Zelmira — Restaurant in Modena

We were about 30 minutes outside of Modena on a Tuesday. This restaurant was recommended to us by a local who called and made reservations for us. We left early due to drive there due to severe parking issues because of special event parking. We lucked out and found the restaurant that was tucked in behind the address building. It faced a quaint courtyard it shared with 2 other small restaurants. We were greeted by the hostess/server and seated immediately outside at a nice covered linen table. The patio area was well lit but intimate. The owner greeted us in English and gave us each a complimentary vegetable tart that was beautiful and delicious. We discussed the menu and had the following: Antipasti -parmesan cheese flan in leek and potato sauce with balsamic vineager. Primitive- we had "The Nido" which is the house dish and is a sort of stuffed pasta made with ragu and porcini mushrooms and peas and shaped like and arrancini Secondi- Angus filet with parmesean and Lambrusco reduction sauce. We had a bottle of Cleto Chiarl Lambrusco with dinner. For dessert we had the recommended Tiramisu. All of the plates were plated very well and delicious. We savored every bite. The owner and servers doted on us but did not rush us. We conversed with the owner about each dish and she gave us insights on each one. The meal was a leisurely 2.5 hours. We wish we had another open night as we would return. This was our 5th day in Emilia Romagna and by far...

Tucked around the corner in the cobblestone Piazette S Giacomo, this is the #1 place we ate in all of Modena. This is what you expect when you want real Northern Italian dining at its best. Every morsel is delicious, especially their specialty "the nest". The chef is just on the other side of the window preparing everything fresh just for you, it's not been waiting around. Yes, a price tag comes with the experience, and the whole ambiance is what you are paying for including a chef, owner and servers who are there for you to have a fabulous tasting meal. Plan to dial it back: turn off your clock, enjoy your company and experience the meal as a whole, like a movie. The staff is not hovering or kicking you out with the check so you can enjoy this full 2-3 hour experience, a bottle of Chianti Classico will help the time pass. PS don't be surprised to be spoken to in Italian, you are in Italy! Note: Reservations are highly recommended if you want to sit outside. The earliest time for reservations is 7:30pm; Dinner runs late everywhere in this town. I reiterate, 5 star meal & 5...

I was utterly dismayed by the mediocre food. I tried their duck breast with foie gras trying to understand how a French cuisine fare on an Italian menu. Firstly the duck lacks the softness and it's tougher than how a duck breast should taste like. The main course is peasant bird with some purple cabbage mousse which simple doesn't make sense in how these two flavours can come on the same plate. I politely told the server I cannot eat this dish. When I asked for the check, they charged me the full bill despite just taking a mouthful and rejected the whole dish. The older lady with expression lines was speaking irritably in Italian which was translated by the sweet younger server that the chef said there is nothing wrong with the dish. Not wanting to spend my time arguing. I just told them that if they insist on charging me the food I rejected, I will be giving them a 1 star 🌟 review. Bad service is worse than food served with an undesirable attitude. Any decent food establishment will comprehend that it's never worth...