Crescentine in Bologna | Eating Europe

If you fancy something a little lighter than tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini en brodo as you’re ambling around Bologna, look no further than the beloved crescentine. This pillowy fried bread is often stuffed with or accompanied by Italian meats and cheeses, making for the perfect snack or pick-me-up.

As you’ll know if you’ve ever been on any of my Bologna food tours, the food in Bologna is second to none, so much so that local go-tos like crescentine sometimes get overlooked.

In this article, I hope to convince you that crescentines in Bologna are culinary gems not to be missed, and I’ve shared some of my favorite spots to try them for yourself!

What Are Crescentine?

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At their core, crescentines are chunks of bread dough fried in lard or oil, giving them their signature crunchy outer layer and soft exterior. These much-loved treats are found all over the Emilia-Romagna region, as their origins and history are rooted in the area.

They’re sometimes given different names depending on the specific city, with some referring to them as crescentina Bolognese, crescentone, or torta fritta. Yet, they’re instantly recognizable thanks to their puffy appearance and golden color.

Crescentine vs. Tigelle: What’s the Difference?

Crescentine is often confused with tigelle, a somewhat similar type of regional bread. However, the two have some notable differences, as crescentines are fried while tigelles are baked, traditionally over stone or terracotta discs of the same name.

While there are some overlaps in the recipes and preparation processes, the results are quite distinct. Tigelles tend to be thin, yet crescentines are crunchy and puffy. That said, there may be some other variances in different areas within the region, such as in Bologna, Modena, or the Apennine towns.

In terms of fillings, you’ll generally find both pair perfectly with anything from cold cuts and pesto Modenese to local cheeses like squacquerone.

How Crescentine Are Served

Crescentine can be enjoyed at any time of day and is typically presented as a shared appetizer or merenda, a light snack around mid-morning or mid-afternoon. If you want to team yours with some wine, opt for sparkling varieties like lambrusco or pignoletto.

Although there’s an almost endless list of flavor combinations, I do have some serving suggestions that I highly recommend you try for yourself. Some must-try fillings include:

Soft cheeses like squacquerone
Mortadella, salami, prosciutto crudo
Pesto Modenese (a spread made from lard, garlic, and rosemary)
Pickles or giardiniera (assorted pickled vegetables)

For something different, try sweet alternatives like jam, chocolate, or cream.

Best Places to Eat Crescentine in Bologna

Indegno

Indegno is easily one of the best places to eat crescentine in Bologna, and they have a handful of locations scattered across the city. So far, I’ve only made it to the Via del Pratello branch, but I’ve made multiple visits to this casual, grab-and-go spot.

The menu is pretty extensive here, and I chose the crescentine with pesto Modenese and black pepper-infused parmesan cream. This mix of tastes and textures was incredible, as the rich, garlicky pesto, sharp cheese, and warm bread complemented one another.

Indegno – 40122 Bologna – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm and every Friday and Saturday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 2:00 am.

Noi

Photo credit: Noi

Noi is a fantastic spot for crescentine in Bologna and is conveniently located in the Mercato delle Erbe. It’s simple but stylish inside and boasts a lengthy menu of Bolognese favorites.

Their crescentine was a highlight for me, and my friend and I ordered a basket for the table. We teamed these slightly savory morsels with a selection of cold cuts, including a generous serving of lean salame rosa.

Noi – 40121 Bologna – Open every Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Albergo Ristorante Merlino

Photo credit: Albergo Ristorante Merlino

Those of you eager to venture out of the city and to some of the quaint Apennine Mountain towns have to add Albergo Ristorante Merlino in Castel d’Aiano to your list. Crescentine began as a humble dish in rural Emilia-Romagna, so you won’t regret making the trip to the countryside for a truly authentic experience.

I overdid it a little on the crescentine here to the point where I could barely finish my meal. However, the snappy dough, sharp cheeses, and sweet cold cuts were more than worth it!

Albergo Ristorante Merlino – 40034 Castel D’aiano – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Trattoria Nonna Rosa

I couldn’t conclude this list of the best places to eat crescentine in Bologna without mentioning the charming Trattoria Nonna Rosa in the east of the city.

They serve this Bolognese staple here with all the classic fillings, and I quickly discovered why soft squacquerone, spicy salami, and chewy crescentine is such a winning combination!

Trattoria Nonna Rosa – 40133 Bologna – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Tips for Enjoying Crescentine Like a Local

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Like any sandwich, crescentines are best eaten with your hands.
Traditionally, crescentine in Bologna should be served warm, and when fresh, the exterior should be crisp and crackly.
While the savory fillings are musts, don’t be afraid to branch out and sample some sweet crescentines during your visit.
For the complete Bolognese experience, combine your crescentine with some local wines or craft beers.
Crescentines are tastiest when stuffed, but they’re also delicious on their own if you don’t want anything too filling.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

You have to try crescentines in Bologna at least once during your visit. Whether you’re craving a quick but satisfying snack or tucking into some sharing plates, you can’t go wrong with one of two of these fried delights!