Visit the home of Parmesan cheese in Parma, Italy

Say cheese, we’re in Parma, the birthplace of Parmesan! 

If you thought Italy was all about leaning towers and gladiators, think again and loosen your belts. 

We’re diving fork-first into Emilia-Romagna’s not-so-secret gastronomic gem. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Eloi_Omella. Image Location: Italy

Where is Parma, Italy? 

Parma is tucked away in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, famous for its culinary delights. Think of it as Italy’s “flavor town”, where Parmesan cheese and Prosciutto reign supreme. 

What to try in Parma 

Parma is a cheese-lover’s paradise; but, hey, it’s not all about cheese (though, let’s be real, Parmesan is a big deal here). 

• Parmigiano-Reggiano. Obviously! It’s like the rockstar of cheeses, aged to perfection. 
• Prosciutto di Parma. The king of cured meats, silky and savory. 
• Tortelli d'erbetta. These little pasta pillows stuffed with ricotta and greens will be popping up in your sweetest dreams for quite a while. 
• Culatello. Think of it as Prosciutto’s posh cousin, a cured meat that’s all about flavor and finesse. 
• Focaccia di Recco. Dive into this cheesy, crispy flatbread and thank us later.

Image Credit: Getty Images, THEPALMER. Image Location: Italy

Parma cheese factories: where magic happens 

Ever wondered how Parmesan transforms from milk to magnificence? Parma’s cheese factories are like Hogwarts for cheese fans. These tours are your golden ticket to the behind-the-scenes action of cheesemaking. Spoiler: a tour ends with a cheese-tasting that’ll make you want to move to Parma. Seriously. 

The best restaurants in Parma, Italy 

Here are three top-notch restaurants in Parma that are a must-visit for any food lover: 

1. Trattoria del Tribunale. You can’t miss their celebrated Parmigiano-Reggiano, mouthwatering Prosciutto di Parma, and selection of regional wines. It’s a place that captures the soul of Parma on a plate and in a glass.
2. Osteria dello Zingaro. Calling all pasta lovers! Indulge in their divine Tortelli d'erbetta, a dish that’s so good it might just make you consider setting up camp right at the entrance, so you won’t have to go far.
3. Ristorante La Greppia. The go-to spot for those looking for a gourmet take on Parma’s culinary treasures. Their exquisite Culatello di Zibello is nothing short of a culinary work of art, and their house risotto tastes like it’s whipped up by a grandma who loves you more than anything in the world. 

Parmesan in Parma vs. Olive Garden: a brutally honest review 

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Olive Garden. It’s like comparing a symphony orchestra to your nephew’s recorded concert. Enjoying Parmesan in Parma is the real deal, an experience so authentic it makes Olive Garden’s version look like, well, child’s play. No offense, Olive Garden, you do you. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, kolderal. Image Location: Parma, Italy

What to see in Parma 

Okay, so you’ve eaten your body weight in cheese and pasta. Now what? Parma isn’t just a one-trick pony; there’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve munching. Check out the Parma Cathedral, get artsy at the National Gallery, or pretend you’re an opera buff at the Teatro Regio. 

Fancy some hidden gems? First stop: the Governor’s Palace at Piazza Garibaldi, where you’ll find the “Parmesan brick”. It's not for building a cheese fort; it was like an ancient yardstick, used as a unit of measurement for parmesan makers. 

For a dash of the mysterious, sneak a peek at Niccolò Paganini's tomb—the violin legend who rocked the afterlife. Finally, don your explorer hat for the Gallery delle Fontane, an underground journey into Parma’s watery past. Just a heads up—it’s not for the claustrophobic, it costs $11 per person, and you have to arrange the tour beforehand by writing to info@archeovea.it. 

Pro tip. Want to know Parma like a local? Chat with the folks at the markets, ask your waiter for secret menu tips, or just get lost (literally, it’s fun) in the city. You’ll find gems that no guidebook will tell you about; because in Parma, the best stories are found off the beaten path. 

There you have it—Parma in all its cheesy (and wine-y) glory. Dive into the Trainline app today to book your tickets and explore nearby Italian towns, such as Bologna, Modena, Verona, and more destinations around Italy. 

And remember, what happens in Parma, stays in Parma... except for the extra pounds, those might come back with you. Happy travels!  

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alberto Ghizzi Panizza. Image Location: Castello di Torrechiara, Parma, Italy