There are only twelve tables at Osteria Francescana, which is in the heart of the city center of Modena, Italy.
Chef Massimo Bottura is a native to the region, but he's renowned for his innovative twists on classic Italian foods.
He created Osteria Francescana in order to honor his heritage, while "embracing modernity."
Here, Italian dishes that have been around for centuries are transformed into entirely new experiences.
The Tradition in Evolution tasting menu takes diners through a nine-course meal, each associated with a wine pairing. Every course is prepared to evoke a sense of both familiarity and surprise. This menu costs 180 euros per person, plus an addition 120 euros for a wine pairing.
Among the restaurant's most lauded dishes are the Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano, tagliatelle with hand-chopped ragu, and risotto drenched in veal jus.
Dishes here don't just taste phenomenal — they look divine too.
Bottura believes "nutrition is not mathematical. It is emotional."
The experience at Osteria Francesca is intimate — Bottura visits each table and tells stories about the food, history, and significance in the world at large.
Every inch of the three-Michelin-star restaurant is carefully considered. The walls are and tables are mildly decorated so that food and wine color palettes pop.
Most people who eat at Osteria Francescana rave that it was the best meal of their lives.
