Cars and cucina – perhaps Ferrari and Francescana – are the two things that bring most visitors to Modena in Italy’s ‘food valley’. The startlingly white Romanesque cathedral, with its 90-metre-high bell tower, is impressive, as are the passion and skill of Enzo Ferrari explained through the museum in his family home.
But I’m here for the cucina in this home of traditional balsamic vinegar. So here’s an overview of what excites everyone most on my Modena food tours.
Stay in Modena Hotel Canal Grande
This 16th century convent is now the only four-star hotel within the city’s historic centre. Its charming terrace overlooking a shady flower-filled garden is where my Modena food tour guests meet each evening before dinner for aperitivi. And it’s just a 5 minute stroll from all the main sights, including the historic Albinelli covered market (below), which I visit every morning I can while in Modena.
Modern Eats in Modena Franceschetta 58
No Modena food tour is complete without experiencing the genius of Massimo Bottura. My guests love the ‘Tradition in Evolution’ menu at Franceschetta58. It provides a different view of Modena’s traditional cuisine and a chance to taste some very rare wines, including one aged in beehives especially for the restaurant.
Traditional Eats in Modena Hosteria Giusti
Plan well ahead to score one of only four tables at tiny Hosteria Giusti beneath a 400-year-old delicatessen in the heart of the old town. Open only for lunch, this tiny traditional osteria offers a short menu of Modenese classics like capon salad and finely sliced cotechino with salsa verde. Of course, with Nonna Laura in the kitchen, there’s always fresh pasta too.
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Acetaia di Giorgio
Marcello, the son-in-law of owner Giorgio Barbieri, welcomes guests into the beautiful 19th century family villa with such warmth, and displays such passion for his subject, that everyone is mesmerised. The tour and tasting of the precious barrels stored in the attic rooms is both educational and fun and the experience that many of my Modena food tour guests find most memorable.
Modena Food Market Mercato Albinelli
I always pay an early morning visit to historic Mercato Albinelli when I’m in Modena. There’s inevitably something new to see depending on the season. In autumn, when I’m here with my food & wine tours, there’s a wonderful array of mushrooms. As well as huge porcini, I especially love the bright orange ovoli and golden fan-shaped chanterelles (called galletti in Italian).
Museum Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti
Maestro Luciano Pavarotti did a lot to popularise opera in the 20th century and this very personal museum in what was his family home is well worth a visit for opera lovers and novices alike. It’s left largely as it was when Pavarotti lived there, and being able to stroll through his sunny kitchen, explore his dressing room, and admire the artwork he collected and created is a special experience.
Out of Town Osteria Rubbiara
In Rubbiara, a village bout 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre, the Pedroni family makes traditional and commercial balsamic vinegar (PDO & IGT) and nocino, local green walnut liqueur. Ricotta tortellini with butter and balsamic in their casual osteria, with a glass of their own pale pink Sorbara Lambrusco, is a meal I always look forward to when visiting Modena.
Updated 22 Jan 2026
