If you want to experience the best execution of Modenese dishes, probably in the world, I highly…read morerecommend the traditional menu at Michelin-starred Strada Facendo (menu at http://www.ristorantestradafacendo.it/i-menu/menu-dalla-tradizione/). I went for a Christmas Day lunch, and the 60E menu made the day a very special occasion. I took tons of pictures, but somehow lost them when I assembled them into a collage - grr! But refreshing my memory from the online menu, I started with the excellent local specialties of Mortadella and Parmigiano, there was a tortellini soup that was fantastic (probably the most locally famous dish of Modena), the Tagliatella con ragù di Bianca Modenese was built upon the most delicious noodle I'll probably ever eat. The chef came out and greeted us, which was a nice touch I experienced at no other restaurant during this trip. The fact that he was such a great host and that he was open on such a high holiday were commendable. We finished with a plate of panettone in addition to the more traditional ending of petit fours, the perfect end to a perfect Christmas feast, Modenese-style. My only recommendation is that they drop the 5E cover charge, which is beneath such a classy place (just raise the menu price to 65E).

We came here for lunch, where it was pretty easy to get a reservation on a weekday in late…read moreSeptember. I can see why this place earned a Michelin star, although some things were just short of greatness that we tried. A chef's compliment starter was superb. The blue crab, avacado, and caviar dish was just ok, with a Hypnotik-like blue liquid underneath that seemed more gimmicky than adding to the experience. Pasta dishes, and a tuna tartar and risotto small plate were excellent. The lamb entree just short of greatness, I expected the meat to be more tender (over-cooked?), but the flavor was fantastic. Everything is relative, and this place in another city might easily earn 5 stars, but our expectations were very high. Judging from other reviews, the traditional Modena dishes would've been great to try. Service was excellent as expected.