Bologna food and markets
The streets just east of Piazza Maggiore hold the Quadrilatero, the old food market streets of Bologna, still lined with delis and stalls. These pages answer common questions about Bologna food, from market days to what to bring home.
- What day is the market in Bologna?
Most days. Mercato delle Erbe opens Monday to Saturday from 7:00, La Piazzola's 400+ stalls trade Friday and Saturday, and the farmers' market runs Saturdays.
- What to buy from Bologna, Italy?
Food, mostly: vacuum-packed mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano, dried tortellini, Lambrusco or Pignoletto, and a box of Majani's Fiat chocolates.
- Where is the best gelato near Piazza Maggiore?
Cremeria Cavour is 5 minutes' walk from Piazza Maggiore. Gambero Rosso's 2027 guide gave Three Cones to 4 Bologna gelaterie. Nine shops with walking times.
- Why do Americans call mortadella bologna?
Bologna is named after the Italian city of Mortadella Bologna. Mortadella vs bologna: pork only with 15% fat cubes, against US bologna's mixed meats.