Where to Eat Breakfast in Bologna: Best Cafés & Local Favorites

Bologna is the undisputed culinary capital of Italy. That said, when it comes to food in Bologna, we tend to hear more about hearty plates of tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini en brodo than breakfast dishes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t secure some tasty morning-time fare during your visit.

Much like the rest of Italy, breakfast in Bologna typically centers around pastries and coffee, which is much lighter than most of the dishes featured on my Bologna food tours! Nonetheless, the breakfast foods on offer are incredibly delicious in both the local cafes and the international-inspired eateries.

In this guide, I’ve included some of the top spots for breakfast in Bologna, with something for every palate!

What is a Traditional Italian Breakfast?

If you’re going out for breakfast in Bologna, don’t expect to find plates of bacon, eggs, and pancakes on every corner. While it’s certainly possible to secure dishes like this, most Italians prefer to indulge in smaller breakfasts. 

In most cases, you’ll notice locals tucking into a pastry or baked treat like a cornetto or some brioche bread with jam. Of course, no breakfast in Bologna is complete with some quality coffee. Cappuccino is often the first choice for Italians, though espresso is also a popular early-morning drink.

For an authentic Bolognese experience, swap out the pastry for a Bologna rice cake, a spongy pudding-like tart made from amaretti, rice, milk, eggs, almonds, and lemon.

Best Cafés & Bakeries for Breakfast in Bologna

Forno Brisa Galliera

Photo credit: Forno Brisa Galliera

Forno Brisa Galliera always comes out near the top of Bologna breakfast restaurant rankings, as this funky, mural-covered cafe is famous for preparing quality baked goods.

It gets super busy in the late morning, but if you arrive early, you can secure a cup of chocolatey espresso and one of their signature pistachio croissants. The flaky consistency and creamy filling are simply exquisite.

Forno Brisa Galliera – 40121 Bologna – Open every Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm, closed every Sunday.

Aroma Specialty Coffee

Aroma Specialty Coffee is as classy and sophisticated as cafes come, and it’s known for its team of talented baristas and quality beans.

There’s almost always a queue forming outside in the morning, but it’s worth the short wait to try their caffe alla zabaione. A mix of coffee and custard, this mouthwatering drink has a velvety texture and a balance of rich and bitter flavors.

Aroma Specialty Coffee – 40123 Bologna – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Friday 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.

Caffè Terzi

Photo credit: Caffè Terzi

Thanks to its bean-to-cup approach to coffee and chic, old-school decor, Caffè Terzi is a go-to spot for breakfast in Bologna among locals.

When I arrived around mid-morning, I kept it classic and went for a cappuccino and a cornetto. The smooth, froth-covered coffee and buttery pastry were the perfect combination to fuel me up for the day.

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

ZanziBar

Photo credit: ZanziBar

The quirky, flower-filled interior at ZanziBar was what first lured me inside. However, I soon learned their exceptional breakfast offerings were why this place was so popular, especially in the early hours of the morning.

While I was most impressed by the slightly sweet yet intense macchiato, I have to mention the jam-filled cornetto and its dreamy cake-like consistency.

ZanziBar – 40123 Bologna – Open every Monday to Saturday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Naama Cafe

Photo credit: Naama Cafe

Naama Cafe mixes Italian, North African, and Middle Eastern flavors, making it a great place to grab breakfast in Bologna if you’re looking for something a little different.

Instead of getting my usual Italian pastry, I went for some crispy, syrupy baklava, and the nutty flavors were an excellent match for the smooth, aromatic espresso.

Naama Cafe – 40126 Bologna – Open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Where to Find a Hearty Breakfast in Bologna

Photo credit: Zoo

If you have a hankering for something more substantial, add any of these international-style spots to your breakfast itineraries!

• Zoo – Swing by this bright and airy cafe for all the brunch classics, including French toast and fresh bagels.
• Lampadina – Enjoy American breakfast staples, like bacon, eggs, and buttermilk pancakes, in this buzzing cafe.
• Pappare – Tuck into vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes at this trendy, contemporary joint.

Tips for Enjoying Breakfast Like a Local

• Drink your coffee at the bar rather than sitting at a table, as you’ll save money and blend in with the locals!
• Traditional cafes won’t serve heavy breakfast classics, so ensure you arrive knowing what to expect.
• Italians don’t generally drink cappuccinos after 11:00 am, opting for espressos or macchiatos instead.
• Breakfast in Bologna is more about sweet flavors than savory alternatives, though in some eateries, you can find toast with ham or cheese.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Exploring a slew of Bologna’s delightful breakfast and brunch options is all part of the foodie experience in the city. Kickstart each morning in typical Italian fashion with a coffee, a sweet treat, and a stroll around the enchanting city center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do locals eat for breakfast in Bologna?

Breakfast in Bologna generally consists of coffee and a pastry, with cappuccinos, cornettos, and Bolognese rice cakes being some of the most popular options.

Where can I find the best coffee in Bologna?

Aroma Specialty Coffee boasts some of the finest brews in the city, and it’s among the most popular breakfast cafes in Bologna for good reason.

Are there places that serve international breakfasts?

If you fancy a change of pace from the usual Italian breakfasts, you’ll find some delectable international alternatives in spots like Zoo and Pappare.

What’s the best time to have breakfast in Bologna?

Breakfast in Bologna ordinarily runs from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, though people sometimes dine a little later at weekends.

Sources:

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Il Piacere del Caffè. (n.d.). Il Piacere del Caffè. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://www.ilpiaceredelcaffe.it/

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Zanzibar Bologna. (n.d.). Zanzibar Bologna. Facebook. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://www.facebook.com/zanzibarbologna/

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Lampadina Bologna. (n.d.). Lampadina Bologna. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://lampadinabologna.it/

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