Piacenza’s cuisine is one of the richest in Emilia, yet it stays little known beyond the province. It’s made of bold flavours, memorable first courses and cured meats that have earned PDO status. Here’s what not to miss during your stay.
The first courses
The signature dish is pisarei e fasò: small bread-and-flour dumplings served with a borlotti bean sauce. Simple and hearty, they tell the story of the area’s peasant cooking. Also try the tortelli con la coda, filled with ricotta and spinach and sealed with the characteristic braided fold, and the anolini in brodo, perfect on cold days.
The three PDO cured meats
Piacenza is the only Italian province with three cured meats holding Protected Designation of Origin status: coppa, pancetta and salame piacentino. A mixed board, perhaps with a glass of local wine, is the best way to start a meal or enjoy an aperitivo.
The Piacenza hill wines
The hills around the city produce typical wines such as Gutturnio (red, often sparkling) and Ortrugo (white). They’re the ideal companions to the local cured meats and first courses: always ask for the house wine — it’s usually a safe choice.
Where to eat near the apartment
The historic centre is full of traditional trattorias, pizzerias and places for every taste, nearly all within walking distance. For traditional Piacenza cooking, head to the central osterias; for a casual evening, there are excellent pizzerias a few minutes away. You’ll find a selection of recommended addresses, with distances and a map, on the neighbourhood page — very handy for planning dinners without a second thought.
Eating well, here, is part of the experience. And with a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal, you can even take market produce home and cook it yourself.