Osteria dei Grifoni — Restaurant in Bologna

Our air b&b was one door away from the restaurant. We attempted to go Friday night but they were closed for a private event. Booked a reservation for 8pm Saturday night. Arrived and were greeted by a gentleman who I think was the owner. We were quickly seated and the owner brought over a chair and chatted with us. It was really nice. He then looked at us with no menus and asked what we wanted to eat. Shocked, we inquired what’s in the menu. He then said he would make us what we wanted. So we took his recommendations and did bruschetta and carbonara. It was the nicest ordering experience I’d ever had. Felt like he curated the menu just for us. Food was amazing - fresh and well prepared. All served family style. I loved the experience so much! There was no music and the ambiance is rustic wine cellar like. I’d highly recommend but I don’t look at the photos and expect that to be available. I think he decides what to cook each day. Highly, highly...

The place has a great atmosphere, you are in a beautiful underground cellar. We didn't saw the menu, it was explained by the owner that was really cordial and friendly. The anti pasti were tasteful, they fondue of parmesan was amazing and the crostoni were also ful of flavour. They have forgotten what we order for primo and just after some minutes that asked us what was the order. From here the level goes down. We had the Ravioli di ricotta al gorgonzola, that were mild, nothing special and the Testaroli that were full of garlic, probably the dish is like that, but even for me that I love garlic it was too much. They didn't have a desert they had cantucci with amaro alle erbe. The amaro had a really intense flavour of mint, not for my taste but it's something personal. I would advise to have some options of desert, a simple mascarpone would make all the difference...

It seems like a hidden gem from the outside and as an unsuspecting tourist, I wondered in without expecting much. The service was good, the recommended wine was tasteful and whole-bodied. Props to them, as I let them choose the wine and they didn't go for the higher end of the menu but rather the lower end. The appetizers overall were decent, the carpaccio was really good. The pasta, on the other hand, was overly salty for my taste. It was too much for me personally, although I'm sure others prefer it that way. I wouldn't return but wouldn't want to discourage anyone from making your own mind up. It was just not for me. Reminder for tourists: Italians eat late, don't get here just around opening time. It's too early for the...