Trattoria Cavallo – La Tortafritteria (Scipione)
Historic trattoria in Scipione Ponte: fried dough, cured meats and authentic Parma cuisine. Also has a typical products shop, ice cream parlor, tobacconist.
A family-run institution in the village of Scipione Ponte since 1973, managed by the Dioni family across two generations. The Trattoria Cavallo is best known as "La Tortafritteria" — on Friday and Saturday evenings the menu is entirely dedicated to fried dough (torta fritta) with cured meats.
Three types of fried dough are offered: the classic version, one with potato in the dough (softer), and one with cornmeal (crunchier). There are also filled fagottini — pockets stuffed with gorgonzola, ricotta and spinach, or a seasonal filling. These are served with generous platters of cured meats including spalla cotta (slow-cooked shoulder), prosciutto, coppa, salame, and pancetta. Prices are notably low — a full meal with fried dough, cured meats and wine typically costs around €15–20 per person.
At lunchtime (Monday to Saturday), the trattoria serves traditional dishes of the Parma-Piacenza border: pisarei e fasö, tortelli, brasato di cavallo with polenta, trippa, and Friday's classic fried cod. The family also makes gelato in-house — the "Coppa Cavallo" with hot chocolate sauce is a signature.
Adjacent to the restaurant there is a small shop selling cured meats, cheeses, wine and local products, plus a tobacconist and newsagent. The venue seats 100 inside plus 40 on the summer veranda. Large parking area.
Closed Sundays. Dinner only on Fridays and Saturdays (from 18:30). Booking strongly recommended for evenings.
Closed Sundays, dinner only on Fridays and Saturdays