Savoring Piacenza: A Food Lover’s Guide to the Best Local Restaurants and Dishes

Must-Try Traditional Dishes of Piacenza

Piacenza’s culinary identity is strongly anchored in its traditional dishes, many of which have humble origins reflective of the area’s rural past. The kitchen here pays homage to local ingredients like beans, pork, and seasonal fruits, turning them into unforgettable plates that tell the story of the land and its people.

One cannot visit Piacenza without sampling Pisarei e faso, a dish that is the culinary heart of the region. These are small gnocchi-like dumplings made from a dough of flour and breadcrumbs, served alongside a rich sauce of cannellini beans and tomatoes. The result is a comforting and hearty plate, satisfying to the last bite, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of local grated cheese.

An equally fascinating dish is Tortelli con la coda. Translated as “pasta with a tail,” this unique pasta shape is filled with a seasoned mixture of pumpkin, herbs, or local cheeses, then folded into a distinctive winged shape that resembles a tail. Served typically with melted butter and sage or a light tomato sauce, tortelli offers a playful yet indulgent taste of Piacenza’s creative pasta crafting.

Another quintessential product is Coppa Piacentina, a cured pork cold cut that proudly carries the PDO status. The pork shoulder is slowly dry-cured and aged to develop complex flavors, varying from sweet to slightly spicy. Enjoyed thinly sliced, Coppa Piacentina pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a glass of local red wine, embodying the region’s cured meat tradition with finesse.