21 editor picks in Centro Storico, Modena.
21 italian spots in Centro Storico, editor-picked by TableJourney. All of Centro Storico's food · All italian in Modena.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trattoria Aldina in Modena runs as a no reservations canteen above the Mercato Albinelli, a lunch only table for tagliatelle since the 1970s.
OrderThe tagliatelle al ragu, made with pasta hand rolled that same morning.
TipLunch only, no bookings and a shared single table; arrive before 12:15 for a seat.
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.
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 central chef's counter.
TipOnly 14 covers, run like an omakase with storytelling at the counter; book ahead and ask for a counter seat.
Da Danilo in Modena has run as a family trattoria since 1934, plating pumpkin tortelloni and meat ragu tagliatelle near the Ghirlandina tower.
OrderThe pumpkin tortelloni with butter and Parmigiano and the mixed boiled meats cart.
TipAsk for the bollito misto cart tableside; the kitchen finishes several dishes with the house Aceto Balsamico.
Trattoria Pomposa - Al Re Gras in Modena serves Michelin Guide Emilian cooking on Piazza della Pomposa, from golden tortellini to 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.
Trattoria Pomposa - Al Re Gras serves casual Michelin Guide Emilian cooking on Modena's Piazza della Pomposa, from tortellini to bollito misto.
OrderThe tortellini with 24 month Parmigiano cream.
TipAsk for a table outside on Piazza della Pomposa in warm months.
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.
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.
Trattoria Tagliatella in Modena's centro storico serves classic ragu tagliatelle and pumpkin tortelloni on Via Masone, a reliable everyday address.
OrderThe tagliatelle al ragu and the pumpkin filled tortelloni.
TipClosed Mondays; book ahead for dinner on weekends when the small dining room fills fast.
Il Fantino in Modena keeps a retro dining room on Via Donzi, serving hand rolled gnocco fritto and tortelloni with butter and sage most nights.
OrderThe gnocco fritto with cured meats and the tortelloni with butter and sage.
TipClosed Mondays; the wine list leans almost entirely on Lambrusco di Sorbara as the house pour.
Il Fantino keeps a time worn dining room on Modena's Via Donzi, a casual trattoria for gnocco fritto and tortelloni with butter and sage most days.
OrderThe gnocco fritto with a plate of cured meats to start.
TipEvenings are closed Sunday and Monday; portions run generous so pace yourself before the pasta course.
Da Enzo in Modena's centro storico is a warm family trattoria near the Synagogue, serving gnocco fritto, tigelle and Emilian classics nightly.
OrderThe gnocco fritto with cured meats and the zampone with mashed potato.
TipSaturday dinner runs until midnight, later than the rest of the week; the kitchen closes on Mondays.
Trattoria Ermes in Modena has cooked Emilian home food on Via Ganaceto since 1963, a small osteria now run by a new generation since early 2023.
OrderThe passatelli in broth and the scaloppine with balsamic vinegar and potatoes.
TipDinner service returned Thursday to Saturday in 2023, plus Sunday lunch; the small room still fills fast.
Osteria Gallucci in Modena keeps a rustic room a few steps from Piazza Grande, serving local appetizers and Emilian plates until well past midnight.
OrderThe wild boar ragu and a plate of mixed local appetizers to start.
TipOpen Friday and Saturday until 02:00; the beer and wine list runs deeper than most osterie nearby.
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.
Vecchia Pirri has run its osteria, trattoria and pizzeria on Via Prampolini in Modena since 2001, serving handmade pasta, cotoletta and grilled dishes.
OrderTortellini in brodo and the Bolognese style cutlet.
TipThe dining room fills with regulars, so booking ahead is worth doing on weekends.
5 hours
Discover the Bolognese Hills with a guided tour of two historic wineries, including vineyard visits, wine tastings, and local delicacies amidst breathtaking scenery.
5 hours
Tour the vibrant local markets and immerse yourself in a private cooking class in a local home with a certified Italian home cook. You can learn local recipes before t...
7 hours
Experience the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and learn about Lambrusco wine. Visit a balsamic vinegar factory, and after enjoy a lunch to explore local cuisine.