classic bologna food tour

10 Best Food Tours in Bologna, Italy 

• July 13, 2023
• by Jenoa Matthes

For many, food is one of the best things about traveling. When you visit a new place, there’s nothing better than trying the local cuisine. And Bologna is no exception!

We have spent 2 months in Bologna tasting our way through the city and have done multiple food tours. In this article, we’re only sharing the best and most highly-rated food tours in Bologna!

This city is famous for its amazing Emilia Romagna cuisine , and there are plenty of delicious tours to choose from.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Book our favorite Bologna Food Tour for an incredible half-day food tasting experience.

These tours will take you through the city’s most delectable cuisine, and the great thing about joining a dedicated Bologna food tour is that you’ll get to see and sample everything from pasta dishes to gelato .

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or have visited Bologna before, be sure to check out these top food tours in Bologna, Italy!

10 Best Food Tours in Bologna

While there are many incredible things to do in Bologna , the #1 thing on your list should be to take a food tour.

All of these food tours in Bologna feature sampling the best foods, from small local restaurants or classic trattorias with an experienced guide who will share their knowledge and love for the local cuisine.

BOLOGNA FOOD TOURS

1. classic bologna food tour.

Rating: 5/5 stars | Tour Length: 4 hours | Check rates and availability

There’s a good reason why we’ve ranked this as the best Bologna food tour. You’ll get to discover the authentic flavors of Bologna during this half-day food tour! Your local guide will take you around the city’s markets to meet artisan food producers as you get to taste local delicacies like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Bolognese ragu and mortadella.

Start off your tour with a gourmet coffee and then visit local markets to sample fresh produce. Watch artisans work their magic creating traditional pasta such as tortellini. You’ll also get to visit a historic osteria for lunch and end your tour with a delicious gelato tasting!

“Mattia was an outstanding tour guide! All the food and wine we tried was amazing! He did a great job of explaining the history of Bologna as well.” Ruzella_W (See more reviews)

Languages available: English

Highlights:

• Breakfast with gourmet coffee
• Different tastings include bolognese ragù, cured meat, Tortellini, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Balsamic vinegar Tradizionale of Modena, bread, dessert, local wine like Pignoletto or Lambrusco
• Artisan gelato tasting

2. Bologna walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours

You’ll get to explore the city with a local guide, starting with breakfast, then sample fresh pasta, balsamic vinegar, cheese, wine, gelato and a secret dish – revealed only on the tour.

You’ll get to explore the city by foot between tastings and learn about the vibrant culture and history behind Bologna’s food heritage. You’ll also have the opportunity to watch fresh pasta being made from scratch! Discover other hidden gems such as shopping for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and learning about the ageing process of balsamic vinegar at an authentic bottega. You’ll also have the chance to discover stalls in speciality food markets like the Quadrilatero

“Gabriele was a wonderfully knowledgeable and passionate guide- very generous with his time and willing to share his experience and insights from many culinary regions. The tour was great, with a huge amount of delicious and varied food and information.” Sheree_B (See more reviews)

Languages available : English

• Watch fresh pasta being made from scratch
• Learn tips on shopping in Bologna for Parmigiano Reggiano
• A visit to an authentic bottega
• Explore the food market, the Quadrilatero

3. Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective

Rating: 5/5 stars | Tour Length: 4.5 hours | Check rates and availability

During this tour you’ll get taken on a journey through the culinary traditions of Bologna with a local guide. You’ll make 6 stops at some historical shops where you can taste local specialities like tortellini, ragù, Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico di Modena, mortadella and regional wine!

As you explore the city, you’ll get to visit the main culinary spots of Bologna including the food market and discover local legends and stories. Plus, visit family-run restaurants and cafes away from the usual tourists.

“This is a fantastic tour. Riccardo has a wealth of knowledge on all of the different foods and drinks that you experience as well as knowing his hometown like the back of his hand. You will go away from this tour feeling full, and happy and having gotten a peak into the beautiful heart of Bologna. A must do tour!” Natekramer (See more reviews)

• Visiting family-run restaurants
• Hidden gems away from tourists
• Six traditional food and wine stops

4. Bologna Food Experience: Factory Visits with Gourmet Lunch and Wine Tasting

Rating: 5/5 stars | Tour Length: 8-9 hours | Check rates and availability

This full-day culinary tour takes your taste buds on a journey through the famous food region of Bologna. You’ll get to take a day trip from Bologna to visit local factories and family-run producers to get behind-the-scenes access to how products like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Modena balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and wine are made.

During the day, you’ll sample the fresh, hand-crafted products as you explore the countryside of Emilia-Romagna and treat yourself to an Italian feast for breakfast and lunch – both paired with regional wines!

“Awesome food tour, informative, fun and loads of delicious food n wine throughout the trip! Our guide, Alexandro is super knowledgeable and shares a lot of info on cheese making, different types of prosciutto ham and balsamic vinegar ageing. He also explains the difference between DOP and IGP and how we can identify products under each certification n the price difference. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour n the sumptuous and delicious food and wine.” Lynette_L (See more reviews)

• A full-day culinary tour of Bologna province
• Visit local factories and small family-run producers
• Experience the beauty of Emilia-Romagna’s countryside

5. The 10 Tastings of Bologna With Locals: Private Food Tour

Rating: 5/5 stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check rates and availability

During this private food tour, you’ll get to taste the delicacies that Bologna restaurants have to offer. This is great if you want to avoid the crowds and have a guide all to yourself as you visit a variety of eateries and sample 10 local specialities – from savoury to sweet!

You’ll get to try tortellini, local cheese, piadina (Italian flatbread), fresh fruit and more authentic Bolognan cuisine in the company of your own local foodie guide.

“My wife and I had the pleasure of being guided around the amazing eateries of Bologna by Simone. He was a fantastic host, providing really interesting stories and the history of each dish we ate. We are extremely happy that Simone humored us by speaking in Italian for the majority of the tour. We wanted a genuine experience through which we could improve our Italian so this made it a million times more enjoyable. Grazie tanto, Simone!” Donald_M (See more reviews)

Languages available: English, Italian, French, Spanish

• Go at your own pace with a private guide
• Ten different food and drink tastings
• A mixture of locations including a food market and a bakery

6. Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour Full Day

Rating: 5/5 stars | Tour Length: 7 hours | Check rates and availability

You’ll get to discover the flavors of Emilia Romagna with this private half- or full-day food tour. During the day you’ll visit local producers such as prosciutto and Parmigiano, and taste filled pasta, cheese and cured meat paired with local wine. On the full-day tour, you’ll get to visit a traditional balsamic vinegar house and learn how they make this world-renowned condiment.

You can either opt to drive yourself or have a driver take you to experience the revered culinary heritage of this region.

“Andrea was an excellent guide and made it a very personal experience for my wife and I. His fluency in English was superb and we really enjoyed ourselves.” Greg_S (See more reviews)

Languages Available: English, Italian

• Options for half- or full-day or self-drive private food tour
• Visit local producers in the Emilia Romagna region
• Try a wide range of foods including Parmesan cheese dairy, a Parma ham, pasta paired with wines, balsamic vinegar and more

7. Bologna: the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour)

Rating: 5/5 stars | Tour Length: 4-5 hours | Check rates and availability

This tour allows you to discover the delicious food culture of the Apennine Mountains between Florence and Bologna on this exclusive food-focused private day trip!

You’ll visit the producers of two traditional ingredients from the region: Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar. Experience a basic cooking class, tour historic castles and abbeys, and then finish off with a private lunch.

“I highly recommend this tour for those who are interested to learn about the history of Bologna! I learned so much from the information that Riccardo shared about the history of Bologna (and its connection with other Italian cities and other countries) from Roman times up to the present. This tour is like a peek into how the people of Bologna lived during different historical periods.” Ericka_A (See more reviews)

Languages available: English, Italian

• Private food tour focusing on the history of food in the region
• Visit local producers and try foods including Parmigiano Reggiano
• Discover the region of the Apennine Mountains

8. Bologna: Guided Traditional Food Tour

Rating: 4.6/5 stars | Tour Length: 3.5 hours | Check rates and availability

Discover the unique cruises on its tour through Bologna’s traditional Italian food culture! Your guide will take you through the history and importance of food in the region. Learn about the stories behind and preparation of each dish.

Sample classic dishes like cured meats & cheeses, Bolognese tortellini, Bolognese cotoletta, Brazadela cake, and a special espresso with artisanal whipped cream — all from the Emilia-Romagna region.

“Food was delicious! The guide was so kind. We showed up late after some transportation issues. I wish the guide talked about the food or talked about the city, but that’s my only critique. She was super helpful and kind. We even bumped into her later. She gave us some advice on the food we missed.” GetYourGuide traveler (See more reviews)

• Make 5 food stops to try the top food in Bologna
• Taste a variety of traditional foods away from the main tourist traps
• Enjoy the company of a friendly like-minded small group

9. Bologna: Self-Guided Food Tasting Tour with Vouchers

Rating: 4.6/5 stars | Tour Length: 8 hours | Check rates and availability

Explore the culinary delights of Bologna with a self-guided food-tasting tour! This is great if you don’t want to be restricted to times. You’ll receive vouchers for delicious local samples which include handmade chocolates, ice cream, and the famous Tigellone with ragù sauce. Adults will also receive a glass of wine. You’ll also get vouchers for a coffee and a parmesan sample along the way.

The tour takes you through the narrow streets of the old town. Stop off when you feel like taking breaks or for photos and explore points of interest suggested by the map. Collect tastings at your own pace and scan QR codes to follow the path on Google Maps.

“It was fun, and pushed us to try more than the most typical dishes and step into places we wouldn’t have otherwise visited. The portions are small, more of a snack than a meal, but I would still recommend to get one set of vouchers to share with another person, then simply order more of anything you end up enjoying.” GetYourGuide traveler (See more reviews)

Languages available: English, Italian, Spanish

• Visit the beautiful centre of Bologna at your own pace
• Enjoy tasting typical food with 7 different vouchers
• Visit places off the main tourist trail

10. Bologna: City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour

Rating: 5/5 stars | Tour Length: 1-3 hours | Check rates and availability

Discover Bologna’s lesser-known wine scene on this guided walking tour of the city! You’ll get to visit some of the best wineries, taste different varieties and learn from a true local expert guide. As you move from an ‘enoteca’ to an ‘osteria’ you’ll get to enjoy 2 to 5 different wines produced in the region.

Depending on which tour length you select you’ll get to experience the oldest tavern in town and wines accompanied by delicious local food.

“I did the 2hr experience. I have a love of wine but I don’t really know Italian wine so wanted to learn and try some different local Italian wines. We went to 2 establishments and tried 4 wines. I enjoyed all 4 wines and was pleasantly surprised. Our guide Fillipo was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. He was pleasant and spoke good English. Highly recommend the tour.” Fiona and Ken (See more reviews)

• Discover and try the best wines of Bologna and Emilia Romagna
• Explore the city centre
• Possibility to taste local food in the oldest tavern on the 3-hour option

Why we recommend doing a guided Bologna Food tour

There are so many reasons why we recommend joining one of these great Bologna food tours. For starters, you’ll get to sample some of the best foods in the region and gain a better insight into what makes them so special.

You’ll also get shown the most authentic places that the locals go to, and not just the restaurants and shops aimed at tourists and try more samples than if you were doing it yourself.

Your local guide will have the best insight and be able to answer any questions you might have, and even give you recommendations on the best places to eat! Not only that, the walking tours will take you to some of the most beautiful places in the city, tell you about the history and show you some absolute hidden gems.

Bologna Food Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the famous food in bologna.

The most famous food in Bologna is ragu, a flavorful and meaty sauce that is paired with tagliatelle. The city is also known for tortellini, which is a small hat-shaped pasta stuffed with a pork filling and is commonly eaten with a flavorful broth.

What food region is Bologna in?

Bologna is located in the Emilia Romagna region. This region is also known as Italy’s food valley because of its fantastic cuisine. Popular Italian products, such as balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and mortadella are all made in this region.

What is the food capital of Italy?

Bologna is the food capital of Italy because of it’s high quality restaurants and fabulous Italian cuisine. The city is home to many classic dishes like tagliatelle al ragu, lasagne verde, tortellini, and more.

Final thoughts: Best Food Tours in Bologna, Italy

After having been on several food tours in Bologna, we can say for certain that you will absolutely love experiencing a taste of the city’s cuisine on one of these tours!

No matter which type of tour you choose, you’ll get a unique experience of discovering the best food in the region. Now we’ve whetted your appetite, go ahead and book one of these Bologna, Italy food tours. You won’t be disappointed!

Additional Bologna Travel Articles

Looking for more information for your trip to Bologna? Check out these additional Bologna travel guides:

• Bologna Food Guide: 27 Traditional Bologna Italy Foods You Need To Try Now
• How to get from Bologna Airport to Bologna Centrale
• The 8 Best Gelato Shops in Bologna in 2023
• 13 Life-Changing Foods of Emilia Romagna You Never Knew Existed
• 23 Best Day Trips from Bologna, Italy
• 12 Best Things To Do in Bologna, Italy
• Walking the Amazing Portico di San Luca in Bologna: Everything You Need to Know

ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE Italy Travel Insurance  – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out  Travel Insurance Master  to find the best plan for you. Italy Rental Cars  – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through  Discover Cars  (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling. Italy Phone Plans –  If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used  Airalo  during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed. Italy Hotels –  Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through  Booking  for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

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BOLOGNA ​FOOD TOURS

Join our Bologna food tours focused on Bologna's major attraction: its food.

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Looking to jump-start your delicious stay in Bologna and get oriented in the local food scene? Or have already spent a few days in the city and would like to better understand its foodie vibe?

EAT THE MOST AUTHENTIC BOLOGNA FOOD

Taste gastronomic curiosities and discover the best places to eat authentic local food without wasting time (and meals) on trial-and-error

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Learn about its specialities, ingredients and flavours so you can navigate a menu at any Bologna restaurant. Planning to eat a Big Mac while travelling? Sorry our tours are not for you

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Get tailor-made tips about legendary restaurants, hidden cafes and family shops. Enjoy only great food for the rest of your stay and run away from the tourist traps

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Join small groups - max 10 guests - to blend in with locals. No umbrella to follow: consider us as your local friends to help to get the best of your time

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Since 2013 we received +400 5 stars reviews for our experiences. Are we the best food tour in Bologna? Only you can tell.

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AMAZE YOUR TASTE BUDS IN MODENA

12 Mega Epic Food Tours in Bologna You Can’t Afford to Miss in 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: November 8, 2023

Categories Europe

Ready to eat your way through the foodie capital of Italy? If so then this mega epic guide to the best food tours in Bologna is deffo for you.

After all, I love eating almost as much as I love breathing. I’ve also been to the mega epic city of Bologna more times than I can count.

Therefore, I am the perfect foodie to introduce you to all of the best food tours Bologna has to offer.

Because when it comes to food tours, some are hot and some are not. Plus, some can be super expensive and a total waste of your hard-earned dollars.

But, never fear because all of the best Bologna food tours listed here come with the Girl with the Passport stamp of approval and are highly rated by travelers from all across the globe.

So, stop stressing and start enjoying some of the best food that Italy has to offer.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

🍕 Busy? Then book this 3-Hour Secret Bologna Food Tour now ! It’s my personal fave and a great way to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. 🍕

Best Food Tours in Bologna

1. 3-hour secret bologna food tour.

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (90 Reviews) Price: $95.86 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: between the 2 towers in front of the San Petronio statue Operator: Essor Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Eat your way through Italy’s culinary capital on this 3-hour “secret” food tour in Bologna .

But why secret, you might wonder.

Well, your local guide is going to sidestep the typical restaurants and take you well off the beaten path.

So, throughout one of the best food tours in Bologna, you’ll feast on ​​Ragù alla Bolognese at a simple trattoria and dig into delicious moreish charcuterie.

“Awesome tour that simultaneously covers the food (duh), the drinks, bits of history, and local customs! More than worth it’s value, you leave super full and with lots of extra bits of trivia. Our guide Caterina was fantastic and super helpful, it was such a pleasure to listen to her and visit all the little stores and restaurants with her! Definitely recommend!” Anonymous ( Read more reviews now )

And in addition to eating homemade pasta, you’ll have a quick peek at how the sfogline (pasta-makers) of Bologna create this amazing food.

Plus, for a small surcharge, you can upgrade your booking to include ammazzacaffé.

Basically, this is an Italian custom where you wash down an afternoon coffee with a liqueur beverage.

Plus, the guide will introduce you to the sights and history of Quadrilatero – the historic heart of Bologna – as you enjoy artisanal gelato along the way.

Seriously, what’s not to love?

2. Historic Highlights of Bologna and Food Tasting Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (2 Reviews) Price: $130.02 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Bottom of the Two Towers, next to the San Petronio statue Operator: Art and Food Tours SNC Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Experience the beauty of Bologna and its captivating cuisine with this 4-hour walking and tasting tour .

In fact, you’ll see the historic highlights of the city during this top-rated food-tasting tour that expertly mingles sightseeing with snacking.

So, after you rendezvous at the Two Towers in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, your guide will steer you through the streets of Quadrilatero.

You’ll then get up close to the likes of Santa Maria dei Servi and the Church of San Martin while learning all about the significance behind the incredible architecture this city has to offer.

With an emphasis on art, this is one of the best food tours in Bologna for art lovers.

However, the foodie aspect of your tour starts at one of the city’s most authentic markets.

“Interesting tour full of history and local food. Our guide took us to her favourite spots where locals prepared special treats and we sampled some of the famous local products. Our guide willingly bought extras she talked about for us to try as well. I would highly recommend Sara as a guide and host. Well done!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

There, you will nibble on cured meats and cheeses that are perfectly paired with puffy bread and balsamic vinegar from Modena.

Later, you’ll dine on fresh pasta with Bolognese sauce before enjoying a glass of wine at a neighborhood osteria.

Ultimately, the tour finishes with coffee, dessert wine, and a sweet treat on the side to help you end your day on a high note.

3. Bologna Food Tour from a Local Perspective

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (453 Reviews) Price: $121.06 per person Duration: 4.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Get the sharpest intel on where to eat in Bologna during this food tour that is delivered to you by an actual city resident.

See, this Bologna food tour from a local perspective lasts 4.5 hours. So, you’ll basically dedicate a half-day to eating.

In total, you’ll visit 6 food stops including markets, stores, cafes, and trattorias. But, the best part? You’ll find none of these eateries listed in guidebooks.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful with recommendations on places to eat and see. The food provided was great. I highly recommend.” Louis ( read more reviews now )

So, after meeting your guide and fellow foodies in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, you’ll be whisked away for a classic Italian breakfast.

But, this is just the warm-up for lunch which consists of fresh pasta, charcuterie, and tigella bread with pesto.

Finally, you’ll part ways with the group after grabbing a scoop of gelato.

4. Self-Guided Bologna Food Tasting Tour with Vouchers

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (49 Reviews) Price: $41.44 per person Duration: 1 day 📍 Meeting Point: Fontanella d’acqua potabile Operator: BOLOGNA TOUR Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Hungry for some budget-friendly food tours in Bologna?

If that is the case then check out this self-guided food-tasting tour with vouchers .

Now, with this tour the deal is that upon booking you’ll receive a map and a set of coupons.

Each voucher will specify what it covers and where you can use it. Plus, you can scan the QR code to follow the route on Google Maps.

Actually, what’s unique about this tour is that you’ll end up trying dishes you’d probably overlook without the voucher.

“Really well organised pack with great local food from really friendly, welcoming people.” Oliver ( read more reviews now )

But, you can anticipate enjoying handmade chocolates, mouthwatering ice cream, and parmesan.

Also, the tour includes a tasting at Tigellone where you can eat the famous flatbread with typical ragù sauce.

Additionally, you’ll stay hydrated with a glass of wine and a coffee along the way as you enjoy one of the best food tours in Bologna.

5. Guided Traditional Food of Bologna Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (44 Reviews) Price: $96.43 per person Duration: 3.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, in front of Feltrinelli bookstore Operator: Do Eat Better Experience Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Calling in at 5 unique stops, this 3.5-hour guided traditional food tour exposes you to the classic dishes of Bologna.

For example, you’ll try Bolognese tortellini stuffed with meat and parmesan with your choice of broth or garnish.

However, another highlight is Bolognese cotoletta or a cut of veal served with a rich, creamy sauce that is then topped with smoked ham and parmesan.

Plus, you’ll dig into a platter of cured meats and cheeses that are all served with crusty fresh bread.

And last but not least, you’ll indulge in brazadela, a rustic cake with a similar texture to a donut that is prepared with lemon zest. FYI, it’s typically dipped in Lambrusco wine before you take a bite.

“One of the best food tours I’ve taken. Plenty of food from local places.” Jaclyn ( read more reviews now )

Of course, you’ll wrap things up with a warm espresso at a historic cafe.

Just be aware that this tour is heavy on the meat since that’s typical of Bolognese cooking. Therefore, vegetarians might prefer a different option when looking for the best food tours in Bologna.

6. Bologna City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5.0 (19 Reviews) Price: $42.26 per person Duration: 1-3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza del Nettuno, Operator: BOLOGNA.WINE Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

See, where there’s great food, there’s usually some equally epic wine.

And, the Emilia-Romagna region is responsible for around 9% of DOC production.

So, while most of these top food tours in Bologna do feature the odd glass of vino, this Bologna city center guided wine walking tour is all about the wine.

In fact, this tour gives you a choice of two options since two of the tours last either 1 or 2 hours and are focused solely on tasting the wines of Colli Bolognesi.

FYI, that’s a stunning wine-making spot just south of the city.

“Really enjoyed this. Filippo was a great guide and we went to some different places and drank some great wine! Definitely tried new varieties and learned a lot about wine and Italy! Fully recommend.” Kathy ( read more reviews now )

Whereas, the 3-hour version also features food in addition to all that glorious wine. And this foodie goodness will be enjoyed in one of the oldest taverns in central Bologna.

So, overall, you can expect to sample between 2 and 5 wines. Plus, the tour will walk you around the historic sights of Bologna too – making it a wine and sightseeing tour in one.

7. Food Markets Tour with a Local

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (10 Reviews) Price: $46.22 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Mercato delle Erbe Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Grab your tote bag, slip on your comfiest sneakers, and roll up with a big appetite because this Bolgona food tour is gonna be awesome.

See, this 2-hour food markets tour with a certified guide gives you the chance to shop and eat like a real Bologna local.

In fact, this tour takes you to a special Italian store where you can sample and purchase a wide variety of cheeses, meats, pastas, and wines.

Additionally, you’ll wander through a medieval-era covered market while your guide shares insider wisdom and expert cooking tips.

“I really loved this tour as we all had a lot of fun and embraced trying new food and wine! Luckily I got a wonderful group of people where we all mingled and tried the food. The guide Bene was very insightful about Bologna!” Allison ( read more reviews now )

Overall, this is one of the coolest food tours in Bologna if you want to experience local life.

But, it’s important to bring plenty of euros. Because as a market tour, this outing doesn’t include the cost of any food consumed or purchased.

Therefore, budget an additional €15-20 ($16-21.50 USD) to cover what you buy.

However, do remember that you’ll have your personal shopping guide at your side to make recommendations.

8. Classic Bologna Food Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (186 Reviews) Price: $126.56 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza Maggiore Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Meet your guide in Piazza Maggiore bright and early because the first stop on this 4-hour Classic Bologna Food Tour is breakfast.

Therefore, you can look forward to breaking the ice with the other participants over pastries and coffee.

Then, once caffeinated, the classic Bologna food tour takes you to the Mercato delle Erbe.

This is where you can pick up Italian produce with the aid of your expert guide. Then, the remainder of the tour includes a wander through the city’s oldest food market.

“Matter was v knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the food culture in Bologna. The tortellini tasting was amazing and the pistachio ice cream was to die for!” Vince ( read more reviews now )

Additionally, you’ll swan dive into Bolognese food culture at a boutique selection of osterie.

So, anticipate dining on Ragù alla Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, balsamic vinegar drizzled over bread, and dessert.

Of course, a highlight is seeing how tortellini are made. Plus, you’ll sip on delicious wines like Pignoletto and Lambrusco along the way.

9. Torre degli Asinelli Entrance Ticket and Bologna Food Tasting

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (155 Reviews) Price: $18.42 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍 Meeting Point: Under the Asinelli Tower Operator: BOLOGNA TOUR Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, if the thought of climbing up 498 steps fills you with dread then try this for an incentive.

Because, when you buy this Torre degli Asinelli entrance ticket and Bologna food tasting , you’ll feel way more motivated to do this climb.

See, in a nutshell, this tour package gives you access to the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world.

Known as the Two Towers, the Asinelli Tower, and its sister La Garisenda, was first built in the 12th century and add to the modern-day charm of Bologna’s skyline.

“This was really good value and booked with the san Luca basilica train. (Didn’t realise it was the same company which turned out to be amazing as we didn’t have to meet 2 people) the guide met us at the tower and handed us our tickets for the train and the tower along with the vouchers for the food tastings which were amazing. We ended up not having to pay for lunch as you got wine, meats, cheese and bread, ice cream and Crescentina. You also get a QR code to scan for an audio guide about the tower and for landmarks around the town. Would totally recommend.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Therefore, after catching your breath and getting tons of cool photos, you’ll go back down to the piazza and use your various food vouchers.

Usually, these include a slice of pizza at a hidden pizzeria or cured meats and cheeses, plus a coupon for

Additionally, you’ll receive a coupon for dessert.

Best Food tours in Bologna That are Beyond the City

10. emilia excellence food tour from bologna.

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (13 Reviews) Price: $245.09 per person Duration : 7 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Picked Up from Your Hotel Operator: BOLOGNA TOUR Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, you can’t exactly call yourself a foodie if you pass up the chance to visit the wider Emilia-Romagna region while in Bologna.

Because as you already know, this iconic, culinary city is the capital of this gorgeous region.

And this Emilia excellence food tour takes you on a gastronomic journey through the hills and pastures of this incredible place.

So, over the course of this amazing 7-hour journey, you’ll visit a Parmigiano Reggiano producer, a balsamic vinegar maker, and a winery.

“Fantastic! Did cheese, wine and then balsamico. I was wondering why balsamico was last but totally made sense in the end. I could’ve spent hours more at each stop. Absolutely fascinating and delicious!” Eunice ( read more reviews now )

After all, these are the three principal food products that this area is known for.

You’ll also enjoy a tour and tasting delivered to you by an expert guide at each location.

Additionally, this trip includes an epic 2-course, traditional Emilian lunch too.

Plus, this is a private tour. Therefore, you’ll have the luxury of a personal chauffeur.

Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge but it’s one of the best food tours in Bologna for a special occasion.

11. Olive Grove and Vineyard Tour with Product Tastings

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (12 Reviews) Price: $16.25 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies by tour Operator: Palazzo di Varignana s.r.l Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Beautiful Bologna will blow your mind with its gastronomy, architecture, and culture.

But, as you might have gathered, Bologna’s reputation for rad food and wine wouldn’t be where it is without its rural surroundings.

Therefore, this private olive grove and vineyard tour with product tastings takes you outside of the city.

And over the course of 1-1.5 hours, you’ll explore an estate where wines are produced alongside extra virgin olive oil, preserves, juices, saffron pistils, and goji berries.

“Memorable experience and we’ll worth the visit. Learned a lot!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Of course, you can buy as many or as few items as you wish. You can even choose to have just an olive oil tasting or upgrade your experience to include wine.

And, prices rise based on whether you go with standard or superior options when booking one of the best food tours in Bologna.

Plus, wallet-friendly prices all around make these some of the best budget food tours in Bologna.

12. Bologna E-Bike Guided Tour with Brunch or Aperitivo

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (13 Reviews) Price: $119.18 per person Duration: 3-5.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies by Tour Operator: SLOW EMOTION Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Head for the hills and uncover Bologna’s natural beauty with a cycling tour accompanied by tastings and lunch.

See, this Bologna e-bike guided tour with brunch or aperitivo sets out from Casalecchio di Reno.

From there, you’ll cycle through Bologna city center as well as the hills and parks that dot the outskirts of the city.

This excursion also includes an electric bike rental, which takes the heat off when it comes to getting physical.

So, all you need to do is choose between a half-day (3 hours) or a full-day (5.5 hours) activity.

Now, the shorter tour includes both a cheese and wine tasting. Meanwhile, the day tour also features a farmhouse lunch that is made using regional and local ingredients.

“Great tour – ebikes and our guide Stella were both great. Stella saw we appreciated nature so took us on a route that made the most of that. we tried delicious wine, ham and cheese and learned about the surrounding area. The bikes were easy to use and meant we could cover a large distance in the day. very memorable experience. thanks! would recommend.” John ( read more reviews now )

Therefore, this is easily one of the best food tours in Bologna for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Just be aware that the price of this tour is a bit higher as this is a private activity rather than a shared day tour.

Best Food Tours in Bologna FAQ

What is the most famous food in bologna.

The most famous food in Bologna is Bolognese sauce. However, locally it is known as ragú and is a hearty meat sauce that is typically served atop pasta.

Believe it or not, the dish actually originated in France but was first served in Imola in the 18th century

What food is Emilia-Romagna famous for?

Emilia-Romagna is known throughout the world for its homemade pastas. These are also usually stuffed and filled with all sorts of meat, cheese, and vegetables.

But, the region is also known for its fresh, egg-based pasta which is usually topped with a ragù.

What Food to bring back from Bologna?

Food that you should bring back from Bologna includes:

• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Green lasagna
• Tortellini in brodo
• Prosciutto di Parma
• Lasagna Bolognese
• Tagliatelle al ragu
• Certosino di Bologna

What Foods is Bologna known for?

Foods that Bologna is known for are:

• Salty cheese
• Homemade pasta
• Cured meats

Additional Italy Foodie Resources You’ll Love

• Best Food Tours in Naples
• Best Food Tours in Rome

There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best food tours in Bologna.

Tell me, did your picks for the best food tours bologna has to offer make the list if not then let me know in the comments below., and if you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later..

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A Moscow Free Walking Tour of the Iconic Red Square

Updated March 10th, 2020

This post might contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you buy through my site. I appreciate your support of my site.

No visit to Moscow, Russia is complete unless you take a walk around the famous Red Square and see the iconic sights of the city. One of the best ways to see all the famous landmarks in Moscow and learn a little something about them too is on a free Moscow walking tour through the Red Square.

Continue reading for a sneak peek at what you will see on your free tour in Moscow and for tips on both the tour and visiting the sights. Make sure to save some time during your trip to go inside of the magnificent buildings because you will not be going in the buildings during the tour.

The State Historical Museum

The Moscow free walking tour begins at the Marshal Zhukov monument in front of the State Historical Museum . You can’t miss this massive red building. The museum’s interior is almost as spectacular as the artifacts you can see within. Read my post dedicated to the museum here to find out more on what you can see and tips for visiting. Admission is free with the Moscow City Pass .

The Kremlin

Behind the walls of the Kremlin lie the working offices of Russian’s government and president. When visiting the Kremlin you can see the Armory Chamber, Cathedral Square, the Patriach’s Palace and many more cathedrals. You definitely want to buy tickets ahead of time so you avoid the long-lines. You can get free admission with the Moscow City Pass . It’s also worth it to take a guided tour if you don’t speak Russian so you have more of an understanding of what you are seeing.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

If asked to conquer up an image of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral might just be the most likely image you picture. The cathedral has a museum that you can visit at a later time. You can buy tickets at the ticket kiosk outside the cathedral or receive free admission with the Moscow City Pass .

Moskva River

Next up on the tour is the Moskva River which runs through the center of Moscow. A cruise on the Moskva River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

GUM Shopping Mall

Who would think a mall would be one of Moscow’s most well-known attractions? GUM shopping mall across from the Kremlin makes up one of the four sides of the Red Square. The stores might be a bit too pricey for shopping, but the gorgeous interior is worth a visit. If that doesn’t convince you, the mall has some of the best ice cream! GUM is the only building you go inside during the free walking tour. There are pay bathrooms you can use while you have a few minutes of free time.

Kazan Cathedral

Located on the northeast corner of the Red Square, the Kazan Cathedral is another impressive dome-shaped building in Moscow that is also an active place of worship. Entering the cathedral is allowed, but remember to be respectful if people are worshipping.

Bolshoi Theater

Contrary to the previous buildings, the Bolshoi Theater isn’t along one of the four sides of the Red Square. Located a few minutes away, the theater is one of the best theaters in the world. Make sure to come back for a guided tour of the inside or make reservations far ahead of time to attend a ballet or opera.

Alexander Gardens

The tour ends near the Alexander Gardens , a free public park located along the western Kremlin walls. The garden’s green lawns, sculptures and water fountains offer a nice place to take a stroll or relax a bit after some busy sightseeing.

You can visit all these sites on your own, but the best part of doing the Moscow free tour is that you learn more information and have the potential to meet new people!

During my tour I started to talk to a woman from Malaysia and she invited me to join her and her friends for a Russian meal afterwards. It’s these little impromptu meetings and opportunities that I love most about traveling and add more to the sightseeing experience. While I was a little hesitant about going to the tour myself I told myself it would be a great opportunity to possibly meet new people. I love when things work out like that!

If you have already seen the iconic sights of the Red Square and are looking for other things to do in Moscow check out my What to Do in Moscow post that gives more off-the beaten track things to do in Moscow!

Moscow Free Walking Tour Visiting Information

Moscow Free Walking Tours

How to Get There

The Moscow Free Walking Tour begins at the Marshal Zhukov monument in front of the State Historical Museum (a large red building). The website shows a map with the exact meeting point.

To get to the red square area you can take the blue 3 metro line to the Ploshchad Revolyutsii stop, or the green 2 line to the Teatralnaya station or the red 1 line to the Okhotny Ryad station. For more on how to use the metro read my Moscow Metro Guide .

Tours every day at 10:30am – 1pm in English

If you need a toilet before the start of the tour the Okhotny Ryad and GUM shopping malls are both close to the start of the tour. You will need to pay to use the toilets. There is a quick break mid-way through the tour at the GUM shopping mall where you can use the toilet if needed.

During the mid-way break in the tour you can buy some ice cream at the GUM shopping mall. There aren’t many other options or time for anything else. After the tour there are a lot of restaurants in the area. There are a couple of Varenichnaya №1 locations nearby if you would like some authentic Russian food. Their speciality is Russian dumplings. Another classic choice nearby is Grand Cafe Dr. Jhivago. While you can try traditional Russian foods like borscht and Olivier Salad, you may need a reservation. GUM has several restaurants, including a couple of buffets upstairs.

Recommendations

While I would start off your visit to Moscow with a tour of the Red Square, make sure to come back to each place to tour the inside. If you are visiting several sights consider buying the Moscow City Pass  to save money on admissions.

Other Tour Options

Another company  Moscow Free Tour  does a similar free walking tour in the Red Square. Check the site for the details on the starting point and times. If you prefer a private paid tour with a hotel pick-up and a visit to St. Basil’s Cathedral included check out this tour . For a private paid tour with a hotel pick-up and a visit to the Kremlin included you may want to take this tour or this one . Even if you don’t typically take tours, I would recommend taking tours as much as possible in Moscow. Many people do not speak English and most information is not in English either.

Where to Stay in Moscow

Find somewhere to stay in Moscow near the Red Square so you are convenient to all the sights!

More About Russia

• Moscow Things to Do:  Unique Things to Do ,   Spartak Stadium
• Moscow Markets:  Izmailovsky Market ,   Danilovsky Market
• Moscow Museums:  Moscow City Museum ,  Victory Museum ,  Museum of the Patriotic War in 1812 ,  State Historical Museum ,
• Moscow Life:  Malls ,  Christmas in Moscow ,  Metro ,  Learning Spanish ,  My Russian Apartment ,   What is Life Really Like in Russia ,  FiFa World Cup ,  Russian Winters , and more posts about  life abroad in Russia .
• St Petersburg:  City Guide ,  The Hermitage Museum ,  Kayaking the Rivers & Canals ,   Peterhof Palace

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22 comments.

The Kremlin looks rather imposing. It would be great to explore the history in Moscow.

There is a lot of history in Moscow to explore!

What a handy guide to get the most of Moscow’s red square! I’ve always wanted to try a walking tour and this looks like the perfect place to start!

I really enjoy walking tours, I think they are a great way to get to know a new place!

You have highlighted all the main sights around and in the Red Square indeed! I have visited Moscow in winter and the atmosphere was magical…even though it was cold 🙂 I’m looking forward to visiting in summer too!

Yes, there is a magical feel during the winter. I have to say I prefer the warmer, brighter summers though 🙂

Follow My Anchor

I am planning to go to Moscow and St. Petersburg this year so reading this was very helpful. I would love to do the walking tour! What time of year did you do it? I am planning to go in August as I really can’t stand the cold 😀 Do you think August might be a good time to visit Moscow? Thank you so much for your information!

I did the walking tour in September. July and August are the best times to visit Moscow in my opinion, so you are going at a great time! I lived in Moscow for a year so I have a lot of posts about Moscow and a couple for St. Petersburg too. Please check out my other posts as you are planning your trip and feel free to send any questions my way!

I’m a huge fan of taking free walking tours whenever my husband and I travel. We learn more about the history from the local’s perspective. Your walking tour in Moscow looks fun. The St. Basil’s Cathedral is beautiful and would love to see it. Thanks for sharing the must-see places in Moscow!

I’m a big fan of free walking tours too! I completely agree that you get a good perspective and introduction to the history of the city.

I would love to take the walking tour to get a good coverage of the area! The tip about paying for the bathrooms is great. That’s something I didn’t realize when I went to Europe for the first time from the US.

I always find it annoying paying for bathrooms in Europe!

I visited Moscow in June this year for the World Cup and I loved it. St. Basil’s Cathedral was the highlight for me, it’s such an impressive piece of architecture. I would’ve liked to visit more of Russia but maybe next time!

I really enjoyed Moscow during the World Cup too. The city was much livelier than usual!

I have been to St. Petersburg but never to Moscow. I think that these kind of tours are very useful to gather many information but I second your suggestion to visit the palaces inside as they have stunning interior decor and art treasures.

Yes, I think both going on tours and getting an overview and touring the inside of places are good to do.

Shreya Saha

St. Basil’s cathedral is definitely a beautiful place to visit. I would also love to stroll by the Alexander gardens and maybe spend some time in the shopping mall call mom maybe visit the theater, also I would love to visit Kremlin and the State Historical Museum. That’s a great list you have managed to provide here.

Never been to Russia, but the country’s history and culture has always fascinated me. Great list of things to do in Moscow’s Red Square. Kremlin is definitely on top of my list!

Russia does have a fascinating history and culture!

The architecture here always looks so beautiful. I would love to go to Russia. Some helpful tips here that would really help me navigate a future trip. I love the Russian ballet so a trip to the theater would be a must for me.

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Jun 06 2018.

War, hunger, and some of the world’s great doomed social experiments all changed the way that Moscow eats.

Moscow, the European metropolis on Asia’s western flank, has always been a canvas for competing cultures. Its cuisine is no different. The ancient baselines of winter grains, root vegetables, and cabbage acquired scaffolding from both directions: eastern horsemen brought meat on sticks, western craftsmen brought pastries, and courtly French chefs came and drowned it all in cream.

History has a place on the plate here, as well: war, hunger, and some of the world’s great doomed social experiments from Serfdom to Communism to Bandit Capitalism all changed the way that Moscow eats. So in the spirit of all of those grand failures, we—a Russian chef and an American writer—will attempt here to reduce the towering history of this unknowable city to 13 dishes, with some Imperial past but a special emphasis on the more recent decades of culinary paroxysms as Moscow emerged from its Soviet slumber.

Olivier Salad

To visualize the long marriage between French and Russian cuisines, picture Peter the Great, on a diplomatic sojourn to Paris in 1717, a “ stranger to etiquette ”, meeting the 7-year-old boy-king Louis XV and lifting him in the air out of sheer elán. These things were simply not done, and yet, there they were. Peter’s joyful (and often envious) fascination with all things French took hold, among other places, in the kitchen. He brought French chefs back to his palaces, and then the lesser nobility followed suit, and when the first restaurants emerged in Moscow, they also spoke French. The Hermitage Restaurant, which was open from 1864 until history intervened in 1917, had a Francophone Belgian named Lucien Olivier as a chef, and he made a salad that was a perfectly unrestrained combination of French flavors and Russian ingredients: grouse! Veal tongue! Proto-mayonnaise! The ingredients now tend toward the pedestrian—boiled beef, dill pickles, various vegetables all bound with mayonnaise—and it has become a staple of Russian cuisine, especially on New Year’s. And yes, if you’ve ever seen the lonely Ensalada Rusa wilting behind the sneezeguard of a Spanish tapas bar, that is supposed to be a successor to the Olivier. But in Moscow, you should eat Matryoshka ’s version, which is not the original recipe but has some of that imperial richness: crayfish, quail, sturgeon caviar, and remoulade, all under a translucent aspic skirt, for 990₽ ($16).

There’s a type of expression around bottling things—bottled lightning, summer in a jar, etc.—that feels very apt here. What exactly is bottled with vareniye (jam)? A lot more than just fruit. These jams, which tend to be thinner than western varieties—with whole berries or fruit chunks in syrup—are bottled with a lot of Russian identity. There’s the Russian love of countryside. Deep dacha culture of summer cottages and personal orchards. Traditional naturopathy (raspberry vareniye taken with tea will fight fever). And above all, friendship is bottled here— vareniye made from the overabundance of fruit at one’s dacha is the most typical Russian gift, real sharing from real nature, even in the often-cynical heart of Europe’s largest megacity. Visitors who are short on lifelong friendships in Moscow can pick some up fine vareniye at any Lavka Lavka shop (we recommend the delicate young pine cone jam) or, curiously enough, at many Armenian stores.

Borodinsky Bread

The clinical-sounding title of Lev Auerman’s 1935 classic Tekhnologiya Khlebopecheniya ( Bread Baking Technology) doesn’t promise scintillation. But Auerman’s recipe for rye bread changed Russian bread forever. An older legend had it that the bread was baked dark for mourning by a woman widowed in the battle of Borodino in 1812, but the real birth of the bread came from Auerman’s recipes. A modification on sweet, malted Baltic breads, Auerman’s Borodinsky bread was 100% rye and used caraway or anise. The recipe has evolved a bit—today it is 80% rye and 20% wheat high extraction flour and leans more on coriander than caraway. But its flavor profile (sweet, chewy) as well as its characteristic L7 mold —a deep brick of bread—has made it easily identifiable as the traditional, ubiquitous, every-occasion bread of Moscow. You can buy it everywhere, but the Azbuka Vkusa high-end markets have a reliably good sliced version.

Buckwheat Grechka

Look closely at those Russians who have followed their money to live in London, or are vacationing in Cyprus or Antalya. See the slight melancholy that not even cappuccinos or sunshine can erase. It’s not because Russians are gloomy by nature; it’s probably because there is no real grechka outside of Russia and Ukraine, and that is devastating. Buckwheat grain and groats— grechka (or grecha in Saint Petersburg)—are deep in the culture. It’s a wartime memory: May 9 Victory Day celebrations feature military kitchens serving buckwheat like they did at the front. It’s a little slice of Russian history that lies somewhere between oatmeal and couscous. In Moscow, eat it at Dr. Zhivago with milk (180₽/US$2.90) or mushrooms (590₽/US$9.50), and rejoice.

Mimoza Salad

This fantastically expressive egg-and-canned-fish salad is a testament to Soviet ingenuity—it’s the ultimate puzzle to make a drastically limited food chain sparkle—and the universal human thrill of layering foods. The geological creation starts with a base layer of fish, then layers of grated cooked potato, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, grated carrots, sweet onion, diced egg whites and then capped with a brilliant yellow crumble of boiled egg yolk. It sits there on the plate, dazzling like the flowering mimosa tree it is named after. The taste? Well, it’s comfort food. Pick some up to go at any Karavaev Brothers location —the excellent deli chain sells it for 650₽ (US$10.40) a kilo.

It seems odd, almost impossible, to imagine a time in Russia before shashlik. It’s meat on a stick, something that all humans should have had on the menu since at least the time of Prometheus. But shashlik as we know it know—cubes of marinated meat cooked with vegetables over a mangal grill—didn’t really take off in Russia until the early 1900s. And due to a lack of suitable meat in much of the Soviet era (there were no meat cattle herds, only dairy), we’re starting the clock on shashlik in the late Soviet period. Despite its relatively recent (re)appearance, it is now the ubiquitous grill phenomenon of Russia, a welcome ritual of summer.

Much of Russian cuisine has borrowed heavily from Central Asia and further east over the millennia ( pelmeni anyone?), but plov is a striking example of an entire eastern dish making its way directly into Russian households. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and upheaval in many Central Asian Soviet Republics, mass economic migration to Moscow took off in the late 80s and early 90s. Central Asians today are the lifeblood of the Moscow labor force (part of up to 10-12 million Central Asian migrants living in Russia), and plov—rice steamed in stock with meat and vegetables—has jumped from the migrant communities to the homes of Muscovites everywhere. It has developed an unfortunate reputation for being a food that even finicky kids will eat, so there is a lot of harried domestic plov being made. But you can get a fully expressed Uzbek version at Danilovsky Market, online at plov.com , or at Food City—the surf-and-turf Tsukiji of Moscow.

The Big Mac

So many of the difficulties in American-Russian relations come down to one foundational attitude problem: The Americans (that’s half of this writing duo) were incredibly, distressingly smug through the entire fall of the Soviet Union. We mistook Soviet failure for an American victory, and that made all the difference. What does that have to do with a Big Mac? Well, when Russia’s first McDonald’s opened on Pushkinskaya in 1990 and 5000 people turned out to wait in line for the first taste of America, we back home in the states mistook it for culinary and commercial superiority. But there was something more complicated happening: Russians had been denied Western goods for so long and with such force that any outside identity was much-needed oxygen. And the long-term victory, as McDonald’s has continued to thrive in post-Soviet Russia, really belongs to the local franchise, which used higher-quality ingredients than in the U.S. and created a chain that was successful not because of its American identity but because of its Russian modifications. We wouldn’t recommend eating at any McDonald’s, especially not when there is Teremok for your fast-food needs, but having a soda in the original location is one way to sit and ponder the sin of hubris. And to use the free toilet and Wi-Fi.

The crown jewel of Levantine meat preparations, perhaps the single greatest street meat in the world: Shawarma. It first came to Moscow with a shawarma joint across from the Passazh mall, opened in the early 90s by Syrian cooks who dazzled masses with their sizzling, spinning, spiced meat emporium. Lines that stretched into the hundreds of people weren’t uncommon in those heady early days. And even though the original spot closed many years ago, Moscow shawarma only grew from there, mutating into the beast it is today, where you’re likely to find chicken, cabbage, mayo and a thin tomato sauce all combining to make the Levant a distant memory.

Fish Tartare aka Sashimi

One result of the aforementioned American smugness is that the West seemed surprised at how rapidly 1990s Russia assimilated some of the most hardcore capitalist traits, including but not limited to conspicuous consumerism. Moscow’s new elite was very, very good at that. What could be more conspicuous that recreating a restrained, exclusive seafood cuisine from Japan in the chaotic, landlocked megacity of Moscow? The very improbability of high-end sushi and sashimi in Moscow fueled much of its allure, and even though the trends have moved on from sushi, you can still tell the emotional attachment that the oligarch class has to those formative wastes of money. Sumosan restaurant started in Moscow back in 1997 and has since expanded to Monte Carlo and Londongrad , where they serve a dish that they call Fish Tartare, among others, in their restaurants and through their private jet catering service.

Blue Cheese roll

If the early elite sushi restaurants in Moscow were the frivolous edge of a food phenomenon, then Yakitoriya , a chain which started in the late 1990s, democratized it with affordable sushi rolls geared to local tastes. The Blue Cheese Roll, available now on their menu, seems like the apex (or nadir) of the Russianized roll: salmon, smoked eel, cucumber, cream cheese, Blue Cheese sauce. It might not be Jiro’s dream, but a true Russian middle class, one that can work honestly, earn meaningful salaries, and have a freaky sushi roll at the end of the week just like the rest of us—that’s something worthing dreaming for. Blue Cheese Roll, Yakitoriya, 417₽ (US$6.70)

If you’re American, have you ever wondered why tacos took over middle America but sopes remain virtually unknown? It’s curious how a country can assimilate some foods from their neighbors and but remain blissfully ignorant of others. That may explain what took place two years ago in Moscow, when the city seemingly discovered, as if for the first time, the bagged awesomeness that is khinkali , a soup dumpling from Russia’s southern neighbor Georgia. It became very trendy very quickly, and khinkali joints sprouted across Moscow like griby after a rain. But it wasn’t just that dish: what they were serving was a bit of the imagined southern, sybaritic lifestyle of the Caucasus, as promised in restaurant names like Est’ Khinkali Pit Vino ( Eat Khinkali Drink Wine ). Your best bets are at the stately Sakhli , around 100₽ (US$1.60) per soft, fulsome dumpling, or the more modernized Kafe Khinkalnaya on Neglinnaya Street , 100₽ (US$0.80) a dumpling.

We have named burrata—yes, that Italian alchemy of cheese and cream—the Perfect Dish of Moscow 2018, if only because it is the Dish of the Moment, ready to be enjoyed at the height of its faddishness now, and equally ready to be replaced when the city decides to move on. Read Anna Maslovskaya’s masterful breakdown of why—and where—to eat burrata in Moscow.

Top image: Olivier salad with chicken. Photo by: Kvector /Shutterstock

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The Perfect Dish: The Moscow Burrata

Featured city guides.

THE 10 BEST Moscow Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in moscow.

• Cooking Classes
• Farmers Markets
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Wineries & Vineyards
• Distillery Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Southern (YuAO)
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Novikov Space

2. Usachevskiy Market

3. Farmers Market Petrovskiy

4. Accademia del Gusto

5. Kot Shrodingera

6. Culinary Studio CulinaryOn

7. Prosto VKUSNO

8. Culinary studio Clever

9. Pivzavod 77

10. Cooking Studio Vkusoterria

11. Eco Market

12. Moskvoretskiy Market

13. Culinary Studio Julia Vysotskaya

14. Culinary Studio CulinaryOn

15. Domodedovo Market

16. Krasnopresnenskie Baths

17. Exhibition-Tasting Hall Ararat

18. Preobrazhenskiy Market

19. Seven Hills Brewing Co.

20. Lefortovskiy Rynok

21. Food Studio DELI

22. Cheryomushkinskiy Rynok

23. Food City

24. Sushi Povar

25. Masterslavl

26. Fish Shopping Complex Pyatnitskiy

27. Leningradskiy Market

28. produce market.

29. Marusya Gastronomic Studio of Russian Cuisine

30. Green Market

What travelers are saying.

• Usachevskiy Market
• Moskvoretskiy Market
• Farmers Market Petrovskiy
• Pivzavod 77
• Novikov School
• Prosto VKUSNO
• Cooking Studio Vkusoterria
• Accademia del Gusto
• Culinary Studio CulinaryOn
• Culinary studio Clever
• Culinary Studio Julia Vysotskaya