Walking around Bologna can make you hungry; at least it made us. The restaurant recommended by  Mauro’s couisin had already closed its kitchen when we got there; however, its owner nicely suggested a nearby place which is open all day. Answering my question whether food is good there, he stated ‘pasta for sure, we make it for them’.

Hungry and not having much choice at that hour, we decided to give La Moline Osteria a try.

How We Found La Moline Osteria – A Lucky Redirect in Bologna

We only had a few dozen meters to go – long enough to give Mauro time to moan that it’s a tourist place, and we generally avoid such eateries. Then, that the food can’t be fresh quality, as they don’t close kitchen after lunch. But all his doubts soon dissipated; La Moline Osteria turned out to be a good place to eat.

La Moline Osteria Bologna: First Impressions

The restaurant was busy, so we expected a long wait for service, but it was actually not bad at all, maybe 10 min. This time we decided to be more moderate and not to order a crazy amount of food, as we usually do. After scanning the code and going through the menu, we opted for a starter, a main plate, wine and water. Quite modest, considering our restaurant habits.

The Starter: Mortadella, Cheese & Unexpected Friggione

We started with a plate of cheese, and because (in theory) the best mortadella comes from Bologna – also a plate of mortadella.

Mauro wanted also to try Friggione, to which I reacted yuck (blee) hearing that it’s a kind of chutney/marmalade/sauce (no idea how to call it) made of marinated onion cooked with tomato. Needless to say, it turned out to be quite good with cheese. There were three kinds of hard cheese and something, which I read later on online, it was a delicious super-soft fresh and creamy white cheese called Squacquerone Cheese. It was creamy, but, for me not delicious at all. It was just soft, I didn’t feel any flavour. Hm, maybe my taste buds are not sophisticated enough.

With the starter a warm, local round bread was served in a paper bag. The rest of the starter was good.

Main Courses: Tagliatelle alla Bolognese & Truffle Ravioli

For the main Mauro chose tagliatelle alla bolognese, and I – ravioli with cream and truffles.

And as usual, we shared our dishes, and what a thrill – ah, bolognese in Bologna, isn’t that a dream? I guess I should be excited, as it had been my first time in this city, but I wasn’t.

Anyway, both dishes were mouth-watering.

House Wine & Free Digestivo – Very Italian Touches

We had wine with lunch, of course. The restaurant offers quite a selection; we opted for their own brand, available only there, in the restaurant. It tasted fresh and fruity, almost like a novello, but surprisingly, it was the 2022 vintage. I really enjoy such flavours.

We skipped coffee and sweets; we hardly ever have them in restaurants.

We paid 86 euros, but because Mauro was asked to pay by card instead of cash, he took a chance and asked the barman to offer us liquor for free (a very Italian custom), for better digestion of course. So Mauro came back to the table with two glasses of decent portions of limoncello and amaro for me. It was the only thing Mauro didn’t enjoy in La Moline Osteria – he just stated Bologna is not a place for limoncello.

The Bill & Final Verdict: Worth It for Bologna?

Just by chance we had a good lunch. Maybe in the restaurant recommended by Mauro’s friend, food would be better, who knows, but we enjoyed our meal.

I liked the fact that the portions were OK: not too big, not too small, just enough to feel that we ate, but not to make us into balloons with feet. In many places in Italy restaurants still want to make you fat. I also can praise service – quick and friendly, even if the restaurant was full.

If it comes to the bill – sure, in many places you could eat cheaper, especially in the South, but we were in Bologna, so I think as for this city it was actually not expensive at all.

Why La Moline Osteria Is Great for Bologna – Open All Day

So if you become hungry in Bologna, go there without any hesitation. Remember, they are open when all other restaurants close their kitchen, which is a huge plus. And because the restaurant is pretty roomy, for sure they will find a table for you.

If this post made you laugh, made you angry, or simply reminded you of your favourite restaurant, let me know in the comments or by email. I love reading about your experiences in similar places. And sign up for the newsletter – a new post once a week (usually Wednesdays at 6:00 PM). No spam, no “most beautiful Italy ever.” Only authentic events, small wonders, and off-the-beaten-path places. I’m waiting for you!