Pepèn in Parma Best Street Food in Emilia.

If you’re visiting Parma, forget Culatello and Parma ham for a moment — there’s at least one place you should try before anything else. Pepèn is a legendary panini place in Parma that has been a local institution for more than 50 years.

This tiny shop often attracts long lines of locals patiently waiting for freshly made sandwiches and savory baked specialties. The menu changes depending on the day of the week, which makes choosing part of the experience. During our visit, we tried the famous “Carciofa”, a savory tart filled with ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and artichokes, as well as the bold Spacca Balle, a hearty roast beef panino. For more adventurous eaters, the panino con cavallo crudo, made with finely chopped raw horse meat, is a true local classic.

Pepèn represents some of the best street food in Parma — simple, bold, and full of character — offered at very reasonable prices. Expect to pay around €5 per sandwich. The shop also serves wine and beer and is open for both lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.

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You’ll find Pepèn in the historic center at Borgo Sant’Ambrogio 2, 43100 Parma, Italy. Daily specials and updates are shared on their official Facebook page.

If you’re in Parma, skip the ham just once and head to Pepèn for a taste of everyday local life. To place these bold, informal flavors into a wider cultural context, a curated food experience in Parma connects street food, local producers, and traditional tastings, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s culinary identity.