It’s no secret that Italy has some of the world’s best food. However, after visiting all 20 regions, I’ve learned that the country isn’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to dining in la dolce vita.
Each region has niche dishes and products that locals wear like a badge of honor, like mozzarella di bufala from Campania, pesto alla Genovese from Liguria, and arancini from Sicily.
Although I would gladly choose to eat anywhere in Italy over any city in the US, Emilia-Romagna gets the gold for the best cuisine in the country.
The region is home to delicious foods like Parmigiano-Reggiano
From Parmigiano-Reggiano and balsamic vinegar of Modena to Prosciutto di Parma and mortadella from Bologna, Emilia-Romagna is home to some of Italy’s most beloved exports.
These are just a few of the products that are PDO and PGI-certified. This is a high standard in the world of food that signals an official link between a product and a region. Emilia-Romagna has 44 PDO and PGI products in total — more than any other Italian region.
You’ll also find some of the country’s most famous restaurants here, like Osteria Francescana and Al Gatto Verde in Modena, and Trattoria da Amerigo in Savigno.
Beyond the accolades and fancy titles, though, I believe that what makes Emilia-Romagna’s cuisine a standout is simply the care and attention put into the food I’ve had here. After visiting the region at least twice a year for the past six years, I have yet to have even a subpar meal.
You can get a taste of all the best parts of Italy, from cheese to truffles, in this one region
In Italy, some regions just do certain products better. For example, Tuscany is famous for its red wine; meanwhile, many head to Piedmont for truffles, and Campania’s tomatoes are top-notch.
However, Emilia-Romagna really has a city or town for everything you could ever want on your plate. Savigno has a sign when entering that says “Cittá del Tartufo,” which quite literally translates to “City of Truffles.”
A visit to Appennino Food Group, a food production group explicitly known for its truffle exports, is a great way to plan an afternoon of truffle hunting with trained pups. The company was founded by Luigi Dattilo, who, at 17, refused his father’s offer of a car and asked for a truffle dog instead.
As for tomatoes, Mutti, the famed canned tomato brand, has its headquarters in Parma. Plus, if you’re looking to enjoy Parmigiano-Reggiano in its rightful birthplace, the only place in the world you can do just that is in Emilia-Romagna.
Tortellini has some roots here, too. There was a long-standing debate between Modena and Bologna about who made tortellini first. However, a popular legend holds that tortellini originated in Castelfranco Emilia, a small town between the two hubs.
Some Italians theorize that tortellini’s shape was inspired by Venus’s belly button after she spent a night at an inn in town.
After years of visiting, I have some favorite spots in the region
As someone who constantly craves a taste of Emilia-Romagna — and who spends a lot of time in Italy — I’m in the region often. I love trying new places, but I have a few favorite spots.
One is Franceschetta58 in Modena, known for its decadent tortellini en Parmigiana crema dish (where, yes, I do lick the plate clean every single time). For something more traditional, I prefer Sfoglia Rina in Bologna for tortellini en brodo.
In Parma, Salumeria Garibaldi is an ideal spot for a sip of Lambrusco, the region’s most famed wine, paired with bites of prosciutto and mostarda.
Meanwhile, an hour and a half away in Ferrara, check out Al Brindisi, a historic wine bar dating back to 1435, making it the world’s oldest.
Despite its prominent history, Al Brindisi has an unfussy feel, still preserving its medieval charm in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Pro tip: Order the cappellacci di zucca, or pumpkin-stuffed pasta, a staple of Ferrarese cuisine.
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