The Best Restaurants in Italy-Emilia Romagna-Trattoria Amerigo 1934

A Journey Through Time and Taste: Amerigo 1934 and the Art of Slow Food

Tucked away in the heart of the Bolognese Apennines, in the tiny town of Savigno, lies a culinary treasure that has stood the test of time: Amerigo 1934. This legendary trattoria, founded in 1934, is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination for food lovers seeking the best of Emilia-Romagna’s rich gastronomic traditions. At Artviva, we explore the depth of Italian food culture, traveling far and wide to bring you the best of slow food, farm-to-table dining, and regional specialties.

Why Emilia-Romagna is Italy’s Culinary Heartland

Emilia-Romagna is often called Italy’s food capital, home to some of the most iconic Italian foods: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Aceto Balsamico di Modena, and fresh egg pasta. The region’s fertile plains and rich culinary traditions have made it a paradise for food lovers. Among its most cherished dishes is tortellini in brodo, a symbol of Bologna’s culinary identity. These delicate handmade pasta parcels, filled with pork, prosciutto, and Parmigiano Reggiano, are served in a rich, slow-simmered broth—a dish deeply rooted in festive traditions and family gatherings.

Why Amerigo 1934 is a Must-Visit Restaurant

Slow Food Excellence – A proud member of the Slow Food movement, promoting regional and sustainable cuisine.
Locally Sourced Ingredients – Seasonal, high-quality products from trusted local farmers and artisans.
Michelin Star Recognition – A balance of time-honored recipes and modern culinary creativity.
Authentic Italian Experience – The perfect day trip from Bologna or Florence for true food lovers.

Who’s Behind Amerigo 1934?

While Alberto Bettini is the passionate owner and custodian of Amerigo 1934, the kitchen is led by a talented local chef, whose expertise brings traditional flavors to life. Every dish pays homage to the region’s history, with a modern yet respectful touch that keeps diners coming back for more.

trattoria Amerigo 1934 — Owner Alberto Bettini.

The Culinary Experience: A Sunday Lunch to Remember

Artviva’s director, Pier Carlo Testa, recently had the pleasure of experiencing a Sunday lunch at Amerigo 1934, and let’s just say—it was nothing short of spectacular. Italian Sundays are meant for long, leisurely meals, and at Amerigo, this tradition is elevated to an art form.

Our meal began with a selection of antipasti, featuring pâté, a smooth and flavorful delicacy showcasing the richness of local meats.

For primi, we indulged in tortellini in brodo, showcasing the simplicity and perfection of handmade pasta in a deep, flavorful broth. Then, the tagliatelle al ragù, the legendary Bolognese sauce cooked to perfection, coating the fresh pasta in a rich, meaty embrace.

For secondi, we enjoyed Baccalà (salt cod), a dish deeply rooted in Italian coastal traditions, prepared with skillful balance. Alongside, we had lasagna with white ragù and local truffles, a luxurious and fragrant take on the classic dish, offering an earthy complexity that lingered beautifully on the palate.

Dessert was a seasonal delight—orange sorbet, refreshing and bursting with natural citrus flavors, and ricotta with grape must sauce, a dish that beautifully balanced creaminess and fruitiness.

Tortellini in Brodo & Le Nostre Tagliatelle Al Ragu.

Lasagna with white Ragu and local truffles.

The Hidden Treasures of Amerigo 1934

Beyond its legendary meals, Amerigo 1934 also has a store, where guests can purchase a selection of house-made and locally sourced products, from exquisite truffle sauces to artisanal pasta and preserves. For those visiting on a Sunday morning, there’s an extra treat—across the road, a local farm shop opens, offering fresh bread made from ancient grains and excellent local wines. This small but authentic experience allows visitors to bring a piece of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary heritage home.

The Best Wines of the Emilia-Romagna Hills

While Lambrusco is famous across the region, the hills around Savigno offer something special: Sparkling Barbera. This vibrant red wine, lesser-known outside of Italy, boasts a bright acidity, delicate effervescence, and deep berry flavors, making it a perfect companion for the rich dishes of the region.

How to Get to Amerigo 1934

Savigno is about an hour and a half from Florence and 40 minutes from Bologna. The drive through Emilia-Romagna’s rolling hills is a treat in itself, offering breathtaking countryside views. For those looking for a hassle-free experience, Artviva provides gourmet transfers, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.

See Our Youtube Video Review on Amerigo 1934

Discover More of Italy with Artviva

Want to explore more of Italy’s culinary heritage? Artviva offers exclusive private gourmet tours, truffle hunting experiences, and wine and cheese tastings. Let us craft the perfect food-focused itinerary for your trip!

Truffle Hunting & Tasting Tour
Journey into the Tuscan countryside scouting for truffles in the company of an expert hunter. Then enjoy the fruits of your labour with a light truffle-themed lunch!

‍Michelin-Starred Cooking Class
Experience the essence of Tuscany with a unique cooking class, foraging adventure, and market tour, all led by a Michelin-starred chef. Discover how to gather fresh ingredients right from the land around your Tuscan villa and turn them into culinary masterpieces.

Private Wine & Cheese Tasting in Chianti
Explore the heart of Tuscany with a private Chianti wine, cheese, and olive oil tasting tour.