Bologna has many typical dishes but one that very few people know is its Bolognese cutlet. A recipe that never tires you and that will surprise you with its particular taste and extraordinary size: here is where to taste it in Bologna and where to find typical trattorias where you can taste other tasty traditional dishes of Bologna.
You know the Bolognese Cutlet? The Bolognese cutlet, also known as "Petroniana”By the patron saint of the city, is one of the typical dishes of the city of Bologna.
It is a recipe with ancient origins based on a veal or chicken cutlet, which could make it seem similar to its Milanese cousin, but it is not. As an acquired Bolognese, I immediately point out that there are several recipes with minimal differences, of which each Bolognese will give you a precise version, however I will report here the best known.
The recipe for the Bolognese cutlet
The particular recipe of this meat cutlet provides first of all the frying in lard, to stay light, and to follow the immersion in the meat broth, to flavor that little bit more. The cutlet is then covered with raw ham and a copious amount of Parmesan cheese which, once passed in the oven, will melt creating a tasty fondue. According to some, a further plus would be a touch of tomato concentrate.
I challenge you to eat a whole after a whole plate of tagliatelle with meat sauce. It will test you, I guarantee you. The taste is absolutely delicious and truly enjoyable, we prefer not to count the calories but I assure you that it will satisfy you, and how if it will satisfy you.
But let's get to the point, where to eat this delicacy in Bologna? I recommend four but surely there are many others more than deserving.
1. Trattoria Amedeo
This trattoria is located in via Saragozza 88, immediately inside the door, and is one of the historic places in Bologna. Here the cutlet will amaze you, or scare you, first of all for its size. Afterwards it will captivate you with its taste. I recommend it as a single dish because it fills up like few things but, if you can, take the tagliatelle al ragù, fabulous. Generally great food, large portions and fair prices.
2. Osteria La Tigre
Located in Via Orfeo 5 / B, near Porta Castiglione, this small place with few seats but a very cool air. Here the cutlet is not exactly the classic but it is a slightly revised version. The size is manageable, the taste great. So, in addition to the cutlet, here I recommend the cold cuts and cheeses that will delight your palate.
3. Trattoria Da Me
In the historic center in via San Felice 50, recently renovated in the rooms, which are more shabby chic than a trattoria, but it is its beauty, it offers an ancient cuisine with a contemporary and slightly revisited twist. This trattoria has won more than one award for its cutlet, which is why it is often difficult to find a place, so book. The cutlet recipe here follows the tradition albeit with some small additions to make it special. A very nice place, friendly and professional service, slightly higher prices than the last two places but honest for the excellent quality of the food.
4. Trattoria Nonna Rosa
Finally, the Trattoria Nonna Rosa, another historic Bolognese restaurant, this time outside the walls in via Piave 31 / B. Here too the restaurant offers an overflowing Bolognese cutlet, complete with a drop of tomato concentrate in the center, literally topped by a fondue of delicious Parmesan cheese. Also in this case it is not the only dish of the restaurant to deserve a taste, indeed, all excellent and fair prices for the quality.
And with this post I have given you at least four other reasons to visit beautiful Bologna, but if you come from outside Bologna, I also suggest What to see in Bologna in just one day, to have fun and enjoy the historical and cultural wonders of the city and then in the evening go to eat in one typical restaurant of Bologna.
