Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Tortellini in brodo are small rings of egg pasta filled with pork loin, prosciutto, mortadella, Parmigiano, egg and nutmeg, served in capon broth; Modena and Bologna both claim them.
Bologna and Modena both claim the tortellino. Bartolomeo Scappi recorded tortelletti in 1570, and Vincenzo Tanara's 17th-century writing may have fixed the name. The best-known legend is set in Castelfranco Emilia, between the two cities, where an innkeeper spying on Venus through a keyhole saw only her navel and shaped the pasta after it. Castelfranco Emilia still honours the legend with a ten-day tortellino sagra every September, serving them in capon broth.
5 editor picks for Tortellini in brodo in Modena, ranked by editorial score. All Modena signature dishes · Tortellini in brodo across every city.
Also in: Bologna.
L'Erba del Re in Modena is Luca Marchini's one Michelin star dining room on Via Castelmaraldo, a nine table restaurant built on historic Emilian recipes.
OrderThe tortellini in capon broth and the Modena style tagliatelle ragu.
TipThe tasting menu leans on historic Emilian dishes while a second carte covers the chef's newer plates; book ahead for dinner.
Zemian Piccola Osteria in Modena packs a handful of tables on Via Fonte d'Abisso, plating classic Emilian dishes for its devoted local crowd.
OrderWhatever the chef built into that day's short tasting sequence of Emilian classics.
TipSeats are few and demand is high; call weeks ahead for a weekend table.
Hosteria Giusti in Modena hides behind the centuries-old Giusti delicatessen on Via Farini, a four or five table lunch room Adriano Morandi opened in 1989.
OrderThe tortellini in capon broth and the fried cotechino with Sorbara zabaione.
TipLunch only, Tuesday to Saturday, with a short seasonal carte; read the booking policy on the Hosteria's site and book well ahead.
Trattoria Aldina in Modena overlooks the Mercato Albinelli from a first floor room, a no reservations canteen for tagliatelle and tortellini.
OrderThe tagliatelle al ragu and the tortellini in broth, made fresh each morning.
TipLunch only and no bookings; arrive by 12:15 or expect to share the communal single table.
Osteria di Modena Rossi cooks tortellini in broth and fried gnocco opposite the Ducal Palace on Piazza Roma in central Modena, open every day of the week.
OrderTortellini in brodo followed by fried gnocco with cured meats.
TipAsk for a window table looking onto Piazza Roma and the Ducal Palace facade.
Tortellini in brodo makes more sense with someone from Modena explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
3 hours
Dive into Modena's culinary heritage with an interactive pasta-making class! Craft traditional tagliatelle and ricotta tortelloni, savor local antipasto, and enjoy you...
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...
