Sfoglia Rina

Sfoglia Rina is a fresh pasta shop and restaurant at Via Castiglione 5/B, a short walk from Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna. The name refers to the sfoglia, the thin sheet of egg pasta rolled by hand with a long rolling pin, which is the foundation of Bolognese cooking. Here the sheet is rolled in view of customers, a feature that has made the place a popular stop for visitors interested in how the city's pasta is made.

The menu focuses on the classic filled and cut pastas. Tortellini, the small stuffed rings, are the emblematic Bolognese shape; tagliatelle, the long ribbons traditionally dressed with ragu, are the other defining dish; tortelloni, the larger stuffed pasta, and lasagne round out the selection. Dishes change with the season and the day, but the repertoire stays within the regional canon. The take-away counter sells fresh pasta by weight for cooking at home, so the venue serves both diners and shoppers.

The dining area is casual and bright, with a counter-service feel rather than formal table service. Seating is limited, noise levels rise at lunch, and there is no dress code. The wine and beverage offering is modest, usually water, soft drinks and local wine by the glass, because the focus is on the pasta rather than a long drinks list.

Listings differ on exact hours, with Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM given as a guide, and the advice is to arrive before 1:00-2:00 PM for dine-in seating. Dine-in service is walk-in only, with no reservations accepted, so the main planning issue is timing. Lunch queues form quickly, especially at weekends and in the tourist season, and an early lunch around noon usually secures a table. Prices are mid-range for a pasta meal in the centre. Visitors can also call +39 051 9911710 for information, and the restaurant has its own website at sfogliarina.it.