09 December 2025
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The highly anticipated presentation of the MICHELIN Guide Italy 2026, scheduled for November 19 at the Teatro Regio in Parma, is therefore an excellent opportunity to explore arts, crafts, sites of historical interest, and the enjoyable regional venues recommended by the Michelin Man. In addition to the plethora of attractions in the local area, there are the precious cultural assets in the ancient capital of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, which has also been a university seat since the 11th century.
Route from Polesine to Parma
The journey to the Teatro Regio in Parma can begin by driving parallel to the great river where autumn shadows and mists, the stillness of the landscape, rural dwellings, and castles adorned with cascades of yellow leaves will reveal an atmospheric beginning. Starting from Polesine Parmense, the first point of interest highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide is the starred restaurant Antica Corte Pallavicina, located within a building constructed centuries ago to serve as a customs post on the Po River.
The Kingdom of Culatello
The ancient landing reserved for river travelers has been converted into a farm and charming lodging by the Spigaroli family. In addition to the gourmet venue and the excellent traditional osteria where you can taste anelini in broth and other Emilian delicacies, the establishment hosts the famous cellar dedicated to the aging of the most acclaimed culatello in the Bel Paese.
In the basement of the structure, each portion of this noble cured meat, produced following artisanal methods, is associated with a label bearing the name of its future owner. Among the various personalities who annually purchase culatello from Antica Corte Pallavicina are members of European royal families, Hollywood stars, and highly decorated chefs.
Massimo Spigaroli’s Great Gastro-Fluvial Cuisine
Part of the Teritoria collection and a temple to an unforgettable “gastro-fluvial” cuisine, Antica Corte Pallavicina is one of the treasures of Polesine. The venue ensures a unique experience from multiple perspectives. As recounted by Massimo Spigaroli, all the offerings at this one-star MICHELIN restaurant reflect the history and customs of the area: “This is a wetland zone with a special microclimate linked to the Po River where, for centuries, a cultural crossroads has developed, alongside a system of people and products that gave rise to a cuisine of great interest.”
The chef’s words are confirmed in dishes such as sturgeon terrine with its caviar and celery and green apple tartare, hen ravioli cooked in bladder accompanied by 12-year Parmigiano Reggiano fondue and culatello bottarga, as well as frog legs lightly sautéed with garlic and parsley, arranged on a sweet potato sauce with saffron notes. This last recipe is dedicated to the late chef and writer Anthony Bourdain.
A Day in Parma Between History, Art, and Monuments
Once in Parma, before dedicating yourself to starred dining and Bib Gourmand stops, art lovers can head to the Pilotta Monumental Complex. In the magnificent rooms of the building are housed the National Gallery, Teatro Farnese (a 17th-century masterpiece restored after World War II), the Palatina Library filled with precious manuscripts, and the National Archaeological Museum.
Additional attractions in the historic center include the Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral with a dome frescoed by Correggio and the adjacent Baptistery clad in pink marble and embellished with sculptures by Benedetto Antelami. To the above add the Ducal Park with its Italian gardens in the botanical garden dating back to the 17th century, and the Teatro Regio which, inaugurated on May 16, 1829 with the opera Zaira composed for the occasion by Vincenzo Bellini, is about to host the presentation of the MICHELIN Guide Italy 2026.
Inkiostro: A MICHELIN Star in Parma
Parma boasts eight establishments highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide, including the restaurant Inkiostro which has been awarded one star. Located on Via San Leonardo and skillfully led by Salvatore Morello, the kitchen of this chef of Calabrese origin “embraces various recipes and ingredients all characterized by refinement, style, originality, and high-quality products that, even when bordering on the exotic, always result in harmony with the individual dishes.”
The notes of the MICHELIN inspectors further emphasize a series of “memorable recipes” including white ray, Asian vegetables in brine, beans and ramen, and a 24-month Parmigiano dessert followed by delicious pastries.
The MICHELIN Guide in Parma
The sublime taverns of yesteryear and the contemporary cuisine venues of the ducal city compose a refined gastronomic mosaic. The culinary tour can begin at the Bib Gourmand I Tri Siocchèt located just outside the ring road. Emblematic of typical Emilian trattorias, this venue contains rooms with a welcoming and informal atmosphere while the offerings “celebrate Parmesan tradition through delicious dishes from torta fritta with cured meats to zabaglione made predominantly with local ingredients.”
Culinary Glories of the Parmesan Region
Another commendable trattoria is Parma Rotta (the name evokes the point where a stream once broke through its banks) where “the excellent cuisine is characterized by the most ancient cooking technique in the world based on wood fire and wild herbs.”
Not to be missed is also the restaurant Cocchi (book well in advance), defined by MICHELIN inspectors as a “civic glory” thanks to its collection of seasonal dishes such as perpetual spinach tortelli with Parmigiano Reggiano and melted butter, and the boiled meat trolley, accompanied by “a refined wine list.”
Another cult address about a quarter hour by car from central Parma is Trattoria ai Due Platani.
Trip to the Castles of the Duchy
After enjoying the acclaimed local gastronomy, the trip to the manor houses of the Duchy that include the castles of Parma, Piacenza, and Pontremoli ensures a fascinating blend of historical echoes and relaxing natural views.
Among the many visitable fortifications in the province of Parma, one of the most engaging is the Castle of Torrechiara built during the Renaissance. Of notable architectural interest is also the Rocca Sanvitale of Fontanellato, known for the fresco cycle by Parmigianino in the “Room of Diana.” The finely decorated Rocca Meli Lupi of Soragna instead incorporates an intricate maze, and further whispers of the past echo among the centuries-old walls of the ancient Castello di Scipione dei Marchesi Pallavicino.
Where to Stay in Parma According to MICHELIN Inspectors
The MICHELIN Hotel Guide recommends four hotels in Parma. Three of these (NH Parma, Sina Maria Luigia and Executive Spa Hotel) offer modern hospitality, while the Grand Hotel di Parma (formerly Park Hotel Pacchiosi), part of the Una Experiences portfolio, stands out as the most luxurious and carefully appointed residence in the city. Housed in a monumental 19th-century building, the address has historical connotations and spacious rooms of sophisticated elegance. The hotel adopts Neo-Renaissance furnishings and, as described by the inspectors, the rooms on the upper floors combine “enchanting skylights, retro aesthetics, and contemporary functionality.”
A Stay in History
For those staying at the Grand Hotel di Parma, surrounded by a hectare of park, it will also be interesting to discover the history of the building designed by Enrico Bovio at the beginning of the 20th century. Also known as Palazzo Vighi, the architectural complex located in the city’s oldest quarter was originally meant to house the “Royal Surgical Clinic.” The palazzo with linear façades extends over four floors, distinguished by a “comb-shaped” layout plan to enhance the spacious interiors whose large windows and spectacular barrel vaults rotate around the iconic central staircase.
Cover: Piazza Duomo, Parma
