Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Bensone is Modena's oldest everyday cake: an oval loaf of flour, milk, eggs, butter and sugar, sliced thick and dipped in Lambrusco or eaten with morning coffee.
In the 13th century Modena's commune offered bensone to the guild of smiths and goldsmiths on their patron's feast day. The name may come from the French pain de son, bran bread, because unsifted flour was once used. The recipe of flour, milk, eggs, butter and honey has barely changed, except that sugar replaced the honey. It can be filled with jam or savor, and the same dough makes the ring-shaped ciambella.
2 editor picks for Bensone in Modena, ranked by editorial score. All Modena signature dishes · Bensone across every city.
Antica Pasticceria San Biagio has sold torta Barozzi and bensone on Modena's Via Emilia Centro since 1900, kept in its original pink-marble shop.
TipThursday and Sunday afternoons it shuts early, so plan a morning visit for the balsamic vinegar and marrons glaces.
Forno Cristini on Modena's Via Vignolese is a family bakery known for bensone, the city's oldest sweet, filled with grape-must fruit preserve.
TipIt also sells Parmigiano Reggiano and preserves at the counter, so a bread run doubles as a pantry stop.
Bensone makes more sense with someone from Modena explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
9 hours
See how local Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic, and wine are produced on this guided tour with hotel transfer from Bologna or Modena. Visit the Ferrari Museum and have lu...
8h 30m
Dive into production of Parmigiano Reggiano, learn about Lambrusco wine, explore Ferrari Museum, visit a vinegar factory, and have lunch at a Modena farmhouse on a day...
7 - 9.5 hours
Experience a day trip with transfer to witness the production of Parmigiano cheese, explore the Ferrari and Lamborghini Museum, visit a vinegar factory, and a delightf...