Bologna's best craft beer selection with local and national Italian craft beers, comfortable atmosphere.
Zona Cesarini is a craft beer bar in Bologna celebrated for one of the city's deepest selections of Italian artisan brews. The line-up rotates across taps and bottles drawn from local Emilia-Romagna microbreweries and the wider national craft scene, spanning hoppy IPAs, sour ales, stouts, lagers and seasonal specials, with knowledgeable staff happy to pour tasters and explain styles. The name — Italian football slang for a last-minute goal — hints at the bar's relaxed, sociable character: a comfortable, beer-focused room that fills with locals, students and beer enthusiasts rather than a dressed-up nightclub crowd. There is no dress code and no door policy; the mood is casual and conversation-led, often busiest around match nights and weekend evenings. Beyond beer the bar typically offers a few wines, spirits and simple food to soak up the pints — burgers, snacks or sharing plates depending on the kitchen's offering. Cocktails are incidental; this is a place to work through a well-curated beer list. Hours follow an evening-into-late-night pattern, opening in the early evening and running on, with weekends busier and later than weeknights. Prices are moderate, with craft pints fairly priced for the quality and provenance on offer, and tasting flights or smaller measures letting drinkers sample widely. There is no cover charge and no bottle service in the club sense; the bar works as a relaxed walk-in for groups and solo drinkers alike, though seating can fill on busy nights. For visitors, Zona Cesarini is the go-to Bologna address for discovering Italian craft beer, combining a serious, rotating tap list with an easygoing, locals-first atmosphere.
Good to know
- Signature
- craft beer and local brews
Highlights
- One of Bologna's deepest selections of Italian craft beer on tap and in bottle
- Rotating local Emilia-Romagna and national microbrews across many styles
- Knowledgeable staff offering tasters and style guidance
- Relaxed, locals-first atmosphere, busy on match and weekend nights
- Simple food to pair with the beer
Tips for visiting
- Ask for a taster before committing to a full pint from the rotating taps.
- Visit on a match night for the liveliest, football-tinged atmosphere.
- Order smaller measures or a flight to sample several Italian craft styles.
- Weekends fill up; arrive earlier for a seat.
- Pair beers with the bar's burgers or snacks for a casual dinner.
When to visit
Early evenings are relaxed for tasting, while weekend and football match nights bring the busiest, liveliest crowds.
Accessibility
The bar is a casual street-level space that can become crowded on busy nights; wheelchair users may find peak-time movement tight, so visiting earlier helps.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of beer does Zona Cesarini serve?
It specialises in Italian craft beer, with a rotating line-up of local Emilia-Romagna and national microbrews spanning IPAs, sours, stouts and lagers.
Is there food?
Yes, typically simple fare such as burgers, snacks or sharing plates to accompany the beer.
Is it good for football nights?
Yes. The bar — named after a last-minute football goal — has a sociable, match-night atmosphere and is busiest on game and weekend evenings.
Do I need to reserve?
No reservation is required; it works as a casual walk-in, though seating can fill on busy nights.