Come in for the gourmet pizza. Be entranced by the Insalata Caprese. Stay for the burgers and cannoli!Beginnings and Importance
How It Started
In 2013, Ranzani 13 opened its doors to the public and with a great introduction as well. Not long ago the New York Times came knocking on their door and did a piece on them. And why is it that the NYT would go all the way to Bologna to feature an unknown pizzeria located on the outskirts of town?
Well, it could be that it’s because Ranzani 13 is a gourmet pizzeria but with very economical prices. They started out as solely a pizzeria and burger joint, featuring specialty craft beers. The owner makes a point of mentioning to me that every day they have different beers.
“One day you might come in and we’ll have Italian beers. The next you might come in and we’ll have foreign beers.” He adds that they always carry IPA, but reiterates the variation of their most popular alcoholic beverage.
When asked why their pizzeria stands out against other eateries in Bologna, the owner responds with,
“If you want to have a beer and a pizza, there aren’t tons of places in Bologna where you can make that happen.” This is one reason he feels they’re set apart from other restaurants.
“This a bit more northern European in our style and architecture, too,” he concludes. And truth be told, the vibe at Ranzani 13 was one I never quite found anywhere else.
Gourmet Pizzas and more
So what’s so special about these gourmet pizzas? Probably the fact that they have some highly unusual, and also quite eye-catching toppings on said pizzas. The tastes are unique, flavorful and definitely plentiful! With several different choices on their menu, there’s no question that it’s difficult to pick just one. And if you’re not a fan of diving off the edge and trying something exotic, you can stick with the classics – because they have those too. The traditional Margherita is alive and well, and I do believe it’s against the law in Italy not to have that on a pizza menu.
But it’s not just their pizzas that have people knocking down Ranzani 13’s doors. It’s also their burgers. And, I have to admit: that was my favorite as well. While their beer and pizzas may be the main reason you come in, it’s the burgers that should make you stay.
I should also mention that their desserts are nothing to sniff at either. Particularly their cannoli. Some of the best I’ve ever had in Italy, the Sicilian dessert really hit the spot after the calorie-bomb of a lunch I had the first day I visited. Oh, didn’t I mention? I was there two days in a row. You know, to make sure that all of their food was up to snuff. I can confirm now that it was.
Yes, their burgers were phenomenal, and so was their cannoli. But I have to admit that I had my favorite antipasto at Ranzani 13, and it was quite possibly the best I’ve ever had in Italy: l’insalata caprese.
If you order nothing else here, make sure it’s this. But do order a burger. And the cannoli.
A Crowd is Always A Good Sign
You should definitely stop in at Ranzani 13 the next time you’re in Bologna, but do make sure to make a reservation ahead of time. Especially in the evenings on the weekend. Had I not done so, there’s no way I would have had a table. The place is jam packed, mostly with locals from the area, making you feel very much immersed in the daily Bolognese lifestyle, and I for one love that!
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