Detailed Account of All Eateries Run by Celebrated Chef Massimo Bottura in His Home Town, Modena
Il Gatto Verde and Il Cavallino: Sustainable Dining Experiences by Massimo Bottura
In the heart of Modena, Italy, renowned chef Massimo Bottura continues to redefine Italian cuisine. His latest ventures, Il Gatto Verde and Il Cavallino, offer unique dining experiences that blend tradition with modernity, sustainability with creativity, and art with culture.
Il Gatto Verde, located on the grounds of the historic Casa Maria Luigia, debuted at No. 92 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants extended list in 2025. This high-end sustainable restaurant, a collaboration between Bottura and his partner Lara Gilmore, promises a menu that fuses local traditions with international flair, under the poetic and socially conscious philosophy of its chef, Jessica Rosval.
Il Gatto Verde is set to be one of the world's most eco-friendly dining establishments, opening its doors on September 20, 2024. The restaurant's design incorporates natural materials like wood and stone in green and earthy tones, and features contemporary art pieces.
Casa Maria Luigia, an 18th-century estate, offers more than just a place to stay. It provides an immersive experience in Bottura's world of gastronomy, with personalized touches and a pastoral setting. Guests can enjoy dishes from Il Gatto Verde, as well as from the three Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana, which has been twice named the world's best restaurant.
Just opposite Ferrari's historic manufacturing plant in Maranello, Il Cavallino has undergone a transformation under Bottura's guidance. The interiors, curated by designer India Mahdavi, pay homage to the Ferrari world, while the menu celebrates Italian tradition with dishes inspired by Ferrari's family and Bottura's signature creativity. The restaurant offers an unrivaled Italian dining experience, with Chef Riccardo Forapani overseeing the kitchen, a 13-year veteran from Francescana.
Bottura's influence can be felt in various collaborative projects and initiatives in Modena and beyond, such as the "Refettorio" soup kitchens and gastronomic events. His commitment to sustainability and social impact is evident in his food rescue and community projects like Food for Soul.
Bottura's establishments in Modena offer unique lenses through which to explore his culinary philosophy, making them essential stops in the heart of Italy. Whether it's the premium experience at Osteria Francescana, the dynamic menu at Franceschetta58, or the hearty celebration of Emilian tradition with a modern twist at Il Cavallino, each restaurant provides a memorable experience that honors both the region's rich culinary heritage and Bottura's innovative spirit.
[1] The World's 50 Best Restaurants [3] Il Gatto Verde [5] Food for Soul
- The lifestyle at Il Gatto Verde, a trip to Modena's Casa Maria Luigia, promises not only exceptional food and drink but also an exploration of Massimo Bottura's commitment to sustainability and the arts.
- Celebrities and food enthusiasts alike flock to Il Cavallino, a restaurant in Maranello that fuses Italian tradition with modern creativity, creating an enthralling entertainment experience.
- massimo botttura's food-and-drink ventures, such as Il Gatto Verde and Il Cavallino, span beyond Modena, reaching even collaborative projects like Food for Soul, demonstrating his global influence on the sustainable travel movement.
