Bologna Coffee Culture: Where to Sip the Best Brew in the City

Like in most Italian cities, locals in Bologna mean business when it comes to coffee. Not only are there dozens of traditional bars that are perfect for a quick countertop espresso or cappuccino, but the city has a growing specialty coffee scene.

I understand just how easy it is to get wrapped up in the excitement of the food in Bologna, as most people (myself included!) do on my Bologna food tours. Nevertheless, overlooking the city’s tasty brews would be a huge mistake, and these top-notch Bologna coffee spots are not to be missed!

The Art of Coffee in Bologna: Tradition Meets Innovation

Bologna’s coffee culture is present in pretty much every corner of the city. You’ll never have to wander far to secure a fresh brew, whether you’re looking for an early-morning espresso hit or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Even in local homes, you’ll notice stovetop Moka pots in action at any time of day.

If typical Italian coffees aren’t your thing, there are plenty of cafes centering around artisanal coffee traditions and single-origin beans. In these spots, the sensory experience is everything, so expect explosive flavors, punchy aromas, and a distinctive mouthfeel!

Best Coffee Places in Bologna

Aroma

Few coffee shops in Bologna are as revered as Aroma near the Basilica di San Francesco. It’s a small but stylish cafe with a team of award-winning baristas.

Speaking to the staff feels akin to interviewing coffee experts, as they’re fountains of knowledge about the various beans and roasts! I went for a dark roast espresso, which was full of toasted chocolate and caramel notes.

Aroma – 40123 Bologna – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and every Sunday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Caffetteria Lilù

Photo credit: Caffetteria Lilù

Caffetteria Lilù is a homely Bologna coffee shop near the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore. The charming rustic furnishings and welcoming atmosphere make this the perfect place for a hot cup of joe, especially given the somewhat chilly weather outside when I got here.

I went for a balanced, velvety cappuccino and swapped the regular milk for a sweeter almond variety.

Caffetteria Lilù – 40125 Bologna – Open every Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday from 12:30 pm to 8:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Caffè Terzi

Photo credit: Caffè Terzi

Caffè Terzi is conveniently located near the Two Towers and has become somewhat of an institution for tasty Bologna coffee. The counter at the front is always busy and bustling, but I spotted an empty table around the back.

For my breakfast here, I chose a macchiato and a croissant. There’s no better way to start the day than with a bitter, creamy coffee and a flaky pastry.

Caffè Terzi – 40126 Bologna – Open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Mister Coffee Bistrò

Photo credit: Mister Coffee Bistrò

If artisanal brews are your thing, Mister Coffee Bistrò is a must-visit. Its high ceilings and expansive windows set it apart from most coffee shops in Bologna.

The cafe’s contemporary features and specialty offerings have made it incredibly popular, which encouraged me to sample one of their celebrated flat whites. Smooth milk, fruity coffee, and a lasting finish; this coffee had it all.

Mister Coffee Bistrò – 40122 Bologna – Open every Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

3rd Wave Espresso

Photo credit: 3rd Wave Espresso

3rd Wave Espresso is a quirky Bologna coffee shop tucked in the south of the city. Its bright green and white interior is difficult to miss from the streetside, and the shaded outdoor seating area is a great place to escape the sun during the summer.

I decided to move away from my usual coffee orders and try a piccolo. This wasn’t too dissimilar to a latte, but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio to give it a richer, more pronounced flavor.

3rd Wave Espresso – 40123 Bologna – Open every Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Where to Find a True Espresso or Cappuccino Like a Local

If you really want to immerse yourself in Bologna’s coffee culture, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to ensure your experience is a local one.

• Most Italians drink their coffee standing at the bar, and you’ll sometimes be required to pay extra to sit at a table.

• While espressos are consumed throughout the day, most locals avoid heavier drinks, namely cappuccinos, after 11.00 am.

• When ordering a latte, be sure to ask for a ‘caffè latte.’ Otherwise, you’ll likely be served a glass of milk!

• Some popular drinks include macchiatos, an espresso with a little foamed milk; ristrettos, a strong espresso; and lungos, an espresso with a longer extraction time and more water than traditional varieties.

Café Culture & Local Atmosphere

Bologna’s coffee culture is rather diverse, as the city boasts a mix of classic haunts like Caffè Terzi and Caffè Zanarini, along with hip and trendy spots, including Lampadina and Le Serre.

Many of the best coffee places in Bologna, including Le Serre, double as community spaces.

Cafes like this serve as hubs for art, innovation, and cultural events, giving visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s contemporary side while enjoying quality coffees.

Coffee Products & Souvenirs to Take Home

After trying the exceptional brews in Bologna, I was eager to stock up on some coffee essentials the last time I was in the city. Provided you have space in your suitcase, you can take home everything from premium coffee beans and Moka pots to grinders and reusable cups.

Some fantastic places to pick up some coffee-inspired products and accessories include Aroma, BURO Cafè, and Caffè 14 Luglio.

Final Thoughts: Sip, Savor, and Slow Down in Bologna

Going for coffee in Bologna is somewhere between an art and a ritual! Whether you stick to old-school cafes or modern hangouts, it’s the perfect way to dabble in the local culture while savoring the delightful flavors of Italian coffee.

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