Italy is well known as being an exciting culinary destination, but there’s one city that ranks well above the rest when it comes to perfecting Italian cuisine. Modena in Emilia Romagna (which is known as Italy’s food valley) is easily one of the country’s most prominent food cities, and luckily for hungry travelers, it can easily be explored in just one day. Food might just be the biggest draw for Modena tourism, and if you’re one of the people who are coming here specifically to eat (like I did), here’s what you should try, and where you should try it.
Pro-Tip: If you’re too overwhelmed with all of the gastronomical options of Modena, take a food tour.
Tortellini in crema di Parmigiano Reggiano
You’ll see two variations of tortellini on the majority of menus in Modena, and one of them will be tortellini in crema di Parmigiano Reggiano (more on the other variation later). There is only one restaurant in Modena that’s truly worthy of your euro to try this Modenese specialty: Franceschetta58. The sauce here is so rich it feels illegal; I am convinced it transformed something in my brain and I will never be able to eat a parmesan cream sauce ever again, unless it’s from her, of course. The reasoning behind the strong flavor is because the cheese used has been aged for 30 months.
Tortellini en brodo
There’s some rivalry between Modena and Bologna. Both claim to have originated tortellini, and tortellini en brodo, a simple humble bowl of broth filled with tortellini, is a popular dish in both cities. Legend has it that the shape of tortellini was inspired by the goddess Venus’ naval, and while I won’t argue in favor of either city of being the real birthplace of tortellini, I will tell you where to try tortellini en brodo in Modena. Trattoria Pomposa, Ristorante Zelmira, and Da Danila are the top spots for a simple bowl of this controversial pasta. Make sure to try some in Bologna, too, for proper comparison.
Passatelli con tartufo nero
Passatelli is a type of pasta commonly found on Modenese menus, and covered in black truffles is the only proper way to eat it, if you ask me. This fun pasta shape is a bit thicker, with an eggy and breadcrumb-like texture. My favorite meal I ate during my time in Modena was passatelli con tartufo nero from Osteria Santa Chiara. It is simply a must.
Gelato with Balsamic Vinegar
This unexpectedly delicious sweet treat is a popular commodity in Modena, and living proof of “don’t knock it ’til you try it.” While balsamic vinegar is not the first thing I think of when it comes to toppings on my gelato, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. You can really get this at any gelateria in town, but I tried mine at Acetaia Villa San Donnino, a family-run balsamic farm.
A great way to try all things balsamic vinegar is by booking a Balsamic Vinegar Lunch tour.
Emilia Burger di Massimo Bottura
C’mon, you’re in Modena, so you MUST eat something by Massimo Bottura. If you can’t get a reservation to the esteemed Osteria Francescana (which, I am convinced you have a greater chance of getting struck by lightning than snagging a seat there), luckily, another one of Massimo’s restaurants is in town and much easier to dine at (and will only cost a fraction of Francescana). Franceschetta58 is a great spot to swing by for lunch or dinner, and while burgers might not be what you’d expect to order in Italy, the Emilia Burger di Massimo Bottura gives nod to Emilia Romagna ingredients, with balsamic mayo and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Parmigiano Reggiano
Hello, you are in the birthplace of the world’s greatest cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, so I believe there should be punishment for those who do not try Parmigiano Reggiano when in Modena. Maybe a fine, maybe prison time, I don’t know; it is literally sinister to not eat Parmigiano Reggiano while here. I don’t care where you eat it, I just care that you DO indeed eat it. Naturally, the best place to eat this highly praised cheese is by taking a tour of the Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy farm. There are only four in the world, and one of them is in Modena. Just saying.
Gnocco Fritto
When I saw gnoocco fritto on several Modena menus, I thought it meant fried gnocchi. Turns out, it’s fried morsels of bread, that sort of look like ravioli shapes, but do not have any fillings. Gnocco fritto is most commonly munched on during aperitivo (and pairs great with a spritz), and is commonly served with different jams and spreads (sweet or savory), cured meats, and cheeses. You can get this pretty much anywhere in town, but I got mine from Osteria Rossi.
Tagliatelle con ragù bianco
One of my last meals in Modena was tagliatelle con ragù bianco, a green tagliatelle with a super decadent pork and pancetta ragu. It was extremely rich and buttery from the pork’s natural fat and the excessive usage of cheese. The pasta had a great chew, and it was a perfect way to round out my time in Modena. I ordered this from Osteria Rossi which is conveniently situated in Piazza Roma, providing views that are just as enticing as the pasta.
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DISCLAIMER II: Emilia Romagna Tourism hosted me for two nights in Modena.