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When you fancy one thing just a little lighter than tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini en brodo as you’re ambling round Bologna, look no additional than the beloved crescentine. This pillowy fried bread is commonly full of or accompanied by Italian meats and cheeses, making for the proper snack or pick-me-up.

As you’ll know for those who’ve ever been on any of my Bologna meals excursions, the meals in Bologna is second to none, a lot in order that native go-tos like crescentine typically get missed. 

On this article, I hope to persuade you that crescentines in Bologna are culinary gems to not be missed, and I’ve shared a few of my favourite spots to attempt them for your self!

What Are Crescentine?

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At their core, crescentines are chunks of bread dough fried in lard or oil, giving them their signature crunchy outer layer and gentle exterior. These much-loved treats are discovered all around the Emilia-Romagna area, as their origins and historical past are rooted within the space.

They’re typically given totally different names relying on the precise metropolis, with some referring to them as crescentina Bolognese, crescentone, or torta fritta. But, they’re immediately recognizable due to their puffy look and golden shade.

Crescentine vs. Tigelle: What’s the Distinction?

Crescentine is commonly confused with tigelle, a considerably comparable kind of regional bread. Nonetheless, the 2 have some notable variations, as crescentines are fried whereas tigelles are baked, historically over stone or terracotta discs of the identical identify.

Whereas there are some overlaps within the recipes and preparation processes, the outcomes are fairly distinct. Tigelles are usually skinny, but crescentines are crunchy and puffy. That mentioned, there could also be another variances in numerous areas throughout the area, corresponding to in Bologna, Modena, or the Apennine cities.

By way of fillings, you’ll usually discover each pair completely with something from chilly cuts and pesto Modenese to native cheeses like squacquerone.

How Crescentine Are Served

Crescentine might be loved at any time of day and is usually introduced as a shared appetizer or merenda, a light-weight snack round mid-morning or mid-afternoon. If you wish to group yours with some wine, go for glowing varieties like lambrusco or pignoletto.

Though there’s an nearly infinite record of taste combos, I do have some serving strategies that I extremely suggest you attempt for your self. Some must-try fillings embody:

• Tender cheeses like squacquerone
• Mortadella, salami, prosciutto crudo
• Pesto Modenese (a variety created from lard, garlic, and rosemary)
• Pickles or giardiniera (assorted pickled greens)

For one thing totally different, attempt candy options like jam, chocolate, or cream.

Greatest Locations to Eat Crescentine in Bologna

Indegno

Indegno is well top-of-the-line locations to eat crescentine in Bologna, they usually have a handful of areas scattered throughout the town. Up to now, I’ve solely made it to the Through del Pratello department, however I’ve made a number of visits to this informal, grab-and-go spot.

The menu is fairly in depth right here, and I selected the crescentine with pesto Modenese and black pepper-infused parmesan cream. This mixture of tastes and textures was unbelievable, because the wealthy, garlicky pesto, sharp cheese, and heat bread complemented each other.

Indegno – 40122 Bologna – Open each Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to three:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm and each Friday and Saturday from 12:30 pm to three:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 2:00 am.

Noi

Picture credit score: Noi

Noi is a incredible spot for crescentine in Bologna and is conveniently situated within the Mercato delle Erbe. It’s easy however fashionable inside and boasts a prolonged menu of Bolognese favorites.

Their crescentine was a spotlight for me, and my buddy and I ordered a basket for the desk. We teamed these barely savory morsels with a collection of chilly cuts, together with a beneficiant serving of lean salame rosa.

Noi – 40121 Bologna – Open each Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to three:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and each Sunday from 12:00 pm to three:00 pm.

Albergo Ristorante Merlino

Picture credit score: Albergo Ristorante Merlino

These of you wanting to enterprise out of the town and to among the quaint Apennine Mountain cities have so as to add Albergo Ristorante Merlino in Castel d’Aiano to your record. Crescentine started as a humble dish in rural Emilia-Romagna, so that you gained’t remorse making the journey to the countryside for a very genuine expertise.

I overdid it just a little on the crescentine right here to the purpose the place I may barely end my meal. Nonetheless, the snappy dough, sharp cheeses, and candy chilly cuts had been greater than price it!

Albergo Ristorante Merlino – 40034 Castel D’aiano – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to three:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Trattoria Nonna Rosa

I couldn’t conclude this record of one of the best locations to eat crescentine in Bologna with out mentioning the charming Trattoria Nonna Rosa within the east of the town.

They serve this Bolognese staple right here with all of the traditional fillings, and I shortly found why gentle squacquerone, spicy salami, and chewy crescentine is such a successful mixture!

Trattoria Nonna Rosa – 40133 Bologna – Closed each Monday, open each Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Ideas for Having fun with Crescentine Like a Native

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• Like every sandwich, crescentines are finest eaten along with your fingers.
• Historically, crescentine in Bologna needs to be served heat, and when contemporary, the outside needs to be crisp and crackly.
• Whereas the savory fillings are musts, don’t be afraid to department out and pattern some candy crescentines throughout your go to.
• For the whole Bolognese expertise, mix your crescentine with some native wines or craft beers.
• Crescentines are tastiest when stuffed, however they’re additionally scrumptious on their very own for those who don’t need something too filling.

Ultimate Ideas & Suggestions

You need to attempt crescentines in Bologna at the very least as soon as throughout your go to. Whether or not you’re craving a fast however satisfying snack or tucking into some sharing plates, you may’t go mistaken with certainly one of two of those fried delights!

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Bologna meals & wine excursions. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/bologna/