In the summer of 2022, the Hyperlocal team was invited for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes tour of Osteria Francescana, the iconic three-Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in the heart of Modena, Italy. Known for its poetic balance between tradition and innovation, Osteria Francescana has become a global culinary temple, and our visit felt like stepping into a masterpiece in motion.

At the center of this creative whirlwind is none other than Massimo Bottura, a chef who’s redefined what it means to cook with heart, memory, and imagination. Twice crowned the World’s Best Chef, Bottura has long served as a proud ambassador for Modena—his hometown, his muse, and his playground.

We had the rare honor of sitting down with him for an intimate chat about his daily life in Modena, his favorite hidden spots, and the local gems that inspire his work. This isn’t your typical tourist itinerary—this is Massimo’s Modena, raw and real.

Massimo’s Hometown Favourites

Osteria Francescana

View place — Restaurant in Modena

“This is where everything started for me. Osteria Francescana isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a theatre of flavor. I still show up for most services, greeting guests from around the world, because that human connection is everything. People come for me, and I honor that by saying hi to every single person. It’s the power of hospitality. I’m not the kind of chef that hides in the kitchen—you’ll find me right here in Modena.”

Acetaia Fabbi

View place — Historic Balsamic Vinegar Farm

“Close to Casa Maria Luigia, you’ll find Acetaia Fabbi, a balsamic vinegar company with barrels aging as far back as the 1910s. The aroma alone tells stories of generations past. It’s pure magic.”

Caseificio Rosola

View place — Dairy Farm in the Modenese Hills

“This place is about 45 minutes away, nestled in the hills. Rosola is home to what was voted ‘The Best Cheese in the World’ at the Paris World Cheese Fair. If Parmigiano-Reggiano had a crown, it would live here.”

Museo Enzo Ferrari

View place —  Modena’s Car Legacy

“One of the city’s proudest places. You can visit the main museum in Modena and another one in Maranello—where my Ristorante Cavallino is located. The legacy of Ferrari lives and breathes in these walls.”

Museo Ferrari Maranello

View place — Ferrari’s Home Base

“The museum in Maranello is something else entirely. You feel the pulse of Ferrari here. I’ve collaborated a lot with them, especially through my restaurant Cavallino—it’s part of this incredible automotive journey.”

Ristorante Cavallino

View place —  Restaurant in Maranello

“A tribute to traditional Italian cuisine with a Ferrari twist. It’s where motor and memory meet food. The vibe is electric. You’ll eat surrounded by iconic Ferrari memorabilia—it’s an experience for the senses.”

Mercato Storico Albinelli

View place —  Historic Market in Modena

“Albinelli Market is Modena’s heartbeat. I love this place—it’s where locals buy the freshest produce, meats, fish, and cheese. You taste the soul of the city here.”

Bar Schiavoni

View place — Small Deli in Modena

“Simple, essential, perfect. The sandwiches at Bar Schiavoni are built with deeply Modenese ingredients. The Francescana team knows it’s one of my go-to spots for a quick, soulful bite.”

Galleria Mazzoli

View place — Contemporary Art Gallery

“One of the finest art galleries in Modena. Mazzoli showcases some of the most visionary contemporary artists. Art fuels my creativity—it’s just as vital as ingredients in my kitchen.”

Franceschetta58

View place — Creative Gastro-Bistro

“My other restaurant with a completely different concept from Francescana or Cavallino. It’s young, experimental, bold. If Francescana is poetry, Franceschetta58 is jazz.”