How I Ate at Bottura’s for 10 Euros…Well Not Quite.

Chef Massimo Bottura has opened a canteen in Modena with a strong social mission.

At Self Service Ghirlandina, you certainly won’t find the sophisticated dishes of Osteria Francescana. However, you can still tell your friends that you ate at Bottura’s “restaurant” in Modena. More importantly, you can enjoy authentic Modenese dishes such as passatelli, tagliatelle, tortelloni, tortellini, prosciutto di Modena, ragù, and zampone. The average meal costs around 10 euros or less — what are you waiting for?

Self Service Ghirlandina is part of the Food for Soul initiative, created to reduce food waste while promoting social inclusion. The canteen is located in a historic and lively area of Modena, just steps from the cathedral, making it an easy stop while exploring the city.

What is the Food for Soul initiative?

If you have never heard of communities fighting food waste through social inclusion, here are some key facts about Food for Soul. It is a non-profit organisation founded by chef Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore.

Food waste is a global problem, and many food resources can be used far more effectively with the right knowledge and education. The initiative focuses on transforming surplus food into nutritious meals while fostering dignity, hospitality, and community.

Food for Soul key features

Many partners collaborate to raise awareness of food waste and social isolation — not only locally, but worldwide. Each project responds to the specific needs of the local community, creating solutions that are both practical and culturally relevant.

Special attention is given to the renovation of neglected spaces, creatively transforming them into welcoming community kitchens. Here, people experiencing social vulnerability are invited to share meals prepared from food surplus by renowned chefs, with a strong emphasis on quality, nutrition, and respect.

Social awareness in practice

Social Tables, also known as “Refettorios,” are a central part of the initiative. At Social Tables Ghirlandina, weekly community meals are served to around 70 people from the local area, offering not only food but also a sense of belonging.

Although these meals are inexpensive, they are carefully prepared and nutritionally balanced. Artists, designers, and performers are often involved, helping to create a welcoming and socially aware atmosphere rather than a simple canteen setting.

Bread is Gold

In finance, gold is a precious metal valued as a hedge against inflation — but bread can be gold too. Bread is Gold is a book featuring recipes created through the combined effort of more than 50 chefs. The goal is to show how often-neglected ingredients can be transformed into meals that are both delicious and healthy.

The book has been published in several languages, including English, Italian, and Spanish. Purchasing it is another way to support the Food for Soul initiative, helping fund the opening of new Refettorios and Social Tables around the world.

Self Service Ghirlandina is therefore much more than a simple canteen. It represents a community-driven approach to food, aiming to reduce waste while addressing social isolation. Thanks to its location near the cathedral, it also fits naturally into a food-focused visit to Modena, offering visitors a glimpse of the city’s everyday culinary culture.