Francescana at Maria Luigia In Modena

I am not usually given to reviews but am moved to post this one for two reasons: first, because it was the best meal of my life; second, because I can’t let the previous two reviews stand. The menu is a sort of “Bottura’s Greatest Hits” combined with a few current numbers - and what hits they are! Extraordinary inventiveness, concentrated flavour and moreishness on plate after beautifully crafted plate. Some - like “Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano in Different Textures and Temperatures” - are a paradox of subtlety and power. Unforgettable. The evening was presented by an enthusiastic and friendly staff and made even better by the fun table we shared with delightful folks from the US. Perfect.

Never experienced something like this. Like Massimo's meals, the experience is perfectly balanced between luxury and authentic warmth. Lara's presence just makes everything that much more special. Would recommend and go back in a heart beat.

Beautiful structure… immersed in a fantastic garden with swimming pool

A magical place, elegant and refined. Noble house with large garden, vegetable garden, swimming pool, synthetic grass tennis court. Immersed in the beauty of the works of art and the kindness that you can feel from the staff. Each room is unique, with comfortable beds and a spacious bathroom. Special and unique breakfast: greater emphasis is given to savory. Served from 8.30-10.30. Reservation recommended well in advance

Once in a lifetime experience. Fully worth our visit to the restaurant. Don't forget to also pay a visit to the Acetaia, which was super insightful.

Dear Massimo & Lara, thank you for sharing your home with us, it’s been a wonderful experience at “home away from home” as you say. An experience that touches every sense of being and belonging. Giovanni was exquisite in showing us your amazing collections as well as everyone at the estate. Grazie per averci fatto sentire parte della vostra famiglia, non vedo l’ora di tornare! Gloria & Genesio

We are huge fans of Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. We watch every documentary and read every article so when we had the opportunity to stay at Casa Maria Luigia and try several of the restaurants, we were elated! The Casa Maria team is absolutely amazing- every single person. They make you feel like you are the most important guest and go out of their way to make this a memorable experience. The added touches - daily snacks in the guest kitchen, happy hour, etc. are what really makes this feel like home. The breakfast is decadent and one I have never experienced anywhere else. The property is beautiful and the rooms are spacious. We unfortunately didn’t meet Massimo (maybe our next visit!). We did meet Lara and she completely blew me away- sweet, warm and welcoming. There are people that just make the world a better place - thank you Massimo and Lara for letting us share this amazing place!

Had a VVIP experience as a group of us stayed here after taking over all of chef massimo’s restaurants. Very blessed! Superb stay here; gym/pool area was great, vinyl listening area was peaceful, the whole space is well thought out, service staff is amazing, you can practically ask them for anything and they’ll try to make it happen. Food/drinks available round the clock: imagine tiramisu in the fridge post workout. The breakfast buffet was so crazy, save space for that. Chef Massimo really took care of us here. Would love to come back and stay here again. One of the best memories in my life.

Review is for both the hotel and the restaurant and they were both a top tier experience. The rooms, the staff, the art, the cars, the pool, the kitchens with fun snacks, the balsamic tour and the breakfast were all spectacular. And obviously who wouldn’t love a dinner highlighting some of Massimo’s best dishes. It was very cool that he was there and to hear him talking about some of the thought and history behind the dishes. We went to Osteria Francescana the next night and I think our group liked this meal better (but Osteria Francescana was still fantastic!). Only criticism for the hotel is that for a place meant to immerse you in fine dining, the coffee/espresso machines in the kitchens were just okay. Would have liked to make a macchiato or a cappuccino myself, but the ones they made for us at breakfast were delicious.

I have so much love for this place! Firstly, the staff is so friendly and so attentive. We felt so well taken care of! Everyone went above and beyond to make our stay out of a fairytale. The rooms are so spacious and so clean! You are greeted with fresh Parmesan and a fully stocked fridge. The bed is massive and possibly the most comfortable thing I’ve ever laid on. The whole motto of “treat this like your home” is so true. I felt so comfortable here! The meal at Osteria Francescana at Maria Lugia is a totally different story…. Best meal I have ever had no questions ask. Every single dish told a story and I appreciated every bite! We even got to meet Massimo. Staying here has been a dream. Everything was to perfection and I wouldn’t change a thing!