€€€Seafood
This small restaurant boasts an enviable location on a small square, with an outdoor terrace which is perfect for summer evenings. Here, the talented chef focuses on fish in all its guises, including raw options and tartares, all served with delicious accompaniments that bring out the full flavour of the fish. Homemade pasta also features, such as pappardelle with raw and cooked prawns, as well as burrata, plus main courses that include a superb, delicate mullet dish. A choice of excellent Italian sparkling wines and champagnes, also available by the glass, completes the picture.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Meltemi in Parma specializes in seafood, holding a 4.3/5 rating. Reviews consistently praise the freshness of raw materials and high culinary standards, particularly for raw fish and elegant presentations. However, criticisms focus on service and ambiance. Several diners noted a lack of staff warmth and knowledge, alongside cramped seating that compromises comfort. Some reviews indicate inconsistent kitchen output recently, with discrepancies between menu descriptions and actual dishes. While the food quality remains generally high, issues with service attentiveness and spatial crowding detract from the overall experience, making it a mixed choice depending on priorities.
Suitable for diners prioritizing ingredient quality over spaciousness.
🕐 Tu-Sa 12:30-15:00, 19:30-01:00; Mo 19:30-01:00
€€Emilian, Classic Cuisine
The Osteria del 36 traces its roots to 1880 and owes its name to a curious tradition: wine was once sold here at 36 cents a litre. Today it presents a cuisine firmly anchored in the Emilian tradition, set alongside touches of a more contemporary flavour, as in the crispy loin of rabbit with Prosciutto di Parma, cream of onions, carrots and cardoncelli mushrooms. A deep affinity with the world of wine is reflected in a list that is well-constructed, carefully considered and of reliable quality, conceived to complement each dish to its best advantage.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Osteria del 36 in Parma specializes in classic Emilian cuisine. Reviews highlight high food quality, particularly praising the pasta and gnocchi for their taste and presentation. Service is generally professional and friendly, though some guests experienced slow pacing or indifferent staff. The ambiance is described as warm, traditional, and comfortable. While some visitors find prices slightly high relative to portion sizes, the overall value is considered good. Occasional negative feedback cites execution errors or poor service attitude. Travelers should be aware that experiences may vary regarding service attentiveness.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Emilian flavors and a comfortable atmosphere.
🕐 Mo-Sa 12:30-14:00, 20:00-23:30
€€€Creative
Based around carefully chosen ingredients sourced from the best local producers, the cuisine served at this restaurant is light and yet tasty. You’ll find typical Parma dishes on the menu here alongside more creative fare, with a slight emphasis on fish and seafood although meat and game (one of the chef’s passions!) also make an appearance. Together with his wife Cristina who oversees the front of house, chef Marco Parizzi continues his family’s tradition of providing a warm welcome and excellent cuisine. Guestrooms (this is a convenient central location) are also available.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Parizzi in Parma holds a 3.8/5 rating from 80 TripAdvisor reviews. Guests frequently praise the creative cuisine, high-quality ingredients, and elegant atmosphere, with specific mentions of pumpkin ice cream and foie gras. However, negative feedback highlights inconsistent service, poor meal pacing, and perceived lack of value. Some diners reported unfriendly staff and operational errors, noting a decline since its Michelin star. While the food innovation is appreciated, the experience is marred by service variability. It suits adventurous eaters who prioritize culinary creativity over flawless hospitality.
Suitable for diners prioritizing creative cuisine over flawless service.
🕐 Tu-Sa 12:00-14:30,19:00-22:30; Su 19:00-22:30
€€Emilian, Traditional Cuisine
This restaurant adjoining the Daniel hotel is the town’s pride and joy. Here, two quiet, rustic-style dining rooms provide the backdrop for typical Parma specialities that change with the passing seasons – the “tortelli alle erbette” (tortelli pasta with herbs) with parmesan and melted butter is particularly delicious – all accompanied by an excellent choice of wines. Booking in advance is highly recommended as the restaurant is extremely popular with visitors and locals alike.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Cocchi in Parma is known for traditional Emilian cuisine. Most reviews praise food quality, service, and atmosphere, highlighting Anolini soup, boiled meat trolleys, and cold cuts with fried cake. However, some guests report dissatisfaction with recent management changes, citing tasteless or lukewarm meats and high prices relative to value. While the restaurant maintains its traditional reputation, experiences vary, with some finding the food merely average compared to other local trattorias. Customers should be aware that consistency may fluctuate depending on the specific dishes ordered and current service standards.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional Parmesan flavors who can tolerate potential service inconsistencies.
€€Grills, Traditional Cuisine
Here, where the Parma river once broke its banks, you’ll find an attractive trattoria with pleasant dining rooms and excellent cuisine cooked over a wood and herb fire, one of the oldest culinary techniques in the world. The main courses feature meat only, with an extensive number of dishes on the menu. Among the home-made desserts, we recommend the fior di latte ice-cream, which is served with a choice of delicious sauces.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
Parma Rotta specializes in traditional grilling and meat dishes, with beef roasts, cold cuts, and ice cream receiving high praise for quality. Service is generally attentive and professional, though some guests note inconsistent pacing or early kitchen closures. The ambiance features an elegant courtyard and indoor areas, but the main hall can be noisy, and vaping has been cited as a disturbance. Value perception is divided; while food quality is excellent, several reviewers find prices high relative to portion sizes, particularly regarding cold cut platters, and criticize additional fixed charges, leading to mixed opinions on cost-effectiveness.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality traditional grilled meats who are less sensitive to price.
€Emilian, Modern Cuisine
Regionally based cuisine with the occasional hint of creativity and a good choice of à la carte dishes are the highlights at this friendly restaurant on the outskirts of Parma. An authentic, genuine welcome, with an attractive lounge near the entrance and the warm ambience of a private home.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Trattoria Le Viole, located in the countryside near Parma, offers Emilian cuisine with modern touches. Reviews highlight fresh ingredients and skilled preparation, particularly praising shrimp, foie gras, and meat dishes. The elegant, tranquil setting, including a cool garden area, is frequently commended. However, service experiences vary significantly; while some find it professional and fast, others report slow pacing or unprofessional attitudes, including conflicts over outside cakes. Despite occasional negative interactions, the food quality remains a strong point for those seeking refined traditional flavors.
Suitable for diners prioritizing high-quality traditional Emilian cuisine who can tolerate inconsistent service.
€€€€Creative, Contemporary
A historical palazzo in the town center has been given new life after its purchase by a local entrepreneurial family, who also bestowed their name upon it. Just steps from the heart of Italy’s famed food valley, it now serves as a refined hospitality venue: the ground floor hosts a bar and bistro, while upstairs are elegant spaces devoted to gourmet cuisine. Tasting menus are available, with dishes also offered à la carte, alongside an extensive and well-curated wine list. The upper floors feature intimate, stylish guest rooms, designed in the same reassuring style that runs throughout the bui
€€Emilian, Cuisine from Parma
This restaurant occupying an old post house that dates back to the time of Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma, lies amid the verdant landscapes of the Parco Regionale dei Boschi di Carrega, just a kilometre outside the village of Sala Baganza. This stunning setting is the backdrop for typical dishes from Parma, such as Nonna Lina’s herb tortelli served with melted butter and parmesan cheese. In summer, dine alfresco in the cool, shady garden.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
Located in the green surroundings of Sala Baganza, I Pifferi serves traditional Emilian cuisine. Food quality receives mixed reviews; while some praise the truffle rice and cured meats, others criticize the texture of agnolini and limited menu choices. Service is generally described as polite and professional, though some guests report cold welcomes or inconvenient payment processes. The atmosphere is typically rustic and tranquil, but outdoor seating comfort has been questioned. Value perception varies among diners. It suits travelers seeking a quiet, countryside dining experience, but those with high standards for detail may find inconsistencies.
Suitable for travelers seeking a quiet countryside atmosphere who can accept fluctuations in traditional Emilian flavors.
€€Emilian, Regional Cuisine
A temple for the production of culatello ham, which features in the dishes served and is also matured on the premises for 16, 26 and 38 months (the maturing rooms are well worth a visit), Al Vedel also serves other regional specialities, as well as more imaginative fare. The menu features dishes such as gran lesso(boiled beef and chicken), delicious Bourguignon-style snails, tortel dols (tortelli pasta with a hint of sweetness), and specialities enhanced by the addition of Parmesan cheese and red butter. The wine list, which will delight Lambrusco enthusiasts, boasts a selection of French wine
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Al Vedel in Colorno specializes in Emilian regional cuisine. Reviews highlight high-quality ingredients, particularly black pork, Torrile tortelli, and cured meats, prepared with both traditional and innovative techniques. The atmosphere is described as cozy and elegant, featuring a notable wine cellar, with generally professional and friendly service. However, value is a frequent concern; some guests find prices excessive relative to portion sizes and flavor intensity. Specific criticisms include underwhelming culatello, overly sour sauces, and perceived sales pressure during service. While many praise the refined dining experience, others feel the restaurant has become overrated. It suits those seeking a sophisticated culinary journey, though budget-conscious diners may find it less appealing.
Suitable for diners seeking refined Emilian cuisine and an elegant setting, with realistic expectations regarding price and portion sizes.