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Bologna › Bologna › Trattoria Mulino Bruciato
Trattoria Mulino BruciatoB+Worth Trying
Via della Selva Pescarola, 50, 40131 Bologna BO, Italy
· Italian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (3430 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Beloved late-night Bologna trattoria serving hearty Emilian classics with jovial service, generous portions, and very fair prices, though heavy cream sauces and booking difficulties divide opinions.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Trattoria Mulino Bruciato delivers reliable quality through strong food quality and exceptional service attentiveness, but inconsistent execution—particularly with cream-forward sauces in recent visits—prevents it from reaching grade A standards. The warm, bustling atmosphere and generous portions at fair prices make it a competitive neighborhood favorite, though the cramped setting and booking challenges limit broader appeal.
Restaurant Summary
Warm and bustling is the running theme here: a late-night Bologna trattoria where servers recite the offerings and steer you toward shareable courses. One diner said the room felt like a holiday at a relative’s house, with friendly, efficient service. However, there are no printed menus at the table and phones can go unanswered, so booking can be tricky. The cooking leans classic Emilian comfort: tagliatelle al ragu, lasagne, grilled meats, and the house-favorite cotoletta Bolognese. Portions are generous, prices are gentle, and desserts like tiramisu draw raves. That said, several diners found first courses very cream-forward; if you prefer lighter sauces, aim for grilled meats or tomato-based options. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly pasta and cutlets, fries, and simple desserts. There is no printed kids menu, but staff happily adjusts portion sizes. If a child avoids creamy sauces, stick to ragu, plain butter-and-sage tortelloni, or oven potatoes.
At a Glance
- Generous portions and fair prices
- Friendly, knowledgeable service with verbal menu guidance
- Late-night hours ideal after travel
- Heavy cream sauces can overwhelm some dishes
- Booking and closure info can be inconsistent
What Sets It Apart
- late_night_service_until_3am
- spoken_menu_tradition
- all_you_can_eat_antipasto
What People Love
- Feeling of a local institution
- Servers who guide you through the meal
- Hearty homemade pastas
- Tiramisu and mascarpone desserts
- All-you-can-eat antipasto ritual
Points of Concern
- Cream-forward sauces make some primi feel heavy; consider meat mains if you prefer lighter dishes
- Phone booking is difficult; reports of full seatings or very late slots
- Tight seating and buffet queues during peak hours
- Review patterns are consistent with organic feedback; polarization reflects style preferences rather than manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€24-34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the antipasto buffet (€6) with one pasta (€8) and share a steak (€14) for balance and value
Perfect For
- Late-arrival airport dinner
- Casual group feast
- Traditional pasta cravings
- Value-focused travelers
Location Insights
Area: Suburban-west Bologna near airport corridor; casual local hangout drawing night owls and travelers.
Safety: Generally safe with car access; functional rather than scenic; typical suburban lighting and traffic.
Nearby: Close to Bologna Airport and trade fair routes; mix of residential and light commercial streets.
BologninaBolognina is a diverse and evolving neighborhood north of Bologna's historic center, characterized by a mix of residential buildings, local shops, and emerging dining spots. The area has a lively, authentic atmosphere with a growing number of eateries reflecting both traditional and modern Italian cuisine, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking genuine neighborhood experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday19:30–00:00
Tuesday12:30–03:00, 19:30–00:00
Wednesday12:30–03:00, 19:30–00:00
Thursday12:30–03:00, 19:30–00:00
Friday12:30–03:00, 19:30–00:00
Saturday12:30–03:00, 19:30–00:00
Sunday12:30–03:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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