Francescana at Maria Luigia - in Modena, Province of Modena, Italy

Truth is, this is not really a review but more an overdue love letter. It’s still the experience we talk about. The best meal we’ve ever had. Our night began with a walk through the family home filled with art then the surrounding gardens before taking a seat at the shared table. We dined with people around the world, enjoying the greatest hits from one of the greatest Italian chefs. Each dish is introduced by the wonderful Lara with the story of its creation. “Psychedelic, Spin-Painted Veal” inspired by Damien Hurst, remains the best tasting / looking / presented dish I’ve ever eaten. We got to know the staff. The ingredients and Modena that little better. It’s incomparable from a restaurant, because it isn’t: it’s their home and you feel it. Was it worth over $$$ for two? We forgot the price but not the experience.

Dining at Francescana at Maria Luigia is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and an absolute must for fans of Massimo Bottura. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere sets the tone: cosy, fresh, and lively, with a warmth and ease that make it feel noticeably more relaxed than Osteria Francescana, yet no less special. Dinner is served as a degustation menu, starting promptly at 7:30 pm for all guests, creating a shared rhythm to the evening that feels both intimate and theatrical. The menu thoughtfully includes several of Bottura’s signature dishes, offering a deep dive into his creative universe. I was lucky enough to be served “Le 5 stagionature del Parmigiano Reggiano” and “Oops! Mi è caduta la crostatina al limone”, which, to me, are two of his most iconic creations. Experiencing them in this setting was unforgettable: dishes that perfectly capture Bottura’s ability to blend memory, technique, and emotion into something both playful and profound. Francescana at Maria Luigia manages to deliver world-class cuisine without stiffness, balancing excellence with genuine hospitality. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the last course—and one that any admirer of Bottura’s philosophy and food should experience at least once.

I ate at both Francescana at Maria Luigia and Osteria Francescana on the same day, so this is hopefully a helpful review. Considering Osteria Francescana was our first meal and the one we were more hungry for, we still liked Francescana at Maria Luigia overall more. Both were good, but they execute the classic dishes incredibly well at Maria Luigia. There’s a reason those were responsible for giving Osteria Francescana its reputation. You can read my Osteria review to see my thoughts there, but for Casa Maria, I was very impressed with the service (special shout-out to Zack, who was our favorite Somm in ages. He is among the best we’ve ever had) along with the thorough and endearing explanations behind the history of each dish. And the food was just so good. The desserts were a little meh for me, but that’s just because I’m not huge on banana or lemon desserts. I can let that slide because I know it was mostly a matter of preference. And for what it’s worth, albeit a bit surprisingly, we liked the Five Ages of Parmesan more at Casa Maria than at Osteria Francescana.

This experience was truly amazing — one of the most unique and memorable food experiences we’ve done. The concept, the storytelling behind each course, and the way everything is tied back to tradition and culture makes it feel so special and thoughtfully curated. The only caveat (worth mentioning so people know what to expect) is the seating: it’s a community table, and we were placed right in the middle. It wasn’t very intimate and felt a little awkward at times, especially if you’re hoping for a romantic or private vibe. That said, the food and the overall experience completely make up for it. The sharing, the stories, and the way the meal is designed around connection and heritage is genuinely outstanding. The balsamic tour is a must, and the 25-year aged balsamic is absolutely something you should get — it’s unforgettable and worth every penny. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a truly original experience that goes beyond just “a nice meal.”

Absolutely the most amazing experience! The team walks you through the history of some of the most iconic Osteria Francescana dishes. The dishes are mind blowing! The wine pairing was perfect. Fantastic evening and a start to our trip!

Francescana at Maria Luigia: A Playful & Memorable Dining Experience We had a truly delightful evening at Francescana at Maria Luigia. The restaurant starts welcoming guests at 19:30 sharp, and from that moment, everything runs like a beautifully choreographed performance, everyone is seated and served together, creating a unique shared experience. The setting is a communal table format, so just a heads up to fellow introverts but we were lucky to be seated next to lovely and friendly neighbors, which made the evening even more enjoyable. As for the food, fun, thoughtful, and delicious. Some standout dishes that stole the show for us: 1. The Panettone – surprisingly light and full of flavours 2. Tomato Pad Thai – a creative, zesty twist that worked wonderfully 3. The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna – iconic and addictive 4. Banana – unexpected and beautifully balanced 5. Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart – playful and tangy The portions were generous, we were already full by the time the main course arrived, so don’t worry about leaving hungry! One small tip: don’t rush off after dessert. Many guests left right after the final course and missed the petit fours, which are totally worth staying for. Take your time, enjoy the final notes, and let the whole experience linger. All in all, it’s not just a meal, it’s a joyful journey, with a sprinkle of humor and a lot of heart.

This dining experience truly stands out as the epitome of culinary excellence! Without a doubt, the food here is exceptional, remarkable, and absolutely unforgettable. Having dined at numerous Michelin Star restaurants globally, I must say that Massimo has set a remarkably high standard by keeping the food and ingredients delightfully simple. The menu features dishes that are familiar yet transformed into entirely new culinary delights. The impeccable service and outstanding wine pairings only add to the experience. If you ever have the opportunity to dine here, I wholeheartedly recommend seizing the chance to embark on this unforgettable journey.

I flew from Australia for this dinner, and the chefs, staff, and atmosphere didn't disappoint. The food, along with the wine pairings, was impeccable, and I enjoyed every bite. You can tell the dishes were painstakingly created. The host of the evening took time to describe the inspiration of each dish and directed the team of professional servers like an invisible hand around the room. Even Massimo Bottura came to our sitting, where he was witty, kind, and humble as he greeted the restaurant full of guests. As this restaurant promotes communal tables with strangers who dine there, I thoroughly enjoyed my company as we've enjoyed this evening together. I couldn't have imagined a greater experience. Bravo.