Last visit : February 2025
Price : €€€/€€€€€
My rating : 7/10
Cuisine : traditional with a touch of modernity
In the heart of the historic center of Bologna, in via Cartoleria 12/A, is Parlor, a restaurant that stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and a culinary proposal that blends tradition and innovation; the restaurant has been active for about 10 years, always with the same management, and has gradually consolidated itself as a valid point of reference for lovers of modern cuisine, in a refined and at the same time informal environment; Parlor is a solid point of reference for a business lunch, for a romantic dinner or even for a simple aperitif.
The environment and the atmosphere
Parlor presents itself as a "culinary lounge", a place where guests can feel at home, welcomed in an environment cared for down to the smallest details. The furnishings combine modern elements with references to the past, creating a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The two-level layout offers different solutions for customers: tables for intimate dinners, spaces for larger groups and a long counter ideal for those who want to enjoy a cocktail or an aperitif. The presence of a record player and a vintage sofa adds a touch of originality, making the atmosphere even warmer and more welcoming.
The cheese board: a journey through the world's dairy excellence
One of the jewels in the crown of Parlor is undoubtedly its cheese board. The selection is the result of meticulous research, aimed at offering customers a variety of cheeses from the best producers in the world. Each cheese is chosen for its unique characteristics, offering a sensory journey that ranges between different consistencies, aromas and flavours. Accompanied by artisanal honeys, jams and a selection of homemade breads, the board represents an unmissable experience for cheese lovers and for those who wish to discover new gastronomic excellences.
The kitchen: between Bolognese tradition and contemporary creativity
The culinary offering at Parlor is a harmonious balance between Bolognese culinary tradition and gastronomic innovation. The menu, which varies seasonally to ensure the use of fresh, quality ingredients, offers dishes that celebrate the region's rich culinary heritage, revisited with a modern twist.
Among the first courses, the "Tagliatelle al ragù" stands out, prepared with fresh pasta rolled out with a rolling pin and seasoned with a tasty and well-balanced ragù. This dish represents a tribute to the Bolognese tradition, executed with mastery and respect for the original recipes. Another interesting proposal is the "Spaghettoni al profumo di limone", seasoned with baby squid, candied cherry tomatoes and artichoke chips, which offer a fresh and innovative taste experience.
Among the second courses, the "Cotoletta alla bolognese" deserves a special mention. This traditional dish has been praised for its excellent quality and presentation, being crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, with a covering of prosciutto and parmesan cheese that enhances its flavor.
For seafood lovers, the "Roasted octopus with wasabi mayonnaise, polenta wafer and sautéed chicory" represents a successful combination of flavors and textures, where the tenderness of the octopus marries the delicate spiciness of the wasabi and the crunchiness of the polenta.
(In the photo the current menu in February 2025).
The service and the wine list
The service at the Parlor is characterized by professionalism and cordiality. The staff is attentive to the needs of the customers, ready to recommend the dishes of the day and to guide in the choice of wines. The wine list is extensive and well-curated, with a selection that ranges from local labels to international ones, allowing ideal pairings with the different courses.
The desserts
Desserts are another strong point of the restaurant, which show the chef's great expertise in pastry making. In the photo gallery, you can see a warm chocolate heart with mascarpone cream, of the finest quality, with an intense cocoa flavor that pairs perfectly with a delicious mascarpone melting in your mouth with delight, and a delicious coconut sorbet with mint leaves.
Restaurants in Bologna: Parlor. Conclusion
Parlor is a safe stop for those who want to live a complete culinary experience in Bologna. The care in the environment, the attention in the selection of raw materials and the ability to blend tradition and innovation make this restaurant a place where every detail contributes to creating an unforgettable experience.
Among the thousand restaurants in Bologna, Parlor cleverly places itself in a market segment that lies between traditional Bolognese cuisine and fine dining; the menu is, in general, that of the Bolognese tradition; the preparation techniques wink at modern cuisine; the decor conforms to the most recent trends in the restaurant world, but manages to guarantee a warm environment. If one wanted to find a fault, this choice of intermediate placement between two different types of cuisine, condemns Parlor to a perpetual indeterminacy, but probably the intention of the place is precisely that of guaranteeing a solid offer of excellent Italian cuisine, without excesses of creativity and without drops in quality. You probably won't leave Parlor remembering forever the best meal of your life, but it's unlikely you'll leave disappointed.
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