Emilia Romagna is Italy's gastronomic heartland, stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Known as the 'Food Valley' for producing Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, the region also boasts medieval cities, Ferrari's birthplace, and vibrant beach resorts.
Emilia Romagna is Italy's culinary capital, producing Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, traditional balsamic vinegar, and dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and lasagna. The region's food culture emphasizes quality ingredients, handmade pasta, and centuries-old traditions.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Emilia Romagna.
Tagliatelle al Ragù
Handmade egg pasta with slow-cooked meat sauce (the original Bolognese)
Where to try: Any Bologna trattoria
Price: €12-18
Tortellini in Brodo
Ring-shaped pasta filled with meat, served in clear broth
Where to try: Traditional trattorias throughout Bologna
Price: €10-15
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Aged Parmesan cheese, best tasted fresh at Parma markets
Where to try: Parma markets and farms
Price: €5-10 per portion
Prosciutto di Parma
Sweet, delicate dry-cured ham aged minimum 12 months
Where to try: Parma salumerias and restaurants
Price: €8-15
Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale
Traditional balsamic vinegar aged 12-25 years in Modena
Where to try: Modena acetaias and restaurants
Price: €3-8 per tasting
Piadina Romagnola
Flatbread filled with squacquerone cheese, arugula, and ham
Where to try: Street kiosks throughout Romagna
Price: €3-6
Mortadella
Large Bolognese sausage with pistachios, the original bologna
Where to try: Bologna markets and delis
Price: €4-8
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Italian
Ferrarese
Romagnola
Bolognese Street Food And Sandwiches
Pizza
Food tours & tastings in Emilia Romagna
Eat your way through Emilia Romagna with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Emilia RomagnaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Piadina
Flatbread sandwich—the quintessential Romagnola street food
Find it at: Rimini, Riccione, Cesena, and all Romagna towns
Gnocco Fritto
Fried dough puffs served with salumi
Find it at: Bologna and Modena area bars
Crescentine
Small fried dough rounds served with cheese and meats
Find it at: Bologna trattorias and markets
Tigelle
Small round flatbreads baked in terracotta molds, served with fillings
Find it at: Modena and Apennine foothills
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercato di Mezzo
Bologna's historic indoor food market with local produce and specialties
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-8PM
Mercato Coperto di Parma
Covered market in Parma with cheese, ham, and local products
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-1PM, 4PM-7PM
Mercato Albinelli
Modena's beautiful Art Nouveau covered market
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30AM-2PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (12:30-2:30 PM) is typically the main meal; dinner starts late at 8 PM
Most trattorias do not accept reservations—arrive early or be prepared to wait
Ask for the menu del giorno (daily menu) for best value
Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory
- Vegetarian
- Available but limited at traditional restaurants; fresh pasta dishes and pizzas offer options
- Halal
- Limited options; major cities have halal restaurants
- Gluten free
- Increasingly available; ask for 'senza glutine'
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €8-15 per meal | Piadina stands, pizza by the slice, and mercato lunches |
| Mid-range | €25-50 per meal | Traditional trattorias and osterie with full menu |
| Upscale | €80+ per meal | Fine dining and special occasion restaurants including Michelin-starred |