Emilia–Romagna Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Emilia–Romagna - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Cibo Pasticceria

    $

    Just a handful of steps from Modena's beautiful cathedral, this lively place serves coffee, juices, fine wines by the glass, and lovely little sandwiches. But perhaps it's best to come here for a sweet, as they are luscious and delicious, and they're all made in-house.

    Corso Duomo 19, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 40100, Italy
    059-3966345

    Known For

    • The short but well-priced wine list
    • Tiny sandwiches, often on multigrain bread
    • Their cannoli
  • 2. Danilo

    $$

    Honest cooking doesn't get much better than this: host Danilo has been at the helm for decades and oversees his restaurant with a keen eye and great spirit. The food here is local, terrific, and unpretentious. There's a reason why locals swarm here, and visitors as well. Regional favorites like tortellini in brodo, or tortelli stuffed with pumpkin (all pasta made in-house), and bollito misto are on the menu, as are many things with that local product (balsamic vinegar). If you can possibly, do have one of the fab cakes or desserts. 

    Via Coltellini 31, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-216691

    Known For

    • Il filetto all'aceto balsamico (beef fillet with a sumptous balsamic sauce)
    • Well-priced wine list
    • Attentive and courteous staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential
  • 3. Mon Café

    $$

    Locals love this lively café because it does just about everything and does it well, beginning at 7 in the morning with excellent coffee and tasty breakfast pastries and ending long after dark with aperitivi (aperitifs), cocktails, and dinner. The fairly limited menu includes Italian tapas and starters and mains with vegetarian and fish options. The place comprises two rooms, showcasing temporary art enhanced by subtle lighting, and there are tables outside. The wine and cocktail list is winning, as is the service.

    Corso Canalchiaro 128, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-223257

    Known For

    • Fresh fruit cocktails
    • Excellent breakfasts and service
    • Atmospheric interior

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.
  • 4. Aldina

    $$

    On the second floor of a building across from the covered market, steps from the Piazza Grande, this simple, typical trattoria is in the very nerve center of the city. Here you'll find exemplary preparations of the region's crown jewels: tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù, and roasted meats. Wash it down with Lambrusco, as locals have for centuries, and save room for the zuppa inglese (layered sponge cake with custard), which is terrific. The kitchen also puts a contemporary twist on classic dishes. It's highly popular, so even arriving early at lunchtime you'll probably have to wait in line (they don't accept reservations at lunch); or, book a table for Friday or Saturday night.

    Via Albinelli 40, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-236106

    Known For

    • Inexpensive regional food loved by locals
    • Authentically old-fashioned character
    • Tortellini in brodo

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. in Aug. No dinner Mon.–Thurs.
  • 5. Archer

    $

    Bibliophile proprietor (she named her establishment after a Henry James heroine) Marina Bersani presides over this sleek wine bar. High ceilings provide plenty of places to store her vast collection of unique wines, and the short-but-sweet menu offers lots of traditional classics like affettati misti (sliced, cured pork products), as well as cheese plates.

    Via Cesare Battisti 54, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-237656

    Known For

    • Unique wines
    • Crostini for snacking
    • Outdoor seating

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and 3 wks in Aug.
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  • 6. Hosteria Giusti

    $$$

    In the back room of the Salumeria Giusti, established in 1605 and reportedly the world's oldest deli, you'll find just four tables in a room tastefully done with antique furnishings. You'll also find some of the best food in Emilia-Romagna—perfectly executed takes on traditional dishes such as gnocco fritto (fried dough) stuffed with pancetta or prosciutto, and anolini in brodo di Cappone (pasta in possibly the most fragrant broth in the world). If you're tempted by too many things, half portions may be available. Just leave room for dessert, especially la tazzina: a cup bursting with chocolate, anise, and egg. The wine list is divine, as are the staff. Reserve well ahead.

    Via Farini 75 and Vicolo Squallore 46, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-222533

    Known For

    • Gnocco fritto with prosciutto
    • Cozy setting
    • Popular and pricey

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., Aug., and Dec. No dinner, Reservations essential
  • 7. Osteria Francescana

    $$$$

    Chef-proprietor Massimo Bottura has done stints with Adrià and Ducasse, takes inspiration from music and literature, and pours all these influences into creating some of the fanciest plates in all of Italy while remaining true to his Modenese roots. The restaurant contains only 12 tables and although it's possible to order à la carte, most everyone opts for the 12-course tasting menu with the accompanying wine pairing. One signature dish is 5 stagionature di Parmigiano Reggiano (five “stages” of Parmesan, served in different textures and temperatures). Decor and atmosphere are muted (except for splendid floral arrangements). Reservations are not only essential, but must be made months in advance, online and at the beginning of the month.

    Via Stella 22, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-223912

    Known For

    • A reverential atmosphere
    • Five stages of Parmesan signature dish
    • Reservations required months in advance

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and 2 wks in Aug., Reservations essential
  • 8. Trattoria Ermes

    $$

    Mercurial host Ermes Rinaldi greets you as you walk in and seats you wherever he happens to have room: it doesn't matter that you might be put with people you don't know, since the host feels this quasi-communal style of lunching encourages conviviality. In the kitchen, Bruna, Ermes's wife, turns out splendid versions of cucina casalinga modenesi (home cooking, Modena-style). Ermes recites the short list of primi and secondi on the set-price menu, which change daily and arrive promptly. The accompanying wine is local, simple, and inexpensive: most stick to Lambrusco. It's no surprise that this rough-and-ready place is favored by everyone from suits to construction workers to students. Come early to get a table, and note that bookings are not accepted.

    Via Ganaceto 89–91, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, 41121, Italy
    059-238065

    Known For

    • <PRO>popular with everyone from businesspeople in suits to construction workers</PRO>
    • <PRO>primi and secondi change daily</PRO>
    • <PRO>slapdash service</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner, No credit cards

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