In Parma is not your typical Italian restaurant. You won’t find spaghetti bolognese or carbonara or tiramisu on the menu. There are no red and white checkered tablecloths. Instead, this chic, narrow, stucco-walled space is home to nicely executed traditional Parma/Emilia Romagna fare.  In Parma coins this term as "PDO" (protected designation of origin). The restaurant is also unique in how it sets out to advise customers of the traditional ways to consume Italian food through videos, books and their highly knowledgeable staff.

Stick to tradition and start with a selection of “PDO meats” including Prosciutto Crudo di Parma, Salame di Felino and Culatello di Zibello, intermingled with a selection of tender cheeses to balance out the hearty meats. Robiola di Roccaverano, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and Taleggioor are fine choices.  Or you can choose from the selection of “one meat and one cheese” and make sure not to overlook the ‘nibbles’, especially delectable pickled stuffed cherry peppers.  On to the hot food main courses Caponata – A traditional stew made of aubergines, courgettes and potatoes, is not to be missed nor is the homemade polenta.  The all-Italian wine list has some names even a novice wine drinker would recognize alongside the delicious fizzy, red dry wine known as Lambrusco.  This delicious wine is sipped out of a bowl, which is the traditional way to drink this sparkling wine.

In Parma 10 Charlotte Place London W1T 1SH Area: Fitzrovia