Where to eat in Bologna in winter 2026: venues, bars and events celebrating traditional and international street food
Say Bologna and you can’t help but think of food—of its historic, traditional cuisine, which has always been one of the cornerstones of Italian gastronomy. Today, Bologna’s cuisine is also a key player in the global tourism phenomenon: although influenced by international flavors, it has managed to preserve the authenticity of its tastes. All of this comes together in the famous “street cuisine,” or street food—a different way of promoting and enjoying food compared to the classic restaurant experience.
As the Gambero Rosso Street Food Guide of Italy explains, “Street food is still capable of offering authentic experiences: some of the businesses featured in the guide preserve an invaluable historical heritage for Italian cuisine. At the same time, international offerings are becoming increasingly rich and appealing.” And this winter, Bologna once again takes center stage.
Winter street food in Bologna: SANA Food in February 2026
For winter street food 2026 in Bologna, a trade fair event that cannot go unmentioned returns this year: SANA Food, a major project at BolognaFiere focused on organic and sustainable food. From 22 to 24 February 2026, the event will promote a format increasingly oriented toward B2B and the out-of-home sector. SANA Food is aimed at food-service professionals looking for products that combine authenticity, quality and environmental awareness. The goal is respect—for the land, for food and for people.
In this edition, the exhibition offering at the fair is truly impressive, featuring the very best of organic and biodynamic production: PDO, PGI and TSG products, vegan and functional foods. It is an exclusive meeting point for the conscious and sustainable food sector, centered on the values of ethics, innovation and health.
But that’s not all. SANA Food takes place at the same time and in synergy with Slow Wine Fair, the fair dedicated to good, clean and fair wine, with the aim of giving voice to a new culture of conscious food and drink. Organized by BolognaFiere and Slow Food, it will run concurrently and adjacent to SANA Food, offering hospitality professionals an exclusive and sustainable food & wine journey.
Are you looking for a culinary experience focused on quality, well-being, and respect for the environment and people? You’ve found it: in Bologna from 22 to 24 February 2026.
Other street food: where to eat in Bologna in 2026
Beyond the event taking place at the end of February, Bologna offers countless shops and landmarks for both local and international street food.
According to the 2026 edition of Gambero Rosso, the first venue to highlight for lovers of international street food is “ODD”, located at Via Borgo di San Pietro 12a, right in Bologna. This is a true paradise for modern street food and gourmet sandwiches.
“Odd” means “strange” in English and perfectly represents their philosophy: exploring new gastronomic paths with curiosity and passion, seeking unusual combinations inspired by traditional flavors. The offerings are one more delicious and varied than the next—from savory doughnuts with ragù and Parmigiano Reggiano, to burgers with lamb belly, tzatziki, cucumber, lemon and mint; from sandwiches with miso-braised rabbit, soy mayonnaise and thyme with porcini powder, to the more classic Scottona beef burger. The menu changes frequently, following seasonality and the availability of ingredients.
In Bologna, however, street food also goes hand in hand with markets, so it’s impossible not to mention the famous “Mercato di Mezzo.” This historic landmark is located in the heart of the Quadrilatero, the nerve center of Bolognese commerce. Dating back to the 12th century, Mercato di Mezzo today hosts kiosks and shops where you can sample local specialties and contemporary offerings.
Entering from Via Clavature or Via delle Pescherie Vecchie, you’ll find excellent options for everyone: on the ground floor there are bakeries, delicatessens and fresh pasta counters, while those looking for fish dishes can head to the Pescheria del Pavaglione. On the first floor you’ll find the well-known Rosso Pomodoro pizzeria, inspired by Neapolitan tradition, while the basement level—with its characteristic barrel vaults—is dedicated to Baladin craft beer, paired with high-quality burgers. Want to discover the authentic flavors of traditional Bolognese cuisine? Then this is a must-stop, even in winter.
And finally, let’s not forget the must-try spots in the city center: from Mò! Mortadella Lab to Cotolà, from Al Ninen – Tigelle e crescentine to Piadina Pratello, from I Panini di Mirò to Be’ Mo in the heart of university life, from Indegno to Bottega Portici, from Ragù to Lu Lè & Lu Là. Because you simply can’t spend a few days in Bologna without tasting our tigelle, our crescentine, our fresh pasta, our cutlet and our meat ragù.
Are you coming to Bologna and feeling overwhelmed by how much food there is to try in just one day? Our advice is to book an accommodation in the city center for a unique and immersive experience. Where? At the Ghisiliera B&B, a property with 40 square meters of apartments located in a strategic position for exploring Bologna like a true local.
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