Monte Donato — Restaurant in Bologna

We were so excited to have our first Sunday lunch together in the hills of Bologna. People I trust had told me they’d had good experiences here in the past, so I came in with high expectations.

At first, I felt the charm: a cozy, familiar trattoria with a delicious smell drifting from the kitchen. We were seated on the terrace with a lovely view of the church and the green, lush hills.

I was eager to try their salumi, but was surprised the dish didn’t come with tigelle. They cost extra, and even bread wasn’t offered until we asked for it. The service felt almost absent: cold, indifferent, and without personality.

As for the dishes: the two primi lacked the richness we expected given the price, and the secondo was disappointing—a roasted chicken that was nearly dried out, with vegetables and potatoes that didn’t add much. For what we paid, it simply wasn’t worth it.

The place clearly has potential, but for people who truly care about good food, the experience fell short. The dishes we tried didn’t feel balanced or thoughtfully prepared.

We wanted desert, to end in a sweet note, but the service took so long, by the time we ordered what we wanted it had finished. We didn’t get offered a coffee or an amaro to finish.

All of this to say, the price does not match...

Authentic cuisine, in the hills, a stone’s throw from the centre

What a find! Trattoria Monte Donato serves truly honest, authentic Bolognese cuisine — the kind that feels both home-cooked and expertly prepared.

Booking a table was super easy, even by phone in English. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with the sweetest service you can imagine. The staff is warm, attentive, and genuinely kind — you feel like you’re part of a local tradition.

Our daughter tested five different tagliatelle al ragù during our holiday — and this one was the clear winner. Deep, rich, comforting — absolutely perfect. The antipasti were also à la bonheur — delicious, generous, and full of flavour.

The atmosphere is lively and relaxed, with a welcoming, open-minded vibe. You’re just a few minutes from Bologna’s centre, yet sitting in the green hills, it feels like a peaceful world of its own.

We loved it so much, we came twice in one week, and we’ll definitely be back.

Stay just as...

So wonderful to be welcomed by this kind family and share their space, and so nice to be in a home with stories and character! For us it was the perfect base for trips into Bologna but at the same time a quiet refuge in the fresh air on the hill. It’s quick to roll down the hill into the centre - walk in 45 minutes, 5-10 minutes by bicycle or pop on the hourly bus just opposite the front door. Going home means going up the hill, so be prepared, but you will be rewarded with peace and and fresh air up out of the city :).

Grazie per tutto Alice...