Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Modena

Bologna is known for its food and gelato. So naturally you will find plenty of ice cream parlors in town and it might become a tad difficult to know which one is the best. But Cremeria Santo Stefano is among the finest of the lot and though modest in space, it makes up for its awesome gelatos. Opened in 2006, its artisan chocolates and ice cream creations will win your hearts and make you come back for more. Be prepared to wait since it is very popular.

I Portici Restaurant, a Michellin star restaurant, opened in 2008. Located in the famous Eden Theater, I Portici Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. The food served is amazing and prepared under the guidance of top chef Agostino Lacobucci. The atmosphere at I Portici Restaurant, a great place to wine, dine and dessert, is classy and luxurious. The restaurant settles for nothing short of the best in all they do: the tables are set up with oil candles; the food is served in crystalware, silverware and fine porcelain. The table is set up with the finest linen. All of this is presented by well-trained and professionally experienced chefs and waiters. The staff at I Portici Restaurant is very hospitable and efficient. This is indeed a great place for a romantic date night.

The Caffeteria alle Tuate, on Via San Vitale, is right opposite Piazza Aldrovandi, the piazza where the fruit and vegetable market is held which up until last year was a pedestrianised area. Today however it is open to traffic, thanks to a new traffic lane. However, the beauty and uniqueness of the of the piazza which is directly opposite the lower tower of San Vitale, has remained unchanged, and this is the view you will have if you sit in the Caffeteria alle Tuate. In a rather refined atmosphere you ca sit down at a table and have a traditional Italian breakfast, or anything else on the menu that takes your fancy. Also good for aperitifs and not too expensive.

Regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in the world, celebrated chef Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana has picked up awards in succession including three Michelin stars. Creative and inventive ideas form the kitchen's food philosophy, taking patrons on a thrilling and often unexpected journey of flavors. The tasting menus namely Traditions, Classics and Sensations provide a glimpse of the chef's creative genius. Though priced steeply, they come highly recommended to fully experience the restaurant's potential. Cool hues encompass the intimate dining room, with photographs and artwork covering the walls. The relaxed ambiance is perfect for enjoying what may be one of the best meals you'll have. Reservations are a must.

After eating enough pizzas, pastas and risottos, when you want a change in your food menu, it would be great if you visit this restaurant. Pars is a Persian restaurant in Bologna. The moment you walk into this eatery, you will be charmed by its cute traditional décor inside. They offer some delicious ethnic Persian food, including their signature dishes, kebabs and a lot more authentic items. They also serve some fantastic Persian desserts such as bastani and shirini.

Pasta Fresca Naldi is an Italian joint that serves authentic vegetarian food. They also serve Mediterranean food. The pastas served at Pasta Fresca Naldi is delicious, delightful and creamy. Pasta Fresca Naldi also serves wine and a variety of locally produced wines are available here. The staff and service is very welcoming and friendly. The joint is frequently visited by teens and youngsters. A great place to hangout with friends and colleagues during weekends.