Bologna Food Favorite — My Visit to Osteria dell’Orsa

Perfect—this report covers my go-to in Bologna: Osteria dell’Orsa, the city’s most-loved casual spot for ragù and beyond.

Bologna’s #1 Crowd-Pleaser: Key Facts

With 13,000+ Google reviews and a 4.2★ rating (as of Dec 2023), Osteria dell’Orsa is a certified hit with travelers and locals alike—especially nearby university students.

The website and Instagram are active and helpful, and—rare for Italy—they open on Sundays and stay open straight through the mid-afternoon (roughly 15:00–17:00) when many kitchens close. Traveler-friendly!

My Visit: How It Went

Here’s exactly what happened on my visit.

Queue & Entry

1. Arrived without a reservation around 14:00—about 25–30 people waiting.
2. The host manages a handwritten waitlist; give your name (English is fine).
3. We were told roughly 30 minutes and stayed nearby.
4. Turnover was fast—our name was called right around the 30-minute mark.

What We Ordered (for Two)

• Tagliatelle alla Bolognese — €9
• Tortellini in Brodo — €12
• Polpette alla Bolognese — €13
• House red wine (¼ L) — €4
• Water 0.75 L — €2
• Caffè macchiato — €1.5 × 2

Total: €43 (approx. ¥6,450 at ¥150/€)

Tasting Notes

Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (aka the “Bolognese” you know)

• Shower it with grated cheese—no regrets.
• House-made fresh pasta = perfect bite. Must order.
• Meaty depth with a bright lift from tomato and red wine; you just keep twirling.
• Lovely with the light, fruit-forward house red.

Tortellini in Brodo (Bologna’s comfort in a bowl)

• Pasta and broth are both stellar—this could be their signature.
• Every table seemed to order it. Mandatory.
• Little parcels filled with cheese and prosciutto—bite down and that aged, silky fat blooms.
• Chicken-and-veg broth with serious depth. I’d put this on tap at home if I could.

Polpette alla Bolognese (Meatballs in tomato)

• Cheese inside the meatballs adds a delicate richness.
• Tomato sauce + meatballs = eternal classic.
• Portions are generous—don’t over-order if pasta already fills you up.

Finished with a macchiato. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, there are desserts too.

Why Osteria dell’Orsa Works

• 13k+ Google reviews, 4.2★—for good reason.
• All the Bologna hits: ragù, tortellini, lasagna, salumi & cheese boards.
• House-made pasta using Senatore Cappelli heritage wheat (nutrient-dense, typically lower gluten).
• Organic local vegetables where possible.
• No coperto (service/cover charge) and friendly English-speaking staff.
• Open Sundays and through the mid-afternoon lull.

You may share long tables at peak times—if that’s not your thing, plan accordingly. Otherwise, it’s hard to fault the place.

If You Can’t Get In: Plan B Options

Usually, waiting gets you a seat. But if you’re on a tight schedule, try these:

Bottega Portici – 2 Torri

Beloved chain for quick, tasty ragù. There’s often a line, but turnover is lightning-fast—and the location by Bologna’s Two Towers is ideal.

Related article
>Quick Eats in Bologna — My Visit to “Bottega Portici”

La Prosciutteria Bologna

A lively prosciutteria (ham bar) showcasing the region’s legendary salumi—think Parma prosciutto and more from Emilia-Romagna. Great for a casual board and a glass.

Summary

Here’s the quick recap.

Buon appetito—and enjoy eating your way through Bologna!