One can only salivate at the thought of visiting Parma, Italy – a city whose culture and cuisine are as rich as its history. Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s most famous culinary region, Parma is famous for its thirty or so DOP (denomination of protected origin) certified products, including Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham), Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) and Aceto Balsamico di Modena (balsamic vinegar of Modena) – a celebrated trio that is at the centre of all foodie hotspots!
Italian specialities at Ristaurante Cocchi
Parma offers many excellent restaurants, but Ristaurante Cocchi is a standout. Located in the Hotel Daniel, Cocchi has been family-run since 1925 and specializes in Emilia-Romagna’s regional delicacies. Order the charcuterie plate with prosciutto, culatello, copa, salame, and pancetta, paired with a torta fritta (fried bread). Try the ricotta- and greens-filled ravioli, fresh mozzarella with porcini mushrooms, and stuffed veal with eggs, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Each bite makes for an unforgettable experience!
Via Farini: The gourmet street
Via Farini, Parma’s most gourmet street, is a pedestrian paradise lined with restaurants, outdoor terraces, charming gelaterias, and inviting salumerias (cured meats and cheese shops). This is the place to sample a variety of local specialties! Stop at Enoteca Tabarro, run by the friendly Diego Sorba, a gourmet traveler who seeks out Italy’s finest wines, cheeses, and charcuterie. His carefully sourced selections are a treat for the tastebuds—everything here is delicious!
Horse tartare is a local specialty you’ll see on many Via Farini menus. For the best version, head to Pepèn on Borgo Sant’Ambrogio, a small street crossing Republica. Try the panino cavallo e pesto (horse and pesto sandwich), but be prepared to wait—the place stays packed until it closes at 7:30 pm.
Italian pasta at the Academia Barilla
Founded by the multinational pasta manufacturer of the same name, Academia Barilla offers state-of-the-art culinary spaces staffed by experienced chefs who are passionate about sharing their culinary heritage. Its gastronomic library is also truly spectacular! You could spend days browsing through its 8,000 recipe books, including culinary masterpieces dating back to the 16th century.
Don’t miss the excursions offered by the academy, located about 40 minutes from Parma. Here, you can visit the Parmesan and prosciutto production facilities. What a way to see the impressive craftsmanship at work!
Italian ham at the Antica Corte Pallavicina
A meal at Antica Corte Pallavicina is an unforgettable experience. This renowned inn, owned by the Spigaroli brothers, earned a Michelin star its first year. Housed in a restored 16th-century farmhouse, it boasts a spectacular cellar filled with Culatello di Zibello—a prized Parma ham aged 12 months to three years. Some hams already bear the names of future owners, including world-class chefs and celebrities like Prince Charles.
Guests can sample the ham on-site and learn the detailed production process. Made from the top thigh of a unique pig breed, these hams come from just thirteen producers in Polesine along the river.
