Where to eat in the Parma Apennines: the 18 best restaurants

A territory to discover by car, motorcycle, camper, or e-bike while enjoying pristine forests and landscapes, ancient villages, historic castles, and spa resorts. It's an area that also offers a lot from a food and wine point of view, with the fine wines of the Colli di Parma DOC, the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano, the legendary PDO Prosciutto di Parma ham, and the Felino IGP salami. During this time of year, nature is generous with gifts: chestnuts, mushrooms, and truffles. Here are the top 18 addresses, including one rated Tre Gamberi in the Ristoranti d’Italia 2024 guide.

Where to eat in Bedonia

L'Osteria di Alpe

Trattoria. Corinne Cavalli is the owner and chef of this delightful establishment, situated in a beautiful panoramic position overlooking the mountains. The house specialties include dishes of mushrooms and snails, a delight for connoisseurs. For starters, there are cold cuts, fried gnocco, and savoury pies. Then, lasagna with porcini, herb-filled tortelli, escargot à la bourguignonne, and oven-roasted veal belly. To finish, apple pie and the inevitable tiramisu. Fresh pasta and desserts are homemade. There's also a selection of good bottles available to accompany the meal.

L’Osteria di Alpe – località Alpe, 112 – 0525 88125 - osteriadialpe.it

Where to eat in Berceto

Manubiola

Trattoria. It's advisable to book in advance, especially on weekends. Just a few kilometres from the highway exit, set in a lush environment, the place welcomes guests with warmth and an ambience that encourages conviviality. At the table, it's a triumph of truffles and mushrooms, especially porcini, offered in many ways: fried, sautéed, grilled, used to dress pasta or crepes, or layered in lasagna, even enhancing a tender beef fillet, and surprisingly, even as a dessert with an innovative porcini mushroom gelato. The menu also includes other excellent options.

Manubiola – frazione Bergotto località Fontanelle, 78 – 0525 64511 – Facebook

Where to eat in Borgo Val di Taro

Vecchio Borgo

Trattoria. Cristiano Cozzani (front of house) and Maria Tomoiaga (in the kitchen) are the two young and passionate owners of this reputable establishment in the town centre, known primarily for its production of porcini mushrooms, celebrated in an interesting dedicated museum. The menu is relies on cornerstones of the Parma gastronomic tradition: cured meats, homemade fresh pasta, truffles, meat dishes (such as stuffed veal tenderloin or roasted duck leg), game, and, of course, mushrooms. A delightful surprise is the wine list, lovingly curated by Cristiano.

Vecchio Borgo – via Cassio, 14 – 0525 99503 – Facebook

Where to eat in Calestano

Locanda Mariella

Trattoria. Awarded Three Shrimp in the Ristoranti d’Italia 2024 guide, this restaurant is a 1960s establishment founded by Mariella Gennari's family, now managed by Mariella and her husband, Guido Cerioni. A small team, driven by the philosophy of sustainability, respect for food, and the quality of ingredients, leads the kitchen, focusing on seasonal and market-fresh produce. There are three tasting menus available, requiring advance booking of at least 24 hours: fish, land, and tradition. As for wines, Guido relies on his expertise to recommend labels to customers based on their preferences.

Locanda Mariella – frazione Fragnolo località Fragno, 59 – 0525 52102 - locandamariella.it

Where to eat in Collecchio

Bistrot Il Cerchio

Bistro. Roberto Pongolini, a well-known figure in the Parma restaurant scene, leads this establishment alongside his wife, Paola. Modern in its decor, it is also modern in its offerings, ranging from Pandirò (gourmet pizzas with long fermentation cooked at low temperature, devised by Roberto himself) to playful options such as spiced venison cubes in corn tacos, smoked sauce, and tangy vegetables or giant spiral-shaped pasta with anchovy butter sauce and fermented black garlic, or even snails served on a creamy potato velouté.

Bistrot Il Cerchio – via O. Grassi, 21 – 0521 800457 – bistrotilcerchio.it

Where to eat in Corniglio

Da Berto

Trattoria. A few kilometres from the centre of Corniglio, in what is called the “Borgo degli Artisti” (Artists' Village), lies an enclave of warm hospitality and good cuisine. Dishes filled with flavour and substance: cheeses, cured meats, and salumi for starters, followed by garganelli with Parmigiano and saffron cream, potato tortelli with mushrooms, oven-roasted veal loin, venison stew, and suckling pig shank. Homemade desserts complete the meal, ranging from ricotta cake to milk cream with raspberry sauce. The wine selection is well balanced to complement the menu. Don't forget to make a reservation.

Da Berto – frazione Mossale Inferiore strada Lagosanto, 23 – 0521 889120 – Facebook

Cover photo is of trattoria Da Berto

Where to eat in Felino

Osteria della Stazione

Trattoria. We are in the “homeland” of Felino IGP salami, an excellence of the Parma region, famous internationally. If you find yourself in the area, take note of this welcoming establishment, which doesn't disappoint those seeking good food without burdening the wallet. To start, there's fried salami with Lambrusco, cod with turnip puree, the inevitable assortment of cured meats, followed by the “bomba di riso'” with sausage and mushrooms, “anolini” in capon broth, stuffed veal loin, and roasted duck leg. Homemade desserts and a wide selection of wines complete the experience.

Osteria della Stazione – via Calestano, 14 – 0521 831125 - osteriastazionefelino.it

Where to eat in Fornovo di Taro

La Maison

Restaurant. Conveniently accessible from the A15 highway exit, this charming spot combines a comfortable atmosphere with well-executed traditional cuisine. Guests are seated in rooms with exposed beams and stone walls, providing the perfect setting to savor fried bread with cured meats, well-aged Parmigiano, gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese fondue and truffle, mushroom tagliatelle, duck breast with homemade mustard, and beef tagliata. Bread, focaccia, breadsticks, fresh pasta, gelato, and desserts are all homemade. The wine selection is equally impressive.

La Maison – piazza del Mercato, 5 – 0525 2691 – Facebook

Where to eat in Langhirano

Masticabrodo

Restaurant. In the land of prosciutto, where a museum dedicated to it is housed in the former Foro Boario, here is an address you can rely on for enjoying traditional cuisine at its best. The journey begins with an array of cured meats, including the notable Felino IGP salami and Parma ham. It continues with anolini in broth, pumpkin tortelli, tagliatelle with rabbit ragù, stuffed veal loin, and the “Rosellina del Pilastro” (pork fillet stuffed with Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham). The homemade desserts leave a lasting impression. The wine list is more than satisfying.

Masticabrodo – frazione Pilastro strada provinciale per Torrechiara, 45/A – 0521 1522999 – masticabrodo.com

Where to eat in Lesignano de’ Bagni

Trattoria Capelli

Trattoria. The small village of Rivalta is home to the Rural movement, a symbol of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, and Trattoria Capelli precisely follows this philosophy. In the rustic-style establishment, featuring exposed beams and a fireplace lit during winter, they follow a traditional gastronomic path. The opening is entrusted to Parmigiano cheese and house-aged cured meats or fried polenta. Then, there are tagliatelle with pheasant ragù, green tortelli with ricotta and cooked shoulder meat, braised beef with vegetables, and wild boar cacciatore. During truffle season, there's a dedicated menu. Each homemade dessert is as delicious as the next.

Trattoria Capelli – frazione Rivalta via Fossola, 10 – 0521 350122 - trattoriacapelli.com

Where to eat in Medesano

Da Anna

Trattoria. Little formality and lots of substance characterise this family-friendly establishment, complete with a bar, outdoor seating, and parking. At the table, it's a celebration of authentic flavours. Among the highlights are the fried bread (locally called “bonbonbèn”) served with various accompaniments, the warm cooked shoulder, the legendary cappelletti in three-meat broth, so good that one would gladly have seconds, herb-filled tortelli, flavorful tripe, and pork ribs. In the cellar, there's proper space dedicated to local wineries, but if preferred, the house wine isn't bad at all.

Da Anna – strada Cornaccina, 32 – 329 2848788 – trattoria-da-anna-restaurant.business.site

Where to eat in Monchio delle Corti

Da Rita

Trattoria. At around a thousand metres above sea level, in an unspoiled landscape in the heart of the Hundred Lakes Park, a small characteristic village hosts this inn's table, where guests are warmly welcomed. The culinary offering is based on genuine ingredients, mostly sourced locally, the result of meticulous research and a lot of passion. Seasonality determines the menu, with fresh pasta and homemade desserts being mainstays, along with mushrooms and local meats (particularly Corniglio lamb). If you decide to stay overnight, a superb breakfast awaits you in the morning.

Da Rita – frazione Valditacca via Borgo di Mezzo, 1 – 0521 899003 – albergodarita.it

Where to eat in Montechiarugolo

Trattoria Tripoli

Trattoria. Just a few minutes from the centre of Montechiarugolo, worth a visit itself, is a long-standing establishment run by the same family for three generations. At the table, you'll find dishes from the classic repertoire of Parma's tradition, starting with the inevitable cured meats accompanied by fried bread and fried polenta. Among the fresh pasta dishes, there are potato tortelli with mushroom sauce and anolini in broth, followed by tripe Parma style, veal meatballs, and a delicious version of zuppa inglese. There's a good selection of wines in the cellar.

Trattoria Tripoli – frazione Basilicagoiano via Morzola, 22 – 0521 658236 – trattoria-tripoli.it

Where to eat in Noceto

Lo Scoiattolo

Trattoria. A few kilometres from Noceto, in a delightful little village waiting to be discovered, is this classic family-run establishment, complete with a bar and rustic rooms featuring a fireplace where patrons sit down to eat. On the menu are traditional dishes, such as the inevitable fried bread with assorted cured meats, bomba di riso (rice bomb), wholemeal polenta, mushroom crepes, and beef stew with vegetables. Game dishes are frequently available. The wine selection, usually expressed verbally, focuses mainly on local wineries.

Lo Scoiattolo – località Costa Mezzana via Costa Pavesi, 30 – 0521 629123 

Where to eat in Sala Baganza

Osteria da Fiore

Trattoria. For over thirty years, this place has been going strong, thanks to a consistently high quality that attracts patrons from all over. The journey begins with the inevitable cured meats or shards of well-aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Then, if there are two of you, it's worth sharing the savarin di riso (rice savarin), otherwise, there's plenty of space for many fresh pasta dishes. As for the main courses, the undisputed star is the grill, where succulent meats are cooked to perfection, or perhaps a tender pork cheek. The wine list includes regional and national selections at fair prices.

Osteria da Fiore – viale Vittorio Emanuele II, 50 – 0521 833169 – osteriafiore.it

Where to eat in Salsomaggiore Terme

Trattoria Ceriati

Trattoria. The town of Salsomaggiore is a highly appreciated spa centre, but when it comes to dining, there aren't many suitable places. This simple family-run establishment in a green setting caters to the discerning palate and is a dependable choice. The gastronomic offering focuses on local specialties, including a mix of cured meats and sliced meats with fried bread, polenta, hand-rolled fresh pasta, mushrooms, and truffles in season. The drinks are good, and they also have their own bed and breakfast.

Trattoria Ceriati – località Cangelasio Ceriati, 18 – 0524 573654 - Facebook

Where to eat in Valmozzola

Osteria La Baccana

Trattoria. Set in a panoramic and tranquil location, the place offers convenient parking, a pleasant portico for the warm season, but above all, a welcoming and informal atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease. The table showcases the traditional cuisine of Parma, with a repertoire that is well-known but executed with expertise. To start, the “usual” cured meats with fried bread, a delightful prelude to homemade pasta dishes like porcini mushroom tagliatelle and potato-filled tortelli. Satisfaction continues with flavoursome dishes such as tripe and wild boar with polenta. Reservations are recommended.

Osteria La Baccana – frazione Ossella, 8 – 338 1031268 – Facebook

Where to eat in Varano de’ Melegari

Giorgione’s all’Albergo della Roccia

Bistro. Attached to the hotel but with a life entirely of its own, this is a modern, tasteful place with a menu that caters to various needs, from a mid-afternoonsnack to a full meal. Among the tempting menu offerings, apart from cured meats, there's Paolo Parisi's eggs, delightful fried specialties, handcrafted pasta, perfectly cooked grilled meats, a succulent hamburgers, and the supreme chicken with aromatic herbs. Alternatively, there are pizzas made from long-fermented dough. Homemade gelato and desserts are also available. The wine selection is commendable. The attention given to young guests is praiseworthy.

Giorgione’s all’Albergo della Roccia – via Martiri della Libertà, 2 – 0525 1783178 – giorgiones.com