Who knows how many times you have tried to think of the right place to bring your sweetheart for a romantic lunch or dinner! I guess many 🙂 Especially at this particular time of year… when Valentine’s Day is coming.  Don’t worry, if you are in Modena and you don’t have ideas where to go, you can find in this article 7 (+ 1) proposals perfect to impress the person you love.

The idea of ​​writing an article to the most romantic restaurant in the city came to me thanks to a specific request received in private some time ago by a foreign boy who needed advice on the right place to make his wedding promise. I was very impressed… but what a responsibility!

I have already written about romantic experiences on several occasions here on the blog but never specifically about romantic places because I know perfectly well that the concept can be very subjective.

So, I’ve prepared the list below asking myself: “where would I like to be taken to celebrate a special occasion?”. I hope that my ideas can meet yours.

Some romantic restaurants in Modena and its province

1) Hosteria Giusti

Located in the heart of Modena, Hosteria Giusti (via Farini 75)  I don’t know if it’s a typical romantic place but for me it really is. It’s the atmosphere that makes it special! Historical shop since 1605 is the oldest of Modena’s historic shops and the oldest delicatessen-gastronomy in Europe. A magical place that oozes with tradition.

The restaurant is open to single reservations only at lunch (in the evening it is reserved for groups) and has very few tables (booking is recommended). Its atmosphere is between rustic and elegant, thanks to the exposed beams and terracotta flooring that go well with linen tablecloths, porcelain dishes and crystal glasses. Here you can taste dishes of the local tradition. The context is suggestive, intimate and characteristic.

2) L’Erba del Re

Erba del Re (via Castel Maraldo 45) is an elegant restaurant in the center, overlooking the lively Piazzetta della Pomposa. Owned by Chef Luca Marchini, it’s one of the 3 starred realities of the city, together with Osteria Francescana by Massimo Bottura and Strada Facendo by Emilio Barbieri. The atmosphere is impeccable, refined and modern, the menu pays attention both to local and Italian gastronomic traditions, with an attentive look towards new forms of culinary expression. Impossible not to impress!

3) La Cucina del Museo

La Cucina del Museo (via Sant’Agostino 7) is a restaurant that already existed since the 1600s. Overlooking Sant’Agostino Square, it’s a restaurant with an intimate and well-kept atmosphere. The atmosphere, characterized by the vaulted brick ceiling, is small (it has just over twenty seats). The cuisine, based on the flavors of home simplicity, is inspired by two Italian regions: Campania, the Chef’s homeland and his land of adoption Emilia. Thanks to its super-equipped wine cellar, it’s the right place to toast with an important wine!

4) Olimpia Restaurant

Olimpia Restaurant (viale Storchi 487), near the center, is known for its excellent fish Cuisine. So if you want to amaze your beloved with dishes based on these specialties you are in the right place! All fish, except for oysters and anchovies, comes from the freshest fishing boats of Marsala and Mazzara del Vallo. The menu changes seasonally and offers a few number of dishes. Finally, the wine list is very rich. The atmosphere is incredibly romantic. Recommended to impress!

5) L’antica Moka

Another restaurant of traditional Cuisine, always of a high standard, is Antica Moka (via Emilia Est 1496). Here the flavor of tradition is mixed with the elegance of the presentation and the refinement of the gastronomic proposals. The dishes are creative but at the same time homemade, the context distinct, refined and elegant. Ask for one of the tables on the upper floor that overlook the main room, they are more intimate, perfect for celebrating special occasions (I came here for my 40th birthday dinner :)).

6) The Calcagnino

How about dining in a 13th century castle? Il Calcagnino (Piazza Calcagnini 1, Formigine) is located in the cellars of the castle of Formigine, and has a large outdoor veranda overlooking the park of the fortress, perfect for summer evenings. Even here the menu offers traditional Emilian dishes. A fairytale location!

7) Opera 02

Immersed in the beautiful and gentle hills of Levizzano, Opera 02 (via Medusia 32, Levizzano di Castelvetro) is a special place. The elegant restaurant, which offers a Cuisine deeply rooted in the territory, stands out for its breathtaking view of the hills. A postcard place!

And here we are at the end, but as I anticipated in the title there is still a place I would like to talk to you about. To live an extraordinarily romantic experience, in my opinion, you must come there in the summer because it is its wonderful terrace overlooking the city that alone is worth the experience. I’m talking about Cicala (Via Vandelli 708, Maranello) a restaurant with a rustic atmosphere that during the summer becomes one of the places that I would put at the top of the list to spend the perfect evening for two!

How about these ideas on some of the romantic restaurants in Modena? Try them, if you haven't already, and let me know how it was in the comments. Ah! Obviously if you want to add other ideas, do it below (they are always welcome)!