MB

Food / Chef

Massimo Bottura

The Italian genius behind Osteria Francescana, twice crowned #1 World's Best Restaurant. A visionary who transforms Emilian tradition into edible art while fighting food waste through Food for Soul.

3
Michelin Stars
#1
World's Best
Modena
Italy

What is Osteria Francescana and why is it famous?

Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, is Chef Massimo Bottura's flagship restaurant and has been ranked #1 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 and 2018. With 3 Michelin stars, it serves avant-garde Italian cuisine that deconstructs and reimagines traditional Emilian dishes into contemporary art.

Tier A: Restaurant Owner

The World's Best Restaurant

Osteria Francescana's Journey to the Top

Massimo Bottura opened Osteria Francescana in 1995 in a small space in Modena's historic center. Initially criticized by traditionalists for his unconventional approach to Italian cuisine, Bottura persevered:

  • 1995 - Opens Osteria Francescana in Modena
  • 2002 - First Michelin star
  • 2006 - Second Michelin star
  • 2012 - Third Michelin star
  • 2016 & 2018 - #1 World's 50 Best Restaurants
Tier A: Verified Owner

Iconic Signature Dishes

Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart

Born from a kitchen accident, this deconstructed dessert celebrates imperfection. A "broken" lemon tart presented as intentional art that became Bottura's most famous creation.

Tier A

Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano

A celebration of Modena's legendary cheese presented in five different textures and temperatures: souffle, cream, foam, crisp, and galette.

Tier A

The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna

Inspired by his brother's childhood habit of only eating the crispy edges. A concentrated essence of lasagna as a crispy corner piece.

Tier A

Camouflage: A Hare in the Woods

A dish that looks like a forest floor but contains carefully hidden game meat. Visual deception meets culinary excellence.

Tier A

Massimo Bottura's Restaurants

Modena, Italy

OF

Osteria Francescana 3 Michelin Stars

Modena | Fine Dining | #1 World's Best Restaurant (2016, 2018). Tasting menu of reimagined Emilian classics.
F58

Franceschetta58 Owner

Modena | Casual Italian | More accessible trattoria serving traditional dishes with Bottura's creative touch.
CML

Casa Maria Luigia Owner

Modena | Hotel & Restaurant | 12-room boutique hotel in the countryside with restaurant and cooking experiences.

International

GO

Gucci Osteria 1 Michelin Star

Florence, LA, Tokyo, Seoul | Italian | Collaboration with Gucci in their flagship locations worldwide.

Food for Soul: Fighting Food Waste

Culinary Excellence Meets Social Good

In 2016, Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore founded Food for Soul, a non-profit that operates community kitchens called "Refettorios":

  • Transforms surplus food into nutritious meals for those in need
  • Collaborates with world-renowned chefs and designers
  • Refettorios in Milan, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, and beyond
  • Featured in Netflix documentary "Theater of Life"
  • Proves that fighting hunger can be done with dignity and beauty

"Culture is not a luxury. Food is not a luxury. They are rights."

Tier A: Verified Founder

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osteria Francescana known for?
Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, is known as one of the world's greatest restaurants. It holds 3 Michelin stars and has been ranked #1 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 and 2018. Chef Massimo Bottura serves avant-garde Italian cuisine that reimagines traditional Emilian dishes as contemporary art.
What is Massimo Bottura's most famous dish?
"Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart" is Massimo Bottura's most famous dish. Created when a sous chef accidentally dropped a lemon tart before service, Bottura told them to "make them all look like that." The deconstructed dessert celebrates beautiful imperfection and has become his signature.
How many Michelin stars does Massimo Bottura have?
Massimo Bottura's flagship restaurant Osteria Francescana holds 3 Michelin stars, the highest possible rating. Additionally, Gucci Osteria (his collaboration with the fashion house) holds 1 Michelin star at its Florence location.
What is Food for Soul?
Food for Soul is a non-profit organization founded by Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore in 2016. It operates community kitchens called "Refettorios" around the world that transform food waste into nutritious, restaurant-quality meals for people in need, combining social responsibility with culinary excellence.
Can you visit Osteria Francescana?
Yes, but reservations are extremely difficult to obtain. Osteria Francescana opens reservations online several months in advance and they fill up within minutes. The restaurant seats only 28 diners per service and offers a tasting menu experience that typically costs around 300+ euros per person.