Bologna restaurants: how can you choose them? There's a virtual map: how Gourmettoria works

Bologna, September 17, 2025 - Traditional cuisine, fine dining, ethnic cuisine, street food, pizzerias, 'beyond dinner' and, finally, 'the history of Bologna'. Seven categories make up the virtual map of the city's restaurants . It's called ' Gourmettoria ' and is a portal that can be consulted online by visiting www.gourmettoria.it , the Bologna Welcome channels, or hotels registered with Federalberghi . The project, born from an idea by Marco Salicini , president of the Stay Serena association, was created by Confcommercio Ascom Bologna. and Fipe Bologna, with the support of Emil Banca , Federalberghi Bologna and the Bologna Welcome Foundation.

Designed for both tourists and locals, the map is translated into Italian and English, divided into categories, and geolocalized. 130 businesses are featured, and their history is told, though no reviews are provided.

"This is not an exclusive guide," explains Roberto Melloni , president of Fipe-Ristoranti e Trattoria Confcommercio Ascom Bologna , "but a tool open to all restaurateurs who share the project's philosophy. We have nothing against reviews , but they can't be influenced solely by economic factors. There are organizations that, for a fee, can determine the success or failure of a business, thus influencing the market in a less than transparent way. Bologna isn't just about platters and tortellini: we wanted to broaden our perspective, including pre- and post-dinner moments, ethnic options, and pizzerias , to showcase the true variety and richness of our gastronomic offerings."

For this reason, the map does not only show the Fipe Bologna associated venues.

The authorities during the presentation of the new guide

The interactive map allows you to discover restaurants by area, type, and culinary offerings. Each profile describes the establishment's identity and philosophy. It also serves as a showcase for interviews with key figures in the local restaurant industry, updating readers on news and initiatives in the sector through reports and specific content.

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According to Enrico Postacchini , president of Confcommercio Ascom Bologna, Gourmettoria is an important tool for orienting oneself in the city, because "the restaurants stand out for their quality and innovation. Let's dispel the myth of ' the city of cutting boards '. We are far from the excesses and overcrowding of overtourism , while remaining one of the undisputed capitals of cuisine."