Nestled in the old town of Modena, few meters from the main piazza, the restaurant can be accessed from a peaceful street. One small door opens to an ample space under old arcades of red bricks. The place feels pleasant, quiet and romantic. The restaurant opens its doors at 7 pm. Visited by the locals, the waiters speak Italian, and the menu is written in Italian only; so I imagined what the orders are.
I loved the space; dimmed light, wooden tables covered with a white tablecloth, paintings add a touch of color, white paint, and traditional brown tiles. The menu is printed on white papers, simple with no sophistication, a choice of traditional Italian dishes I was excited to try. Sparkling water and then the waiter approached for the order. The waiter is happy and recommends the plates he enjoys. He insisted on offering us a coffee and digestif at the end.
In the city of great food and balsamic vinegar, you have to try the local balsamic vinegar and the cold cuts, both exceptional.
My choice:
- Tortellini in brodo do cappone
- Caramelle in crema di parmigiana e Aceto balsamico
- Patate al Forno
- Prosciutto di Modena con burratina Fresca e gnocco fritto
- Parmigiano reggano con Aceto balsamico tradizionale
A plate of fried bread puffs, another of thinly sliced prosciutto with a heart of molten burrata. Amazing hot bread that crumbles like thin biscuits, premium quality ham and a molten burrata like I’ve never had before. What a combination! The ham, the creaminess of the burrata, the taste of this unique bread were the best first impression I could have imagined. And then came another plate: Hard textured parmesan, sweet balsamic and a side of thinly sliced vegetables. I never imagined that flatbread could be fried and keep its rich taste; I’ll try it back home with our local Lebanese fresh bread.
What best describes this restaurant is the simplicity of things. Tortellini in a hot water stock, mini bits of pasta cooked al-dente in a flavorful transparent juice. That was the first time I taste this, an unusual and different way of tasting pasta, a premiere for me in Modena. The other plate is also distinctive, pockets of pasta filled with creamy cheese and a hint of sweetness the Carmel provides; Bizarre, special and tasty. I also ordered oven baked potatoes, unpeeled wedged potatoes with caramel and rosemary; this is the ultimate taste of simple things, unpeeled with an outer crunch, a moist heart with an enjoyable olive oil feel. Good and simple food is served here!
Homemade desserts, simple cups, one with a double layered custard cream of dark chocolate and another of mascarpone cheese with strawberries. And again, the taste of simplicity pups up.
An enjoyable dinner I’ll surely repeat and recommend. A good restaurant choice when visiting Modena.
