Last Visit: November 2024
My Rating: 7/10
Why: Perfect for those who love Sicilian cuisine, both seafood and land-based dishes.
Price: €€€/€€€€
Phone: +39 320 189 1408
Sicilian Flavors in the Heart of Bologna: Vini e Sapuri
For over a decade, Bologna has embraced its identity as a kind of "Disneyland of Food." The historic center has become saturated with restaurants, street food vendors, trattorias, and osterias of all kinds and culinary styles. With such a wide range of options, it’s no surprise that cuisines from all over the world are represented, and Sicilian cuisine is no exception.
Like the Mercato di Mezzo, the Mercato delle Erbe has long dedicated ample space to eateries offering a variety of culinary delights, from fried chicken to sushi, from fish markets with kitchens to piadina stands.
Among the historic establishments in the market is Vini e Sapuri, a wine bar that brings the authentic aromas and flavors of Sicily directly to Emilia-Romagna. This locale offers an excellent regional culinary experience, blending traditional Sicilian dishes with a curated selection of wines, all in a welcoming and characteristic atmosphere.
Strategic Location in the Mercato delle Erbe
Located at Via Ugo Bassi 23, Vini e Sapuri benefits from its prime position within the Mercato delle Erbe. This historic and dynamic covered market is a hub for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of fresh produce stalls alongside restaurants and eateries celebrating Italian gastronomy. In this setting, Vini e Sapuri stands out as a slice of Sicily, offering a culinary journey that transports visitors straight to the Mediterranean island.
A Menu Rich in Sicilian Tradition
The menu at Vini e Sapuri is a tribute to Sicily's rich culinary heritage, featuring dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from Sicily. Highlights include:
Cous Cous di Pesce: A signature dish from Western Sicily, made with fresh fish and Mediterranean spices, delivering an authentic taste of the region.
Parmigiana di Melanzane: A traditional Sicilian version of this classic dish, featuring fresh eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella.
Carpacci di Pesce Fresco: Delicate and flavorful, these fish carpaccios are seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and selected spices to enhance the freshness of the fish.
Arancini and Panelle: Iconic Sicilian street foods, perfect as appetizers or for aperitifs, offering a genuine taste of the island’s street cuisine.
Tagliere di Affumicati di Pesce: A gourmet platter featuring hard-to-find delicacies like tuna bottarga or fish roe, ideal for seafood enthusiasts.
Caponata di Mare: While not the absolute best caponata you might have (for that, you'll need to go to Sicily), it’s still an excellent option for those in Bologna longing for a taste of Trinacria.
Tonno Marinato in Salsa Teriyaki: Not the best tuna you'll ever have (you’d need to visit Japan for that), but a delightful alternative when you’ve had enough of tortellini and mortadella, offering a Mediterranean twist.
The meticulous selection of ingredients and attention to preparation make every dish a journey into Sicilian flavors, allowing diners to explore the many nuances of the island’s cuisine.
A Taste of Sicily in Emilia-Romagna
Vini e Sapuri provides a culinary bridge between Sicily and Bologna, creating a unique experience for those who love authentic regional flavors. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this spot offers a refreshing alternative in the heart of a city famous for its gastronomic traditions. So, next time you find yourself wandering through the Mercato delle Erbe, step into Vini e Sapuri for a true taste of Sicily.
A Selection of Excellent Wines
As a wine bar, Vini e Sapuri boasts a wine list that takes patrons on a journey through Italian enological excellence, with a particular focus on Sicilian wines. The selection includes labels from some of the island’s finest wineries, offering options to satisfy every palate:
Nero d'Avola: A full-bodied and intense red wine, perfect for pairing with meat-based dishes or eggplant parmigiana, enhancing bold flavors.
Grillo and Catarratto: Fresh and aromatic white wines, ideal companions for fish carpaccios, thanks to their balanced acidity and floral notes.
Passito di Pantelleria: A sweet and velvety dessert wine, perfect for ending the meal on a sweet note, pairing well with desserts or blue cheeses.
For cocktail lovers, Vini e Sapuri offers a selection of classic and creative drinks, with a standout being the Sicilian Negroni, a twist on the classic cocktail that incorporates ingredients typical of the island, delivering a new dimension of flavor.
Welcoming and Lively Atmosphere
As with all venues in the Mercato delle Erbe, the atmosphere is casual, with simple furnishings. The space is tight, a choice clearly aimed at maximizing seating capacity, while also fostering a convivial environment.
The market setting adds a vibrant and dynamic context, making it ideal for a quick lunch, an aperitivo, or a relaxed dinner. However, if you’re looking for intimacy and quiet, the Mercato delle Erbe might not be the most suitable choice.
Events and Sicilian Specialty Products
Beyond dining, Vini e Sapuri offers customers the chance to purchase a selection of Sicilian specialty products, including wines, preserves, oils, and traditional sweets like cassata and cannoli, allowing patrons to bring a taste of Sicily home.
The venue regularly organizes special events, such as live music nights, wine tastings, and exhibitions by local artists, creating a cultural as well as gastronomic meeting point. These initiatives enrich visitors' experiences, offering entertainment and cultural insights alongside culinary delights.
Opening Hours and Pricing
Vini e Sapuri is open Monday through Saturday, with the following hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Prices are in the medium-high range, with main dishes priced between €10 and €20. A full dinner, including wine, costs an average of €30-40 per person. This price point is justified by the quality of the ingredients and the overall experience offered, especially when considering Bologna’s average dining costs.
