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Like in most Italian cities, locals in Bologna imply enterprise on the subject of espresso. Not solely are there dozens of conventional bars which are excellent for a fast countertop espresso or cappuccino, however the metropolis has a rising specialty espresso scene.
I perceive simply how simple it’s to get wrapped up within the pleasure of the meals in Bologna, as most individuals (myself included!) do on my Bologna meals excursions. However, overlooking the town’s tasty brews could be an enormous mistake, and these top-notch Bologna espresso spots are to not be missed!
The Artwork of Espresso in Bologna: Custom Meets Innovation
Bologna’s espresso tradition is current in just about each nook of the town. You’ll by no means should wander far to safe a contemporary brew, whether or not you’re on the lookout for an early-morning espresso hit or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Even in native houses, you’ll discover stovetop Moka pots in motion at any time of day.
If typical Italian coffees aren’t your factor, there are many cafes centering round artisanal espresso traditions and single-origin beans. In these spots, the sensory expertise is every thing, so anticipate explosive flavors, punchy aromas, and a particular mouthfeel!
Greatest Espresso Locations in Bologna
Aroma
Few espresso retailers in Bologna are as revered as Aroma close to the Basilica di San Francesco. It’s a small however fashionable cafe with a workforce of award-winning baristas.
Chatting with the workers feels akin to interviewing espresso consultants, as they’re fountains of information concerning the varied beans and roasts! I went for a darkish roast espresso, which was filled with toasted chocolate and caramel notes.
Aroma – 40123 Bologna – Closed each Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to six:00 pm, and each Sunday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Caffetteria Lilù
Photograph credit score: Caffetteria Lilù
Caffetteria Lilù is a homely Bologna espresso store close to the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore. The charming rustic furnishings and welcoming environment make this the proper place for a scorching cup of joe, particularly given the considerably chilly climate exterior after I acquired right here.
I went for a balanced, velvety cappuccino and swapped the common milk for a sweeter almond selection.
Caffetteria Lilù – 40125 Bologna – Open each Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to six:00 pm, Saturday from 12:30 pm to eight:00 pm, closed each Sunday.
Caffè Terzi
Photograph credit score: Caffè Terzi
Caffè Terzi is conveniently situated close to the Two Towers and has turn out to be considerably of an establishment for tasty Bologna espresso. The counter on the entrance is at all times busy and bustling, however I noticed an empty desk across the again.
For my breakfast right here, I selected a macchiato and a croissant. There’s no higher strategy to begin the day than with a bitter, creamy espresso and a flaky pastry.
Caffè Terzi – 40126 Bologna – Open day-after-day from 8:00 am to six:00 pm.
Mister Espresso Bistrò
Photograph credit score: Mister Espresso Bistrò
If artisanal brews are your factor, Mister Espresso Bistrò is a must-visit. Its excessive ceilings and expansive home windows set it other than most espresso retailers in Bologna.
The cafe’s modern options and specialty choices have made it extremely widespread, which inspired me to pattern considered one of their celebrated flat whites. Clean milk, fruity espresso, and an enduring end; this espresso had all of it.
Mister Espresso Bistrò – 40122 Bologna – Open each Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to six:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to eight:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to eight:00 pm, closed each Sunday.
third Wave Espresso
Photograph credit score: third Wave Espresso
third Wave Espresso is a unusual Bologna espresso store tucked within the south of the town. Its shiny inexperienced and white inside is troublesome to overlook from the streetside, and the shaded outside seating space is a superb place to flee the solar through the summer season.
I made a decision to maneuver away from my regular espresso orders and take a look at a piccolo. This wasn’t too dissimilar to a latte, however with a better coffee-to-milk ratio to present it a richer, extra pronounced taste.
third Wave Espresso – 40123 Bologna – Open each Monday to Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed each Sunday.
The place to Discover a True Espresso or Cappuccino Like a Native
For those who actually need to immerse your self in Bologna’s espresso tradition, there are a few issues to bear in mind to make sure your expertise is an area one.
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Most Italians drink their espresso standing on the bar, and also you’ll typically be required to pay additional to sit down at a desk.
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Whereas espressos are consumed all through the day, most locals keep away from heavier drinks, particularly cappuccinos, after 11.00 am.
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When ordering a latte, make sure you ask for a ‘caffè latte.’ In any other case, you’ll seemingly be served a glass of milk!
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Some widespread drinks embody macchiatos, an espresso with a bit foamed milk; ristrettos, a robust espresso; and lungos, an espresso with an extended extraction time and extra water than conventional varieties.
Café Tradition & Native Environment
Bologna’s espresso tradition is quite various, as the town boasts a mixture of traditional haunts like Caffè Terzi and Caffè Zanarini, together with hip and stylish spots, together with Lampadina and Le Serre.
Most of the greatest espresso locations in Bologna, together with Le Serre, double as neighborhood areas.
Cafes like this function hubs for artwork, innovation, and cultural occasions, giving guests a novel alternative to benefit from the metropolis’s modern aspect whereas having fun with high quality coffees.
Espresso Merchandise & Souvenirs to Take Dwelling
After making an attempt the distinctive brews in Bologna, I used to be desirous to replenish on some espresso necessities the final time I used to be within the metropolis. Supplied you could have house in your suitcase, you possibly can take residence every thing from premium espresso beans and Moka pots to grinders and reusable cups.
Some incredible locations to select up some coffee-inspired merchandise and equipment embody Aroma, BURO Cafè, and Caffè 14 Luglio.
Remaining Ideas: Sip, Savor, and Gradual Down in Bologna
Going for espresso in Bologna is someplace between an artwork and a ritual! Whether or not you stick with old-school cafes or trendy hangouts, it’s the proper strategy to dabble within the native tradition whereas savoring the pleasant flavors of Italian espresso.
Sources:
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). A information to Bologna meals. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/bologna-food/
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Bologna meals & wine excursions. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/bologna/
Il Piacere del Caffè. (n.d.). Il Piacere del Caffè. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.ilpiaceredelcaffe.it/
TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Caffetteria Lilu. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187801-d6998807-Critiques-Caffetteria_Lilu-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html
Caffè Terzi. (n.d.). Caffè Terzi Bologna. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from http://www.caffeterzi.it/en/
Mister Espresso Bistro. (n.d.). Mister Espresso Bistro. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://mistercoffeebistro.com/
TripAdvisor. (n.d.). third Wave Espresso. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187801-d6581007-Critiques-3rd_Wave_Espresso-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html
TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Café Zanarini. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187801-d2045586-Critiques-Cafe_Zanarini-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html
Lampadina. (n.d.). Lampadina Bologna. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://lampadinabologna.it/
Le Serre dei Giardini. (n.d.). Le Serre dei Giardini. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://leserredeigiardini.it/
Bürö Café. (n.d.). Bürö Café. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.burocafe.it/
Caffè 14 Luglio. (n.d.). Caffè 14 Luglio. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.caffe14luglio.com/en/residence
