Mercato di Mezzo is the beating heart of Bologna’s food scene, lying in the center of the historic Quadrilatero neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city and is always a highlight of my Bologna food tours.
The market has been a meeting point for food lovers since the 12th century, but these days, it’s quite a bit more refined and organized! What began as a place for shoppers to load up on essential produce has transformed into a covered market that blends sit-down eateries with stalls stocked with local fresh foods.
Read on to find all the need-to-know details about Mercato di Mezzo, including its history and background and all the best dining and drinking options!
What to Expect at Mercato di Mezzo
Photo credit: Mercato di Mezzo
Mercato di Mezzo is all about unforgettable dining and shopping experiences, with diverse stalls and restaurants spread across three bustling floors. Although this market is now relatively modern in style, with communal tables and sleek decor, I can’t help but love the old-school vibe that’s still present in every corner.
It’s among the most-visited tourist attractions in Bologna while continuing to appeal to locals, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself! That said, it tends to be a little quieter here earlier in the day before lunchtime rolls around or in the late afternoon. As such, you can avoid the worst of the crowds by tucking into your lunch or dinner at off-peak times.
Must-Try Foods and Stalls
L’Antica Bottega
Photo credit: L’Antica Bottega
L’Antica Bottega is one of my go-to sandwich spots in Bologna, and although there’s often a long queue here, it’s always been worth it! You’ll have your pick of regional cheeses and meats, which can be enjoyed on their own or inside a warm piadina.
I went for a glass of floral lambrusco and their ‘nico’ sandwich, which consisted of spicy salami and earthy zucchini topped with punchy balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano.
Sorelle Ribelli
Photo credit: Sorelle Ribelli
Sorelle Ribelli is a vibrant little spot with a menu that features a mix of classic Bolognese flavors and a range of other typical Italian dishes.
I went for the tortellini en brodo, a beloved food in Bologna, and teamed it with peachy soave. It was a particularly chilly afternoon when I arrived here, and the rich pork-filled pasta and savory broth were just what I needed.
Pescheria del Pavaglione
Pescheria del Pavaglione may look like your run-of-the-mill fishmongers from the outside, but it actually doubles as a small restaurant. Their hot and cold food offerings include fresh salads and rice-based dishes, but you can’t come here and not try the seafood.
I opted for a mix of items, including crunchy calamari, sweet oysters, and the smokey salmon quiche, which I washed down with a zingy glass of pinot grigio.
Rossopomodoro
Photo credit: Rossopomodoro
Rossopomodoro has a bunch of locations across northern Italy, and I love their quaint and cozy restaurant in Mercato di Mezzo. It’s mostly known as a pizzeria, though they also offer some tasty pasta dishes.
I’d been craving a good old-fashioned Neapolitan pizza for days when I got here, and the tomato buffalo mozzarella-topped edition really hit the spot. The dough was thin and crispy, while the mild mozzarella was perfectly gooey and creamy. For extra flavor, I added some basil and parmigiano reggiano.
Baladin
As unlikely as it may seem in a city like Bologna, it’s not uncommon to find yourself craving something other than Italian food from time to time. In those moments, lively spots like Baladin are always reliable.
I started things off with a craft beer, a specialty here, and went for a malty American amber ale. This was a surprisingly pleasant accompaniment to my tangy tartrate burger with velvety mayo and a toasted bun.
Aperitivo and Wine at the Market
If you fancy grabbing a light bite and enjoying a cocktail or a glass or two of wine, stop by Mercato di Mezzo around 6:00 pm for an aperitivo. This will give you a fantastic opportunity to take in the ambiance while sampling some local snacks and drinks.
Regional wines like pignoletto, lambrusco, and sangiovese are always great choices, as are small servings of olives, cured meats, mini pizzas, and focaccia.
The Market’s Role in Bologna’s Food Scene
Photo credit: Mercato di Mezzo
Bologna has an illustrious reputation as Italy’s food capital, and few places embody the city’s gastronomic heritage quite like Mercato di Mezzo.
The location and layout alone demonstrate this, as the market lies in the Quadrilatero area, Bologna’s storied trading center. This district is the go-to spot in the city for just about any product you can think of, but Mercato di Mezzo is at the center of all the action.
Within the confines of the market, you’ll find a mix of local suppliers who have been selling their goods here for generations, alongside newer vendors specializing in curated products and dishes.
Planning Your Visit to Mercato di Mezzo
Photo credit: Mercato di Mezzo
Below is some key visiting information to keep in mind when planning your visit to Mercato di Mezzo.
- Opening hours and days: Mercato di Mezzo is open daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 am, though the exact hours vary between vendors.
- How to get there: In under two minutes, you can walk from Piazza Maggiore to Mercato di Mezzo by continuing along Via Clavature for less than 100 meters until you notice the market on your left. Public transport also serves the nearby area, including bus lines 11, 25, 27, and 30.
- Nearby attractions: Piazza Maggiore, Two Towers, Via Clavature, Archiginnasio, Basilica di San Petronio
- Best times to visit: If you want to avoid the crowds, stop by midweek for lunch, or if you’d prefer to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, stop by at the weekend for an aperitivo.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Mercato di Mezzo
Any foodie or culture connoisseur has to include a visit to Mercato di Mezzo on their Bologna itinerary. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s culinary traditions while sampling all of the regional specialties under one roof!
Sources:
Bologna Welcome. (n.d.). Mercato di Mezzo – The Middle Market. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/places/shopping-places/mercato-di-mezzo-the-middle-market
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Bologna Food Tours. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/bologna/
Dunn, K. (2024, November 29). A guide to Bologna food: Top dishes and where to try them. Eating Europe. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/bologna-food/
Tripadvisor. (n.d.). L’Antica Bottega Bologna. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187801-d6989222-Reviews-L_Antica_Bottega_Bologna-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html
Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Sorelle Ribelli. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187801-d15838988-Reviews-Sorelle_Ribelli-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html
Pescheria del Pavaglione. (n.d.). Pescheria del Pavaglione. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from http://www.pescheriadelpavaglione.it/
Rossopomodoro. (n.d.). Rossopomodoro Bologna Centro. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://ristoranti.rossopomodoro.it/mercatodimezzo-a98f04e4792f
Baladin. (n.d.). Baladin Bologna. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.baladin.it/baladin-bologna
- Mon-Sat
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
