When acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura was first invited to take over the kitchen at the legendary Ristorante Cavallino—Ferrari’s historic dining spot at their Maranello factory—his response was an honest and humble “no.” Despite his global reputation and three Michelin stars at Osteria Francescana in Modena, Bottura felt the weight of expectation that came with such an iconic location. “I didn’t think I could do it, so I said no,” he recalls, reflecting on the pressure of honoring both Ferrari’s legacy and Cavallino’s storied past.
For Bottura, the decision was deeply personal. Born and raised in Modena, just a short drive from Maranello, he grew up with the legend of Ferrari in his backyard. Cavallino wasn’t just any restaurant—it was a place woven into the fabric of the region, where Enzo Ferrari himself once dined and where generations of Ferrari workers gathered for meals. Bottura remembers visiting Cavallino as a young man, aware of its significance not only to the carmaker but to the entire community.
The challenge was daunting: how do you reinvent a restaurant so closely tied to the mythos of Ferrari, a brand synonymous with Italian excellence, speed, and innovation? Bottura knew he couldn’t simply impose his own style. Instead, he immersed himself in the history of Cavallino, meeting with former staff and Ferrari veterans, listening to their stories, and learning about the dishes that had become part of the restaurant’s DNA. He wanted to create a menu that honored tradition but also reflected the forward-thinking spirit of both Ferrari and his own culinary philosophy.
Eventually, Bottura accepted the challenge, assembling a team that included designer India Mahdavi to reimagine the restaurant’s interiors. Together, they brought new life to Cavallino, blending nostalgia with modern elegance. The menu became a celebration of Emilia-Romagna’s rich gastronomic heritage, updated with Bottura’s playful creativity—think tortellini in brodo, but with a twist, or classic lasagna reinterpreted with the finesse that made Osteria Francescana world-famous.
For Bottura, taking on Cavallino was more than a professional milestone; it was a way to give back to his roots and to the people who inspired him. “This is not just a restaurant for Ferrari,” he says. “It’s a restaurant for the community, for the workers, for the families of Maranello and Modena. It’s a place where memories are made, and where the future of Italian cuisine can be imagined.”
Today, Ristorante Cavallino stands as a testament to what happens when tradition meets innovation. Under Bottura’s guidance, it’s not just a place to eat—it’s a destination, a celebration of Italian culture, and a fitting tribute to the enduring partnership between two of Italy’s greatest passions: food and fast cars.
Facebook Conversations