Mercato delle Erbe is a covered food market in central Bologna, just off Via Ugo Bassi, where produce stalls and specialist food shops share space with casual eateries. Come for crates of seasonal fruit and vegetables, counters of Parmigiano Reggiano and mortadella, and the everyday bustle of a city shopping for dinner.
Opened in 1910 and rebuilt after damage during the Second World War, the market is part of Bologna’s long tradition of food trading. Today, it offers a less formal counterpoint to the delicatessens of the nearby Quadrilatero: you can browse the stalls, then settle in for pasta, piadina or a glass of wine. It’s a good place to understand why Bologna is known as La Grassa, or “the fat one”.
Visit in the morning to see the market at its busiest and shop for picnic supplies; later in the day, the eateries are a draw in their own right. Hours vary between traders and restaurants, particularly on Sundays, so check ahead if you have a specific stop in mind. Bring a little cash for smaller purchases, and ask for prices before ordering items sold by weight.