Forlì Food Guide: Discovering Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Forlì, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy renowned for its rich culinary traditions. Situated in the heart of Italy's "Food Valley," Forlì is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian dishes. In this guide, we will explore the local cuisine, recommend some fantastic restaurants, and share a couple of traditional recipes for you to try at home.

Forlì's Local Dishes

Forlì offers a variety of unique and delicious dishes that showcase the region's culinary heritage. Let's dive into some must-try local specialties:

Piada

A typical street food of the region, piada is a thin, unleavened flatbread made from wheat flour, lard, water, and salt. It is traditionally cooked on a terracotta dish called "testo" and filled with various ingredients such as cured meats, cheese, and vegetables. The piada is folded and enjoyed warm. It is a perfect grab-and-go option while exploring Forlì.

Cappelletti

Cappelletti, also known as "little hats," are small, hat-shaped pasta filled with a mix of ground meat, cheese, and spices. Similar to tortellini, cappelletti is typically served in a flavorful broth or with a sauce. This comforting dish is a popular choice during festive occasions and wintertime.

Pisarei e Faso

Pisarei e Faso is a traditional dish native to the Forlì region. It consists of small gnocchi-like dumplings made from breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. These dumplings are then served with a hearty bean and tomato sauce. Pisarei e Faso is a satisfying and flavorsome dish loved by locals.

Recommended Restaurants

When visiting Forlì, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine by visiting some of the city's finest restaurants. Here are a few recommendations:

• Ristorante Dal Pescatore: A renowned restaurant offering a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes.
• Osteria del Teatro: Located in the heart of Forlì, this charming osteria serves authentic regional dishes in a cozy setting.
• Ristorante Terra e Mare: A culinary treasure offering a fusion of seafood and land-based Italian dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Trattoria Il Lupo: This family-run trattoria is popular among locals for its homestyle cooking and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Pizzeria Papeete: A must-visit for pizza lovers, Pizzeria Papeete serves mouthwatering pizzas made in traditional wood-fired ovens.

Traditional Recipes

If you want to recreate the flavors of Forlì at home, here are two traditional recipes to try:

Recipe: Piada

Ingredients:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 50g lard (or olive oil for a healthier alternative)
• 80ml water
• 5g salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into thin, circular shapes.
4. Cook the piada on a hot griddle or pan for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Fill the cooked piada with your desired ingredients, such as prosciutto, cheese, and arugula.
6. Fold the piada in half and enjoy!

Recipe: Cappelletti in Brodo

Ingredients:

• For the pasta dough:
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• A pinch of salt
• For the filling:
• 150g ground beef
• 50g Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the broth:
• 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and salt to make the pasta dough. Knead until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the ground beef, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper for the filling.
3. Roll out the pasta dough into a thin sheet and cut it into small squares.
4. Place a small amount of the filling in the center of each square and fold it into a hat shape, pressing the edges to seal.
5. Boil the cappelletti in the chicken or vegetable broth for a few minutes until they float to the surface.
6. Serve the cappelletti in bowls with some of the broth and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Forlì on Google Maps

Enjoy your culinary journey in Forlì, experiencing the rich flavors and warm hospitality that the city has to offer!