Gate-side slice near T1 departures security
Just past security in Bologna’s T1, Pizza Chef is the straightforward option when you want something hot and fast before boarding. It sits in the main departures area, so you’re 2–3 minutes from most BLQ gates. Layout is more takeaway than sit‑down: a counter with pizzas by the slice and a few stools for a quick stop.
Pizza runs in the typical airport range, roughly €5–€8 a slice depending on toppings, with basic options like margherita coming in cheaper than meat-heavy pies. Expect the usual glass display of pre-made pizzas that get reheated on order, plus a short list of drinks and bottled water around €2–€3. Service is counter-only: order, pay, and wait for your slice to hit the oven.
Food is simple: margherita, diavola, and ham-and-cheese style toppings show up most often, with the occasional veggie tray when traffic is lighter. Portions are generous by slice standards, enough that two slices can pass for a full meal before a 2–3 hour flight. Quality hits the mid-range: better than generic packaged sandwiches from the nearby grab-and-go fridges, not something you’d compare to top pizzerias in central Bologna.
Turnover depends heavily on time of day; between 06:30 and 09:00 and again from about 17:00 to 19:30, expect a small line of 5–10 people. Outside those peaks, you can usually order and get your food in under 10 minutes. Opening hours track most departures, roughly early morning to late evening, but don’t count on it for the very last outbound flight of the night.
Practical tip: if your gate is in the low teens, grab your slice, ask for it to go, and eat at the gate so you can board as soon as your group is called.