A Twist of Fate in Bologna: My Tortellini en Brodo luck ran out.

Sfoglia Rina in Bologna

Tortelloni in Sfoglia Rina

Gramini at Sfolgia Rina

Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, graces its streets with an array of tempting culinary treats. My heart (aka stomach) holds a special place for this Italian region, primarily due to my unyielding adoration for Tortellini en Brodo— a dish I could eat day after day – and truth be told, I did. The majority of eateries in this area proudly feature it on their menus, creating a delightful conundrum when it came to selecting a restaurant. In need of guidance, I turned to my social media community for assistance, and it was one of my foodie friends who also happens to be a chef who recommended Sfoglia Rina.

The eateries namesake, Rina (the Nonna of the current owner, Lorenzo) started this legacy in 1963, as a humble spot for fresh pasta just outside the city. In 2010, they officially set up shop in Bologna. Since then, their enterprise has expanded beyond the pasta laboratory dedicated to preserving Rina's treasured recipes – they've ventured into the realm of baking as well. Moreover, they extend the opportunity for pasta aficionados to partake in pasta-making classes.

My GPS lead the way. The interior is gorgeous. You have the option of choosing tables in the back rooms, grabbing a seat at the counter in the front, or even deciding to go for take-out.

Every day, a meticulously handwritten menu graces a blackboard, serving as a testament to their dedication to incorporating market-fresh ingredients. Their menu undergoes weekly and seasonal transformations, showcasing traditional Bolognese classics with innovative interpretations.

Given my less-than-fluent Italian, it felt quite ironic that I found myself seated adjacent to the little corner of Italian children's books. An opportunity for me to brush up on my Italian? How did they know that speaking Italian isn't my strongest linguistic forte?

As I settled in, ready to attack my anticipated Tortellini en Brodo, fate intervened. Sfoglia Rina had just depleted their Brodo supply. This twist prompted me to revise my dining strategy, which turned out to be a breeze given the abundance of freshly crafted pasta varieties they offer. Instead I chose the Tortelloni with butter & sage and the Gramini with sausage. Both dishes turned out to be truly remarkable, although not surprisingly considering the impeccable taste of the person who recommended this restaurant to me.

To complement lunch, I opted for very versatile Lambrusco, a local sparkling red wine hailing from Emilia-Romagna. It pairs seamlessly with nearly any dish, making it an excellent choice for those at the early stages of exploring the world of wines like myself.

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Both the Cheesecake and a rich Chocolate Torte della Nonna were so light and airy.

When you find yourself in Bologna, make sure to dine at Sfoglia Rina! You won't be disappointed.