Between Bologna & Modena—-Valsamoggia

Valsamoggia: Where Bologna and Modena Collide in the Best Possible Way

Tucked between the gastronomic giants of Bologna and Modena, Valsamoggia is the kind of place that slips under the radar—until you visit. Then it lingers in your mind like the perfect bowl of tortellini in brodo. This collection of five historic villages (Bazzano, Monteveglio, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, and Savigno) is where the rolling hills of Emilia meet a culinary heritage that’s as rich as its landscape.

A Land of Castles, Vineyards, and Slow Food

Valsamoggia doesn’t just sit between two of Italy’s most important food cities—it soaks up the best of both. In Monteveglio, a 12th-century abbey perches on a hilltop, overlooking vineyards that produce Pignoletto, Emilia’s signature white wine. Savigno, known as the “City of Truffles,” is a pilgrimage site for those who live for the earthy aroma of freshly shaved tartufo. And in Bazzano, history and food collide at the 14th-century Rocca dei Bentivoglio fortress, where local enoteche serve plates of crescentine—golden, pillowy fried bread paired with cured meats and soft cheeses.

Where to Eat and Drink in Valsamoggia and the borders of Modena

Gradizzolo is more than an agriturismo—it’s a love letter to Emilia-Romagna’s land and traditions. Tucked into the rolling hills of Valsamoggia, Chef Chiara Ognibene honors local flavors with dishes like tagliolini al ragù di prosciutto, a slow-cooked ham sauce clinging to delicate strands of pasta, or the vibrant tortellini verde di ricotta, burro salato di montagna ed erbe aromatiche, where the richness of mountain butter meets fragrant herbs. Then there’s the cotoletta alla bolognese con patate di Bologna, golden, indulgent, and unapologetically decadent. Her father, Antonio Ognibene, tends to the vineyards, producing natural wines that capture the region’s essence—crisp Pignoletto, structured Negrettino, and a handful of other bottles worth lingering over. Just down the road, the Abbey of Monteveglio, a 12th-century Romanesque gem, stands as a quiet guardian of history. But the real pilgrimage here is to the table—where every bite tells a story of passion, patience, and place.

Amerigo 1934:

A Timeless Trattoria with a Michelin Star : For nearly a century, Trattoria da Amerigo 1934 – Trattoria da Amerigo 1934 – Savigno, BO: A Michelin-starred establishment that has been a culinary landmark since 1934. Under the stewardship of third-generation owner and chef Alberto Bettini, the trattoria masterfully balances rustic charm with refined execution, offering an authentic taste of the Colli Bolognesi region.

The menu is a celebration of local flavors, featuring traditional dishes such as:

• Tagliatelle al Ragù: Handmade ribbon pasta served with a rich meat sauce, exemplifying Bolognese culinary tradition.

• Tortellini in Brodo di Gallina Vecchia: Delicate pasta parcels filled with seasoned meats, served in an aromatic old hen broth.

• Tortelli Ripieni di Parmigiano Reggiano con Prosciutto di Mora Cotto nel Forno a Legna: Pasta filled with aged Parmesan cheese, accompanied by wood-oven-cooked Mora Romagnola prosciutto.

• Gnocchi di Patate al Tartufo Scorzone: Pillowy potato dumplings enhanced with the earthy aroma of summer truffle.

The secondi piatti (main courses) further showcase the region’s culinary heritage:

• Guancia di Vitella Brasata al Barbera con Purè e Piccolo Fritto di Cipolla Rossa: Tender veal cheek braised in Barbera wine, served with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of lightly fried red onions.

• Coniglio all’Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena con Patate Schiacciate ed Insalata Rustica: Succulent rabbit prepared with traditional Modena balsamic vinegar, accompanied by smashed potatoes and a rustic salad.

• L’Uovo Amerigo al Tartufo Scorzone: Amerigo’s signature poached egg dish, garnished with summer truffle, offering a harmonious blend of simplicity and luxury.

Adjacent to the trattoria, the Bottega offers house-made specialties, allowing guests to take home a piece of their culinary experience. For those wishing to extend their stay, the Locanda provides vintage-inspired rooms, blending comfort with timeless elegance. At Trattoria da Amerigo 1934, tradition is not merely preserved but continually perfected, offering guests an immersive journey into the heart of Emilian cuisine. 

• Enoteca La Zaira – Bazzano, BO – A charming wine bar and restaurant offering a curated selection of regional wines and classic Italian dishes.

• Ciapàso – Bazzano, BO – A casual eatery and wine shop, known for its relaxed atmosphere-Ciapaso means “take it easy” in Emilian dialect- has a selection orto del banco verdure to go, cottoletta Bolognese, Costina*ribs and namely artisanal burgers with meat from famed macelleria in Monteveglio-Tiziano e Paolo

• Madea Cucina e Natura – Valsamoggia, BO – A restaurant focusing on natural and organic ingredients, offering a contemporary dining experience.

• La Lumira – Castelfranco Emilia, MO – Celebrated for its traditional Emilian dishes, particularly their renowned tortellini.

Il Cantacucco – Zocca, MO

Nestled in the Apennines, Il Cantacucco has been serving soulful mountain cuisine for over 50 years. This is the kind of place where locals linger over tortelloni burro e salvia, crescentine with cured meats, and slow-cooked wild game, all in a cozy, wood-paneled dining room. Timeless, unpretentious, and absolutely worth the trip.

• Locanda del Feudo – Castelvetro di Modena, MO – A boutique hotel with an acclaimed restaurant, offering gourmet cuisine in an intimate setting.

• Agriturismo Ca’ Lunati – A charming countryside agriturismo in Castello di Serravalle, offering a true farm-to-table experience with seasonal menus, homemade products, and stunning views of the surrounding hills. It was awarded Best Restaurant on the TV show 4 Ristoranti.

• Il Cavallino – Maranello, MO – A historic restaurant associated with Ferrari, serving traditional Italian dishes in a refined ambiance.

• Irina Pizzeria e Trattoria – Maranello, MO – Known for its wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian comfort food.

• Opera 02 – Levizzano Rangone, MO – A resort and restaurant set amidst vineyards, offering modern Italian cuisine and stunning views.

• Antica Trattoria La Grotta dal 1918 – Sasso Marconi, BO – Established in 1918, this trattoria is known for its traditional dishes and historic charm.

• Trattoria Dai Mugnai – Monteveglio, BO – A cozy trattoria offering classic Bolognese cuisine in a welcoming environment.