Looking for the best restaurants in Parma?
Parma might not always top the list of Italian tourist cities, but for food lovers, it’s pure paradise. This is the hometown of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma — two of Italy’s most iconic ingredients — and the local food culture is all about tradition, quality, and flavor.
Here, meals aren’t rushed. You’ll find trattorias serving recipes passed down for generations, bustling markets overflowing with cured meats and cheeses, and cozy wine bars where Lambrusco flows like water. From silky slices of prosciutto to bowls of handmade tortelli, Parma proves that simple food, when done right, can feel unforgettable.
If you’re planning a trip, come hungry — because in Parma, eating well isn’t just part of the experience, it is the experience.
12 Best Restaurants in Parma, Italy
For the best restaurants in Parma, here are our handpicked recommendations.
1. Ristorante La Greppia Parma
Str. Giuseppe Garibaldi, 39, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Ristorante La Greppia is one of Parma’s gems. It’s a popular trattoria that delivers authentic flavors without the tourist-trap vibe.
The menu celebrates the best of the region, with standout dishes like their signature risotto, eggplant parmesan, and stuffed chicken — all paired beautifully with regional wines. The homemade pastas are exceptional; don’t miss the bis di tortelli (zucchini and pumpkin), a hearty vegetarian option, or the rich and meaty tagliatelle al ragù di strolghino di culatello.
For something different, try the horsemeat steak — cooked perfectly tender and full of flavor. The atmosphere is warm and traditional, with exposed beams inside and a lovely patio outside, perfect for slow, relaxed dining. Service is attentive, polite, and thoughtful, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Gluten-free diners are in luck, too: the gnocchi here is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with sauces that are truly to die for. Bonus: you can even peek into the kitchen from your table.
Reservations are a must, since this place is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
2. Osteria Virgilio
Str. Giovanni Inzani, 3, 43125 Parma PR, Italy
Osteria Virgilio serves outstanding food, complemented by quick service and warm, attentive staff.
Start your meal with their 30-month Parma — it practically melts in your mouth. And of course, don’t skip their pasta and well-curated wine selection.
This little gem isn’t too far from the city center. You might get lucky and find a table without a reservation, but it’s still best to book ahead.
3. Antica Osteria della Ghiaia
Borgo Paggeria, 12, A, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Antica Osteria della Ghiaia offers homestyle Parma dishes and regional wines that are served in a rustic, orange-toned space. It has been welcoming guests since 1950.
Antica Osteria della Ghiaia is a charming spot in the historic center. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. Service can be a little slow at times, but it’s attentive and well executed. The wine list is well-chosen and fairly priced, keeping the overall cost balanced. They also offer set menus, though only for groups and with prior reservation.
This Parma restaurant provides experience that is excellent on all fronts. Try their ricotta tortelli, anolini in broth, and bacon with polenta — they truly stand out!
4. Trattoria Rigoletto
Borgo Amadio Ronchini, 4, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Trattoria Rigoletto is a stylish and intimate, family-run spot known for classic, homestyle Parmesan cooking. Tucked away in the historic center, it’s a quiet, reserved restaurant with only a few tables — so booking ahead is wise on busy days.
The pasta is fantastic, especially the mushroom dishes and their excellent lunch specials. Served by the owner, this traditional trattoria on a hidden side street was a true highlight of our day. Expect a classic three-course meal, high-quality ingredients, and a generous wine selection.
Some of the best Emilian cuisine in Parma can be found here. Don’t miss their tagliatelle al limone!
5. Trattoria Corrieri Parma
Str. Conservatorio, 1, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Trattoria Corrieri in Parma is a spacious, lively trattoria with outdoor seating, known for its cured meats, local cheeses, and handmade pasta.
Start your meal with the Parma ham and melon — the ham is incredibly soft and pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy fruit. A must-try for true cheese lovers is the risotto alla Parmigiana — pure heaven!
The restaurant is charming, the service is attentive, and the dishes are deeply flavorful. If you’re looking for authentic, beautifully executed Parma cuisine, Corrieri is the place to go. Just be sure to make a reservation — it fills up fast!
6. Ristorante Cocchi
Viale Antonio Gramsci, 16/A, 43126 Parma PR, Italy
Cocchi is a long-established, art-filled restaurant known for its Parmesan-style hand-rolled pasta and traditional meats. Although it’s slightly outside the old town (about a 7-minute drive), it offers authentic Italian cooking with classic service and a traditional interior.
Ristorante Cocchi has the feel of a family-run restaurant, but with slightly higher prices. Expect formal waiters, an excellent wine list, and an elegant atmosphere.
A great way to start is with an assorted salami plate and generous chunks of aged Parmesan — the salami is served with small gnocchi rolls. Don’t miss the duck ragù pasta and, of course, the bollito misto.
7. Osteria dei Servi
Piazza Ghiaia, 1M, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
A homey, down-to-earth restaurant, Osteria dei Servi specializes in grilled meats and house-made pasta. As in much of Italy, dining here is unhurried — guests can enjoy their meal at their own pace, and the staff are always ready with a quick wave.
Begin with the warm bread served alongside salami and cheese, then move on to a pasta dish and a meat course of your choice. The pappardelle with wild boar ragù, tartara di cavallo with giardiniera, and tagliolini with culatello come highly recommended.
Be sure not to miss the Rosa di Parma, a signature dish that highlights the flavors Parma is famous for — Parmesan cheese and prosciutto di Parma.
8. Risotto DAI C’ANDOM Parma
V.le Mentana, 130, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
For the best risotto in Parma, head to Risotto DAI C’ANDOM. The risotto dishes are creative, beautifully prepared, and absolutely the star of the menu. The cheese and ham board with Giusti vinegar is excellent, and the grilled vegetables are a great addition.
It’s widely considered the top risotteria in Parma, and the perfect place for anyone craving a standout risotto meal. The ingredients change monthly, keeping the menu fresh and seasonal.
Apart from the rice dishes, the antipasti are also impressive, with focaccia, burrata, and generous salumi boards ideal for sharing.
9. Bequadro Restaurant and Sound
Via Goito, 1, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Looking for good food paired with great music? Visit Bequadro Restaurant and Sound. Both the cuisine and the musical atmosphere are excellent, making it a must-try experience in Parma.
Begin with their freshly baked, stick-shaped bread — crisp, fragrant, and full of flavor — then move on to a well-prepared starter and a thoughtfully crafted main course, each highlighting authentic Italian tastes. Portions are balanced and satisfying. Every dish is flavorful and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The ambiance is warm and vibrant, blending a lively energy with a cozy, elegant feel. Do not miss this place when in Parma!
10. Ristorante Gallo d’Oro Parma
Borgo della Salina, 3, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Ristorante Gallo d’Oro in Parma is a straightforward, relaxed restaurant serving traditional cuisine in informal surroundings. A popular choice is the tris di tortelli, which allows guests to sample all three varieties of tortelli offered. The vecchia (cooked horse meat) and the tiramisu are also frequently recommended.
From the gourmet menu, both the starter and pasta dishes stand out. The marinated eggplant with stracciatella and tomato confit is a creative and flavorful entrée. For the primi, the Parmesan-filled ravioli with truffle and the spaghetti with anchovy, tarallo crumbs, and spicy tomato are exceptional in both taste and presentation.
Ristorante Gallo d’Oro is a place where local flavors, gourmet touches, and warm hospitality come together beautifully. Making a reservation is a good idea as it fills up quickly!
11. Angiol d’Or
Via Scutellari, 1, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Angiol d’Or serves seasonal Parmesan dishes made in-house, all in an airy space with colorful accents. The staff are friendly, and the restaurant’s spot just off the main piazza adds to its charming atmosphere.
Dinner at Angiol d’Or is a delicious tour of Parma’s classics: torta fritta, Parmigiano, and prosciutto to start, followed by tortelli di ricotta ed erbette and tortelli di zucca. Other must-tries include the black cabbage flan with gorgonzola sauce, the various tortelli options, and the pasta with shrimp.
The prices here are very fair for the outstanding quality of food and the place is easy to find. You shouldn’t miss it when visiting Parma!
12. Ristorante La Forchetta
Borgo S. Biagio, 6/D, 43121 Parma PR, Italy
Ristorante La Forchetta is a warm, old-world restaurant in Parma that offers classic seafood dishes, raw specialties, tempting desserts, and an impressive wine selection.
The menu focuses on seafood, with excellent plates like octopus with potatoes and pea purée, and black ravioli stuffed with shrimp. The fish they serve is very fresh and the cooking is superb, supported by a friendly and accommodating staff.
When it comes to food, La Forchetta is truly one of the top restaurants in Parma. There’s also a huge wine list and a range of well-crafted cocktails.
While the dishes are to die for, the charming, intimate ambiance is the real highlight here! This resto fills up quickly, so making a reservation is wise.
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