The rural villages of the comune, from Lesignana and its Parmigiano dairy to Marzaglia, Cognento and Portile, with country trattorie and village bakeries.
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.
La Masseria in Modena's Marzaglia frazione runs an Apulian kitchen from an 18th century mill, a Michelin Guide address for stuffed peppers and grilled meats.
OrderThe stuffed peppers and the wood grilled meat selection cooked over live embers.
TipThe frazione of Marzaglia sits about halfway between Modena and Reggio Emilia; closed Mondays and from 4 to 31 August.
Forno Trilli has baked bread and gnocco in Modena's Cognento frazione since 2008, run by the brothers Alan and Gianluca who founded the bakery.
Worth the queueGnocco and pinze
TipIt supplies bars and restaurants across the city, so the shop counter often sells out by early afternoon.
4 Madonne Caseificio dell'Emilia, a Parmigiano Reggiano cooperative at Lesignana on Modena's western edge, runs one-hour guided dairy tours with a tasting of four cheese ages.
TipBook a morning tour on the dairy's website: cheese-making happens in the morning, and afternoon groups only see it explained on video.
Bar Trattoria Portile serves a fixed-price weekday lunch menu in the Portile frazione of Modena, a bar and tobacconist that closes on Sundays.
OrderThe fixed price weekday lunch menu with a seasonal pasta course.
TipThe fixed lunch menu suits weekday workers more than a leisurely weekend meal.
Gran Morane bakes pizza in the Cognento frazione of Modena, a neighbourhood ristorante and pizzeria with a kitchen open until one in the morning.
OrderA wood fired pizza from the Cognento kitchen.
TipThe pizzeria doubles as a delivery kitchen for gluten free orders across the area.
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.