It’s no secret that Italy is home to some of the best food and wine in the world. While I love better-known spots such as Rome, Florence and Sicily (I could happily spend the rest of my eating days anywhere in Italy, to be honest), my favourite region for food, natural wines and all-around memorable experiences is Emilia-Romagna.
It’s arguably Italy’s most underrated culinary destination. Known as the birthplace of iconic staples like Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar, this region is a treasure trove of authentic flavours and age-old traditions.
In the summer of 2024, I spent almost three weeks outside Parma city, visiting Bologna, Modena and various smaller towns and villages throughout the region in my never-ending quest to eat and drink the best of what Emilia-Romagna had to offer.
As always, chatting with locals

Home » Emilia-Romagna: Italy’s Best Kept Food Secret by Sarah Clayton-Lea