Francescana at Maria Luigia In Modena

If you never been… You must go!!!

Unreal experience. Gorgeous property , amazing staff, delicious food. Chef has made this place feel like home to all guests. Highly recommend everyone and anyone to experience Casa Maria. Perfect stay. Thank you !!

This review is about DINNER (we didn't stay at the hotel). Well, a lot to be said, only gave 4 stars because I found the service lacking for the price point and the experience a bit "all over the place". Would've loved a different journey and more care in the pampering, but I guess thats what you get when there's so many ppl. First, the food is amazing of course. It's the best Massimo Bottura's dishes (the ones that made him famous and the best sellers in Osteria Francescana). So you get a 3-Michelin star menu in a different setting (amazing one) away from the crowds at Francescana (good luck getting a reservation!). Casa María Luigia was the same price but easier to get a seat, and I think, a better space. The wine pairing is expensive but worth it. Get it. If you're splurging already, go with it, also wine by the glass is waaay more expensive and a bottle for the different dishes would be lacking. Also the whole experience is over 3 hours, so... Having said that, we booked and got there on time. No one greeted us or even directed us to the place the dinner was, we kinda infered from where all the tourists were standing. And at 7 sharp they formed a queue and started checking names on a list (felt awkward since it's already paid and couldn't find my name at first, it's like going to an event and not being on the list). Also, why? There were like 30 minutes when they could've greeted and checked who you were. That felt awfully impersonal. At last you go in and get seated randomly in communal tables with 7-8 other people. That was good because we got to know other interesting couples. But the salon is cold and a bit tight for so many ppl, my guess is they crowd it as much as they can. The concept is good though, they maitre d' explains every 3 dishes and you can go check out the open kitchen (no actual cooking is happening but they do have some mounting and impressive pieces of equipment). Wine is served and explained at the table. Damian hirst art decorates the walls. So, why 4 stars? They maitre suggested we left a tip (paid online 2 months in advance, but got the wine tasting last minute so I paid for that there, everyone else just left with no bill and there were no tips requests. Of course I did not leave anything, hard to believe Mr Bottura does not pay his staff very well). A tour on the property would've been nice. We had to go out between courses with no explanation or invitation. The welcoming was terrible. Maybe a little water at least? Service was slooooow... It was supposed to be 3 hours, it was close to 4. Around 20 minutes between some courses. In summary: great experience and food and wine. Go go go, but be aware that it is not cheap and the service was lacking ($550 per person should get a more personalized and kind experience, no?). The property is beautiful and full of art, gardens and Massimo's touch. Amazing. Would've loved to stay there for one night (maybe next time, it's around $3500). Would hope that when we get back -just loved Modena- they do improve these little things. Maybe trying the other 2 new spots on the property (that the staff also did not mention or encouraged to visit).

Beautiful location, excellent service, food was spectacular out of this world. We only stayed a night and a day. But it was a wonderful experience.

The other reviews already point out the food, breakfast, art etc in this place. It is all true yet it is so much more. The hospitality is wonderful, you feel at home as soon as you enter the gate and the garden is so peaceful and serene. Rarely have I been at a place so relaxing.

The best dining experience I've ever had. It's not just about the exceptional food, but also the ambiance, the decor, the villa, the surroundings, the detailed explanations provided, the stories you're narrated, Massimo greeting each guest, and the warm and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant. Dining at communal tables allows you to meet new people. They serve the Osteria's signature dishes that are no longer available at their main restaurant. Guests are encouraged to interact freely, visit the kitchen, ask questions, take photos, and feel at home. It was refreshing to do away with the formalities of traditional fine dining- the bill being the only reminder of it. I should add that I haven't dined here recently, but I doubt much has changed since then, except for perhaps some menu items.

Lovely experience with attentive staff. From the moment we enter Casa Maria until we left everything was just perfect.

We are long- time Massimo fans and had high expectations for the meal. It was nine courses that nourished our inner child, our creativity and our passion for food. A triumph of Italian cuisine at a stunning location in the Modenese countryside. There were incredible flavours and combinations we have never seen or heard of before, executed to perfection. The most famous (and most awaited) dishes - Five Ages of Parmiggiano, The Crunchy Part of a Lasagne, Oops! I dropped the Lemon Tart - lived up to all the expectations and hype. I will never be able to eat beef / veal again after the spin-painted veal - the most divine meat I have ever tasted and such a beautiful dish, honestly breathtaking. The chefs executed Massimo’s vision to such a high standard, all staff were incredibly friendly and willing to go above and beyond. Our server was attentive, never let a water glass empty, and offered us to take a photo with the chefs at the end of the meal which was a very nice touch. The Sommelier giving introductions to each dish was funny, engaging and informative. Kudos for giving every intro in 2 languages - no mean feat, and he made it look effortless. As a non-drinker, I have been to meals before where wine is pushed at each course. At the start, I stated I didn’t drink, glasses were removed and it wasn’t offered again. Very respectful, and exactly how other restaurants should run. Finally, the communal tables added a warm community vibe to the evening, meeting others from different walks of life and sharing the experience of incredible food was an experience we will never forget. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the staff for such a wonderful experience. We will be back.