The restaurants below have been listed alphabetically within four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over €30)
$$$ (€25 to €30)
$$ (€20 to €25)
$ (up to €20)
The prices quoted are for an average three-course meal for one person with half a bottle of wine or equivalent, tax and tip.

Bar Trattoria Fantoni
On a street that's lively with laid-back restaurants and bars, Fantoni is the pick. Cluttered and charming, this is a longterm favourite serving up classic local cooking.

Via del Pratello 11
Tel: 0512 36358.
Price: $

Drogheria della Rosa
In a former pharmacy, this traditional-looking trattoria serves up masterly meals of sophisticated cuisine. Intensely skillful, welcoming chef, Emanuele Addone gives it personality. Anyone who's anyone, from Noam Chomsky to Arnold Schwarzenegger, has eaten here.

Via Cartoleria 10
Tel: 0512 22529.
Website: www.drogheriadellarosa.it
Price: $$$

Nicola Pizzeria
Pizza isn't a Bologna speciality, but if you're in need of a pizza fix, this is where to head. It's the city's best pizza. Thin, wood-fired, freshly topped, with curling, crispy edges, served by waiters on a mission, this is how pizza should be.

Piazza San Martino, 9
Tel: 0512 32502.
Price: $

Ristorante Diana
Diana is an old-school classic, serving up hearty portions of traditional dishes in a buzzy, old-fashioned interior, with white linen tablecloths. Their tortellini, arrosti and torta di riso are worth splashing out on. Booking recommended.

Via dell'Indipendenza 24
Tel: 0512 31302.
Price: $$$$

Rodrigo
A wood-panelled, bottle-lined ristorante, Rodrigo exudes traditional elegance. It's a relaxed place for a leisurely meal, with sublime food and is renowned for its truffles. Meat lovers try costata di manzo Robespierre, thinly sliced steak rubbed with rosemary and grilled on one side. Desserts are homemade.

Via della Zecca 2H
Tel: 0512 35536.
Price: $$$$