The pastaio (pasta-maker) tradition in this bright honeycomb tiled pasta shop and restaurant—which often has a line around the block—started nearly 60 years ago in a town about 9½ km (6 miles) southwest of Bologna. There, Rina De Franceschi rolled sfoglia (dough) following family recipes. Take a seat at one of the communal wooden tables to try regional specialties like tortellini in brodo and tagliatelle al ragù (pasta with meat sauce), as well as a weekly seasonal menu with often vegetarian takes on classics, like mezzelune rose ripiene di ceci, kale, e noci (red half moon-shape pasta filled with garbanzo beans, kale, and hazelnuts).

If you have never been to Bologna before, head straight to Sfoglia Rina and get in line (arrive early – there's no reservations). The fresh pasta at this suburban transplant (it began in 1963 in nearby Casalecchio di Reno) is sublime. It's a wonderful spot to wrap your head around all that Bologna is famed for (tagliatelle, tortellini, tortelloni) along with weekly-changing creative takes.

In Bologna, you’ll find lots of pasta laboratori doubling as restaurants for a quick sit-down meal of their produce. Sfoglia Rina, around the corner from the city’s Medieval twin towers, is one of the nicest. Whether it’s tortellini or tagliatelle al ragù, service is lightning quick and the food is super tasty.

This is one of the best restaurants in Bologna for a combination of both traditional favorites and inventive new dishes. The restaurant’s name derives from the term “sfoglina,” a woman who expertly makes pasta by hand, and Rina, the actual sfoglina who started her own pasta company in Bologna back in 1963. Rina’s pasta-making prowess led to continual growth, and in the early 2000s, her descendants decided to start a restaurant next to the pasta works so that customers could enjoy the freshest pasta in a casual setting that more resembles a grandma’s kitchen than a flashy restaurant.

If you love handmade pasta, this is the perfect place for you, as here you’ll find some of the best pasta in Bologna – which is saying a lot!. Large chalkboards present two menus: a standard selection of classic dishes such as tortellini in broth and tagliatelle al ragù, and another menu that changes weekly to showcase creative combinations you won’t find anywhere else, like black “cappelletti” with cauliflower cream, hazelnuts, and sunroot chips. There is no cover charge for the table, and the price of the pasta includes a small vegetable side, a bread roll, and water.

Over the years the place moved to Zola Pedrosa, and Sfoglia Rina opens a branch in central Bologna as a veritable restaurant. The Casalecchio flagship remains and produces all the goods for retail and catering. In addition to classic tagliatelle, ravioli, tortellini and tortelloni, the pastificio produces also balanzoni (green doughtortelloni filled with ricotta and mortadella), plus specialties hailing from other regions, including troccoli and spaghetti alla chitarra, or short tube shaped cestine or gramigna.

The first thing you will notice at Sfoligia Rina is the window display showing off an assortment of freshly made local pasta, like tortellini and gramigna. The menu is split in two, with one offering traditional classics like lasagne and tagliatelle al ragù alla bolognese, and a weekly menu with some lesser-known dishes. While there are plenty of similar style eateries throughout Bologna, Sfloglia Rina has the advantage of its great location right by the two towers.

Sfoglia Rina is a cherished establishment in Bologna, renowned for its dedication to traditional Bolognese pasta-making. Founded in 1963 by Rina De Franceschi, this family-run business has evolved from a small pasta shop into a flourishing company that honors its roots while embracing modernity. At their locations on Via Castiglione and Via Marconi, diners can dive into plates of freshly made pasta dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Within a 5-minute stroll from Piazza Maggiore, Sfoglia Rina started as a humble pasta shop over half a century ago and has now blossomed into a delightful restaurant specializing in exquisite handmade pasta. The menu features tempting Bolognese classics such as tortellini in a steaming broth, hearty gramigna with sausage sauce, and baskets of tigelle accompanied by an assortment of cheeses and cold cuts. They also offer weekly seasonal specials.

If you’re looking for a casual yet authentic dining experience, Sfoglia Rina, located on Via Castiglione, 5/B, is a perfect choice. This family-run restaurant started as a small pasta shop in 1963 and has since grown into a beloved establishment that attracts both locals and visitors. The restaurant is known for its fresh, handmade pasta, including tortellini, gramigna, and tortelloni, made with locally sourced ingredients​

And yes, Sfoglia Rina is not just a restaurant where you can taste good sfoglia plates, but it is also a shop where you can buy fresh pasta!. Both in the Bologna place and in the Casalecchio one, you can buy the most traditional dishes, like tortellini and lasagne, and the most particular ones, like tortelloni filled with buffalo mozzarella. Of course, apart from pasta, you can also purchase seasonings and desserts.

In its new and central location, Sfoglia Rina attracts long winding queues of hungry diners at lunchtime, making at least a half hour wait almost mandatory at weekends. However, those that are willing to wait will be rewarded with homemade pasta (you can also buy it) used in classic Bolognese cuisine, from tortellini to tagliatelle, or vegan stuffed pasta and their famous zabaione tortellini.

After exploring San Petronio Basilica and having a snack at Sfoglia Rina we wandered around a bit. There is quite a bit to see in Bologna and we only scratched the surface during our time here. We were ending our trip to Emilia-Romagna in Bologna and we still had two more fairly busy days ahead, so we decided just to take in the city a bit and wander around.

Concludiamo il nostro percorso a base di lasagne bolognesi nel cuore della città dove da pochi anni è aperto “Sfoglia Rina”, una piccola gastronomia molto curata specializzata in primi piatti della tradizione e a base, naturalmente, di sfoglia. Ce n’è per tutti i gusti, basta scorrere la lavagna con i primi del giorno, scegliere e godersi la propria scelta.

Sfoglia Rina is a beloved pasta shop and restaurant offering freshly made pasta dishes at very reasonable prices. Established in 1963, the venue has grown in popularity thanks to its commitment to quality and tradition. Their lunch menu is especially affordable, with most pasta dishes priced between €8 and €9 ( Sfoglia Rina).

This eatery near the iconic two Towers of Bologna is renowned for its pasta, particularly its lasagna. The Bolognese signature green lasagna is a must-try for any foodie stopping by Sfoglia Rina. Served in its traditional al dente style, each layer is a taste sensation of ragu sauce, fresh egg pasta, and cheese.

Sì, soprattutto se ci si reca da Sfoglia Rina, locale informale che propone un menu completo, gustoso e accessibile a tutti, fra pasta fresca e ricette casalinghe. Da provare le tagliatelle, i tortelli e i passatelli, da gustare in loco o da acquistare per casa. Altre sedi a Casalecchio di Reno e Zola Predosa.

In 1963 Rina De Franceschi opened her eponymous store for the production of fresh pasta in Casalecchio di Reno. Forty years later, the business is carried on by her grandson Lorenzo, who has added a restaurant section and opened a second point of sale in the center of Bologna. The line outside the ...

Sfoglia Rina is steps from Piazza Santo Stefano and is a gorgeous spot for some homemade pasta. It’s cute and quirky inside, with honeycomb tiling and simplistic wooden decor. There was a short line, and I was more than happy to wait it out to try their legendary tortellini with parmesan zabaglione.

For fans of delicatessens, Sfoglia Rina is a quick stop ready for anyone on their feet. Freshly prepared Italian goods greet the incoming visitor, finely arrayed in a colourful counter. Pasta, breads, and olives are ready-prepared, so customers can enjoy low waiting times in this Bologna favourite.

Head to Sfoglia Rina for a restaurant in Bologna where fresh pasta is prepared with a hearty helping of local character. "Rina" in the name refers to Rina Di Francheschi, the owner's grandmother and the originator of a pasta shop that began the traditions carried on by this quaint Italian kitchen.

Sfoglia Rina provided the next course in our progressive lunch, the pasta. This shop has been making fresh pasta using traditional methods and regional ingredients for more than 50 years. They specialize in pasta ripiena (filled pastas), which they make in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Sfoglia Rina: This restaurant is best enjoyed as take away as the line can get really long. Their tagliatelle al ragu made me want to cry it's so good. I suggest taking it to-go to eat at Osteria del Sole where you can bring your own food and only order your drinks from them.

Meta imperdibile per turisti e locali, Sfoglia Rina serve porzioni generose di lasagna verde alla bolognese. Qui la pasta viene lavorata a mano con il mattarello, e questo si percepisce a ogni boccone. Potrebbe essere eletta come la migliore lasagna di Bologna?

If you find yourself in Bologna, you’ve got to check out Sfoglia Rina. This legendary place is known for having the best tortellini en brodo in town. Both locals and visitors can’t get enough, so be ready for some lines, but believe me, it’s totally worth it.

A must for locals and tourists alike Sfoglia Rina, serves up big hearty dishes of green pasta lasagna. Sfoglia means to work the dough for the pasta with a rolling pin, which is exactly what they do here. And you can taste it in every bite.

Sfoglia Rina is one of the cutest and best places to eat in Bologna. It was founded in 2011 and they both serve dishes as well as make pasta and sell it. It has a welcoming atmosphere with bright colors and simple decor.

A table to have lunch or dinner at Sfoglia Rina is ofteen demanded and that’s because of the quality of the recipes of Rina, the original “sfoglina”* after which the place is called.

Fresh tagliatelle and side dish: the perfect formula of Sfoglia Rina. In the age of Tripadvisor and food blogs, there's still an analog, flawless sign of a quality restaurant.

This is one of the best pasta stops in town – go for a plate of fresh, handmade tortellini – it’s the ultimate comfort food.