Michelin Guide selection: Top 20 restaurants in Parma, Italy

In a city where most of the food revolves around meat dishes, lies a maritime oasis where the bounty of the sea is king. Meltemi, a charming restaurant, offers a culinary experience of delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a warm setting. The elegant interiors include leather-furnished chairs and sofas, soft dim mood lighting, rich oak tables, and wooden beams. They also feature an al fresco outdoor terrace seating with large parasols for a pleasant dining experience.

The kitchen presents a menu of seafood specialties made using locally sourced ingredients and combining them with traditional recipes. Some of the innovative items you can savor here are sea bass carpaccio, pink shrimp tartare with apricot in lime emulsion, pappardelle cooked in yellow datterini sauce with red prawns, roasted sea bass steak with green beans, and steamed rock mullet with capers. Satisfy your sweet craving with their unique desserts – burnt meringue with apricot sorbet, crispy cannoli with mascarpone foam, and melon panna cotta with basil ice cream.

Average bill – €56

Parizzi is not only a Michelin-recommended spot, but also one of the oldest-running establishments in Parma. What started as an osteria in 1948 has become a classic fine-dining destination centered on seasonal regional cuisine. The third generation of the family, Chef Marco Parizzi, helms the kitchen, and his wife Christina manages the service. The ambiance is lavish and upscale, with marble-topped counters, glass sliding doors, elegantly dressed tables, and a playful world map made from pieces of toast.

The cooking team has developed an à la carte offering as well as a 7-course tasting menu of typical Emilia-Romagna flavors. Patrons can sample scrumptious dishes like turbot ravioli in gazpacho, zucchini flowers stuffed with steamed courgettes in black truffle sauce, Cantabrian anchovies with asparagus, roasted sea bass with candied tomatoes, and basil risotto with burrata. There is a strong wine list curated by Christina Parizzi that complements the food perfectly.

Average bill – €62
7-course tasting menu – €95

If you fancy authentic Parma cuisine, then Cocchi is one of the top spots to check out. It is a neighborhood institution that has been serving the community since 1925. Being a family-run ristorante, the place over the years has been dedicated to preserve Emilian hospitality and the flavors of the past. The culinary crew is managed by the new owner, Davide Malinverni, the son of Corrado Coochi, and his children. There are two rustic-style dining halls: a tavern wine bar with hanging cured meats and a homey wood-lined room with leather-furnished chairs and portraits on the walls.

Delight your palate with appetizers like local salted ham, black pork aged 48 months, pork shoulder raw salami, and crispy bacon with Parmesan flakes. Move onto entrées such as tender beef steak with poached egg, roasted salmon served on a bed of vegetables, potato tortellini with porcini mushrooms, gnocchi in basil pesto, and baked sea bass in rosemary sauce. In desserts, do try their traditional zabaglione with amaretti, zuppa inglese, and lemon sorbet.

Average bill – $38

Inkiostro is a spectacular Michelin-starred establishment in the tranquil Emilia region of Parma. The gastronomic destination is run by Chef Salvatore Morello, who perfected his craft for over 11 years – first in France and then in Germany. He has been mentored by Joachim Wissler for seven years at the three-starred Vendôme in Cologne. The minimalistic and regal restaurant offers a boundary-pushing contemporary take on traditional cuisine that matches international caliber.

All the mouthwatering options are divided into three different seasonal tasting menus as well as an à la carte selection. Indulge your taste buds in delightful items like chickpea fritter with shiitake mushrooms, baked tapioca with fermented bell peppers, double-marinated amberjack in spicy cucumber kimchi, pan-fried cauliflower glazed in lemon cream, grilled pigeon filet in black truffle aioli, and Norwegian cod with flaky seaweed. Elevate the meal by pairing it with Moscato di Scanzo Pagnoncelli DOCG 2017, or choose from a cellar count of nearly 1,000 labels.

Frammenti menu – €135
Kaiseki menu – €165
Inkiostro menu – €175

For a truly amazing culinary experience in the region, we recommend visiting Parma Rotta. Started in 1984, this quaint restaurant has stood out for its use of wood fire – the oldest cooking technique in the world. The moment you enter, the comforting and homely atmosphere, the aroma of chestnut, hornbeam, and beech smoke will fill your senses. The decor is rustic in style, adorned with stone walls, brown tiled floors, wooden beams, and an impressive cellar full of local vintages.

They also offer a shaded outdoor terrace seating to enjoy the warm sunny disposition in summer. The menu consists of succulent meats and veggies elevated using just the crystalline pink salt of the Himalayas, which helps bring out the natural flavors. Some of the decadent dishes to enjoy here are grilled goose legs served with caramelized onions, thyme-marinated lamb chops served with potatoes, charred T-bone steak with peppercorn sauce, grilled beef loin with potato Rösti, roasted veal stuffed with eggs and cheese, and smoked carpaccio in lime gel.

Average bill – €69

Housed inside a serene old farm in the countryside of Parma, lies a gem of a spot called La Maison du Gourmet. The unique location is a fully renovated ancient agricultural land, where the warmth of the wood is complemented by the elegance of the glass and granite flooring. There is an al fresco garden seating as well where the natural embrace of flora elevates your dining experience. The culinary team is managed by Chef Christian Spalvieri, who, in collaboration with Chef Giuseppe Postorino, creates a gourmet menu of authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Visitors should not miss out on flavorful delicacies: shrimp carpaccio in olive oil salsa, pan-fried scallops with zucchini flowers, meat-filled tortellini in ragù sauce, beef wellington in a red wine jus, char-grilled filet mignon served on a bed of mashed potatoes in brown garlic sauce. Pair your meal with their selection of cocktails, apéritifs, and liqueurs.

Menu pop – €60
Sapore di mare menu – €70
Menu Gourmet – €90

When you think of a B&B, the image of a Michelin-recommended restaurant does not come to mind. But Le Viole is an exception to this case. It is a Friulian enclave (a historical region of northeast Italy) located just a few kilometers from the city center. The establishment is run by Rosanna Petrera, while her husband, Roberto Oppicci, heads the cooking team. Born in 1963, Roberto has extensively worked in a prestigious kitchen all across France and Italy, before opening Le Viole in 1989.

The dining area is a comforting and refined space that resembles an elegant country house with two serving rooms and a closed veranda. During summer, they also offer wonderful outside garden seating for patrons. Guests can relish delicate creations – saffron risotto with minced scallops, roasted flank steak with Jerusalem artichokes, pepperoncini-flavored creamy pasta, and stuffed spinach ravioli in almond pesto sauce. Le Viole presents an excellent wine cellar that reflects local labels, fine vintages from the Peninsula, and smooth Champagnes.

Average bill – €58 (without drinks)

Situated in the hamlet of Vicomero around 10 km away from Parma, a rustic homestead restaurant called Romani resides. The family business has been serving the community since 1991 and is ideal for people who are looking for traditional regional dishes and not some re-interpreted exotic fare. The interior possesses a cottage feel, with its brown tiled flooring, high ceilings with wooden beams, gargantuan glass windows, and portraits on the walls.

Get ready to be treated to a menu of classic flavors of Parma, such as cured hams, fresh handmade pasta, roast, and grilled meats, as well as organic vegetables and herbs. Some of the highlight items worth sampling are oven-roasted veal in red wine jus with asparagus, potato gnocchi with leek in truffle cream sauce, tagliatele in lamb ragù with ham, broiled pork shoulder in pink sauce, and grilled Florentine steak with potato wedges. Their signature panna cotta in strawberry sauce, warm apple pie with ice cream, and sponge cake with custard will bring back sweet nostalgic memories of careless childhood.

Average bill – €34

Established in 1780, Al Vedel in the Parma countryside offers an authentic osteria where guests can experience the utmost professional Italian hospitality along with dishes balanced in flavor. They have a maturing room on the premises where the original Culatello di Zibello DOP ham is produced. The seasonal menu solely utilizes ingredients sourced from the region. Visitors can enjoy items like pork, beef, and goose charcuteries, followed by fresh sturgeon, eel, frog, and snails from the Po River and the surrounding wetlands.

Other specialties include rabbits, quails, mushrooms, and black truffles found in the nearby Apennines, as well as oysters from Brittany. They also feature an impressive cheese list consisting of cow, sheep, and goat milk sourced from small diaries in Italy. For the complete gastronomic experience, pair your meal with wines ranging from young local Lambrusco to fine French vintages, or go for Scottish single malts, Caribbean rum, and grappa varieties.

Average bill – €42 (without drinks)

Nestled inside an old post house dating back to the time of Marie Louise – the Duchess of Parma, I Pifferi provides a sublime meeting place that balances tradition with modern cuisine. The Michelin-recommended establishment is located right at the entrance to the Regional Park of the Boschi di Carrega and hence possesses an outdoor seating area with a verdant landscape surrounded by lush greenery.

The inside is simultaneously simple and stunning, complete with polished wooden furniture, hanging lights, and white-washed walls dotted with old portraits. I Pifferi serves a typical Pamesan fare made using the best produce in the area. Relish exquisite specialty dishes, including Nonna’s herb tortellini in melted butter emulsion, black truffle ravioli with walnuts, fresh tagliolini with porcini mushrooms, creamy artichoke puff pastry, and grilled duck breast. Satisfy your sweet cravings by indulging in the most tender sponge cake with creamy custard.

Average bill – €56

If you love gentle rolling hills, the vastness of the countryside, and the serene shades of colors in the sky, then Trattoria Leoni is the ideal spot to head over to. The brainchild of Roberto Leoni and his wife Antonella, this institution has been the crowd-favorite destination for over 50 years. The crew is helmed by Chef Antonella, who focuses on haute traditional cuisine made using age-old family recipes. The star dish of the restaurant is rabbit cacciatore – created by grandmother Ermina Leoni, it is an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Other must-have items include a trio of tortellini with pumpkin, herbs, and potatoes, roast beef with black truffle sauce, puff pastry of artichokes served with cooked pork shoulder, and grilled lamb chops with potato gnocchi in pesto sauce.

Average bill – €29

As the name suggests, Taverna del Castello is a refined restaurant within the walls of the 15th-century medieval Castle of Torrechiara. The premises are rustic like a fairytale setting, where visitors can enjoy elegant cuisine, coupled with views of the surrounding majestic hills. The decor of the dining halls is regal and welcoming, possessing large stone walls, modern ceiling beams, gray granite flooring, and vintage windows with cute curtains.

The culinary team uses top-quality ingredients to create a seasonal menu of authentic Parmesan fare. We suggest savoring decadent delicacies like rosemary-flavored sweet potatoes with cured ham, braised pork cheek with celeriac, roasted duck thigh in teriyaki glaze, saffron risotto with vegetable caviar, and beef filet in peppercorn sauce. End your meal with a sweet epilogue of mint flan with lemon sorbet.

Average bill – €44

Upon entering Da Poli alla Stazione, the first association that pops up in your mind is reserved elegance. And while the tasteful synthesis of marble floor and minimalist wooden furniture with counters festively covered with crisp white tablecloth combined create a pleasant background, the freshest regional seafood dishes steal the limelight, securing the top spot for the venue among other local establishments.

Enjoy a seasonal dynamic menu of specialties like spaghetti all'astice (with lobster), hearty shrimp soup, risotto with mussels, and salmon lunettes (a type of pasta). If you are in the mood for a meat-centered treat, opt for succulent sirloin steak, classic oven-baked loaded focaccia, duck tagliatelle, ribeye steak, or garlicky stewed snails with tomatoes. Skipping their heavenly dessert section would be a big mistake! Take a slice of sbrisolona – a traditional cake originated in Mantua, Lombardy – to complete your meal with a richly flavored crumbly sweet note.

Average bill – €40

Locanda Stella d'Oro is not just a simple trattoria. Nestled inside a magnificent building dating back to 1860, the fine-dining venue is frequently chosen by locals to celebrate the most important moments. Chef Marco Dallabona, supported by his family, has been in charge of the business since 2001. He reinvented traditional cuisine by adding professional knowledge and refinement to centuries-old recipes. Such an approach, along with genuine hospitality, helped earn a coveted Michelin Star in 2012.

Interesting fact: Chef Dallabona pays utmost attention to the dietary restrictions of all guests, and 80% of his dishes are gluten-free. The front of the house, casually adorned with a Magnum Dom Pérignon and other superb vintages, suggests a marvelous wine cellar to please even the most demanding oenophiles. Indulge in intriguing flavor combinations of duck foie gras with mustard fig compote and brioche bread, snail cannoli with potatoes and aromatic herbs, beef sirloin with braised cabbage, and golden sweetbreads with pioppino mushrooms and sautéed potatoes with thyme, topped with porcini mushroom sauce.

Average bill – €44

Like Inkiostro, Ca' Matilde is another proud current Michelin Star-holder. Founded by Andrea Incerti Vezzani, the restaurant beautifully reflects the owner’s passion for the cuisine of his land, both with the contemporary yet rustic menu and with the most enchanting location – the epitome of Emilia-Romagna. Chef Vezzani focuses on “peasant” food with nuanced combinations and a careful balance of regional ingredients picked according to their natural times.

Let the Ca' Matilde’s team take you on an unforgettable adventure with four surprise tasting selections: Gli intramontabili, often accompanied by the best Lambrusco, Oltremare, Terramadre, and Cielo. Patrons rave about dishes, including asparagus risotto, smoky grilled veal filet with a side of salad, juicy beef brisket, and tender pumpkin tarte Tatin.

Gli intramontabili – €100
Oltremare – €115
Terramadre – €110
Cielo – €130

Started by a local husband and wife duo – Simone and Daniela Strinati – Podere San Faustino can be described as an ancient cascina (a typical farmhouse in Northern Italy) that has retained its intimate charm. The highlight of the place is the beautiful and serene outdoor porch seating with a thatched roof, white stone ground, polished wood furniture, and surrounding green plants.

The kitchen operates under the watchful guidance of Chef Simone Strinati, who introduces balanced seasonal dishes by utilizing his deep knowledge of the region's culinary traditions. Patrons of the restaurant can relish fried dumplings in garlic aioli, herb tortellini with asparagus, potato gnocchi in walnut pesto sauce, braised pork cheek with mashed potatoes, roasted veal loin in tuna sauce with caramelized onions, and grilled beef steak with vegetables in balsamic vinegar reduction. Elevate the meal by pairing it with their wine collection curated by Daniela Strinati, who is not only a sommelier but also a WSET Level 3 Award winner in the Sake category.

Average bill – €36 (without drinks)

What was once a cellar inside a historic palazzo of the 19th century, today is a Michelin-recommended traditional trattoria by the name of Il Pozzo. Being an enchanting address situated in the Parma Apennines, the area is surrounded by hills and vibrant greenery. The dining hall space – majestic and comforting in the atmosphere – features vaulted ceilings, stone walls, redwood furniture, and accented soft lighting.

In summer, they also offer outdoor shaded seating surrounded by fragrant potted flowers and elegantly trimmed bushes. The cooking team creates hearty Mediterranean fare from local produce: sautéed wild mushrooms with parsley in olive oil emulsion, poached octopus legs served with green beans, pan-fried cod in lemon caper sauce, grilled Florentine steak with fried potatoes, and crispy gnocchi served with garlic aioli, to name a few. Do leave some room for sweet items like peach cobbler with mascarpone cream and moist banana cake with vanilla ice cream.

Average bill – €43

To get the real feel of genuine regional cuisine which the locals love, come over to Trattoria da Probo. From the outside, the restaurant looks just like a simple unassuming market building, but inside this treasure chest you will discover two separate rooms – a shop selling bottled house-made sauces, Italian vinos, and baked goods; and a dining hall with a warm, homely feel.

The menu is composed of freshly made plates of pasta and other specialties. Opt for braised lamb chops with carrots, herb tortellini served in a broth, roasted beef loin with potatoes in a red wine sauce, fettuccine pasta with meat ragù, grilled beef filet with sweet onion relish, and char-boiled pork shoulder with beetroot.

Average bill – €28

Nestled in the heart of the old town of Salsomaggiore, L'Osteria del Castellazzo has managed to become a neighborhood establishment thanks to the efforts of its owner, Laura Gotri. Using only niche ingredients, like kneading flour from ancient grains and procuring cured meats from Parma, she has successfully put her petite tavern on the global gourmet map. The quaint dining room has a large serving counter, cute dark brown mini tiles, and a fully stocked wine cellar.

The daily changing menu is displayed on a concrete slab on the wall and normally consists of four appetizers, three first, and three-second courses, followed by desserts. Our top recommendations are succulent specialties like braised veal cheeks served on a bed of gnocchi, a platter of charcuterie with pancetta and ham, roasted wild boar loin in sweet garlic cream pappardelle with ragù in white sauce, and grilled mushrooms in watermelon mustard sauce. Conclude your meal with their in-house baked moist almond cake.

Average bill – €39

About forty kilometers from Parma, you will find Locanda Mariella – a 20-seater trattoria that has been delighting guests since the 1960s. This long-established legendary gem has been run by the same family for three generations and is arguably one of the best culinary spots in the region. When you enter the mural-enhanced premises, a small wine shop greets you with rustic mustard walls, tiled flooring, and rows of shelves full of organic biodynamic labels.

The inside area provides comfortable wooden seating to start the gastronomic journey. Visitors can choose between three different tasting menus – seafood-based, traditional, and meat-based. Savor black truffle polenta with cheese fondue in pumpkin cream, braised pork cheek served on a bed of mashed potatoes, sliced prosciutto with sourdough bread, meat ravioli served in beef broth, roasted veal in a red wine reduction with carrots, and grilled sea bream in lemon caper sauce.

Menu Pesce – €50
Menu Tradizione – €40
Menu Terra – €45

If you managed to reach the end of our manuscript highlighting the Michelin Guide-recommended places in Parma, here is a useful tip from the Restaurant Guru team as a reward. Pierre, our knowledgeable AI bot, can help you quickly find the best dining destinations around the world or answer any F&B queries and inquiries you might have.