“Italy’s Culinary Treasures in Emilia Romagna: A Foodie’s Guide
The world celebrates Italy’s culinary scene, where the best experiences often begin and end at the dining table. Whether it’s indulging in provincial pasta varieties and southern seafood feasts or savoring wood-fired pizzas and hearty northern mountain cuisine, the results are consistently mouthwatering. In Emilia Romagna, arguably the birthplace of Italy’s culinary traditions, this rings particularly true. Combining magnificent architecture and serene countryside with an epicurean adventure here is effortlessly delightful.
If you’ve already relished Naples’ fantastic pizzas, explored the best street food in Rome, and delighted in Sicily’s delicious dishes, it’s time to delve into Emilia Romagna’s gastronomic wonders. Below, we present fastice dishes, intriguing food tours, and renowned local products to discover as you explore Emilia Romagna, or as I like to call it: the homeland of food.
Always Ragù, Never Bolognese
While Bolognese sauce is well-known worldwide, it’s crucial to understand that we often get it wrong, and not just in terms of its name! In Emilia Romagna, it’s never called Bolognese – it’s always Ragù. Ragù is a richer and thicker sauce, with more meat and additional ingredients like carrots and celery. This culinary gem dates back to the 18th century and is typically served on Tagliatelle. It’s a far cry from the ‘spag bol’ commonly enjoyed in Britain. While Tortellini, a stuffed and circular pasta, also hails from Emilia Romagna, it’s best paired with different ingredients than Ragù. Stick to Tagliatelle or even lasagna to let the sauce truly shine.
Olive Oil Tasting: The New Wine Tasting
Italian olive oil is a staple in kitchens worldwide, but did you know that some olives used for Italian olive oil are grown in Spain due to the high demand? When in Emilia Romagna, embark on an olive oil tasting tour. One of the dreamiest places to do this is in the charming village of Brisighella. Renowned for its unique olive fruit variety, locally produced in a favorable climate, the village’s small stores are happy to educate you about the facts and offer samples of its unique flavors. Olive oil tasting can be an art, with various hues, spices, and bitter notes. Some prefer to sample it directly from their hands and then sniff their skin to act as a neutralizer. Many experts advise against using bread for tasting, as it can mask the oil’s true flavors.
Tour the Cheese Factories of Parmigiano Reggiano
If you’re a cheese lover, visiting the cheese factories in Emilia Romagna, especially around the Modena and Parma regions, is a must-do foodie activity. Parmigiano Reggiano is a protected name, exclusively designated for this type of cheese produced in this region. You can witness the cheese-making process, from soaking and production to setting and storage. The cheese storerooms are a sight to behold, with rows of cheese wheels – perfect for a photo opportunity. Traditional Parmigiano Reggiano production often starts early in the morning, so consider booking an early morning tour to experience the full process.
Taste the Country at FICO Eataly World
FICO, a foodie theme park in Emilia Romagna, is a must-visit for those passionate about Italian cuisine. Located just a short bus ride or drive from Bologna, FICO offers a vast complex of buildings, farmland, factories, and classrooms. You can literally eat your way around Italy, with numerous stands at the giant food market offering all the Italian culinary goodness you could dream of. You can explore small production rooms to witness how various items are made. The park also provides classes, wine tastings, gelato workshops, and more, allowing you to fulfill your Italian foodie fantasies. To give you an idea of FICO’s size, you can even rent small bikes to get around the park.
Enjoy “Parma Ham” at Its Birthplace
Prosciutto di Parma, or Parma Ham, is a familiar favorite for charcuterie enthusiasts. However, did you know that it originates from Emilia Romagna? To savor this delicate, thinly sliced and cured meat at its source, head to Emilia Romagna’s second city, Parma. Here, you’ll find numerous shops showcasing this premium cut. While you can join guided city tours that include tastings and visits to producers, you can also explore Parma’s Old Town and indulge in samplings from the city’s prosciutterias.
Sip and Savor Lambrusco Wine
Lambrusco wine, typically a lightly sparkling and ruby red wine, is crafted from Lambrusco grapes grown in Emilia Romagna and Lombardy. The primary regions for Lambrusco wine production are Parma, Reggio-Emilia, and Modena. To sample Lambrusco wine at its roots, consider visiting vineyards in these areas.
Discover the Art of Modena Balsamic Vinegar
True Balsamic vinegar also hails from Emilia Romagna, and Modena holds the protected designation of origin (PDO) for its Balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar tasting is a popular activity in this region, with some traditional vinegar aged for up to 50 years. You can visit the oldest producer of Modena Balsamic Vinegar, such as Giusti, and take a tour of their estate. Giusti, a family-owned business since the 17th century, offers insights into the various stages of vinegar production and aging, which are similar to the processes used for wines. Older vinegar is thicker and sweeter, making it an unexpected yet delightful topping for ice cream. Lunch at the Giusti restaurant, which features various types of Modena Balsamic Vinegar paired with local foods, is an extraordinary experience.
Savor Raw ‘Crudo’ Fish
In the seaside city of Rimini, you can relish Pesce Crudo, or raw fish, a unique delicacy. For years, fishermen in this region have been enjoying raw fish, marinated with lemon or other seasonings, often served al fresco with a refreshing sea breeze. When in Emilia Romagna, don’t miss out on the chance to sample Crudo, a culinary experience distinct from Ceviche or Sashimi.
Indulge in Aperitivo Hour
Aperitivo hour is a cherished tradition across northern Italy. As the day winds down, it’s a perfect way to unwind. Around 6 pm onwards, friends, families, couples, and strangers gather to enjoy a delightful cocktail, whether it’s an Aperol Spritz, Negroni, or another Italian classic. Aperitivo typically includes food, which can range from finger foods to a full buffet. Piazza Maggiore in Emilia Romagna is a wonderful place to partake in this time-honored tradition.
Enjoy a Bottle of Barbarossa Wine
The Barbarossa grape, originally from France and the Liguria region of Italy, has been grown in Emilia Romagna for some time. This fruity red or rosé wine pairs beautifully with the gastronomic delights you’ll encounter throughout the region.
Embark on a Gelato Tour
A gelato tour is a delightful experience in the charming city of Bologna. While I couldn’t join an official gelato tour, I had a great time creating my own. The official Gelato Tours of Bologna come highly recommended. According to my friend Rachelle, the guided city walk includes tasting multiple flavors, fascinating historical insights, and of course, plenty of gelato enjoyment. From modern gelato shops with innovative flavors to the oldest gelato store in Bologna, this is the perfect way to tantalize your taste buds in the beautiful old city center.
Discover Culinary Gems and Savor €1 Pizza Slices
The streets of Bologna offer a world of culinary discoveries, both hidden and in plain sight. In Bologna, it’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal. Some of the best pizza I’ve ever had was from the streets of Bologna, where you can enjoy generous pizza slices at a more affordable price than fancy restaurants in Rome. Pizzeria Due Torri is a highly recommended spot, where you can savor large pizza slices with a stunning view of the city, right next to the two leaning towers. Bologna is dotted with small, family-run restaurants tucked away in side streets or residential areas. Although these eateries may not look like much from the outside, hidden culinary treasures await you down narrow staircases or behind unassuming doors. Menus are often seasonal and occasionally presented verbally. When you find a restaurant without an English menu and the server offers a handful of options, you’re in for a treat. Osteria dei Grifoni was one of my favorite discoveries.
Sample San Marino’s Cuisine
Emilia Romagna houses another country, San Marino, completely surrounded by Italy. This republic has its own culinary traditions and specialties, making it a must-visit destination when exploring the region.”
