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TrattoriaSan Faustino
Cucina di Quartiere - Trattoria in San Faustino sits on Modena's Via Giardini, a family kitchen plating handmade tortellini and tagliatelle.
OrderThe handmade tortellini and whatever fresh pasta the kitchen rolled that morning.
TipClosed Sundays; the neighbourhood setting keeps prices lower than the centro storico equivalents.
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ItalianSacca Crocetta
Lo Stalliere in Modena occupies a converted stable near the Modena Nord tollbooth, plating calf liver and gnocco fritto with cured meats daily.
OrderThe calf liver with caramelised onions and the gnocco fritto with mixed cured meats.
TipA covered terrace seats extra guests; closed Monday evenings, otherwise open most nights.
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Modern ItalianBuon Pastore
Franceschetta 58 in Modena is Massimo Bottura's Michelin Guide bistro on Via Vignolese, pairing Emilian staples with contemporary small plates.
OrderThe tortellini in Parmigiano Reggiano cream and the aged pancetta with mostarda.
TipBook a few weeks ahead online; the short wine list gives Lambrusco a full page.
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ItalianCentro Storico
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.
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MediterraneanFrazioni
La Masseria in Modena's Marzaglia frazione runs an Apulian kitchen from an 18th century mill, a Michelin Guide address for stuffed peppers and grills.
OrderThe stuffed peppers and the wood grilled meat selection.
TipThe frazione of Marzaglia sits about halfway between Modena and Reggio Emilia; closed Mondays and from 4 to 31 August.
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Modern ItalianCentro Storico
Patrizia in Modena is Tommaso Zoboli's counter-driven dining room near the Ghirlandina, a Michelin Guide address whose menu changes with the seasons.
OrderThe tasting menu built around that season's theme, taken at the chef's counter.
TipOnly 14 covers, run like an omakase with storytelling at the counter; book ahead and ask for a counter seat.