Bologna institution since 1909, serving traditional Bolognese cuisine from a legendary rolling antipasto cart and exceptional bollito misto. A formal but welcoming classic.
Ristorante Diana on Via dell'Indipendenza 24 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, has been a fixture of the city's dining scene since 1909 and occupies a special place in Bolognese collective memory. The restaurant is large by local standards—white tablecloths, high ceilings, a formal but welcoming atmosphere—and has fed generations of the city's professional and cultural establishment. Its defining theatrical gesture is the antipasto trolley: a laden cart of Emilian cured meats, mortadella, pickles, torta di riso, and seasonal preparations wheeled table-side and served generously. The trolley sets the tone for a meal that is uncompromisingly traditional. Bollito misto con salsa verde is a dish of historical importance here: a platter of slowly simmered mixed meats—cotechino, tongue, veal brisket, capon—carved at the table and accompanied by the pungent, herb-rich green sauce. Lasagne verdi, the vivid green pasta sheets layered with béchamel and ragù, are prepared daily. The wine programme is organised around Emilian bottles: Lambrusco di Sorbara and Lambrusco Grasparossa appear in depth, alongside selections from the Colli Bolognesi. Service is attentive and experienced; this is a kitchen and front-of-house team that has been practising the same moves for over a century and performs them with quiet confidence. Diana suits long Sunday lunches, business meals, and any occasion that calls for the full ceremonial weight of Bolognese culinary tradition.
Signature dishes
- Bollito misto con salsa verde — €26
- Lasagne verdi — €14
- Antipasto trolley selection — €16
Good to know
- Known for
- Legendary bollito misto and antipasto trolley
- Hours
- Tue-Sun 12:30PM-2:30PM, 7:30PM-10:30PM; closed Mon
Location
Via dell'Indipendenza 24, 40121 Bologna
44.4996, 11.3453 View on map
Highlights
- Bologna institution open since 1909, serving the city's classical repertoire with century-long consistency
- Legendary antipasto trolley wheeled table-side bearing a generous selection of Emilian cured meats and seasonal preparations
- Bollito misto con salsa verde—a defining dish of northern Italian gastronomy—executed with traditional rigour
- Daily-made lasagne verdi al forno, a benchmark of the Bolognese pasta canon
- Comprehensive Lambrusco selection from Emilia's finest sub-zones, served well-chilled by experienced staff
Tips for visiting
- Begin with the antipasto trolley—it is the restaurant's signature act and sets the tone for the traditional meal to follow
- The bollito misto is carved table-side and benefits from advance ordering; ask the waiter when placing the pasta course
- Sunday lunch is the peak service when Diana is most animated; book several days ahead for this sitting
- Lunch is less expensive than dinner by around 15–20%; the menu is identical, making lunch the better-value choice
- Request Lambrusco di Sorbara rather than the more familiar Grasparossa—its lighter, fruitier character suits the richer dishes well
Accessibility
Ristorante Diana occupies a ground-floor space on Via dell'Indipendenza with a flat or low threshold entrance. The large dining room has wide aisles between tables and is generally accessible for wheelchair users. Visitors with specific requirements should call ahead to confirm seating arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
How long has Ristorante Diana been open?
Ristorante Diana opened in 1909 and has operated continuously since, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Bologna. It has served multiple generations of the city's residents and visiting food travellers.
What is the famous antipasto trolley?
The trolley is a laden cart of Emilian cured meats, mortadella, torta di riso, pickled vegetables, and seasonal preparations that is wheeled to each table for guests to choose their antipasto directly. It is one of the defining experiences of a meal at Diana.
Is Ristorante Diana open on Sundays?
Yes. Diana is open Tuesday through Sunday for both lunch and dinner. It is closed on Monday. Sunday lunch is particularly popular and advance booking is advised.
What is the typical cost of a meal at Ristorante Diana?
A full three-course meal with antipasto trolley, pasta, and secondo typically costs €45–€65 per person before wine. House Lambrusco is reasonably priced and pairs well with the food.