Hostaria Savonarola In Ferrara

A great place to eat in Ferrara. The appetizers and first courses are especially recommended, including pumpkin flan with parmesan shavings and pumpkin cappellacci with ragù.

The food was decent: we had pumpkin tortellacci and mixed grill. Everything was acceptable. Perhaps the tortellacci were a tad overcooked and the meat a tad undercooked, but nothing dramatic. The waiters are friendly, as is the staff in general, but table service is what it is. We waited a bit after finishing our meal—but after they'd hastily cleared our table, no one came back to attend to us, and it was difficult to find someone available to order coffee: everyone was too busy taking out garbage bags, clearing other empty tables, picking up used bread, etc. And while the staff members were very busy around us, performing tasks that are certainly important but which, in my opinion, come after serving tables that are still occupied, we politely waited for someone to glance at us. (By the way, I also worked as a waitress as a student, and that was the first thing they taught me: Don't forget the customers.) In short, we weren't offered coffee or anything else. The fact is, this is what you ask for when the dishes are cleared away and when you ask the customer how the meal went—the famous "Would you like anything else?" so to speak. Sometimes you just want to say, "I want you to consider me."

An excellent place to enjoy Ferrara specialties, with equally high-level staff.

A traditional restaurant in the center of Ferrara, opposite the Castle. Informal dining, especially for families or groups of friends, but suitable for all occasions. Typical dishes, delicacies, and cuisine with the flavors of times gone by. The restaurant stays open a little later than the typical Ferrara restaurant in the center. Excellent prices, in line with what we've seen in Ferrara (or at least compared to Varese-Milan).

We had Easter Monday lunch at Hostaria Savonarola and the experience was truly positive. The service was prompt and well-organized, even on a busy day. We found exactly what we were looking for in Ferrara cuisine: pumpkin cappellacci with ragù and pumpkin and porcini mushroom lasagna, both very good. But the real surprise was the nettle and ricotta tortelli, truly successful. The desserts were also good: the chocolate tenerina was good, but the tagliatelle cake was our favorite. The prices were fair, especially considering the location: a loggia right in front of one of the city's main attractions. The staff was very courteous and attentive. The only downside: a surreal scene at the next table. The son broke his pants on the chair and the mother started telling the poor waiter that "they were 70 euros"... clearly from the Primark sale. And to top it off, before leaving the table, the woman purposely broke her glass. One of those places where you go to eat well and leave with the feeling of having chosen the right thing.

A friendly, old-fashioned osteria-like atmosphere with cured meats hanging from the ceiling, right in the center of Ferrara. We'd been there in 2010 and returned during our visit to Ferrara for Easter '26. I ordered the traditional menu, which included a cured meat platter, which I shared with my wife and daughter, followed by two first courses, but I only ordered the pumpkin tortelli with meat sauce, followed by a second course, the salami with sauce, and a dessert. Before commenting on the dishes, a quick preface: my mother-in-law is from Ferrara, so I've been eating typical Ferrara dishes for at least 20 years. In this case, the pumpkin tortelli were very good, as was the salami, but the mashed potatoes didn't even come close to my mother-in-law's. My wife and daughter ordered pumpkin tortelli with meat sauce and tagliatelle with mascarpone and sausage, respectively, which were excellent. For dessert, the chocolate salami and chocolate brownie were both delicious. The overall rating is good, excellent location and good value for money.

Everything was delicious! The staff was attentive, very polite, and always smiling! We had a great time. (The pumpkin compote is a must-try: fabulous.) We'll be back!

In the central Piazza Savonarola, under the arcades, lies this characteristic restaurant. In a traditional trattoria-style setting, with large, well-spaced wooden tables. Typical Ferrarese cuisine taken to remarkable heights. Very carefully crafted, delicious traditional dishes. I recommend the tasting menu, which features all the city's signature dishes in generous portions. It starts with a mixed cured meats (mortadella, coppa, prosciutto, and two different salamis) accompanied by traditional bread, followed by a second course of pumpkin cappellacci with ragù and Ferrarese-style pasticcio. For the main course, Salamina da sugo with mashed potatoes, and finally, tagliatelle cake for dessert! The pork shank with baked potatoes is exquisite. The menu is absolutely excellent and expertly balanced, allowing you to enjoy it all! The service is prompt, quick, and helpful in explaining the dishes. Reasonable prices considering the quality and attention to detail. A must-try if you're in Ferrara! I highly recommend making a reservation.

The atmosphere and flavors are those of a true osteria, with innovative and varied dishes. Excellent prices.

Highly recommended: the food is good, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere on Saturday lunchtime when the place is packed is wonderfully Italian. It's a lot of fun here.