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Modena for foodies

Modena is a quiet and elegant town with a beautiful and well-preserved historical centre, with a stunning Romanesque art Cathedral and bell tower La Ghirlandina overlooking the main square Piazza Grande, both declared UNESCO heritage Sites.
If you are looking for a non touristy destination, Modena is a perfect choice for the Modenese people are determined to preserve their strong local identity; you will sense this immediately.

Not to miss

Modena is renowned for its Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, and located in central is La Consorteria 1966, a shop that offers unique varieties of this so-called “Black Gold of Modena.” The shop features selected niche producers that create small-batch, limited-production balsamic vinegars. You can taste a range of flavors, each influenced by the knowledgeable selection of aging wooden barrels, giving every bottle a distinct profile. You can choose your own balsamic vinegar to enjoy with meat, fish, risotto, cheese, fruits, and even dessert: it’s a perfect topping for custard-cream or vanilla artisanal Gelato.

The true heart of Modena is increasingly captivating, particularly the historic covered market. Mercato Albinelli . Visiting in the morning allows you to experience the authentic atmosphere of locals shopping for their daily needs. In this market, you’ll find traditional food stores such as Boutique del Formaggio, which offers a variety of Parmesan and other cheeses. You can also sample a range of cured meats and homemade fresh pasta, including tortellini and tortelloni, with various fillings and dough options, including vegetarian choices. You can enjoy these delicacies on-site or take them to go at Je Suis Marisa.

Founded in October 1931, the market was Mayor Luigi Albinelli’s drive to put a roof over his vendors’ heads and spruce up the hygiene of a long-standing town market packed into Piazza Grande. After an extensive restoration project, 1000 square metres of covered market space was designed in Art Nouveau style to encase Modena’s newest market decked out with marble fish counters, running water at every stall and a special system to clean the floors. In the centre, a fountain was fashioned – the pretty statue of a girl carrying a basket of fruit: “La fanciullina con il canestro di fiori” by Giuseppe Graziosi, a local sculptor.

You can walk-and-taste or book a table to have lunch at one of the stylish restaurants and Osterie located in the dedicated area inside the market, like many locals working in town do.

A Must is Bar Schiavoni, where you can enjoy the “cool” panini Modena style, such as Panino al Cotechino, with tables outdoor in Via Albinelli; there could be a long line sometimes but we totally think it’s worthy! Just order of glass of Lambrusco wine and wait for your panino to be ready!

If you love sweets, make sure to try Modena’s typical cakes at Antica Pasticceria San Biagio, located on Via Emilia, the main avenue that runs through the town. Our favorite cakes include Erbazzone Dolce, Torta alle Tagliatelle, and Crostata alle Amarene Brusche di Modena. You’ll also find many other delicacies, such as chocolates and local spirits like Nocino, a walnut-based liqueur that is very popular in the Modena area as a digestive to conclude your meal.

Last but not least, Gnocco Fritto, alone or with Prosciutto or dipped in your Cappuccino is the puffy bread that no Modenese can go without! You can taste it almost everywhere even for lunch or dinner or during the day. It’s hard to say where to taste the best one.. We really like it at Cathedrali Pasticceria.

Modena is homeland to famous past and present celebrities: Ferrari brand’s founder Enzo Ferrari, passionate Tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and top Chef Massimo Bottura twice winner of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants prize with restaurant Osteria Francescana and creator with his wife Lara Gilmore of a new stunning project merging high-end accommodation, finest cuisine, art, and promotion of the Emilian countryside Casa Maria Luigia.

What do they have in common? A deep bond with Modena and Emilia-Romagna’s culture and a burning passion for life. The same passion of Modena’s food artisans!

If you like to experience some very special Tortellini, 10mins walk from the Ducal Palace, don’t miss the Bottega of Il Tortellante Association, a therapeutic and qualifying lab where autistic teenagers and adults learn to make fresh pasta by hand. Here, Tortellini are more than ever the symbol for solidarity and inclusion.

Last but not least, we’d like to thank Travel Journalists and photographer Lori and Angelo Sorrentino at Travlinmad for their article on Emilia Storytellers and this Walk and Eat Tour in Modena  Emilia Storytellers: Artisanal Food Tours of Emilia Romagna — Travlinmad Slow Travel Blog

Happy to have them also with me and Angelo and Luca Nacchio Brothers professional photographers and creators of ModenaeDintorni Travel Blog.

Lori and Angelo have dedicated their life to find off-the-path and less conventional destinations focused on the concepts of Slow Travel – Eat Local, and Lori is now officially Ambassador or Untours organization, which, among others, brings you closer to local culture. If you are Italy-Fans looking for tips, unconventional and MUST foodie destinations, visit their blog Italy Foodies.

Enjoy a lively day in Modena, and if you like to go on tour with us, check out our new Modena Exclusive Food Tour: Parmigiano, Balsamic and Delightful Lunch at Enzo Ferrari’s Summer Villa.