If you want an atmospheric lunch in Bologna, walk about 15 minutes to Piazza Maggiore (the main plaza) and eat at the big cafe under the wide porticoes. They had excellent pasta (who in Bologna does not?) and sitting there watching the passing scene and the far niente (to do nothing) feel is fun. It's fairly expensive, but it's the big place on the big piazza, and I think worth it.

I will have to respectfully disagree with charnees. We were just there and the places to eat on Piazza Maggiore had mediocre food at extremely high prices - and there isn't that much to watch in the Piazza. Try Trattoria Dal Biassanot - it should be about a 15-20 min walk from the station (on your way to Piazza Maggiore). If this place happens to be ultra busy - there are about 3-4 other restaurants in the same block that are very good as well. Check out the trip advisor reviews...

In general, I would avoid restaurants and cafes on the main squares in Italy, as they tend to be overpriced and banking on the location. Good people watching; poor value; open throughout the day, they often tend to draw tourists for actual meals.

There are so many restaurants within walking distance of the station, as long as you do not mind a walk of about 20 minutes.

If you want an inexpensive meal, you could try Tamburini; if you want a moderately priced one, of traditional Bologna specialties, Da Gianni on Via Claveture would fit the bill. Those are but 2 of dozens of possible spots; you should specify your price range and how far you are willing to walk to get more accurate responses here.

I would advise either booking a day ahead or arriving at the start of lunch hour no matter where you choose to eat. (Excluding Tamburini which is more of a cafeteria style, albeit a cafeteria with exceptional food)

http://www.tamburini.com/

That's interesting. We are definitely particular about Italian food and stayed in Bologna for a week, reveling in the food. But for a quick lunch we thought the pasta at the Piazza Maggiore was quite good.

I will say that my first choice inBologna would be Meloncello. But that is not within walking distance. It would require a taxi. But the lunch we had there was divine! Gnocchi that practically floated in air!! You would need a reservation there, to be sure.

An amazing place for lunch (or dinner for that matter) is Ristorante Diana, which is on via dell'Indipendenza - on the right as you walk from Bologna Centrale to Pz Maggiore. It's an excellent purveyor of Bolognese cuisine, and their Tortellini al Brodo alone is worth the journey. They are very popular, so arriving as they open (around 12noon from memory) will ensure you either get a table, or can put your name down for one in the latter half of the lunch service. Or email them diana@softer.it if you know the precise time you can be there. It's not cheap, and dress nicely, but you'll be rewarded with a memorable meal in Bologna.

I thought first about Diana due to its location but it has received some mixed reviews of late from tourists. Certainly worth considering.

Was there this January just gone and loved it, so can vouch for it in last few months at least. It was recommended to me by a Florentine friend, which is a big compliment for Bologna!

I often wonder if some people are disappointed because they expect to be greeted with open arms and smiles everywhere and food as they thought it should be, not as it actually is (true Bolognese sauce doesn't have a tomato near it), or if things really weren't great that day.