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Like in most Italian cities, locals in Bologna imply enterprise relating to espresso. Not solely are there dozens of conventional bars which might be excellent for a fast countertop espresso or cappuccino, however the metropolis has a rising specialty espresso scene.

I perceive simply how straightforward 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. Nonetheless, overlooking town’s tasty brews can 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 town. You’ll by no means must wander far to safe a recent brew, whether or not you’re searching for an early-morning espresso hit or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Even in native properties, 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 all the things, so anticipate explosive flavors, punchy aromas, and a particular mouthfeel!

Finest Espresso Locations in Bologna

Aroma

Few espresso outlets in Bologna are as revered as Aroma close to the Basilica di San Francesco. It’s a small however fashionable cafe with a group of award-winning baristas.

Chatting with the employees feels akin to interviewing espresso consultants, as they’re fountains of information in regards to 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 right place for a scorching cup of joe, particularly given the considerably chilly climate exterior after I obtained 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 positioned close to the Two Towers and has change into 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 option 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 outlets in Bologna.

The cafe’s up to date options and specialty choices have made it extremely in style, which inspired me to pattern one in all 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 town. Its brilliant inexperienced and white inside is tough to overlook from the streetside, and the shaded outside seating space is a good place to flee the solar throughout the summer season.

I made a decision to maneuver away from my normal 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

If you happen to actually wish to immerse your self in Bologna’s espresso tradition, there are a few issues to remember to make sure your expertise is a neighborhood one.

• Most Italians drink their espresso standing on the bar, and also you’ll generally be required to pay further to sit down at a desk.

• Whereas espressos are consumed all through the day, most locals keep away from heavier drinks, specifically cappuccinos, after 11.00 am.

• When ordering a latte, you’ll want to ask for a ‘caffè latte.’ In any other case, you’ll seemingly be served a glass of milk!

• Some in style drinks embody macchiatos, an espresso with just a little foamed milk; ristrettos, a robust espresso; and lungos, an espresso with an extended extraction time and extra water than conventional varieties.

Café Tradition & Native Ambiance

Bologna’s espresso tradition is relatively numerous, as town boasts a mixture of basic haunts like Caffè Terzi and Caffè Zanarini, together with hip and classy spots, together with Lampadina and Le Serre.

Lots of the finest espresso locations in Bologna, together with Le Serre, double as group areas.

Cafes like this function hubs for artwork, innovation, and cultural occasions, giving guests a singular alternative to benefit from the metropolis’s up to date aspect whereas having fun with high quality coffees.

Espresso Merchandise & Souvenirs to Take Residence

After making an attempt the distinctive brews in Bologna, I used to be desperate to replenish on some espresso necessities the final time I used to be within the metropolis. Supplied you could have area in your suitcase, you’ll be able to take residence all the things from premium espresso beans and Moka pots to grinders and reusable cups.

Some improbable locations to select up some coffee-inspired merchandise and equipment embody Aroma, BURO Cafè, and Caffè 14 Luglio.

Ultimate Ideas: Sip, Savor, and Sluggish Down in Bologna

Going for espresso in Bologna is someplace between an artwork and a ritual! Whether or not you persist with old-school cafes or trendy hangouts, it’s the right option 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