Trattoria da Me

The story

Trattoria da Me Bologna – Emilian Contemporary Cuisine Since 1937

Trattoria da Me

On Via San Felice in Bologna, Trattoria da Me has been a fixture since 1937, when siblings Nina and Danio arrived from the countryside of San Giovanni in Persiceto. What began as a simple tavern serving Trebbiano, noodles, and fried eggs grew into a beloved local institution. Today, chef Elisa leads the kitchen, continuing the work of the women who first rolled out dough and filled tortellini by hand.

Elisa’s connection to this food is personal. She learned from her maternal grandparents, watching the “sfogline” shape pasta with practiced hands, and from her Sicilian father Beppe, who taught her to explore the complexity of flavors. Every trip was a chance to discover local products. In 2015, she took over the stove at the very place where it all began.

The cuisine here is Emilian and contemporary. Elisa respects the traditions of Bologna – the tortellini, the filled pastas, the rich broths – while bringing her own curiosity and technical skill. Her sister Micaela works alongside her, and the kitchen team includes dedicated sfogline Lorenza and Cristina, who make the dough daily.

The atmosphere is warm and straightforward, with outdoor seating and space for private events. The restaurant’s recognition by Michelin reflects the care and consistency of what happens in the kitchen. It is not a place for fuss – it is a place for well-made food, served by a staff led by Simone, who share Elisa’s values of ethics, respect, and love for the work.

Trattoria da Me sits within Bologna’s limited traffic zone, with nearby paid parking. It is open for lunch and dinner, and the largest table seats ten – larger groups are asked to agree on a single menu ten days in advance.