One of the best things in Bologna is the Quadrilatero, the grid of streets just off Piazza Maggiore full of stalls selling pasta, cheese, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. And, for me, one of the best things in the Quadrilatero is Simoni – if you get there early enough at lunchtime you can grab one of the tables outside, order a bottle of Lambrusco (the local wine which is red, chilled and therefore nothing like any Lambrusco you might have experienced at home) and make inroads into a menu full of cheese, charcuterie and bread. It truly is a happy place for me.

Salumeria Simoni offered a neat summary – on signs hung high – of the wines, cheeses, salamis and other foodstuffs from the Emilia-Romagna region. The wide range of cured meats made my head swim, so I appreciated Salumeria Simoni’s signs that summarized them – not just mortadella but also Parma ham, several proscuittos, ciccioli, culatello, salame rosa, salame al tartufo, and pancetta. The education also extended to wines, fresh pastas, cheeses and sandwiches.

The Salumeria Simoni (via Drapperie 5/2a), located in the heart of the so-called quadrilateral of Bologna, is very well-known and appreciated. Here you can buy local and artisanal products, such as mortadella and tortellini, but it is also possible to taste cutting boards with a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, and even pickles and homemade bread. There is also no shortage of focaccia, tigelle and sandwiches.

Inside the Quadrilatero there has been, since 1960, the Salumeria Simoni. The goal of the Simoni family was to create a specialized shop, with home-grown fresh pasta, artisan cured meats and selected cheeses. The young Simoni are today the fourth generation of the family to carry on the tradition; they not only deal with the shop, but are also very active in the social area of the city.

Salumeria Simoni, a culinary staple in Bologna since 1951, famous for their exquisite selection of locally sourced charcuteries. Here you can indulge in velvety prosciutto di Parma, savory mortadella, and robust salami’s. Paninis, crafted with freshly baked bread, are filled with these delectable meats and paired with aged Parmigiano Reggiano and other cheeses.

: Located in the bustling Quadrilatero market area, Salumeria Simoni is a historic deli known for its top-quality salumi, including mortadella. Established in 1960, it’s a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. The shop also offers creative mortadella-based sandwiches like the “Tortellino di pane,” making it a delightful stop for both shopping and snacking​(

Elsewhere, head to Dante Zanetti via Pescherie for hand-made pasta, bread and traditional sweets, whilst Salumeria Simoni via Drapperie 5/2a is a great place for cold cuts and Parmigiano Reggiano. Tamburini via Caprerie 1 is a Bologna institution where you can pick up all of the city’s specialities – you can even stop for lunch at their self-service area.

This family-run salumeria is one of the best spots in Bologna to park yourself and graze on some salumi and charcuterie. They make their own mortadella so make sure to add that to your order. If you want something more substantial or you need a pasta fix, a couple of doors down is the family’s proper restaurant, Simoni Laboratorio.

There are a few shops around the city, but this is the address for the bar where you can not only buy things inside, but you can sit at a table outside with a glass of wine and tons of freshly sliced meat. I like this spot because it’s in a busy area with lots of other bars, so there’s always a great buzz in the evenings.

Located in the heart of the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest outdoor market, Salumeria Simoni is a great place to try a selection of quality cured meats from the region. A historic deli that dates back to 1960, this salumeria has perfected the art of l’ apericena — a hearty aperitivo that can also be considered dinner.

Another spot for Aperitivo in Bologna that you can either grab a seat or take-away is Salumeria Simoni. They have been in Bologna since the 1960s and it is now the 4th generation of the Simon family running the shop. They specialize in fresh homemade pastas, artisan cured meats and selected cheeses.

Highly recommend this place to grab a charcuterie and cheese board (with a glass of red) in Bologna in one of the cobbled laneways. There is also the full salumeria (deli) on the other side which serves everything you can imagine from pasta to porchetta and mortadella.

Salumeria Simoni, Of all the markets in Bologna, this aromatic and wonderful place specializes in selling artisan mortadella and all other local cold cuts. They also sell specialty cheese like the very popular locally made Parmigiano Reggiano

So going at off times is key to getting at table among the Quadrilatero’s narrow streets. It is well worth it. It has been around since the 1960’s and specializes in the local cheeses and cold meats from the region.

The restaurant is located in one of Bologna’s most beautiful streets. The narrow alleyway is characterized by many nice shops, restaurants and markets. That’s why it’s a good idea to come here for lunch.

Or pick up some cured meats and local balsamic vinegar from Modena at the well-known Salumeria Simoni in the heart of the Quadrilatero. The food here is some of the best in the city.

051 231880 (the perfect place to sit in the busy Quadrilatero and enjoy some early evening snacks and drinks. You can buy cheeses and meats to take away as well)

A Prosciutto lovers heaven, and not just that, at Salumeria Simoni you can enjoy an aperitivo with some of the best cold cuts in the city.

Mercato di Mezzo has veg-filled alleyways and is home to artisans such as Simoni the charcuterer and traditional baker Paolo Atti

Backtracking on Via Drapperie, on the corner with Via Pescherie Vecchie you will find the temple of Salumi – Salumeria Simoni.