Francescana at Maria Luigia is the globally acclaimed three-Michelin starred restaurant and dining experience curated by Chef Massimo Bottura. The world’s best restaurant is located in the Modena countryside. The experience begins the moment you approach the intimate country home. At the table, every dish tells a story of the Italian landscape. Each plate is a work of art, rich with flavor and passion. Above all, the experience at one of the most renowned kitchens in the world is emotional and unforgettable.
Massimo Bottura is an Italian chef born in Modena, Italy. For over thirty years, he has been following his passions and building a praiseworthy career. He has created an exceptional cuisine by blending Italian culinary tradition with an ingenious sense of design and experimentation.
Massimo’s taste for food began in his grandmother Ancella’s kitchen. Today, his inspiration comes from art, music, slow food and fast cars. Bottura upholds the same values as Slow Food. The best food starts with the best ingredients. In addition, the social and cultural elements of gastronomy are key to provoking change.
MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View
The cuisine at this restaurant is certainly top notch. The dishes are light and well balanced. The focus is on adding innovative touches to traditional recipes without being overly nostalgic. The Osteria Francescana once again confirms its place among the best international restaurants. Chef Bottura remains a culinary talent acclaimed across the globe.
Discover the Francescana Family
Osteria Francescana – Francescana at Maria Luigia is the globally acclaimed three-Michelin starred restaurant and dining experience curated by Chef Massimo Bottura. In the Modena countryside, the experience begins the moment you encounter the property. At the table, every dish tells a story of the Italian landscape. Each plate is a work of art, rich with flavor and passion. The experience at one of the most renowned kitchens in the world is emotional, intimate, and unforgettable. The Menu
Casa Maria Luigia – The lovingly restored 18th century property was acquired by Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. It is an intimate country home surrounded by the agricultural landscape of the Emilian countryside. Massimo and Lara have extended their warm hospitality beyond the kitchen of Osteria Francescana to the Country House. Opened in 2019, this special place is not a hotel, it is their home. The Country House features a contemporary art collection consisting of Italian and international artworks, photographs and sculptures. Undeniably, Casa Maria Luigia is the perfect setting to experience the Emilian landscape. Discover the ultimate treasures of the region of Emilia-Romagna right out your doorstep.
Francescetta58 – The bistro of Osteria Francescana, Franceschetta58 has a contemporary way of reinterpreting long time Emilian cuisine traditions. Above all, the team behind the scenes is young, well traveled, and brilliant.
Ristorante Cavellino – Cavallino Restaurant reinterprets the spirit of Ferrari within the walls of the original restaurant. It was established by Enzo Ferrari in 1950. Additionally, the internationally acclaimed chef from Modena serves hearty Emilian cuisine. The atmosphere is full of tremendous nostalgia.
Global Restaurants
Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura – Gucci Osteria is a series of Italian, contemporary restaurants, found in Florence, Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Seoul. Inspiration comes from the seasons, the colors, and the flavors of Italy. Of course, each restaurant shares the same values of creativity and inspiration as the Maison Gucci.
Torno Subito Dubai – Journey back in time to the 1960’s Italian Riviera where everything is sophisticated, social, and laid back. Enjoy playful Italian cuisine and dine al fresco or on the beach.
The Very Best Gucci Osteria Experiences
Gucci Osteria da Massimo, Florence
Discover the Tuscan Vineyards – Embark on an exceptional journey of taste and discover some of the most renowned Tuscan wineries. In addition, enjoy an exquisite fine dining experience at Gucci Osteria. Lastly, a private tour of the Gallery will follow.
Gucci Osteria da Massimo, Beverly Hills
In the Kitchen with Mattia – Enjoy an exclusive cooking class with chef Mattia Agazzi. Undoubtedly, he will reveal all of his cooking secrets.
Food for the Soul
In addition to accumulating an extensive list of accolades, Massimo found a voice in fighting food waste. Specifically, he uses cooking and dining as a vehicle for social change and against social isolation.
Bottura founded Food for Soul, an initiative that he runs with his partner in life, Lara Gilmore. Remarkably, they feed the needy and less fortunate within several communities around the globe. Food for Soul engages companies, organizations, and professionals to take part in creating community kitchens. The ingredients for each meal come from the fresh and edible produce that would otherwise go to waste each day.
Villa Manodori
Bottura started bottling Aceto Balsamico under the name of Villa Manodori. The collection offers a wide range of the best condiments used, of course, in his kitchens.
Discover the Products
- Balsamic Vinegar – High quality varieties of Acetico Balsamico di Modena.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Unmistakable, worldclass EVOO’s.
- Essenziale Oil Collection – The harmonious blend of essential plant oils of black pepper, garlic, ginger, lemon, red pepper and rosemary with olive oil is brilliant. It is ideal for flavoring meat, fish, vegetables, greens and cheese dishes as well as for dipping.
Casa Maria Luigia Experiences
Discover the Emilian countryside, art, culture, food, fast cars, sports and well being.
Private guided tours to historic city centers in Modena, Bologna, or Florence. Enjoy pasta making classes, food markets, art galleries and more! All according to whatever your little heart desires.
Custom-tailored visits to traditional and local cheesemakers, vinegar producers and famous vineyards. Savor the delicacies and relish in an undeniably hands-on experience.
Enter the factory line at Maserati, one of Italy’s most iconic fast cars. Additionally, drive a Ferrari on Modena’s racetrack or along the hillside.
Tennis anyone? Perhaps a round of golf or road biking around the countryside is your thing? The endless list of activities await you.
Massimo Bottura’s MasterClass
Massimo Bottura Teaches Modern Italian Cooking
Meet your new instructor, Massimo Bottura, in his first ever online class teaching modern Italian cooking. Learn from the world’s best as he shares his techniques and also dares you to dream.
* MasterClass delivers a world class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere.
The Books
Additionally, Chef Bottura is also the author of Bread is Gold: Extraordinary Meals with Ordinary Ingredients and Never Trust a Skinny Italian Chef.