La Badia — Restaurant in Unione dell'Appennino Bolognese

Location: La Badia restaurant is located near the "Badia" highway exit, tucked under a bridge in the middle of what looks like a construction site. Let's just say it’s convenient if you’re driving in from Milan or Florence, but don’t expect clear signage or marked parking spaces. Figuring out where to leave your car is a bit of a headache. Inside, the place has a very rustic feel—not particularly impressive. It could definitely use a good cleaning. But to be fair, it’s more of a trattoria than a proper restaurant, and that old-school Tuscan vibe does come through in its own rough way.

Menu: We’ve been coming here for about two years specifically for the truffle dishes. We used to get generous portions of tagliolini topped with plenty of thickly sliced, fragrant fresh truffle—easily over 30 shavings. This last visit was a shock. The truffle was barely there, sliced paper-thin, and worst of all, the chef had added truffle cream to the dish. Big mistake. The pasta itself was overcooked, had a weird homemade texture, and lacked the bite it used to have. It honestly felt like a faded version of what the menu once was. We asked if the chef had changed, but no one answered. No apology, no discount. After that experience, we’re never coming back.

Service: The waitresses are friendly enough, but they yell across the room like hens clucking and shouting non-stop. When we were there, random people—including what seemed to be the boss—were just sitting around watching TV like it was a cinema. No sense of decorum, no respect for the guests.

Verdict: The overall quality of this place has dropped dramatically. We...

I visited this restaurant for an overnight stay on the way to Rome. There was limited parking for trucks, but with some imagination, there were around 10 parked for the night.

First impressions weren't upto much; the restaurant is nestled in a corner, overshadowed by a motorway overpass and service area, and - ignoring the other customers waiting patiently outside for the 19:00 opening - you'd be forgiven for thinking it was closed down.

Inside was an utter contrast. The restaurant was tidy, traditional and welcoming, with an open fire burning. The staff busied themselves welcoming the guests openly. There is a set menu (with numerous options) available, but I chose the menu, to taste the restaurant specialities: truffles and porcini mushrooms.

The food was outstanding. The ricotta and truffle starter came out looking like vanilla ice cream with almonds, but was a sensationally light and savoury dish. The main - tagliatelle with porcini - came to the table hot from the pan, and smelled amazing. Both the pasta and the mushrooms were cooked to absolute perfection.

I'll definitely...

Vergogna!! Conosco questo ristorante da qualche anno e ogni volta che sono di passaggio mi fermo volentieri. Ci sediamo alle 20:45 ordinando una pizza tartufata e 2 porzioni di porcini fritti. Alle 21:30 sollecitiamo i piatti perché abbiamo fretta di proseguire il viaggio per Roma. Arriva la pizza e il tartufo scorzone a scaglie è di quelli non maturi ..completamente bianco all'interno. Stupito chiedo al giovane cameriere di aggiungere un po' di tartufo maturo. Ho due cani da tartufo e ci vado da quando sono adolescente. Dopo 2 minuti il cameriere torna con la stessa pizza e resto basito...era stata rimessa nel forno e ora il tartufo era bruciacchiato dalla temperatura del forno. Ma chi volete prendere in giro. Rimando la pizza in cucina e comunico al cameriere che non volevo proseguire la cena. Erano le 21:40! Mi reco in cassa, chiedo il conto per le bevande nemmeno consumate...la cassiera mi chiede spiegazioni e spiegato l'accaduto si scusa imbarazzata, io le sorrido, pago e usciamo dal locale. Arrivato alla mia auto mi sento prendere a parolacce dal proprietario il quale mi accusava di scappare senza pagare. Ne scaturisce un diverbio che non sto a ripetere...mi da del ladro e quant'altro. Non ho bisogno che tu mi offra la cena grazie. Vergogna! Ho chiamato il 113 perché questo matto stava a suo dire chiamando la polizia stradale, ho atteso l'intervento dei carabinieri con i quali ero stato messo in contatto. Intervenuta sul posto una pattuglia di passaggio e spiegato l'accaduto mi invitavano a proseguire il viaggio qualora non avessi voluto sporgere denuncia. Caro proprietario se vendi il tartufo scorzone al cliente servi quello maturo! Considerate che il prezzo per i ristoranti è di 80/120 euro al...