For anyone with plans to visit the culinary haven of Bologna, discovering the hidden Bologna courtyard eatery and bar experience near the two towers is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
Sometimes, the best-laid plans in a city as gastronomically rich as Bologna can go awry, especially regarding dining. Anticipating where to eat and securing a spot can be two very different realities, as we learned firsthand.
This is our Bologna food story – a tale of unexpected turns and delightful discoveries amidst the bustling eateries in the city center. We hope it guides you through your culinary explorations in this vibrant city.
The hidden Bologna courtyard eatery is probably known to the locals but definitely less to the tourists. Most will walk by this unassuming interior eatery thinking it is only a bar based on the outdoor street seats. You don’t want to miss this.
Table of Contents
The Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery and Bar Experience Awaits
We found ourselves meandering through the lively streets of Bologna, Italy, and it was astonishingly busy for a February afternoon.
The air was abuzz with the energy of the crowds (Kanye West was in Bologna that night for a concert so that might have been adding to the overly busy day), a scene you’d expect in peak season, not in the quieter winter months.
The time was around 1 PM, and our stomachs were beginning to remind us that it was indeed lunchtime.
Our First Stop Was Not The Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery
Our first choice was the renowned Osteria Dell’Orsa, but fate had other plans. The wait time extended beyond an hour, a delay we couldn’t afford to indulge in with so much of Bologna still left to explore.
Check out this line, It was beyond intense and we were way too hungry to wait.
The Old Market Before Finding The Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery
Therefore, we continued, finding ourselves amidst the hustle and bustle of the the Quadrilatero. Way too busy once again!
Bologna’s Quadrilatero was completely overwhelmed by patrons. If there is a nightmarish tale, here it is. Look at the people, stacked elbow to elbow, and honestly, it’s not what I imagined.
The area was overwhelmed with diners and sightseers; every table was occupied, reminiscent of Disneyland on its busiest day.
There was an electric vibrancy in the air, but not a single spot for a hungry traveler to sit and eat. And so, with a mix of disappointment and anticipation, we pushed forward.
Is this story starting to remind you of Goldilocks and the Three Bears? We are just about to find the one that is just right!
Discovery: Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery By The Asinelli Tower
It was then that we stumbled upon a quaint street bar. Perfect for anyone famished from climbing the Asinelli tower or just anyone hungry at all.
The sandwiches displayed in the indoor cases and on tables of patrons sitting on the street looked inviting, a visual treat that beckoned us closer. Definitely what one might say with Goldilocks “just right”
Intrigued, we peered inside and were pleasantly surprised to find what I can only describe as the hidden Bologna courtyard eatery and bar experience. It was a serene haven amid the city’s chaos.
This restaurant was a delightful surprise, unfolding into an expansive area that resembled the communal courtyards of American malls. It was an unexpected oasis, a spacious and welcoming escape from the crowded streets.
This hidden Bologna courtyard eatery and bar was not just a place to dine and have a cocktail; it was a moment of serenity, a pause in our adventure, offering us a chance to savor not just the food but the unique atmosphere of this enchanting city.
The Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery Is…
The Roxy Bar offers more than just a street-side snack; it’s a gateway to the hidden Bologna courtyard eatery and bar experience. Step beyond its unassuming façade, and you’ll find yourself in a serene courtyard oasis.
Address: Via Rizzoli, 9, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy (sorry their website goes to the corporate site, which lists many establishments so I am not even going to bother with it. Just put that into your Google walking map and go there!
Here, amidst the hum of the city, you can enjoy a full array of menu items. Do note, a modest table charge of 1 euro per person is added, a small price for the charming ambiance and delightful culinary offerings awaiting you in this hidden gem.
There are a lot of things called Secrets in Bologna, such as a Secret Food Tour, A Hidden Bologna Food Tour, etc, but this one didn’t cost any more than the food on our plates, it was fairly priced and easily accessible and that’s a secret too!
The Menu At The Roxy Bar: Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery & Bar
For me to support the fact that the cost was not prohibitive for dining (and many places in Bologna are very pricey) allow me to share the menus with you.
We paid more for a Spritz in other cities ($9) than we did here at the hidden Bologna courtyard eatery and bar.
We settled into the rhythm of this Bolognese hideaway, each of us ordering a drink. The Aperol spritzes here are noteworthy; they’re served in generous glasses, and let’s just say, they don’t skimp on the spirits!
Do remember these menus are from February 2024 and pricing could change as could the menus, I can only share what we currently experienced.
Also as with Italy collectively, you pay for water as you can see here.
The food menu is also very reasonable, and the sandwiches are generous. Take a look at the menu below.
Settling Into The Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery
The menu at Roxy Bar was refreshingly modest in price. Take, for example, the roasted ham sandwich priced at a mere five dollars, or the indulgent prosciutto sandwich at $5.50.
These were sandwiches, not that they were overly stuffed with deli cuts but enough to grace the sandwich.
However, a unique aspect to note: is a service charge of a euro per person, something not uncommon in European dining, but worth mentioning.
My choice for the day was a Burrata and Tomato with Arugula Salad and Sundried tomatoes– a heavenly mix, accompanied by a basket of bread.
Creating little sandwiches and savoring each bite, I marveled at how this lavish platter was priced at just $5.50. Similarly, the prosciutto and baked ham sandwiches didn’t just satisfy the taste buds; they were a feast for the eyes too.
Service + Bathrooms + The Thorn In The Rose
The service? Swift and efficient, with a flair that only added to the experience.
The bathrooms are right in the interior bar area, down the steps, and let me share that at least there are bathrooms, but the bathrooms were in horrid condition that day. Again, appreciate that there were bathrooms and if you read my other article on Italy’s Best Kept Secret: Where to Find Bathrooms, you would understand why I am at least happy they were there!
Finally, no dining experience is complete without the little details.
When it’s time to leave, you’ll find that the check is paid at the front, a common practice here. And while tipping is optional, the excellent service we received certainly warranted it.
And The Thorn In The Dining Scene
If you’ve ever dined outdoors in Mexico, you might be familiar with the persistence of street vendors, often approaching even on guarded beaches.
This experience, however, finds a parallel in our Bologna dining encounter, albeit with a slight twist. At the Roxy Bar, the setting was akin to an enclosed mall courtyard, distinctly marked as a private area by a railing. Yet, this boundary seemed of little deterrence to local vagrants.
The scene unfolded with a sense of déjà vu – vendors, or more accurately, vagrants, made their presence known. Their approaches were varied, some asking for money, others attempting to sell flowers, persistently encroaching upon the dining experience.
Despite the staff’s diligent efforts, which were both continuous and tactful, the interruptions became a noticeable pattern. Within just 20 minutes, at least three such instances occurred, each time the staff escorting them out discreetly.
The team’s effort to maintain a disturbance-free environment was commendable, but the frequency of these interruptions was an undeniable aspect of our dining experience in this otherwise serene setting. I prefer to share this with you than you find out when you visit the hidden Bologna courtyard eatery.
Should You Visit The Hidden Bologna Courtyard Eatery?
Despite that small hiccup, the Roxy Bar remains a must-visit on my list for anyone in Bologna, IMO. The combination of fair pricing, good service, quality food, and accessible bathrooms makes it a standout choice, especially if you’re looking to take a break from the crowded streets.
In the cool winter, it is perfect to get away from the outdoor temperatures, and in the summer it is perfect to move out of the punishing sun.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this hidden courtyard bar is sure to provide a memorable dining experience. So, next time you’re in Bologna and yearning for a culinary adventure with a dash of tranquility, don’t hesitate to step into this hidden gem!
Leave a Reply