Da Cesari In Bologna

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.

An exquisite light lunch. Delicious platter with 2 olive oils, especially liked the single estate. The red Sangiovese made by the owner's brother was honest. Their pasta ragu very good as well as the truffle risotto. The desert platter with the coffee were also delicious.

The restaurant presents itself as a classic osteria. The space isn't huge, but it still allows you to eat without feeling overwhelmed. We ordered several traditional appetizers with cured meats, all top-quality, and all the first courses we tried also met our expectations. Prices are average, verging on the high, but considering the quality of the food, the expense is manageable. The service is prompt and unobtrusive. The only drawback is the single bathroom (for both men and women), although it was commendably clean.

Otto was our server and he was lovely! His recommendations were spot on. All pastas were phenomenal!! Couldn’t recommend more.

Everything was perfect: excellent food, excellent service, and a very special location. Must try.

We came here quite by chance and are so, so glad we found this restaurant! The service staff were incredibly friendly. We did have to wait a few minutes for our table, but it was definitely worth it. The dishes with white truffles were divine. We have rarely felt so comfortable in a restaurant.

Family owned restaurant with delicious food and lots of history!

The food was delicious and the waiters were very kind! I recommend it.

Went to Bologna when travelling around Italy just to try traditional Bolognese (ragu) at Da Cesari as recommended by Big Zuu and Will Poulter. It was an amazing experience - food, staff and ambience. Well worth stopping off for. Recommend booking to avoid disappointment as people were constantly turned away during lunch service and the phone rang off the hook. Do not miss the chance to try it.

Food was amazing. Staff was amazing. One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Riccardo was so welcoming and made sure that your experience there was special. Every bite was perfectly crafted. Every person in that restaurant was amazed by the food.