An Aperitif at the Butcher’s? Bologna Redefines Tradition! Discover how an historic butcher’s shop in Bologna transforms the classic aperitif into a unique culinary experience.

Here’s a typical scene in Bologna: a woman going to her trusted butcher, exchanging tips or asking for advice on how to prepare the products she’s just purchased. Does this still happen? Absolutely!

I’m at Antica Polleria Ranocchi, a piece of Bologna’s history, where this has been a daily occurrence since 1972. The butcher is hard at work in the kitchen, inaugurated just this year, and now, for the first time, you can enjoy his dishes made with sublime ingredients right on the spot.

The Ranocchi shop isn’t your typical butcher’s shop as you might imagine it. It started as a poultry shop, butcher’s, cheesemonger, and deli—a unique place. Thanks to the owner’s initiative, it has become a modern establishment capable of adapting to the challenges of this difficult year. It’s a new concept of business rooted in the tradition of the historic “bottega” (local shop), where, beyond buying food, you can also taste it. A perfect blend of the past and an innovative approach to dining, now facing so many challenges.

It was during the spring lockdown that Bottega Ranocchi first launched a delivery service for its gastronomic products. Then, starting in May, it opened its kitchen, setting up tables both indoors and outdoors.

Even the product sales align with the needs of modern consumers. On their website, the “Shop Online” (https://www.ranocchi1972.com/) is available: you can conveniently purchase ingredients in bulk from home. They also offer prepared products, wines, and their artisanal creations, such as fresh pasta and liqueurs—just to name a few. Delivery is free throughout Bologna, with payment on delivery.

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The Atmosphere

I’d describe it like this: a food lover’s dream. Here, “Bolognesità” oozes from every corner. The shop is a traditional butcher’s with various counters for cured meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat products.
And yes, you eat right here.

It feels like being dropped into a kingdom of flavor, surrounded by showcased culinary delights. When the weather’s warmer, you can sit at the charming tables set up outside.

It’s Massimiliano himself—son of the founder of Antica Polleria Ranocchi—who welcomes me. As usual, I completely trust his recommendations and let him take the reins. After all, he knows best!

Main Courses at Antica Polleria Ranocchi

The first course, one of many, is a Scottona tartare, hand-chopped and seasoned with Taggiasca olives and sun-dried tomatoes. While the pairing may seem simple, it gives the dish a wonderfully balanced flavor that, for me, is entirely unique. I usually add salt to everything, but in this case, it’s not needed.

This delicacy is served with a delicious side of roasted potatoes.

Second Tasting

Here, we need to pause and delve into this traditional Bolognese dish of Renaissance origin, which isn’t very well-known.
Galantina is a type of sausage made from minced chicken meat, enriched with vegetables, herbs, and spices, mixed with eggs, and then cooked in broth. In the past, galantina was made using leftovers from preparing bollito misto (mixed boiled meats). It can be considered an early example of an anti-waste recipe. The dish is served cold, sliced.

The galantine at Bottega Ranocchi is exquisite. Once again, you can tell the ingredients are of the highest quality, and the presentation is more than pleasing.

Enjoyng Aperitif in the middle of a food shop, surrounded by cured meats and traditional Bolognese products, was an unusual and fun experience.

I recommend this unique place for its special feature: you’re served directly from the shop to the table with fresh, high-quality dishes. Consider it a special lunch and indulge in meat, cured meats, and cheeses.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of “Antica Polleria Ranocchi 1972”. The opinions expressed are personal and based on my own experience.

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