My husband and I will be in Emilia-Romagna Oct 2-6 (for 4 nights) and we are going strictly for the food and to see Bologna. We will be arriving from Montepulciano in Tuscany and then going to Piedmont afterwards. I've read that the best restaurants can be found in the hill towns of Modena. Parma appeals to me mostly but I don't think it makes sense to drive past bologna, then back to see it one or two days. We definitely don't want to stay in the city centre of Bologna and don't want to go to Ravenna. Would Modena make the most sense?

Stay in Bologna. Plenty of easy day trips, including visits to Parma and balsamic vinegar (and, slightly more pricey, Ferrari cars.) Bologna is full of history, students, arched walkways, centuries of competition with Rome, an international airport and plenty of hotels to choose from. The quality of the restaurants can be taken for granted.
http://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/
Also check the Destinations menu at the top of this page.
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/i...places/bologna

A. I hope you post a trip report as I am planning a trip in May to Emilia-Romagna for 5 days. Thanks

ACDB, I probably won't post a trip, I hate writing more then anything but feel free to message me and ask me anything once we get back! I am assuming you can message?

Just for the food, I would choose Modena.
I have been to and eaten in all three cities.
Modena has Osteria Francescana, the San Pelegrino #1 restaurant in the world.
Chef Botturo has another restaurant in town, Franceschetta58. Hostaria Giusti, one of Mario Batali's favorites is small, personal with food to die for.

Also, the market in Modena is large, well maintained and worth at least an hour of wandering.

Yes I can message. Thanks for the suggestion

We made reservations at Hostaria Giusti and we're on the waitress for Osteria Francescana, any other recommendations?

Waitless