Al Vedel

The story

Al Vedel Colorno: Emilian Cuisine & Culatello in a Historic Setting

Al Vedel: Emilian Tradition, from Salumi to the Table

In the quiet countryside of Colorno, near Parma, Al Vedel offers a dining experience deeply rooted in the Emilian tradition of quality, hospitality, and passion. The restaurant is the culinary arm of Podere Cadassa, a family-run estate that has been producing some of the region's most prized salumi for generations. Since 1780, the family’s love for good food has been their guiding principle—a lineage of craftsmanship that now finds its most refined expression in the restaurant's kitchen and dining room.

Chef patron Enrico Bergonzi, who also serves as coordinator for the Charming Italian Chef (CHIC) association and president of the Parma Quality Restaurants consortium, leads a kitchen that honors its heritage while adding a touch of creativity. His partner, maître Marco Pizzigoni, works alongside him, ensuring the dining experience is as welcoming as it is elegant. Together, they have earned Al Vedel a place among the Michelin Recommended restaurants, a recognition that speaks to their commitment to sourcing exceptional ingredients and presenting them with care.

The menu changes with the seasons, but the soul of the kitchen is constant: the extraordinary salumi cured on the property. A visit here almost always begins with a selection from Podere Cadassa's aging cellar. You might taste a trio of “Culatello Terre di Nebbia” aged 16, 26, and 38 months, served with rich butter from Urzano—a dish that makes the skill of the salumaio immediately clear. Other rarities, such as coppa and pancetta from Nero di Parma pigs, showcase the depth and complexity that long, natural aging can achieve.

Beyond the salumi, chef Bergonzi’s cooking is grounded in seasonal ingredients and local producers. The menu includes refined takes on regional classics, like handmade tortelli filled with ricotta or herbs, and slow-cooked meats that are both comforting and precise. A tasting menu for vegetarians uses the same high-quality produce and attention to detail, proving that the philosophy of “quality, hospitality, and passion” applies to every plate.

The atmosphere is warm and elegant, with a focus on making guests feel at home—a home with a very good wine cellar. With over 2,000 bottles to choose from and a curated list that pairs naturally with the food, Al Vedel is a place where you can settle in and let the evening unfold. It is a true destination for anyone wanting to understand the depth of Emilian cuisine, from its most artisanal products to its most thoughtful dishes.