Best Restaurants In The World Osteria Francescana

The world of fine dining is an adventure that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. And if you are looking for the best of the best, the Osteria Francescana is where you should be. Located in Modena, Italy, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant has been named the Best Restaurant in the World twice by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The restaurant’s chef, Massimo Bottura, has been praised for his innovative and creative approach to traditional Italian cuisine.

🍴 The Tasting Menu

The tasting menu at Osteria Francescana is a 12-course journey that takes you through Bottura’s mind-bending, thought-provoking, and emotionally rich cuisine. The menu is designed to tell a story of Italy, Bottura’s home country, and its culinary heritage. Each dish is a masterpiece with a unique and unforgettable flavor.

The First Course: Mediterranean Sole

The first course, the Mediterranean Sole, is a dish that Bottura created to honor his mother. The dish is a mix of textures and flavors that includes a crispy fried skin, tender fish, and a tangy lemon sauce. The dish is served on top of a bed of seaweed and is accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine.

The Second Course: An Eel Swimming Up the Po River

The second course, An Eel Swimming Up The Po River, is a dish that takes inspiration from the river that runs through Bottura’s hometown. The dish is made up of smoked eel, green apple, and a cream of beetroot, and is served in a miniature glass boat.

The Third Course: The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna

The third course, The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna, is a dish that Bottura created to address the issue of food waste. The dish is a deconstructed lasagna that features only the crispy, golden-brown top layer. The dish is topped with a rich, savory ragu.

The Fourth Course: Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano

The fourth course, Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano, is a dish that Bottura created to showcase the flavors and textures of one of Italy’s greatest cheeses. The dish features five different ages of Parmigiano Reggiano, each with its unique flavor and texture.

The Fifth Course: The Beautiful Psychedelic Veal

The fifth course, The Beautiful Psychedelic Veal, is a dish that Bottura created to represent the beauty of nature. The dish features pink veal with a colorful array of vegetables, including carrots, radishes, and beets. The dish is accompanied by a rich broth made from veal bones.

The Sixth Course: Oops! I Dropped The Lemon Tart

The sixth course, Oops! I Dropped The Lemon Tart, is a playful and whimsical take on the classic lemon tart. The dish looks as though it has been dropped on the plate, but each element is perfectly placed. The tart is accompanied by a lemon sorbet and a pastry cream.

The Seventh Course: Foie Gras Crunch

The seventh course, Foie Gras Crunch, is a dish that Bottura created to honor the legacy of Paul Bocuse, a legendary French chef who passed away in 2018. The dish features a delicate and creamy foie gras, which is encased in a crispy shell. The dish is served with a brioche bun and a glass of white wine.

The Eighth Course: Croccantino of Foie Gras

The eighth course, Croccantino of Foie Gras, is another foie gras dish that features a crispy shell on the outside and a creamy center. The dish is accompanied by a sweet and tangy strawberry sauce that provides the perfect balance of flavors.

The Ninth Course: Tortellini Walking on Broth

The ninth course, Tortellini Walking on Broth, is a playful and interactive dish that features tortellini that seem to be walking on top of the rich and flavorful broth. The dish is the perfect way to enjoy Bottura’s unique sense of humor.

The Tenth Course: Caesar Salad in Bloom

The tenth course, Caesar Salad in Bloom, is a dish that takes a classic Caesar salad and transforms it into a work of art. The dish includes crispy lettuce, creamy dressing, and a variety of colorful flowers that provide a visually stunning presentation.

The Eleventh Course: The Essence of Bread

The eleventh course, The Essence of Bread, is a dish that Bottura created to celebrate the simplicity of bread and the importance it plays in Italian cuisine. The dish features a variety of different breads, each with its unique flavor.

The Twelfth Course: The Globe

The twelfth and final course, The Globe, is a dish that represents the world and all the flavors and ingredients it has to offer. The dish features a creamy and decadent chocolate mousse that is served in a globe-shaped glass. The dish is decorated with a variety of colorful fruits, representing the diversity of the world.

🍷 The Wine List

The wine list at Osteria Francescana is extensive and carefully curated to complement the flavors of each dish. The restaurant’s sommelier, Giuseppe Palmieri, has put together a list of over 1,200 labels from around the world, with a focus on Italian wines. The list includes both classic and rare vintages, along with a selection of organic and biodynamic wines.

👨‍🍳 The Chef

Massimo Bottura is the chef and co-owner of Osteria Francescana. Bottura’s culinary journey began in the 1980s when he worked for Alain Ducasse in Monte Carlo and then at the legendary El Bulli in Spain. Bottura returned to Italy in 1995 and opened Osteria Francescana in 1998. Since then, he has become one of the most influential chefs in the world.

📝 FAQs

1. How do I make a reservation at Osteria Francescana?

You can make a reservation through the restaurant’s website or by phone. Reservations must be made in advance, as the restaurant is often booked months in advance.

2. What is the dress code at Osteria Francescana?

The dress code is smart casual. Jackets are not required, but shorts and flip-flops are not allowed.

3. How much does a meal at Osteria Francescana cost?

The tasting menu at Osteria Francescana costs €280 per person, excluding wine. The wine pairing costs €220 per person.

4. Is Osteria Francescana suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the restaurant can accommodate vegetarians with a special tasting menu.

5. Is there a private dining room at Osteria Francescana?

Yes, there is a private dining room that can accommodate up to 12 people.

6. Is Osteria Francescana wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

7. Does Osteria Francescana have a bar?

Yes, the restaurant has a bar where you can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or a post-dinner drink.

8. Does Osteria Francescana serve lunch?

Yes, the restaurant serves lunch from Tuesday to Friday.

9. Is there a dress code at Osteria Francescana?

Yes, there is a dress code. Smart casual attire is recommended.

10. What is the seating capacity of Osteria Francescana?

The restaurant can seat up to 28 guests at a time.

11. Are children allowed at Osteria Francescana?

Children are welcome, but the restaurant is not suitable for young children.

12. Does Osteria Francescana have a vegetarian tasting menu?

Yes, the restaurant can accommodate vegetarians with a special tasting menu.

13. Does Osteria Francescana have a Michelin star?

Osteria Francescana has three Michelin stars.

👍 Conclusion

Osteria Francescana is a restaurant that should be on every food lover’s bucket list. The restaurant’s innovative and creative approach to traditional Italian cuisine is a feast for the senses. From the imaginative tasting menu to the carefully curated wine list, every detail has been considered to provide a memorable dining experience. If you are looking for the best restaurant in the world, look no further than Osteria Francescana.

📢 Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no