In the summer of 2022, the Hyperlocal team was granted an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Osteria Francescana, the legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Modena. Welcomed warmly by the team, we explored the restaurant’s storied past, its dazzling new décor, and the creative pulse that keeps it at the forefront of global gastronomy.
Our founder, Sevo Widodo, had the rare privilege of sitting down with Massimo Bottura himself— the two-times World's best chef, whose culinary artistry has redefined Italian cuisine. Over an intimate conversation, Bottura shared his favorite haunts in Modena and offered a glimpse into his daily rituals in this food-lover’s paradise.
Restaurant in Modena
“This is where everything started for me, the original building and restaurant of Osteria Francescana. You would find me here most of the time, I usually do the service myself because I love to be there, talking with people, be close with the team and keep everybody's spirit up. It's a theatre of flavour, it's truly an experience. People come from all over the world, they come for me, and my way to pay my respect to them is by saying hi to everyone. People go crazy- it's the power of hospitality. I'm not one of those chefs that never show up. If you want to meet me, you come to Modena!”
Farm in Modena
“Close to Casa Maria Luigia, you will find this beautiful legendary balsamic vinegar company called Acetaia Fabbi. There are barrels and vinegar from 1910s, 1930s, 1940s, to 1980s. It's unbelievable.”
Dairy Farm in Modena
"A beautiful place up on the hills, a little bit far from where we stay, 45-min drive. It's this amazing cheese company called Rosola. Here, you have the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese which was voted 'the Best Cheese in the World' at the Paris world cheese fair. It's a beautiful thing.”
Car Museum in Modena
“This is a very very important place in Modena. There is one in the middle of the city, and another one further in Maranello, where I have Ristorante Cavallino which serves traditional cuisine.”
Car Museum in Modena
"A truly legendary museum in the town of Maranello, home of the Ferrari factory and testing grounds. I'm truly honoured to be a part of this legendary company- we have done a lot of collaboration, including my own restaurant Ferrari Ristorante Cavallino.
Restaurant in Modena
“This is one of my signature restaurants, where people get to experience home-cooked traditional cuisine with a modern twist in the heart of Maranello. Here, you'll be be surrounded with Ferrari details and touches. The vibe here is incredible.”
Traditional Market in Modena
“The most important thing in Modena is Mercato Albinelli, I love this place.”
Deli in Modena
According to the Francescana team, that Massimo often go here for lunch. They sell these sandwiches that has essential very Modenese ingredients.”
Art Gallery in Modena
“I love Galleria Mazzoli, an amazing contemporary gallery in Modena, very very known, and people come here from all over the world.”
Restaurant in Modena
“This is my other restaurant with a totally different concept than Francescana which serves old style contemporary cuisine, and Cavallino in Maranello which serves more traditional food. Franceschetta58 is a very creative, gastro-bistro restaurant.”
Creating experiences is an art.
Reserve your table at Osteria Francescana, voted as the World's Best Restaurant in 2016 and 2018. Spot is extremely limited. Please check the next booking release dates.
