Osteria Francescana: Tai Lopez Visits Italy's Most Famous Restaurant - Was It Worth the Hype?
TL Team Jun 24, 2025
When Tai Lopez found himself in the heart of Tuscany and saw a rare lunch reservation pop up for Osteria Francescana—arguably the most famous restaurant in Italy and twice named the #1 restaurant in the world—he didn’t hesitate. He jumped in the car and drove nearly two hours north to Modena, expecting a transcendent culinary experience.

Spoiler alert: it didn’t exactly go that way.

If you caught Tai's review of Noma, you'll remember his hot take: a lot of these "best restaurants in the world" don’t live up to the hype or the price tag. Sadly, Osteria Francescana proved to be another example in that camp.

Background: Osteria Francescana & Massimo Bottura

Founded in 1995 by Massimo Bottura, Osteria Francescana became a culinary icon thanks to its blend of art, philosophy, and food. It claimed the top spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 and 2018 and became a pop culture star thanks to Netflix’s Chef's Table and an episode of Master of None, which painted it as a must-visit.

Massimo is a legend. Charismatic, loud, endlessly creative. These days, though, he may be stretched a little thin—between his booming fame, numerous ventures, global pop-ups, brand collaborations like Gucci Osteria, and international openings like the Beverly Hills outpost, it's hard to imagine he's still as hands-on as he once was in Modena. Charismatic, loud, endlessly creative. He showed up at the end of Tai's meal, cracking jokes, calling one guy "Lebowski," and taking photos with guests. The man himself? Grade-A. But the restaurant? Well...

About Modena

Modena is a gem in the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s known for its balsamic vinegar, opera roots (Pavarotti was born here), and fast cars (Ferrari HQ is nearby). The city feels intimate and elegant—a perfect place for strolling. You can walk from the restaurant to Modena Cathedral, pop into an enoteca, or explore local food markets.



Why Tai Had Sky-High Expectations

When Tai booked a last-minute lunch at Osteria Francescana, he wasn’t just hoping for a good meal—he was chasing what many call the best dining experience in Italy. This restaurant wasn’t just awarded two #1 spots on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list—it’s frequently labeled the pinnacle of Italian fine dining. And Tai, a lifelong Italian food lover, has had more than his fair share of incredible meals in Italy at a fraction of the price.

Add to that the stardust of Massimo Bottura—celebrity chef, fashion world collaborator, and Netflix darling—and the expectations only got higher. Tai had seen the Osteria Francescana episode of Chef’s Table, and like many others, was enchanted by the poetic backstory, the art-meets-cuisine approach, and the passion Bottura radiated on screen. Then there was Master of None, where the restaurant made an unforgettable cameo, making it seem almost mythical.

The narrative was perfect. The setting was Modena. And Tai was ready for magic.

First Impressions: A Quiet Entrance to a Loud Reputation

Walking through the charming streets of Modena—a quaint, cobblestone-filled city that exudes Italian history—Tai was surprised when he almost walked right past the place. The building is understated, save for a pop of bright color (somewhere between pink and orange) and a small, gold plaque that reads: Osteria Francescana. No grand entrance, no velvet rope.

What did catch his eye? The wildly multicolored Maserati parked right out front. Pretty sure it belonged to Massimo Bottura himself—celebrity chef, culinary innovator, Gucci collaborator, and the flamboyant genius behind this institution. That Maserati set the tone. Or at least, it tried to.

A Letdown in Ambiance

Once inside, things started to feel... off.

"It was so quiet," Tai said. "Like painfully, awkwardly quiet. We literally asked the servers five times if this was normal."

It was like dining in a high-end library. It was so quiet that Tai and his table could hear entire conversations from other diners—and those diners could clearly hear them too. "You don’t really want to know which parents at someone's school are sleeping together... or maybe you do," Tai joked. It made the entire table feel like they had to censor themselves, second-guessing every comment or laugh. It affected the whole dynamic—everyone became more stiff, more formal. Not exactly the relaxed, joyful Italian meal Tai had envisioned. Add to that a sterile decor scheme—gray walls, generic prints, and what one diner described as "a Marriott conference room with a couple art upgrades" —and you’ve got an environment that felt more clinical than cozy. A massive floral painting resembling a certain body part dominated one wall, giving off more confusion than character.



What Tai Ordered

The lunch was a pre-fixe tasting menu. Tai tried a bit of everything (and we mean everything—he ended up eating several dishes the rest of the group passed on).

Standouts:
  • Foie Gras Risotto — Rich, luxurious, and absolutely delicious. A highlight.
  • Scallop Ravioli and Mortadella Appetizer — "Mamma mia" levels of flavor.
  • Desserts — As expected, they nailed it. Complex, inventive, and truly satisfying.
Not-so-favorite moments:

Dishes featuring eel, tongue, and guinea fowl — too adventurous for some, and not necessarily what you hope for from Italy’s top restaurant. Tai ended up eating two or three of these dishes himself because others at the table found them a bit too unique, but didn’t want to offend the kitchen.

A deconstructed pasta that was... fine. But didn’t scream "Italy" the way you'd expect.

The meal took a very long time—probably around three hours—but it felt even longer. Tai joked he could’ve watched The Brutalist twice in that time. And the whole time, he kept thinking about the nearly two-hour drive he still had ahead of him to get back to Tuscany. The pacing, combined with the quiet and awkward atmosphere, made it feel like a marathon rather than a leisurely lunch.

Menu Highlights: The Greatest Hits

If you're curious about what people do love here, here's what keeps showing up on must-try lists:
  • Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano — A tribute to Modena's famous cheese, aged and interpreted in five forms. It was a premium add-on and not included in Tai's meal, but looked incredible.
  • The Famous Breadsticks — Yes, breadsticks. Comically long and surprisingly memorable. Tai joked, "I'm about two breadsticks tall."
  • Aceto Balsamico di Modena Gift — At the end of the meal, guests receive a small bottle of Modena's prized balsamic vinegar. A nice touch.
Drink-wise, Tai stuck to still water (a lot of it, thanks to the discomfort), but the wine list here is elite—as it should be. Just know, even the water costs.

Did It Live Up to the Hype? Tai’s Expectations vs Reality

Going into this experience, Tai had some pretty sky-high expectations—and not without reason. Here’s a quick rundown of what he was expecting, and how each point held up:

- Expectation: Groundbreaking Italian cuisine that celebrates tradition and innovation.
  • Reality: While a few dishes (like the foie gras risotto) were excellent, most strayed far from what you'd expect at a top Italian restaurant. Eel, tongue, and guinea fowl weren't quite the flavor notes Tai had hoped for.
- Expectation: An immersive, artistic ambiance like what was shown in Chef’s Table or Master of None.
  • Reality: The ambiance fell completely flat. Sterile decor, uncomfortable silence, and no music made it feel more like a boardroom than a dining experience.
- Expectation: A personal, hands-on experience from Massimo Bottura or his proteges.
  • Reality: Massimo did make an appearance at the end, but with his growing empire, it’s clear he may not be in the kitchen much these days.
- Expectation: The best Italian food experience in the world.
  • Reality: It was good, not great. In a country where a trattoria on any corner can serve jaw-dropping meals for a fraction of the price, this just didn’t deliver on the "wow" factor.
Tai’s Ratings
  • Food: 7/10 — Some excellent dishes, some forgettable, and some... way out there.
  • Service: 8/10 — Polite and attentive, but communication was difficult.
  • Ambiance: 5/10 — Cold, quiet, and not what you expect from a global powerhouse.
  • Location: 8/10 — Modena is beautiful, and the walk to the restaurant is lovely.
  • Value: 4/10 — In a country full of exceptional food at great prices, this just didn’t justify the cost.
  • Overall Experience: 6/10 — A mix of highs and lows. Better options exist.
Tips for Visiting Osteria Francescana
  • Consider the a la carte menu to avoid overcommitting to adventurous tasting menus.
  • Ask about the Five Ages of Parmesan — it's not included!
  • Check their translated PDF menu online before going.
  • Book for dinner if you want more energy in the room (though it may not help).
  • Expect to spend a lot on extras (water included).
  • Don’t go hungry and don’t overstuff—the drive back to Tuscany is long.
Perfect For:
  • Hardcore foodies checking off bucket list spots.
  • Fans of Massimo Bottura and Chef’s Table.
  • High-end anniversary dinners (if you’re okay with silence).
  • Culinary travelers curious about Michelin experiences.
Make a Day Out of It: Nearby Modena Itinerary
  • Morning: Walk Modena's city center, visit the Duomo.
  • After lunch: Tour the Ferrari Museum or sample balsamic vinegar at Acetaia.
  • Evening: Drinks at Enoteca Compagna or dinner at Franceschetta 58 (Massimo’s casual sister spot).
Primer: Modena’s Balsamic Vinegar

No trip to Modena is complete without diving into its most famous culinary export: traditional balsamic vinegar. This isn't the balsamic glaze you grab off a supermarket shelf—Modena's real balsamico is rich, syrupy, deeply complex, and has been crafted the same way for centuries.

True Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena is made from just one ingredient: Trebbiano or Lambrusco grape must, cooked down and then aged in a battery of wooden barrels (often oak, cherry, chestnut, and ash) for a minimum of 12 years. Some are aged for up to 25 years or longer. Each barrel imparts unique flavor characteristics, and over time, the vinegar becomes a velvety, almost sweet reduction that’s balanced by sharp acidity.

What makes it even more special? The aging process is highly regulated, and only a small amount of vinegar evaporates and concentrates each year—making every drop precious.

How to use it? Sparingly and smartly. Drizzle it over Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh strawberries, or even vanilla gelato. Tai recommends picking up a bottle from a reputable acetaia nearby—many offer tastings and tours that are well worth the visit.

Staying in Tuscany Instead?

If you're based in Tuscany, you may want to skip the long drive and enjoy:
  • Osteria Le Logge (Siena) — Elevated Tuscan cuisine.
  • La Bottega del 30 (Chianti) — Cozy Michelin-starred spot.
  • La Porta (Monticchiello) — Epic views and even better pastas.
  • Dario Cecchini’s Butcher Restaurant (Panzano) — For meat lovers.
Italian Phrases To Politely Decline Adventurous Dishes:

In case you don’t have a Tai in your group to heroically clean up the more "creative" courses, this short list will save you some awkward moments. Italy has its fair share of adventurous eating beyond Osteria Francescana—dishes with tripe, horse meat, or organ meats are common in regional menus. If you’d rather pass without offending the chef or your host, try one of these polite phrases:
  • "Mi dispiace, ma non posso mangiarlo." — I'm sorry, but I can't eat this.
  • "È un po' troppo per me." — It's a bit much for me.
  • "Preferisco qualcosa di più tradizionale." — I'd prefer something more traditional.
Final Thoughts from Tai

"Listen, it wasn't a bad meal. Some dishes were truly great. But when you drive hours for what's supposed to be the best Italian food on Earth, and you end up eating eel in a conference room with no music, it's kind of a letdown. Especially in a country where you can get amazing pasta and wine for 15 euros just about anywhere."

"I'd say go for the photo, go for the story, go if you're a massive fan of Massimo. But if you're looking for value or that quintessential Italian dining experience, Osteria Francescana may not be it. Noma still reigns supreme in my book."

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