A gastronomic city 1 hour from Milan: Modena
If you want to diversify your trip to Milan, there are plenty of options for daily routes. While in Milan, head to Lake Como for a short but pleasant getaway, explore nearby Bergamo or Brescia, or take the train to Emilia-Romagna.
In the Emilia-Romagna region, Parma, Modena and Bologna are located on the same train line (in order of proximity). This time we chose Modena.
🚂 08.05 – 09.19
Milano Centrale – Modena
Train tickets are around 25-30€ per person one way.
Although we couldn’t try all the places we wanted to since this short trip coincided with a vacation, we will definitely make another trip to Modena in the near future.
If you are a foodie, you may want to try world-famous chef Massimo Bottura’s restaurants in Modena. Put Bottura’s 3 Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana, the guesthouse Casa Maria Luigia or Franceshetta 58 on your radar for a casual meal.
– Schiavoni
– Latteria#21
– Trattoria Tagliatella
– Trattoria Il Fantino
– Roots
– Archer
– Cesare Modena
Patisserie, Bakery & Cafe:
– Antica Pasticceria San Biagio
– Canalino Caffè
– Cibo Place
– Menomoka Coffee & More
– Gelateria La Romana
– Duomo di Modena
– Torre Civica – Ghirlandina
– Mercato Storico Albinelli
– Palazzo dei Musei
– Museo Enzo Ferrari
– Museum of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Latteria#21 appeared at noon on a day when we were walking through the streets of Modena admiring the colorful facades of the city.
Since it was a holiday and most places were closed, we can say that it was our savior.
Modena is famous for its balsamic products. Therefore, it was one of the local products we would try while we were here. When we saw the pumpkin flan with balsamic on the menu, we decided to start with it. ‘pumpkin flan’, it was really delicious. The touch of balsamic vinegar is impressive.
Starters include intriguing dishes such as ‘beef tartare’ and ‘creamed codfish’.
For the main course, we chose truffle and saffron gnocchi and homemade ragu tagliatelle, both of which we loved.
One of the local delicacies you should try in Modena is Lambrusco. It is produced as frizzante/semi-sparkling. We tried Lambrusco di Sorbara ‘L’Eclisse’ at Latteria#21 and loved it.
On average, the plates range between 14-20€.
Latteria#21 is a family business, we left very happy thanks to the friendly staff. They also asked us to take a photo of them as they left, it was a sweet memory.
Modena has a lot to offer, but Latteria#21 is definitely one of the places you should visit.
Bologna is another city you can reach in 1 hour by train from Milan!
It is 1 hour from Milan by high speed train, train tickets are around 35-40€ one way.
Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and a university city, home to one of the oldest schools in the world. It is bigger and more dynamic than Modena.
We wanted to talk a little about what you can do in a short day in Bologna.
– Start your day in Piazza Maggiore. See the Gothic Basilica di San Petronio and the Fountain of Neptune.
– The iconic towers of Bologna. If you wish, you can climb Torre Asinelli. Buy tickets in advance.
– Enjoy a quick croissant or ice cream in this neighborhood. Try street food like Arrosticini.
– Visit the shops on Via Drapperie. The Quadrilateral is a district of the city with a tradition of craft & trade dating back to the Middle Ages. While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Mercato di Mezzo.
– If you liked Marchesi in Milan, another Pasticceria that hasn’t changed for a long time is waiting for you: Gamberini
– Discover hidden channels. On Via Piella you can find yourself a small view of Venice.
– Taste the local delicacies. Especially tortellini and mortadella. Delicatessens, tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini en brodo, tortellacci are famous dishes.
– Enjoy the porticoes on every street of the city. On a rainy day, you can walk from one end of the city to the other without getting wet thanks to these porticoes.
– Visit the library building with its impressive architecture. The Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio is a must-see, especially the frescoes in the courtyard.
Our favorite stops:
For a cozy Emilia-Romagna cuisine:
Trattoria Da Gianni & Trattoria del Rosso
For delicatessen products: Tamburini
For ice cream: Gelateria Gianni
For bakery products: Gamberini
You can also try Osteria dell’Orsa, one of Bologna’s most praised places. (we didn’t leave very happy on our last visit).
For quick snacks and grocery shopping, keep Mercato di Mezzo, Eataly and Mercato delle Erbe in mind.
The ones on our list that we haven’t tried yet:
-Pasta Fresca Naldi(@gezicigunluk suggestion)
-Biassanot
•Del Tempo Buono
•Parlor
•A Balùs
•L’Arcimboldo
