Emilia-Romagna is prime territory if you are a foodie traveling in Italy.
Chances are that you are spending a good amount of time chowing down on some of Italy’s most famous foods such as lasagne, tagliatelle, tortellini, prosciutto and the king of all cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano.
And what better way to keep your experience alive upon your return home than some food souvenirs? Emilia-Romagna’s choices are endless!
Let’s take a look at my favorite food souvenirs to bring back from Emilia-Romagna. Whether you’re in Bologna, Modena, Parma, Reggio or cruising the coastline, there is something for you.
I’ve also included where to buy each food souvenir, what each is best for and what to avoid bringing home due to foreign restrictions.
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Where To Buy Food Souvenirs in Bologna, Modena, Parma and Reggio
Because Emilia-Romagna has so many regional culinary traditions and DOP products (foods of top quality), it’s easy to find excellent food souvenirs no matter where you are.
Even the smallest towns are likely to have a mom and pop grocery store with local food products.
And never underestimate the power of a grocery store for last minute food gifts. Most grocery stores in Italy stock regional food products catering to local traditions.
Look for food souvenirs at the following stores in Emilia-Romagna:
- Enoteca – wine shop
- Supermercati – grocery stores
- Torrefazione – sweets/coffee store
- Mercato – open air markets
- Fruttivendolo or ortolano – fruit & vegetable shop (many carry preserved goods as well)
- Pizzicheria – deli
- Caseificio or negozio di formaggio – where cheese is produced but often sold as well/cheese shop
- Pastificio – pasta shop (they may stock dried pasta too)
10+ Food Souvenirs from Emilia-Romagna
Mostarda di Frutta
Where To Buy It: Modena or Tamburini in Via Caprarie, 1, Bologna
Mostarda di frutta is a sweet mustard condiment made from candied fruits and mustard perfect for pairing with charcuterie and cheeses back home. Its unique flavor makes it a standout gift paired with some parmesan cheese.
Sassolino di Modena
Where To Buy It: Modena or Tamburini in Via Caprarie, 1, Bologna
A traditional anise-flavored liqueur, Sassolino di Modena is beloved by locals for its distinct taste and aromatic qualities. This is my top pick for people who like liquors or digestifs.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Where To Buy It: Mercato Albinelli in Modena or directly from the producers at I Sapori delle Vacche Rosse in Via Giambattista Vico -loc. Cella Reggio Emilia
Renowned worldwide, Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard aged cheese with a rich, nutty flavor perfect for grating over pasta or enjoying in chunks with cocktails at aperitivo time. Be sure to get it vacuum packed or it won’t be allowed into most countries.
Tip: Although more expensive, it’s worth investing in the aged parmesan, at least 24 months and up to 48 for the best flavor profile.
Bensone
Where To Buy It: Small food shops and bakeries in Modena
A classic Modenese cake, Bensone is a simple yet delicious dessert, often enjoyed with coffee or wine. xx Its long shelf life makes it an ideal treat to bring back home as a souvenir or gift for all of you travelers with a sweet tooth.
Vermouth
Where To Buy It: Modena
One of the best food gifts I have ever gotten from Modena was this artisanal vermouth by Giuseppe Giusti. The packaging is fabulous and the product is very tasty. Use it to make classic Italian cocktails or enjoy it as is for an aperitif, Italian style!
Lambrusco
Where To Buy It: Enoteca Ducale in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 15, Modena
Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine, known for its fruity and refreshing fizz, great for wine lovers. Unlike prosecco, Lambrusco is harder to find overseas, making it a more unique food souvenir from Emilia-Romagna.
Balsamic Vinegar
Where To Buy It: Ideally from a food tour or small shop. The best will come directly from the producers themselves.
Authentic Balsamic Vinegar from Modena is a precious souvenir known for its rich and complex flavor developed over years of aging, up to 25 years! It’s quite pricey and a little goes a long way so all you really need is a couple of drops. Try it on gelato, fruit or with cheese.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Where To Buy It: Alimentari throughout all of Emilia-Romagna
You can buy olive oil in all 20 regions of Italy but why not get the freshest and most local type while visiting this rich food region? Emilia-Romagna is famous for their oil that is low in acidity from the hilly valleys of the Tosco-Romagnolo mountains. Just check the label to be sure it’s not coming from somewhere else.
More On Oil: Get the lowdown on all things olive oil in Italy in
15 Best Italian Olive Oils – To Enjoy in Italy & Bring Home as a Souvenir
Olive Oil Health Benefits – According to Italian Nonne (Grandmothers)
How Italians Cook with Olive Oil
How to Store Olive Oil
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Vegetable Oil?
Nocino
Where To Buy It: Scaramagli Str. Maggiore, 104b, Bologna or in Modena
Nocino is a walnut liqueur or digestivo from Emilia-Romagna with rich, nutty taste. It’s a wonderful food souvenir that showcases the region’s artisanal spirit-making traditions.
Fabbri Amarena Cherries
Where To Buy It: Supermarkets throughout Emilia-Romagna
Amarena wild cherries from Emilia-Romagna are preserved in syrup, making them great for baking traditional Italian desserts when you get home.
Tagliatelle Pasta
Where To Buy It: Any small shop or grocery store
Handmade dried tagliatelle pasta is a staple of Emilia-Romagna cuisine. Its perfect texture makes it ideal for hearty sauces. Keep in mind that you cannot bring back fresh pasta so seek out dried varieties for your suitcase.
Cervia Salt
Where To Buy It: Cervia (South of Ravenna)
Harvested from the ancient salt pans of Cervia this artisanal sea salt is known for its purity and delicate flavor. It’s a gourmet addition to any Italian foodie visiting this region.
Pasta Making Tools
Where To Buy It: Aguzzeria del Cavallo in Via Drapperie, 12b, Bologna
Traditional pasta making tools, such as rolling pins, pasta cutters, stamps or wire presses make excellent souvenirs or gifts for home cooks. They offer a hands-on way to recreate some of Emilia-Romagna’s most authentic pasta dishes xx when you return home.
Majani Candies
Where To Buy It: Drogheria della Pioggia in Via de’ Falegnami, Bologna
Majani, one of Italy’s oldest chocolate makers, makes exquisite candies and chocolates. Their unique flavors and elegant packaging make them perfect gifts to bring back from Emilia-Romagna.
Artusi Cookbook
Where To Buy It: Any bookshop throughout Emilia-Romagna. For an English copy, shop in Bologna
The “Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well” is one of Italy’s most important cookbooks written by Pellegrino Artusi who is from Romagna. You can find English copies in larger bookshops but I think it’s fun to get a copy in the original language as a food souvenir from Emilia-Romagna. It provides a deep dive into traditional Italian cuisine with extensive information on traditional Italian ingredients.
More Cookbooks: If you love Italian cooking, don’t miss my favorites in My Favorite Italian Cookbooks For Beginner Cooks and Best Italian Cookbooks to Gift.
Food Items You Cannot Bring Home From Emilia-Romagna
Some of Emilia-Romagna’s best food items cannot, unfortunately, be brought home as food souvenirs and gifts. This is because the ingredients in them are fresh or include meat.
Double check with customs of your country of residency but as a general rule of thumb, the following food items should be enjoyed on your trip and left behind:
- Tortellini stuffed pasta – any variety
- Fresh pasta – including lasagna sheets or tagliatelle
- Cured meats – any kind, including the famous prosciutto di parma.
- Fresh cheese – cheese that isn’t aged and vacuum packed such as ricotta.
- Sausages – cured sausage varieties
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
Gifts and Souvenirs: Be sure to check out all of my gift guides and souvenir guides!
Curious to learn what else you should bring back from other cities and regions in Italy?
Find the best souvenirs and gifts from Amalfi Coast – Cinque Terre – Dolomites – Emilia-Romagna – Florence – Milan – Naples – Piedmont – Puglia – Rome – Sardinia – Sicily – Tuscany – Umbria – Veneto – Venice.
Or, check out my Condensed Region-by-Region Guide.
