Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on November 23, 2024
Parma is a beautiful city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, famous for its art, architecture and of course its food. The area around Parma produces some of Italy’s finest ingredients like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham and traditional balsamic vinegar. For visitors looking to experience authentic Italian cuisine using the amazing local produce, Parma has some excellent restaurant options.
Here are five of the best restaurants near Parma for real Italian food.
1. The Two Lions
One of the top fine dining choices near Parma is The Two Lions restaurant, located inside the elegant Grand Hotel Salsomaggiore just outside the city. Known for its creative and innovative approach to Italian cuisine, The Two Lions offers a menu that is anything but traditional. Eschewing the standard fare like Lambrusco and tortelli, the restaurant crafts gourmet dishes that showcase originality and modern flair. From bold flavor combinations to artful presentations, each dish invites diners to explore a more imaginative side of Italian cuisine.
The setting exudes sophistication, making it a perfect destination for a unique culinary experience. While the restaurant does not directly overlook the hotel grounds, its interior ambiance is refined and inviting. For those seeking a departure from the ordinary, The Two Lions is arguably the best restaurant near Parma Italy, offering a dining experience that redefines Italian gastronomy.
2. Pizzeria Cittadella
For excellent pizza in a lively trattoria ambiance, head to Pizzeria Cittadella in central Parma. The pizzeria prides itself on its signature pizza dough made from heritage grains native to Parma along with a slow 48-hour fermentation process. This results in a wonderfully light and digestible crust with full flavour. Toppings showcase local ingredients like Prosciutto di Parma, fresh arugula and creamy mozzarella di bufala. The rest of the menu also focuses on classic Neapolitan pizza toppings as well as creative options like pizza with truffles or egg and bacon. Round out your meal with a refreshing Italian wine or craft beer. Pizzeria Cittadella offers an authentic Italian pizza experience right in the heart of Parma.
3. Trattoria Rigoletto
Run by husband-and-wife team Antonella and Fabrizio, Trattoria Rigoletto is a charming family-owned restaurant specialising in home-style Parma cuisine. Diners can expect a warm welcome and dish after dish of regional favourites like anolini pasta stuffed with parmesan in broth, fried panzerotti turnovers, and bollito misto boiled meats with salsa verde. All dishes are made fresh in-house using quality ingredients selected by Antonella each morning from local suppliers. This is hearty Italian comfort food at its best. Be sure to leave room for a slice of their moist torta fritta fried cake. Trattoria Rigoletto embodies the culinary traditions and hospitality of Parma.
4. Osteria Dei Servi
Step back in time at Osteria Dei Servi housed in a former medieval inn and tavern near Parma’s historic centre. This rustic and cosy osteria has been meticulously furnished with antique farmhouse pieces, copper pans and old-world charm. The menu celebrates classic Parma recipes handmade using time-honoured techniques, from fresh egg pasta to slow-cooked braised meats. The wine list includes local varietals that pair beautifully with the cuisine. Dining at Osteria Dei Servi feels like an authentic peek into Parma’s past while enjoying their traditional dishes.
5. Trattoria Corrieri
Established in 1800, Trattoria Corrieri is one of the oldest and most renowned restaurants in Parma located right near the historic Ducal Palace. The rustic interior provides a cosy backdrop for enjoying genuine Parmigiana cuisine. Their menu highlights Parmigiana classics expertly executed like prosciutto crudo plates, pumpkin tortellini with sage and butter, and delicate veal Milanese. The wine selection includes excellent local Lambrusco as well as Italian varietals that complement the regional fare. For an intimate dining experience featuring timeless dishes, Trattoria Corrieri is a must-visit.
With its rich culinary heritage, Parma offers no shortage of wonderful restaurants to experience authentic Italian dining. From refined hotel restaurants to historic trattorias to farm-to-table eateries, food-lovers visiting Parma will find ample options for superb regional cuisine showcasing local ingredients. For authentic Emilia-Romagna flavours, be sure to visit these five excellent restaurants near Parma.
