Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Parma

This restaurant is a must for anyone who wants to eat traditional, classical Parma cuisine. Located in the central Via Repubblica, it is an elegant place with good service. The popular owner, Ugo Parizzi, directs the room and offers classic pasta, and a garganelli pasta with rabbit sauce, as well as guinea fowl in a dried fruit crust, tripe, beef stew alla parmigiana, excellent cold meat, a great three chocolate terrine dessert and a crispy wafer filled with three mousses. There is an excellent, vast wine list.

Pepen is a pocket-friendly sandwich place to try out if you are looking for something filling yet affordable in Parma. The hole-in-the-wall fast-food joint offers some flavorsome sandwiches stuffed with well-seasoned meatballs, vegetables and dressings. Since the place remains crowded most of the time, you may have to wait in a line before you finally place your order at the cashier. However, the wait is worth it when you finally devour their toothsome paninis, tramezzinos and peppery sides.

Emilia Cremeria is one of Parma's most popular gelato parlors. Located in the heart of the city, it is made famous for its decadent frozen treats made with hormone-free milk, fructose and freshly procured fruits from the local orchards. The makers focus on using ingredients devoid of flavor-enhancers and preservatives to churn out those toothsome gelato cones in an exciting range of flavors. The cafe also serves up delectable parfaits, semi-frozen pastries and mellow cakes.

This is a classic of parmigiana cuisine, particular popular at midday with lawyers and businessmen who find themselves in the area of the court. There is a rustic atmosphere here and polite service. The restaurant is in the heart of the historic centre, between the Palace of Justice and Via Farini. All the traditional local dishes are served here. Starters include cured pork meats and a trio of pasta. There is a vast choice of home-made desserts including apple cake, chocolate mousse and zabaione. The wine list includes national and international choices.

If you are craving for some scrumptious seafood, La Forchetta is the answer to your prayers. Nestled on Borgo San Biagio, this beautifully laid out restaurant invites patrons to relish delectable seafood preparations in a friendly ambiance. Predominantly Italian, the restaurant offers an extensive menu that features a nice mix of entrees and mains. Returning customers praise their porchetta, sea bass, caprese salad, lamb cutlets, and seared tuna. To complement your meals perfectly, they serve a slew of fine wines. The restaurant offers prompt service and a friendly staff welcome you in, each time you pay a visit.

There is a sign over the door which reads Antica osteria parmigiana. Come in and you won't be disappointed. You will eat in a truly traditional, local style without having to spend a fortune. The restaurant is on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by greenery. It is very simple inside and the service is very polite. During the Summer you can eat outside on the veranda. You can start with one of the classic dishes: fried flan and mixed cold meats. The best first courses include three styles of tortelli pasta of porcini mushroom risotto. You can then move on to Parmesan ossobuco, or a slightly more innovative dish such as spare ribs in beer. There is a rich list of desserts ranging from ice-cream cake with cherries and a hot chocolate sauce to bavarois with coffee. The wines are mostly local although there are a few exceptions.