We’ve ended our car trip in Italy with a plate of salami, parma ham, artichokes and cheese in Bologna, where we’ve been to last summer for a couple of days. What I’m definitely adding to my address list in this gorgeous, gorgeous city? Frida’s Flower Store. The photo above says it all…
Via Drapperie 1 / Bologna
I first wrote about Bologna, the city itself, separately right here. But it wouldn’t be me if I omitted the ‘guide’ part… so, treat yourself this Monday afternoon with the five addresses from the hometown of Bolognese sauce. And take a pen to write down those places, just in case you’re planning your August trip there.
Drogheria Della Rosa
In my humble opinion, that’s the best restaurant in Bologna. Located in a former pharmacy, the food here is quintessentially Italian and feels like made by your grandma from Bologna whose existence was unknown to you for all these years. Yes, it’s that good. It’s highly recommended to make a reservation.
Via Cartoleria 10
L’Inde Le Palais Donna & Uomo
Céline, Gucci, Dries Van Noten and Magda Butrym in the fanciest, palazzo-like interiors. Very lovely customer care. And a truly unique selection of womenswear and menswear, which was quite unexpected – most luxury multibrands in Italy sell precisely the SAME stuff, from the same labels. Here you can notice the presence of a risk-taking buyer.
Via de’ Foscherari 19/C and Via de’ Musei 6
Camera Con Vista
Although the opulent interior with Roman statues and few chandeliers might suggest old, good Italian cuisine, Camera Con Vista surprises with its signature, Asian additions to nearly every dish. If you feel like you want to slightly change the culinary repertoire, make sure to try this place out. Book in advance.
Via Santo Stefano 14/2a
Ratti & Folli Follie
That’s another luxury multibrand in Bologna, with an equally charming selection of brands – Simone Rocha and Calvin Klein are here, just to name a few. Fashion in Bologna loves a major interior. While the menswear part, Ratti, is cosmic-industrial, women’s Folli Follie is a multi-storey, XXL wardrobe where it’s easy to get lost while looking for a Balenciaga goodie (that’s probably on a heavy discount, by the way).
Via Clavature 15
Casa Minghetti
Groovy spot for an evening appetizer and drink. But rather a pre-spot to go just before dinner.
Piazza Minghetti, 1A
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That’s the last post regarding my road trip to Italy. See the newly updated ‘Places‘ page to find all of my beloved addresses in Genoa, Portofino, Parma and Bologna!
Before, when I heard about Bologna, I instantly thought about food. Maybe because Bologna’s cuisine is said to be the best in the entire Europe – and not just because of the Bolognese sauce (by the way, the locals don’t use that name – they call it simply ‘pasta with ragu’). But visiting Bologna made me realise how beautiful this city is, not just from the taste buds’ aspect. The old city centre is filled with remains of its medieval history: countless towers, palaces, churches and brick facades. The San Petronio Church is especially stunning, with its marble floors and neck-breaking ceiling heights. Make sure to visit Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, contructed back in 1563. There, you will find the all-wooden Teatro Anatomico, so the place where the human corpses were dissected in front of the medical students for educational matters the first time in history (note that Bologna is the city of some of the oldest universities in the world). In the same building, there’s the mind-blowing library, mostly closed for the tourists. But still, the view of it from behind the see-through doors is quite something. Also, we went to Pinacoteca Nazionale, the ‘richest’ museum in Bologna – but it was quite a disappointment. It served as a good starting point for the long walk back to the centre. When you’re in Bologna, take your time to ‘get lost’ in the streets of this magnificent, red city – or else you won’t really feel it
I will post my favourite addresses in Bologna soon!
All photos by Edward Kanarecki.
Design & Culture by Ed 