tucking into your main meal.

It’s a time-honored tradition that originated in the late 1700s in the northern Italian city of Turin, some three hours west of Bologna. Around this time, vermouth, a type of fortified wine that helped to stimulate appetite, gained popularity among locals and became a hit with King Victor Emmanuel II.

From there, the aperitivo ritual was born and soon became somewhat of a social event!

Though the exact timings can vary, aperitivo in Bologna typically takes place from 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm until around 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm. Wine, spritz cocktails, and beer are some of the most common drinks served during aperitivo hour. In most cases, they’re enjoyed with snacks like olives, tigelle, or taglieri filled with Italian cold cuts and cheeses.

Best Bars & Wine Spots for Aperitivo in Bologna

La Prosciutteria

Photo credit: La Prosciutteria

La Prosciutteria is a fabulous spot for an aperitivo in Bologna, and is situated just outside of the Quadrilatero area.This cozy wooden restaurant doubles as a deli, so it’s no surprise that they’re renowned for their taglieri boards.

Wine and cold cuts are what it’s all about here, and I was especially taken with the combination of sbriciolona, a type of crumbly, fennel-infused salami, and tarty Chianti.

La Prosciutteria – 40125 Bologna BO – Open every day from 11:15 am to 11:00 pm.

Bar Senza Nome

Not far from Neptune’s Fountain is Bar Senza Nome, a unique place for aperitivo in Bologna with a talented team of hearing-impaired bartenders. This bar has a bright, rustic interior area, but I decided to sit on the patio in the sun.

It’s not often that I choose beer as an aperitivo, but a refreshing draught brew was just what I needed. I teamed it with crusty bread and a selection of sharp, tangy cheeses like parmigiano Reggiano.

Bar Senza Nome – 40121 Bologna BO – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 3:00 pm to 1:00 am and every Friday and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Camera A Sud

Photo credit: Camera A Sud

Camera A Sud sits around the corner from the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore. It looks like a cross between a bar and a hip book store, which I think gives it its homely atmosphere.

Wine and cocktails are what the guys here do best, and I’m incredibly fond of their version of an Aperol spritz. I couldn’t get enough of the crisp, citrusy flavors, which were almost as good as the rich, tomato-covered polpette, a delicious Italian meatball.

Camera A Sud – 40126 Bologna BO – Open every Monday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am and every Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.

L’Ora d’Aria

Photo credit: L’Ora d’Aria

L’Ora d’Aria lies toward the west of the city, and it’s a stripped-back, easygoing spot for an aperitivo in Bologna.

I’d been told I had to try the cocktails here, and I chose an americano. This classic mix of floral vermouth, spicy Campari, and soda water went down a dream with the creamy hummus crostini.

L’Ora d’Aria – 40122 Bologna BO – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 12:30 am, Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, and every Sunday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Zerocinquantuno

When I was strolling close to the Basilica di San Petronio, I came across the lively Zerocinquantuno and instantly knew I’d found the perfect aperitivo spot for that evening.

Getting a taglieri board was a must, and the focal point was, of course, the savory mortadella, a beloved food in Bologna. I enjoyed it with another local favorite, a glass of herbaceous, oaky Rosso Bologna.

Zerocinquantuno – 40124 Bologna BO – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm and every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.

Aperitivo Culture in Bologna: What to Know

While it’s sometimes described as an Italian take on happy hour, an aperitivo is rather different. Happy hour generally involves discounted drinks and food, while aperitivo is more of a pre-meal tradition that occurs within a shorter time frame.
Some bars will serve snacks with your drink of choice after you’ve placed your order, which will usually set you back less than €10. Others offer buffets that come in at about €15, with prices increasing depending on the location.
In many cases, you’ll have a choice between standing at the bar or sitting at a table.
It’s best to check the specific aperitivo hours for each bar in advance, but most operate between 6/7:00 pm and 8/9:00 pm.
Piazza Santo Stefano, Via del Pratello, and Quadrilatero are some of the best spots for an aperitivo in Bologna, but moving a street or two away will help you to find some lesser-known gems.
Try out delicious pairings like negroni with pecorino, Aperol spritz and olives, or americano with prosciutto.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

There’s no way better to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing than with an aperitivo in Bologna. This food-loving city is home to some of the finest gastronomic creations in the country, so be sure to visit more than one bar or join a food tour to check out the tasty food and beverage offerings!