Location: Province of Modena
Top Restaurants in Province of Modena
Province of Modena Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Province of Modena
Province of Modena in Italy, from Europe region, is best know for Reservations. Discover best restaurants in Province of Modena with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Things to do in Province of Modena
1. Osteria Francescana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Giovanna C
My boyfriend and I were visiting the area and through luck managed to get a last minute spot at this world-famous restaurant. Our excitement was justified in terms of ambience, artistic merit and a delicious meal- albeit not the best I’ve ever had. We opted for the standard tasting menu but were convinced to add in the 5seasons of Parmesan- a fortunate addition as this really was the one outstanding dish. Everything else was however excellent and variety and imagination were what justified the expense if not taste alone.
A minor setback was the initial insistence in speaking English to us- potentially understandable given the mostly international clientele. Unfortunately our waiter’s English was pretty much incomprehensible which resulted in a rather embarrassing conversation where I had to pretend it was my English that was the rate-limiting factor that necessitated a switch to Italian. I in fact prefer to speak Italian in Italy but if you’re hoping to understand the subtleties of your dish in English, this might be worth bearing in mind.
The real reason however for the bitter taste that accompanied me out the restaurant was unfortunately one that is far more serious. I noticed almost immediately that the army of waiters that greeted and served us was entirely made up of men and wondered what the explanation could be. In a world where the majority of waiters are women, why had none reached the pinnacle of waitering jobs and gained employment at Bottura’s restaurant. This question played on my mind throughout the meal until eventually I dared to ask. Through misfortune I asked a waiter who confessed to being relatively new but suggested that it might well be that WOMEN CAN’T MAINTAIN THE SAME WORKING PACE AS MEN. I could barely believe such a comment could have been made- particularly as I am a female doctor who happens to work back-to-back 13 hour night shifts in a busy hospital- a pace that I imagine is certainly no less tough than that at the restaurant. Shocked into silence I left the restaurant wondering- could it really be that a forward-thinking man such as Bottura is actively discriminating against women? Or was it just pure chance that no women were there that day? Either way this waiter’s comment was a somewhat revolting reminder of how women are still often viewed in 2018. What a disappointment!
2. Osteria La Fefa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Reviewed By RICHSHAR - Auckland, New Zealand
A friend brought us here as we were touring the Modena region. Beautiful countryside and amazing historical buildings. We stayed in accommadation above La Fefa as they also have a cooking school and a hotel ( rather private) The rooms have linen sheets and virgin rubber mattresses, the best sleep we have ever had.
The restaurant is famous for authentic and uncomplicated traditional Itaian food. Our waitress provided remarkable attentiona and care demonstrating a professional level of service. This is a foodies restaurant and each meal is prepared with great care and skill. An extensive regional wine list with good wine pairing exists. Desert was followed by a wide collection of Grappa to choose from.
3. Osteria Ca' del Capitano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By ElaineCat - Milan, Italy
Went to this restaurant last night as it was suggested by a friend.
Can absolutely say absolutely nothing negative, a fab experience.
The restaurant is about 28km from Modena Ctr, the road up to the hills is beautiful so I would definitey suggest to leave early so as to appreciate the view.
On arriving at the restaurant its difficult to park as the area is quite small but as there are three houses and the restaurant its not a problem.
Its necessary to ring the bell on the door which gives this a really special feeling.
We walk in and we are met by the owner a beautiful person, reserved but funny and extreamly attentive the whole evening.
The food is absolutely to die for.We began with the Antipasto della casa which is a plate of various types of antipasti which are delicious
A bottle of Montalcino......
We then went on to the Tortelloni exceptional I was honestly to full for main courses so I had strawberries and Aceto Balsamico (a must in Modena) we then had limonecello and Nocino another must of the area, this was on the house.
A fantastic evening well worth the drive and the cost of dinner was definitly within the level of the restaurant
I have already booked for next Saturday evening !!!
4. Ristorante Badessa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 648 reviews
Restaurant is inside an old cheese(PARMIGIANO REGGIANO)factory born in '800 in Emilia countryside.Ristorante Badessa propose "Reggiana typical cuisin" and in specific plates coocked with Traditional Balsamic vinegar of Reggio Emilia, Hand-made Pasta like Tortelli and other specialities (olden time foods of Emilia area) that restaurant would like to salvage and rediscover.
Reviewed By Marco R - Modena, Italy
The ambience is great since it is basically an old cheese factory beautifully restored and appointed.
The name instead, comes from the vernacular one given to the first barrel used in the production of balsamic vinegar.
The menu boasts local dishes with a modern twist and the food is all handmade
The wine list is comprehensive too but there is no sale by the glass.
The service was outstanding so all in all I will definitely keep this restaurant in mind for a romantic dinner or a business lunch
Out of the menu, I had fried cod as appetizer and Guinea Fowl with roasted potatoes... Both literally mouthwatering
5. La Nunziadeina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
La Nunziadêina, Ristorante Tradizionale dal 1926, offre piatti della cucina Modenese. Inizialmente a Modena, ora si trova nei locali del Santa Maria fuori le Mura, proprio di fronte alla famosa Abbazia di Nonantola Prodotti freschi, preparazioni attente, passione e tanto amore. Questi sono i nostri ingredienti. Oggi come allora, l’idea non di un semplice Ristorante, ma un qualcosa di molto più grande e importante. Una Famiglia. Tutte le Paste fresche sono fatte in casa, Carrello dei Bolliti, camino a vista. Ci piace essere il luogo dove trascorre del Buon Tempo, in allegria o Relax, con le persone più care.
Reviewed By FlyingDutchman070 - The Hague, The Netherlands
Here you eat the best local cuisine. The hospitality of the owners couple is great, they let you taste all typical local dishes and wines.
We had soup with home-made tortellinis which were fabulous, home made filled ravioli with pumpkin and a bit of bacon on top - the sweet and salt combination was fantastic ! Then we went for 2 specialities: coteletta with cheese and beefsteak with the Balsamic Vinegar sauce which you really need to try once in your life!
Then we went for the cakes on the buffet, we could not make a decision so again the owners created a plate with everything so we could taste it all. Then the grappa came out and wow this was really great go here!
6. Sider Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
Reviewed By trullifrulli - roma
Ho partecipato a una cena con delitto organizzata in questo ristorante. Prima di prenotare ho letto le ottime recensioni qui su tripadvisor ed ero molto entusiasta. Però le mie aspettative sono state in parte deluse. Il prezzo richiesto non era assolutamente adeguato alla qualità dei piatti, ho apprezzato il risotto, ma la carne e le patate non erano un granché. Dolce buono ma vino mediocre. La serata complessivamente è stata piacevole ma mi aspettavo molto di più.
7. Trattoria La Bolognese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Reviewed By Delphina45
We accidentally stopped on our way to a business meeting. A super surprise. The town in itself is very cute. The restaurant (lunch only) was a fun cultural immersion and a most delicious meal. I had gnocchi pomodoro - divine! Gnocchis are handmade by one of the three ladies every morning. Loved chatting with the ladies about recipes! Beware - it's normally full as it is very popular and in a small space. Did I mention it's very affordable too ?
8. Strada Facendo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 485 reviews
Reviewed By thebowl - Voorhees, New Jersey
This restaurant, tucked away in an unassuming location on the outskirts of Modena, serves the finest, most carefully prepared and presented Italian food. My wife and I and another couple recently had lunch there, and it was among the best meals I have ever had. Each dish was explained to us, and featured a variety of different flavors, each recognizable, but together forming a harmonious taste sensation.
The staff is friendly and attentive; the Chef came to our table to take our order (which allowed him to instantly answer my wife's question about getting a dish without mushrooms). Dessert was preceded by the "pre-dessert" and followed by the "post-dessert". Yeah, our wives were happy.
The food is relatively expensive but, in this instance, you get what you pay for. Highest recommendation.
9. Antica Moka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By MMB1954
Wonderful restaurant with amazing food served in a great location. Lots of interesting dishes and wine list. Definitely worth a visit when in Modena.
10. Turismo Rurale Trattoria La Pozza
Overall Ratings
5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By Marco R - Modena, Italy
My wife and and my in-laws are regular customers and that's why I am happy to share many details with new potential customers.
We do rent an apartment downtown Sestola and whenever we come up here, it is a must for us to reserve a table at "LA POZZA" for a lunch.
They are open for lunch and dinners during holidays or weekends given that the owners manage this agriturismo more as a hobby than a mere business and the passion they put in their work can be easily spot both in the quality of the food and the home-style attentive service.
There is no menu as their offer follows the seasonal produces that can either be their own or might come from very reputable and special biological estates (local or from other Italian regions).
If you decide to come here, you have to be ready for wonderful food and to manage a full belly worth of a typical Italian wedding party.
However, rather than killing you with many dishes of pasta they will delight you with many small-sized appetizers so that you can taste a little bit of many different mouthwatering dishes, all rigorously homemade.
Very good focaccia bread and a good selection of wines will accompany you in an awesome culinary trip ranging from veal with tuna sauce, to small salted codfish deep fried frittelle, to the tigelle typical of this geographic region, to polenta with cheese or with sausages, pasta e fagioli soup (pasta with beans), wonderful jams to be had on a hot tigella with ricotta cheese, crostata pie .... just to mention some ...
This is a perfect spot for families and if your party is big enough, you can ask to have your private room if it is available.
This agriturismo restaurant is located in the middle of the woods, it overlooks the beautiful surrounding hills and requires a small bit of driving. However the reward is absolutely worth it.
Just a few personal advices :
1) during spring or autumn, ask for an al-fresco table ... they might be able to accomodate you
2) during winter, if there is snow around, you might have to park downhill right where you see their sign and work your way up by foot since the last slope (approx 400 m) is very steep and even the most muscular 4WD might not be tough enough to take you all the way up
3) instead of a grappa, after the espresso, ask for the herb liquor made by the nuns of a local convent; it is supplied in the form of soaked sugar cubes and those are NOT for the fainthearted
4) take a look at Letizia's paintings (one of the two owners daughters) that are on display throughout the restaurant ... I find them very nice and if I am not mistaking, some of them are available for purchase.
Very good place for families, if you let them know you are coming with kids, they will offer also some pizza and pasta with tomato sauce that are all time winners with the young ones.
Last but not least, the bill (VISA/MC accepted) will not leave a bitter taste in your mouth
