Emilia-Romagna… the culinary capital of Italy. This region is a must-visit for all food lovers. It is the birthplace of Italy’s most famous products, such as exquisite Parma ham, Parmesan cheese, and authentic balsamic vinegar. We have prepared a four-day road trip itinerary that will take you on an unforgettable journey through Parma, Modena, and Bologna, highlighting the best places to taste regional specialties.
Day 1 – Parma
Let’s start our adventure in Parma, a city known for its Parma ham and cheeses. Visit traditional establishments that produce these exquisite products and learn more about their production.
Salumificio La Perla
Tour a Parma ham factory and learn about the intricate process of its production. The tour ends with a tasting of cured meats, Parmesan cheese and local wine.
Cost: €15
Castello Di Torrechiara
Visit a 15th-century castle in the province of Parma, featuring frescoes and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Agricola Giansanti
Tour a Parmesan factory to learn about the traditional production process of this famous cheese at one of the smallest certified producers of Parmigiano Reggiano. The tour ends with a tasting of Parmesan aged for different periods: 18 months, 24 months, and 36 months.
Cost: €10
Salumeria Garibaldi
Delicatessen with an extensive selection of cured meats in Parma, as well as cheeses and a wide range of local dishes that can be taken home or consumed in-store with a glass of wine.
Enoteca Fontana
A lively, historic, local winery serving sandwiches, paninis, as well as a small selection of cold and hot dishes, with glasses of wine starting at €1.50.
Enoteca Tabarro
Enoteca with a rich selection of wines, also serving charcuterie and cheese boards.
Address: Luigi Carlo Farini, 5/b, Parma
Trattoria ai Due Platani
A charming trattoria serving local cuisine, known for its creamy mountain of vanilla ice cream served tableside with various toppings. The version with zabaglione, Grand Marnier, and strawberries was the best ice cream dessert I have ever had. This was our favorite restaurant from the entire trip through Emilia-Romagna.
Day 2 – Modena
On the second day, let’s move on to Modena, a city famous for its production of balsamic vinegars.
Acetaia Giuseppe Giusti
Visit the oldest balsamic vinegar producer in Modena and learn about the production process. The very informative tour ends with a tasting of various types of vinegar, which can also be purchased.
Cost: Free
Trattoria il Fantino
A lively trattoria located in the historic city center, serving honest Modenese cuisine in an intimate, homely atmosphere with affordable prices.
Il Mercato Albinelli
The historic covered market was inaugurated on October 28, 1931. The stalls offer an incredible selection of local products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, wine, as well as freshly prepared food to take away or to consume at the market.
Address: Via Luigi Albinelli 13, Modena
L’Antica Bottega
Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari
If you’re into cars, visit the Ferrari Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the famous sports cars.
Day 3 – Bologna
The next stop is Bologna, the culinary heart of Emilia-Romagna, this is where Italian culinary classics such as Bolognese sauce, lasagna, and tortellini originate.
Il Panino
A paninoteca with an extensive menu of delicious, made-to-order grilled sandwiches.
Osteria del Sole
The oldest osteria in Bologna and one of the oldest in Italy. They only sell drinks, but you can bring your own food.
Trattoria dal Biassanot
A family-run trattoria serving traditional Bolognese dishes such as pasta Bolognese and lasagna. We were delighted by Passatelli with porcini mushrooms, which are dumplings made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. If you have the chance to eat at only one place in Bologna, choose this trattoria.
Day 4 – Bologna
Bar Aroma
One of the best cafes in Bologna offering an interesting menu of dessert coffees and high-quality packaged coffee.
Mercato delle Erbe
A small covered market with stalls selling local products, meat, fish, and cheeses, as well as a few food establishments.
Address: Via Ugo Bassi 25, Bologna
Banco 32
One of the best seafood restaurants in Bologna, with a daily changing menu. It is located in Mercato delle Erbe, opposite the fish seller Andrea. The pasta with clams was one of the best we’ve ever had.
Address: Via S. Gervasio 3a, Bologna
La Sorbetteria Castiglione
A popular ice cream shop offering many unique flavors, as well as vegan options.
Address: Via Castiglione, 44d, Bologna
La Prosciutteria
An unpretentious eatery with a simple menu consisting of a hot daily dish, sandwiches, cured meats, cheese boards, snacks, wine, and beer.
Address: Via Guglielmo Oberdan 19a, Bologna
Ristorante Scacco Matto
A restaurant serving modern Italian cuisine, with a menu that changes seasonally.
Address: Via Broccaindosso 63/b, Bologna
Le Sfogline
A small shop with freshly made pasta run by two sisters.
Address: Via Belvedere 7b, Bologna
