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ItalianCentro Storico
Trattoria Pomposa - Al Re Gras in Modena serves Michelin Guide Emilian cooking on Piazza della Pomposa, from golden tortellini to a classic bollito misto.
OrderThe tortellini with 24 month Parmigiano cream and the bollito misto with mostarda.
TipIn warm months ask for a table outside on Piazza della Pomposa, one of the prettiest corners of the centro storico.
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ItalianSan Lazzaro
Antica Moka in Modena runs tasting menus built around its own aged balsamic vinegar, served in elegant rooms inside a former early 1900s schoolhouse.
OrderThe tasting menu courses finished with the restaurant's own Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale.
TipThe kitchen closes Monday all day and Tuesday lunch; the same family also runs an acetaia worth asking about at the table.
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ItalianCentro Storico
Locanda in San Francesco in Modena serves classic Emilian tradition and fresh fish inside a historic palazzo hotel on Rua dei Frati Minori in centro storico.
OrderThe tortellini in Parmesan cream and the ricotta and spinach tortelloni.
TipThe hotel kitchen pairs Modenese classics with a fresh fish menu; book ahead for dinner Tuesday to Saturday.
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Tasting menuCentro StoricoChef Massimo Bottura
Osteria Francescana in Modena is Massimo Bottura's three Michelin star dining room on Via Stella, built on a tasting menu of reworked Emilian classics.
OrderThe tortellini in 36 month Parmigiano Reggiano sauce and the Jazz Duck.
TipReservation requests go only to the reservation inquiries email on the restaurant's contact page; requests sent to its other addresses are not considered.
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Tasting menuCentro StoricoChef Luca Marchini
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.
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Modern ItalianBuon PastoreChef Jessica Rosval
Al Gatto Verde in Modena is Jessica Rosval's one Michelin star kitchen at Casa Maria Luigia, cooking live fire dishes from the estate's own farm produce.
OrderThe Fassona Piemontese beef and the Smoked Meat Carrello, a tasting of house-smoked meats.
TipThe restaurant sits inside the Casa Maria Luigia country house in San Damaso; book well ahead for a table over the open fire.