Emilia–Romagna Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Emilia–Romagna - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Da Cesari

    $$ | South of Piazza Maggiore

    Host Paolino Cesari has been presiding over his eatery since 1962, and he and his staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. The food's terrific, and if you love pork products, try anything on the menu with mora romagnola: Paolino has direct contact with the people who raise this breed that nearly became extinct (he calls it "my pig"). The highly flavorful meat makes divine salame, among other things. All the usual Bolognesi classics are here, as well as—in fall and winter—an inspired scaloppina alla Petroniana (veal cutlet with prosciutto and fontina) that comes smothered in white truffles. This one-room restaurant has white tablecloths, dark-wood paneling, wine-bottle-lined walls, and is just a few minutes' walk from Piazza Maggiore.

    Via de' Carbonesi 8, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40124, Italy
    051-237710

    Known For

    • Pork dishes like flavorful salame
    • Wine list with lots of local bottles
    • Traditional setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Aug., and 1 wk in Jan., Reservations essential
  • 2. Danilo

    $$

    Honest cooking doesn't get much better than this: host Danilo has been at the helm for decades and oversees his restaurant with a keen eye and great spirit. The food here is local, terrific, and unpretentious. There's a reason why locals swarm here, and visitors as well. Regional favorites like tortellini in brodo, or tortelli stuffed with pumpkin (all pasta made in-house), and bollito misto are on the menu, as are many things with that local product (balsamic vinegar). If you can possibly, do have one of the fab cakes or desserts. 

    Via Coltellini 31, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-216691

    Known For

    • Il filetto all'aceto balsamico (beef fillet with a sumptous balsamic sauce)
    • Well-priced wine list
    • Attentive and courteous staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
  • 3. L'Oca Giuliva

    $$

    Food, service, and ambience harmonize blissfully at this casual but elegant restaurant inside a 12th-century building. The chef shows a deft hand with area specialties and shines with the fish dishes. If they have the chestnut ice cream, don't miss it. There are two tasting menus, and a terrific cheese plate complements the amazing wines poured here. Patrons enter through a tiny wine bar, some pausing for a glass of wine before proceeding into the restaurant.

    Via Boccacanale di Santo Stefano 38/40, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, 44121, Italy
    0532-207628

    Known For

    • Creative antipasti and seafood dishes
    • Cappellacci di zucca (pumpkin-stuffed pasta)
    • Ferrarese and seafood tasting menus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch Thurs.
  • 4. Quel Fantastico Giovedì

    $$

    Locals and other cognoscenti frequent this sleek eatery just minutes away from Piazza del Duomo, where chef Gabriele Romagnoli uses prime local ingredients to create gustatory sensations on a menu that changes daily. Fish and seafood figure prominently among his dishes, such as with a gratinato (similar to a French au gratin) with seafood. There are also Ferrarese classics like cappelletti pasta. The restaurant's tasting menus are well priced, its wine list is divine, and the service, led by gregarious hands-on proprietor Mara Farinelli, is always top-notch. Two small rooms festooned with works of art have linen tablecloths and jazz playing softly in the background.

    Via Castelnuovo 9, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, 44121, Italy
    0532-760570

    Known For

    • Seasonal menu
    • Notable fish and seafood dishes
    • Excellent service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No lunch Thurs., Reservations essential
  • 5. Tabarro

    $

    Convivial, lively, and full of locals, this favorite little wine bar on one of Parma's main drags has a couple of keg tables outside, a few stools on the ground floor, and several more small tables upstairs. The menu is based largely on cheese and pork products (equine as well: people in this part of the world like to eat horse) and is designed to pair with, and accentuate, the fine wines on offer. There are plenty of seriously good Italian wines to choose from, and there are also a fair number of French wines and labels from across the rest of Europe. Genial proprietor Diego Sorba jettisoned his academic career (he has a PhD in Irish literature) to follow his true calling: wine and food.

    Strada Farini 5/b, Emilia-Romagna, 43100, Italy
    0521-200223

    Known For

    • International wine list
    • Delicious crostini
    • The ebullient host

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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  • 6. TCafè

    $ | Coffee

    The beauty of TCafè is that it does just about everything: the festivities begin with breakfast and end with an evening aperitivo. Locals flock to this place, which once housed the aristocratic Dalla Rosa Prati's art collection, to catch up on gossip, and have lunch, which offers local specialties (among them plates of mortadella and culatello), a soup of the day, sandwiches, and tasty salads like the one with smoked duck breast. The lengthy wine list includes something for all tastes, as does the equally extensive list of artisanal beers.

    Strada al Duomo 7, Parma, Emilia-Romagna, 43121, Italy
    0521-386429

    Known For

    • <PRO>wide-ranging menu</PRO>
    • <PRO>long opening hours</PRO>
    • <PRO>lengthy list of wines and beers</PRO>
  • 7. Trattoria Gianni a la Vecia Bulagna

    $$ | Piazza Maggiore

    At the bottom of an alley off Piazza Maggiore, this unassuming place—known to locals as simply "Da Gianni"—is all about food. The usual starters are on hand—including a tasty tortellini in brodo—in addition to daily specials; bollito misto (mixed boiled meat) is a fine option here, and the cotechino con puré di patate (pork sausage with mashed potatoes) is elevated to sublimity by the accompanying salsa verde. The two unadorned rooms are usually crowded both at lunch and dinner.

    Via Clavature 18, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40124, Italy
    051-229434

    Known For

    • Tortellini in brodo
    • Efficient and friendly service
    • Busy local spot

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and 1 wk in early Jan. No dinner Sun., Reservations essential
  • 8. Aldina

    $$

    On the second floor of a building across from the covered market, steps from the Piazza Grande, this simple, typical trattoria is in the very nerve center of the city. Here you'll find exemplary preparations of the region's crown jewels: tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù, and roasted meats. Wash it down with Lambrusco, as locals have for centuries, and save room for the zuppa inglese (layered sponge cake with custard), which is terrific. The kitchen also puts a contemporary twist on classic dishes. It's highly popular, so even arriving early at lunchtime you'll probably have to wait in line (they don't accept reservations at lunch); or, book a table for Friday or Saturday night.

    Via Albinelli 40, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-236106

    Known For

    • Inexpensive regional food loved by locals
    • Authentically old-fashioned character
    • Tortellini in brodo

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. in Aug. No dinner Mon.–Thurs.
  • 9. Hosteria Giusti

    $$$

    In the back room of the Salumeria Giusti, established in 1605 and reportedly the world's oldest deli, you'll find just four tables in a room tastefully done with antique furnishings. You'll also find some of the best food in Emilia-Romagna—perfectly executed takes on traditional dishes such as gnocco fritto (fried dough) stuffed with pancetta or prosciutto, and anolini in brodo di Cappone (pasta in possibly the most fragrant broth in the world). If you're tempted by too many things, half portions may be available. Just leave room for dessert, especially la tazzina: a cup bursting with chocolate, anise, and egg. The wine list is divine, as are the staff. Reserve well ahead.

    Via Farini 75 and Vicolo Squallore 46, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-222533

    Known For

    • Gnocco fritto with prosciutto
    • Cozy setting
    • Popular and pricey

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., Aug., and Dec. No dinner, Reservations essential
  • 10. La Filoma

    $$

    The dining room here evokes the turn of the 19th century with its high ceilings, chandeliers, and damask drapes. The food shines, from the classic anolini in brodo di manzo e cappone (a local variation on tortellini in brodo) to the exquisite roast veal stuffed with prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The friendly staff and a terrific wine list add to the enjoyment.

    Borgo XX Marzo 15, Parma, Emilia-Romagna, 43121, Italy
    0521-206181

    Known For

    • Regional specialties that don't break the bank
    • Parmigiana di melanzane (eggplant Parm) and other vegetarian options
    • Excellent wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and 10 days in July, Reservations essential
  • 11. La Greppia

    $$

    Little-known by tourists but popular with locals in the know, this small and select restaurant just down the street from Palazzo della Pilotta in the historic center offers up traditional Parmesan cooking with stylistic flourishes. The chef has a nice touch with classics like anolini ripieni di stracotto in brodo di cappone (dumplings stuffed with stewed meat in a capon stock) but also prepares innovative dishes. Though the dessert tray delivers stunners like a ricotta and pear pie, you might want to simply ask for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, carved from a big wheel. Service is personal and friendly, in part because the place is tiny, and the unpretentious surroundings keep the focus on the food.

    Strada Garibaldi 39, Parma, Emilia-Romagna, 43121, Italy
    0521-233686

    Known For

    • Impeccable service
    • Good gluten-free choices
    • Superb antipasti and desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Thurs., Reservations essential
  • 12. Molto Più Che Centrale

    $$

    A winning combination of traditional and innovative dishes is the big draw at this colorful, contemporary restaurant with splashy modern art spread over two floors. Young chef Giacomo Garutti delivers Ferrarese classics like salamina da sugo con purè (salami atop creamy mashed potatoes) alongside fried and grilled seafood, and innovations like cappellacci pasta filled with pumpkin, orange, and ginger. There's a good wine list, too. The youthful staff are welcoming, attentive, and informative.

    Via Boccaleone 8, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, 44121, Italy
    0532-1880070

    Known For

    • Local dishes with modern flourishes
    • Upbeat, contemporary setting
    • Attentive waitstaff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Thurs., Reservations essential
  • 13. Osteria dei Battibecchi

    $$

    Simple, honest food doesn't get any tastier than what's served at this casual, tiny venue (there are about 20 seats at the wooden tables in the wood-beamed space) with an even tinier kitchen. Nicoletta Molducci, chef and owner, takes pride in turning out terrific regional dishes from a short menu with the usual local specialties, such as cappelletti in brodo or al ragù, supplemented by an ever-changing list of daily specials. The polpettine di lesso (little meatballs) in a lively tomato sauce with peas and pancetta, and the squacquerone e fichi caramellati (soft cheese with caramelized figs) are two winning dishes that might be on offer. Attentive service and a fine wine list make a meal here a true pleasure.

    Via della Tesoreria Vecchia 16, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, 48121, Italy
    0544-219536

    Known For

    • <PRO>seasonal menu and specials</PRO>
    • <PRO>small and busy ambience</PRO>
    • <PRO>gracious staff</PRO>
  • 14. Osteria Francescana

    $$$$

    Chef-proprietor Massimo Bottura has done stints with Adrià and Ducasse, takes inspiration from music and literature, and pours all these influences into creating some of the fanciest plates in all of Italy while remaining true to his Modenese roots. The restaurant contains only 12 tables and although it's possible to order à la carte, most everyone opts for the 12-course tasting menu with the accompanying wine pairing. One signature dish is 5 stagionature di Parmigiano Reggiano (five “stages” of Parmesan, served in different textures and temperatures). Decor and atmosphere are muted (except for splendid floral arrangements). Reservations are not only essential, but must be made months in advance, online and at the beginning of the month.

    Via Stella 22, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-223912

    Known For

    • A reverential atmosphere
    • Five stages of Parmesan signature dish
    • Reservations required months in advance

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and 2 wks in Aug., Reservations essential
  • 15. Ristorante I Portici

    $$$$ | North of Piazza Maggiore

    The frescoed ceiling, parquet flooring, and live classical music are clues that this sophisticated restaurant (part of the hotel of the same name) occupies a former theater and café-chantant, or musical venue, from the late 19th century. It's the perfect setting for an evening of fine dining featuring mainly Emilian-inspired dishes with modern touches and the vision of young chef Nicola Annunziata. The menus change seasonally, and three separate tasting menus offer gustatory bliss.

    Via dell'Indipendenza 69, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40121, Italy
    051-42185

    Known For

    • Sumptuous surroundings in a former theater
    • Sophisticated culinary offerings
    • Refined and attentive service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 16. Ristorante Marconi

    $$$

    Siblings Aurora and Massimo Mazzucchelli have succeeded in enticing a steady stream of Bolognesi to their celebrated eatery 15 km (9 miles) south of the city to sample their startlingly modern gourmet creations. Ingredients are fresh, rich, and well balanced in such dishes as risotto con mosaico di pesce (with raw fish and seaweed) and pigeon breast with cavolo nero (Italian kale), while flavorsome desserts include chocolate and ginger sorbet. The three-, five- and nine-course tasting menus are worth considering, while the extremely extensive wine list takes in labels from far afield. The decor is elegantly muted and sober, with widely spaced tables.

    Via Porrettana 291, Sasso Marconi, Emilia-Romagna, 40037, Italy
    051-846216

    Known For

    • <PRO>sober style</PRO>
    • <PRO>intriguing and unusual dishes</PRO>
    • <PRO>discreet but attentive service</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and 1 wk in early Jan. No lunch Tues.--Thur., no dinner Sun.
  • 17. Ristorante Parizzi

    $$$

    Chef-owner Marco Parizzi is the third-generation cook in this elegant restaurant, originally his grandfather's salumeria (delicatessen), where he now serves a mix of Parmense classics and contemporary creations. The anolini alla parmigiana in brodo di manzo e gallina (pasta with Parmigiano-Reggiano in broth) is a more typical dish, while the faraona in crosta di frutta secca (guinea fowl cooked with dried fruits and mushroom sauce) is a flight of fancy. Alongside the à la carte menu, there are two tasting menus with a meat or seafood focus (both with a parmigiano tasting course), and a wine list with a section of "Rarità" collected by the two elder Parizzi.

    Strada della Repubblica 71, Parma, Emilia-Romagna, 43121, Italy
    0521-285952

    Known For

    • Special menu with white truffles from Alba in autumn
    • Inventive tasting menus
    • Affordable, well-curated wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Aug., and Jan. 8–15, Reservations essential
  • 18. Trattoria Caffè del Rosso

    $ | University area

    Here, in the mirrored interior, a mostly young crowd chows down on classic regional fare at affordable prices. Nimble staff bearing multiple plates sashay neatly between the closely spaced tables delivering such standards as tortellini in brodo and cotoletta alla Bolognese (veal with Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto). It is the kind of place where the waiters don't glare at you if you only order a plate of pasta—perhaps another reason it's a student favorite.

    Via Augusto Righi 30/A, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40126, Italy
    051-236730

    Known For

    • Student haunt with great-value regional food
    • Affordable wine list
    • Fun atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
  • 19. Trattoria di Via Serra

    $$ | Beyond the City Center

    At this simple trattoria off the main tourist circuit, much care has been taken with the decor: the rooms, overseen by host Flavio, are small and intimate, and the wooden walls painted a creamy whitish gray. Chef Tommaso gives equal care to the menu and deftly turns out Bolognese classics, as well as dishes with a modern twist—among the antipasti, his tosone fresco avvolto nella pancetta incorporates Parmigiano-Reggiano, unsmoked bacon, and greens. Pastas are mostly homemade, and desserts are delicious. Though the trattoria is not in the centro storico, it's only a five-minute walk from the train station, and well worth a detour.

    Via Serra 9B, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40129, Italy
    051-6312330

    Known For

    • All locally sourced ingredients
    • Modern riffs on classic dishes
    • Convivial atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and Aug., Reservations essential
  • 20. Trattoria Ermes

    $$

    Mercurial host Ermes Rinaldi greets you as you walk in and seats you wherever he happens to have room: it doesn't matter that you might be put with people you don't know, since the host feels this quasi-communal style of lunching encourages conviviality. In the kitchen, Bruna, Ermes's wife, turns out splendid versions of cucina casalinga modenesi (home cooking, Modena-style). Ermes recites the short list of primi and secondi on the set-price menu, which change daily and arrive promptly. The accompanying wine is local, simple, and inexpensive: most stick to Lambrusco. It's no surprise that this rough-and-ready place is favored by everyone from suits to construction workers to students. Come early to get a table, and note that bookings are not accepted.

    Via Ganaceto 89–91, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-238065

    Known For

    • <PRO>popular with everyone from businesspeople in suits to construction workers</PRO>
    • <PRO>primi and secondi change daily</PRO>
    • <PRO>slapdash service</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner, No credit cards

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