Exploring the Culinary Treasures of Emilia Romagna

Introduction

If you are considering a wine and food tour through Italy, be sure not to overlook Emilia Romagna. This region is renowned for its outstanding gastronomy—so much so that even Italians, who are famously passionate about food, often agree that Emilia Romagna boasts the country’s finest cuisine. The cities boost some of the best corridors in the country as well.

A Culinary Journey Across Emilia Romagna

A couple of years ago I spent a month immersing myself in the delights of this region, travelling from Zibello to Parma, Reggio Emilia to Modena, through Bologna, and across to Ravenna. Each stop offered a unique taste of the local cuisine and an insight into the region’s rich culinary traditions.

Bologna: Foodie Heaven

Bologna is often referred to as the culinary capital of Italy, and for good reason. The city is a paradise for food lovers, with nearly every second business connected to food in some way. Wander through the colourful market district on Via Clavatura in the Quadrilatero district, and you’ll encounter vibrant food stalls, small pasta shops, bustling vegetable markets, fishmongers, and delicatessens showcasing the cured meats and cheeses of the Po Valley. This is the perfect place to sample local street food, relax in a laneway with a glass of Pignoletto, and observe locals animatedly discussing their favourite topic: food.

Cheese of Bologna

Another must-visit is the Mercato delle Erbe, which offers a dynamic experience—serving as a daytime farmers market and transforming into a bustling food court at night.

Mercato Erb'e Bologna

For further inspiration, consider watching Rick Stein’s show “Long Weekends” on SBS. The episode featuring Bologna beautifully captures the essence of the city’s food culture and echoes my own experiences there.

Beyond Bologna: Eataly World

Just outside Bologna lies Eataly World, the world’s largest Agri-Food park. This sprawling 22-hectare site features 40 farm factories, 45 restaurants, street food kiosks, and producers representing every type of Italian food and wine. While locals may not hold it in high regard, Eataly World is an excellent option if your time is limited and you’re not able to join a tour into the countryside to visit traditional producers.

Parma: The Home of Elegance and Aperitivo

Parma was a highlight of my journey. The city exudes elegance and is famed for its remarkable local food products, including Parmigiano Reggiano—the “king of cheeses”—and Culatello prosciutto, both produced in the valleys surrounding the city. Experiencing Aperitivo Time in Parma is a must; many bars offer affordable and delicious street food as part of their aperitivo menus, making it a delightful way to start the evening. To truly appreciate Parma and the surrounding Food Valley, plan to spend at least two days in the area.

Modena: The Balsamic Vinegar Experience

No visit to Modena is complete without tasting its signature product: traditional Modena Balsamic Vinegar. This exquisite condiment, made from cooked grape must and aged for over twelve years in wooden barrels, defines the city’s culinary identity. Many local farms offer guided tours of their vinegar cellars by appointment, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and taste this remarkable product. For those interested in other aspects of Modena, the Ferrari Museum at Maranello is just 15 kilometers away. Most farmhouses are 3 levels, ground floor for the livestock when it gets cold, 1st floor, where the family live, then the loft level where maturation of the balsamic vinegar matures in 3 different sized wooden casks.

Balsamic maturation

Cheeses of Emilia-Romagna

Among the region’s celebrated cheeses is Squacquerone di Romagna, which originates from Ravenna. This cheese is especially renowned for its soft, gooey texture that distinguishes it from other Italian cheeses. Squacquerone di Romagna reflects the rich dairy traditions of Emilia-Romagna and is highly prized in local cuisine, often enjoyed with fresh bread or as part of traditional dishes.