The Best Cheap Eats in Bologna, Italy

Bologna is a foodie’s dream, but unfortunately, a visit here can often come with a hefty price tag. Easily accessible by Florence or Milan, especially with a Eurail pass, many travelers seek a visit to Bologna when visiting Italy. The city is well-known as a foodie destination where dishes like lasagna, tortellini en brodo, and Emilia Romagna staples such as Parmigiano Regianno and Balsamic Vinegar are typically sought-after. However, if you want to visit on a budget without sacrificing some of the city’s best eats, these are the spots you must try.

Bologna Fashion Tip: If you want to match the orange and amber hues of Bologna, check out this comfortable burnt red jumpsuit.

Ragū

A bolognese-style sauce on a sandwich might sound messy, or maybe even strange, and I was a bit skeptical when someone recommended I try it at Ragū. However, my skepticism faded away as soon as I entered Ragū and could smell the meaty, aromatic ragu permeating the small space. The menu is small, offering some pasta dishes and sandwiches, but I opted for their bestseller, a “ragu” sandwich on a house-made roll. Within minutes, my meaty sandwich was ready, and while she’s messy, she’s damn delicious. Simple, well-executed, and only 6 euro? Yes, please.

• Address: Via Goito, 9b, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
• Price: 6 euro for a ragu sandwich

Indegno – La Crescentina 2.0

For Bologna’s cheapest eat, head to tiny hole-in-the-wall Indegno – La Crescentina 2.0. Their best bang for your buck deal is the “L’indegna” sandwich, a fried piece of bread stuffed with mortadella for only 3.90 euro, but they also serve a cone of fried tortellini covered in a thick parmigiano-reggiano crema, with flecks of cracked black pepper throughout for 6 euro. If you’ve had a few spritz and need a way to soak ’em up, this is your spot.

• Address: Via del Pratello, 84/A, 40122 Bologna BO, Italy
• Price: 3.90 euro

Accommodation Tip: Need a place to stay in Bologna? Check out Art Hotel Commercianti for a four-star hotel in city center or live like a local at affordable apartment Mitodea.

Cremeria Cavour

Okay, technically not a “cheap eat” since it’s simply a sweet dessert, but if you play your cards right at Cremeria Cavour, you’ll pay under 5 euro for the absolute best gelato of your life. Cremeria Cavour is located close to the center of town, and there’s usually a line for a reason. When I saw the line, I almost didn’t wait (I am very anti-waiting in lines), but I sure am glad I did. After about twenty minutes, I was inside the small but chic eatery, and opted for a small cone with one scoop of ciocolatto and one scoop of pistacchio gelato. I brought it outside and dug in, and was immediately perplexed by the texture. I have never had such a velvety, smooth, buttery gelato. Trying the gelato here is an absolute must.

• Address: P.za Cavour, 1d, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
• Price: 3.80 euro for small cone with two flavors

Il Forno Quadrilatero

Every day while in Bologna, I kept passing a sign that said “6 euro spritz and pizza.” I really didn’t have the desire to get a pizza in Bologna, but man, that sign worked. One day, I was walking by once more and was ever so slightly hungry, so I thought, hey, why not? For six euro at Il Forno Quadrilatero, I got a small Aperol spritz and a big slice of margherita pizza on a focaccia-style bread. It certainly was not the best thing I’ve ever eaten, but you can’t argue that it’s a pretty solid deal, especially in a city as pricey as Bologna.

• Address: Via degli Orefici, 5b, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
• Price: 6 euro

Tour Tip: Feeling overwhelmed by the food options in Bologna? Consider taking a food tour for the city’s most classic bites.

I Panini di Mirò

Last, but certainly not least, is one of my favorite spots in Bologna. I stumbled upon I Panini di Mirò on accident one night after taking the wrong turn to my Airbnb. For that mistake, I am grateful, because I discovered a small row of open-air bars and eateries, and the one that seemed most welcoming was I Panini di Mirò. I stopped by that night to get a spritz, but when I saw they had an endless selection of piadinis and paninis, I made a mental note to go back and try a sandwich. The next day, that’s what I did; I got a piadini heartily stuffed with speck, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, and arugula for 5 euro. If you add a spritz, it’s only around 8 euro total. You can customize a sandwich to your liking; they have toppings like artichoke cream, several types of meat and cheese, and even some great veggie options.

• Address: P.za Aldrovandi, 5/2a, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
• Price: 5 euro

DISCLAIMER II: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!