In Bologna, choosing pasta starts with a simple distinction: tagliatelle is commonly served with ragù; tortellini may arrive in broth or in another preparation listed on the menu. The city’s tourism office presents both as hallmarks of Bolognese cooking and says in its tagliatelle guide that no single restaurant has been officially named the best. To compare styles without turning dinner into a contest, this guide looks at Osteria dell’Orsa, a lively dining room on Via Mentana, and Trattoria da Me, a historic trattoria on Via San Felice that makes fresh pasta by hand each day.
Osteria dell’Orsa feels like an unplanned city meal: conversation, close-set tables and service geared to a busy room. Its published menu lists tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini and mortadella; because the available file is several years old, ask what is served today. Many diners value the pasta and pace; others mention queues, noise and variation in service or execution. The listing checked on 1 October 2026 showed 4.2/5 on Google from 19,459 reviews. Confirm whether bookings are accepted and arrive before peak time if you want to avoid a wait.
Trattoria da Me offers a different pace. Founded in 1937, the restaurant says its pasta is made daily with fresh eggs and soft-wheat flour, then rolled by hand. Its kitchen connects tradition with modern interpretations and a more planned sit-down service. Favourable comments often mention the pasta, welcome and Sunday lasagna; others feel the price or portions do not match their expectations. Google showed 4.4/5 from 5,305 reviews and Tripadvisor 4.4/5 from 3,564 in the listing checked on 1 October 2026. Book ahead, and note that Pasta Fresca da Me at number 52/A is the pasta shop, not the dining room at number 50.
If you want to try a dish without a long ritual, dell’Orsa is an informal stop; if you want a fuller meal centred on handmade pasta, Da Me is the better fit. Bologna’s tourism guide encourages visitors to understand tagliatelle through its cut and relationship with ragù, not just the name known abroad. The restaurants are on different streets, so visiting both in one meal does not make sense. Compare the menus, book where needed and avoid ordering too many dishes at once if you are travelling as a couple.
The university district and arcades make it easy to pair lunch with a walk through the centre, although the two addresses lie in different areas: Via Mentana near Via Zamboni, and Via San Felice west of the historic core. Check the day’s hours and ask staff about ingredients or allergens. To choose between ragù and tortellini, you do not need to chase the most viral recipe: ask which pasta was made that morning, see how each kitchen serves it and choose the pace that suits your visit.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
On Via Mentana, Osteria dell’Orsa offers Bolognese food without an elaborate ritual: pasta dishes, close-set tables and a dining room that is often busy. In a city where ragù is traditionally served with tagliatelle, it gives you a chance to try a classic in an everyday setting. The menu published b
Tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella and informal Bolognese cooking
Trattoria da Me began in 1937, when Nina and Danio moved from the countryside to Bologna and opened a tavern serving wine, tagliatelle and fried eggs. Today the business describes its cooking as a practice passed on, and says its pasta is made daily with fresh eggs and soft-wheat flour, rolled by ha
Handmade fresh pasta and contemporary takes on Bolognese recipes
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Osteria dell’Orsa ↗
Primary source
Osteria dell’Orsa · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Osteria dell’Orsa ↗
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Osteria dell’Orsa · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Trattoria da Me ↗
Primary source
Trattoria da Me · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Trattoria da Me ↗
Primary source
Bologna Tourism · Accessed October 1, 2026
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Turismo Bologna · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Bologna Tourism · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Osteria dell’Orsa · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Trattoria da Me · Accessed October 1, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Opiniones del local de Via Mentana ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog · Accessed October 1, 2026
Google 4,2/5 y 19.459 reseñas; Tripadvisor 4,0/5 y 7.459 en consulta del 1/10/2026.
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Opiniones de Trattoria da Me ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog · Accessed October 1, 2026
Google 4,4/5 y 5.305 reseñas; Tripadvisor 4,4/5 y 3.564 en consulta del 1/10/2026.