Pappagallo

Pappagallo is a famous Bologna restaurant. It has been around since 1919 and is pretty good at blowing its own trumpet. This is what it says on the menu. ” On these historic premises in the not too distance past the tradition of Italian Haute Cuisine reached its highest pinnacle.”  It goes on, but I won’t.

The walls of the restaurant are lined with photos of the famous people who have visited in the last 90 years, princes, artists, celebrities. The service is a bit stuffy, particularly the older waiter who takes the orders. I had the distinct feeling he had wanted the night off, or perhaps I needed to be famous. The young man who carried the food to the table was more pleasant.

I thought the food was OK, but not quite the pinnacle of haute cuisine. I had tagliatelle with ragu di Bolognese, because I thought I should.

For the next course I had faraona – guinea fowl. It had a citrus sauce which was delicious.

The most entertaining part of the evening was provided unwittingly by a boy of about 10. He had a lengthy discussion,  complete with waving arms, with the waiter about the food.  He had his own glass of red wine. He wiped the rim of his glass with his napkin before each sip. He answered an important call on his mobile phone, ate 4 courses  and allowed time for the occasional trot around the restaurant to inspect things of interest. His doting parents looked on with delight.

 

The restaurant is in the most stunning 14th century palazzo with a very old wooden portico. It is in the Piazza Mercanzia beside the 2 towers.

 

Pappagallo is an elegant restaurant with good food. I hope you get a nice waiter.