Massimo Bottura Continues to Hold Michelin Stars in 2024—But What If You Still Don’t Care?

Massimo Bottura, the culinary maestro behind Osteria Francescana in Modena, has once again retained his three Michelin stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide. For many, this is a reaffirmation of Bottura’s place in the pantheon of the world’s greatest chefs—a figure whose innovative approach to Italian cuisine continues to set global standards.

Yet for others, particularly those weary of the incessant hype surrounding celebrity chefs and the fine-dining elite, the news may provoke little more than a shrug. And for travellers who want to taste the soul of Modena beyond white tablecloths and long waiting lists, guided food tours in Modena offer a far more grounded introduction to the region’s real culinary heritage—cheese aging rooms, vinegar lofts, and family-run farms.

Bottura’s Enduring Legacy

Osteria Francescana has been a cornerstone of modern gastronomy since its inception. Bottura’s ability to blend tradition with avant-garde techniques has earned him not only Michelin stars, but also repeated top placements on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. His dishes—such as the iconic Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano or Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart—are not merely food, but carefully constructed narratives designed to evoke memory and emotion.

In 2024, Bottura continues to push boundaries with new menu additions reflecting his broad cultural interests and global inspirations. The current tasting menu at Osteria Francescana showcases this fusion—spanning continents while remaining anchored in Emilia-Romagna’s culinary identity. Highlights include:

• Think Green: seasonal vegetables with Parmigiano Reggiano custard and aromatic herb miso.
• From the Andes to the Sea: a reflection of Bottura’s global culinary journey.
• Focaccia Tatin: a playful reinterpretation of the classic tarte Tatin using focaccia.

But Bottura’s culinary universe extends well beyond Osteria Francescana itself.

Franceschetta58

Located at Via Vignolese 58, Franceschetta58 offers a more casual—but still inventive—expression of Bottura’s cuisine. Under the guidance of Chef Francesco Vincenzi, the bistro delivers modern interpretations of classic dishes in a relaxed setting, ideal for diners who want Bottura’s ideas without the formality of fine dining.

Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia

Set within Bottura’s countryside guesthouse near Modena, Francescana at Casa Maria Luigia offers a more intimate version of the Osteria Francescana experience. Surrounded by contemporary art and rural landscapes, the restaurant blends food, art, and place into a single, carefully curated experience.

Bottura also runs Gatto Verde, located within the Maria Luigia estate. If you’re curious about the food and atmosphere, you can read my full review here.

But What If You Don’t Care About the Hype?

Despite the accolades, a growing number of diners feel increasingly detached from the world of Michelin stars and celebrity chefs. Securing reservations months in advance, navigating intimidating dining rooms, and paying eye-watering prices can make the experience feel more like a performance than a pleasure.

This so-called “Michelin fatigue” is real. In contrast, some of the most satisfying meals in Emilia-Romagna are found far from the spotlight, rooted in tradition rather than trend.

A Delicious Alternative: Arnaldo – Clinica Gastronomica

Just outside Modena, in Rubiera, Arnaldo – Clinica Gastronomica offers precisely that alternative. Founded in 1936, it has held a Michelin star continuously for decades while remaining fiercely traditional. Here, dishes like boiled meats, spugnolata, and rich Emilian classics are served without theatrics—only substance.

Whether you admire Bottura’s artistry or feel fatigued by fine-dining spectacle, it’s reassuring to know that Emilia-Romagna offers room for both innovation and tradition. In the end, Italian cuisine isn’t defined by stars, but by memory, place, and the quiet excellence of food made with care.