Da Cesari

It's a family affair at wonderful da Cesari in Bologna. That's owner Paolino with his back to us, manning the cassa at the door. His son led us to the "Cabernet/Sauvignon/Sangiovese" Liano (sic) which we then found out he used to work for. 3 million bottles/yr production. OK. It still had grapes in it. Marinated duck foie gras had a truly amazing ginger candied pumpkin with it, super yum! Sformatino of porcini was suitably autumnal, with sauteed porcini as well, not a bad start. Tortellini in (beef this time) brodo had to be tried ("meat filling, always meat for tortellini") but I really enjoyed my rabbit ravioli with smoked goat cheese! Ki followed that with braised guanciola. After a crema gelato with balsamic vinegar and a torta tenerina (almost flourless chocolate cake), they wouldn't let us pay or leave without a digestivo. I wanted to try the Nocino delle Streghe (witches), which our server explained is made from walnuts possibly harvested by virgins by the light of the full moon, hence the name. Not so sure about that, but it was certainly digestion enhancing. Enjoyable and would return to explore more of the menu.

I was in Bologna for work and had dinner here by myself. Even if it was just me, I was lucky to get a table without reservation because the owner kept sending people out since the place was full on a Tuesday evening end of October… Very, very nice place: lovely Italian food without complexety but honest and really, really delicious! Nice atmospher and the owner was extremely welcoming and warm. I enjoyed it very much and I will be back with my family. Grazie!!

We tried to book dinner a couple of times and they were full. We had all skipped breakfast on the Saturday. We were walking past here just as lunch started and I suggested we check for a table. We nabbed the second last table on the upper floor. Lucky us! There are lots of locals here. I was hungry so I has a starter of rolled aubergine which was delicious. My main course Was a daily special of polenta with wild mushrooms which was also gorgeous. we shared a bottle of vermentino. We all really enjoyed our lunch here. I would recommend booking if you can.

Would highly recommend this very traditional bologna restaurant! All of the food we ordered was delicious! The ravioli was some of the best I’ve had - it was packed with flavor! The dessert sampler, while good, was a bit disappointing as our ice cream was melted. The waiter was super helpful on recommending wine to go with our meal as well. Reservations definitely recommended! You have to call to make a reservation.If you are visiting Bologna this restaurant is a must!

Delicious pasta but on the salty side. If you’re looking to try authentic bolognese, this is one of the best places! They do not skimp on the beef sauce. The gnocchi in beef broth was also very flavorful and the soup as well was very tasty. Would recommend the truffle ravioli too they gave so much truffle. The service was on the interesting side… the waiter was a bit rude and neglecting not sure if he was trying to be funny? Didn’t come off very polite.

It's a family affair at wonderful da Cesari in Bologna. That's owner Paolino with his back to us, manning the cassa at the door. His son led us to the "Cabernet/Sauvignon/Sangiovese" Liano (sic) which we then found out he used to work for. 3 million bottles/yr production. OK. It still had grapes in it. Marinated duck foie gras had a truly amazing ginger candied pumpkin with it, super yum! Sformatino of porcini was suitably autumnal, with sauteed porcini as well, not a bad start. Tortellini in (beef this time) brodo had to be tried ("meat filling, always meat for tortellini") but I really enjoyed my rabbit ravioli with smoked goat cheese! Ki followed that with braised guanciola. After a crema gelato with balsamic vinegar and a torta tenerina (almost flourless chocolate cake), they wouldn't let us pay or leave without a digestivo. I wanted to try the Nocino delle Streghe (witches), which our server explained is made from walnuts possibly harvested by virgins by the light of the full moon, hence the name. Not so sure about that, but it was certainly digestion enhancing. Enjoyable and would return to explore more of the menu.