Few destinations manage to marry the thrill of motorsport with the artistry of fine dining quite like Ristorante Cavallino in Maranello. Founded in 1950 by Enzo Ferrari himself, this emblematic address has been more than a restaurant, it has been a stage for history. From private lunches with engineers and drivers to the signing of the 1981 Formula 1 Concorde Agreement, its walls have witnessed pivotal moments in racing and beyond.
For over seven decades, Cavallino has been the meeting point of ambition, camaraderie, and taste, embodying Ferrari’s deep-rooted connection to the Emilia-Romagna region. At the helm of Cavallino’s kitchen is Massimo Bottura, one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, whose career includes three Michelin stars at Osteria Francescana and multiple No.1 rankings on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. A Modena native, Bottura defines Cavallino’s cuisine as “Emilian tradition with a contemporary touch”. His mastery lies in reinterpreting regional classics through innovation, an approach honed in kitchens from Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV to Ferran Adrià’s El Bulli. Beyond accolades, Bottura is known for his commitment to social impact through initiatives like Food for Soul and the inclusive Tortellante project, which produces artisanal tortellini served here.
A Trilogy of Spaces
Main room
Step into the main dining hall and you’re greeted by pixelated Prancing Horse wallpaper, arched ceilings, and terracotta flooring in red and ivory hues, a nod to traditional trattoria tablecloths. Oak-paneled walls, yellow leather benches, and collages of Ferrari engines create a tactile warmth, while historic yearbook images and even a Formula 1 front wing remind guests they are dining in a living legend.
Private Rooms
On the first floor, the Private Rooms are designed for guests seeking an immersive experience in Ferrari’s history. Intimate yet evocative, these spaces are ideal for special gatherings, offering exclusivity steeped in the brand’s legacy. The décor draws from Ferrari’s archival aesthetic, ensuring every glance tells a story.
Grill Room & Terrace
The Grill Room offers a more casual, sensory experience, with wall grilles revealing the kitchen at work. From its large arched windows, diners can admire a Mediterranean-inspired patio crowned by a pergola, alive with seasonal colors and scents from aromatic herbs.
A Grand Prix of Flavors
At Cavallino, Massimo Bottura crafts a menu that is both a tribute to Emilia-Romagna and a celebration of Ferrari’s daring spirit. It begins with refined signatures such as the Crème Caramel al Parmigiano Reggiano, a silky flan made with 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, enriched with roasted onion and Villa Manodori balsamic vinegar.
Pasta lovers can savour the Scrigno di Tortellini, delicate parcels that honour Modena’s most cherished tradition, or indulge in the F50—Gragnano linguine entwined with grilled lobster, brightened by parsley sauce and lemon gel. For heartier appetites, the Cotechino alla Rossini marries traditional pork sausage with foie gras, pan brioche, sour cherries, and black truffle, while the LaFerrari presents sturgeon with pepper, beef jus, squid ink, and Calvisius Oscietra caviar in a dramatic composition.
Desserts like the Speedform, a zabaione infused with balsamic vinegar and marasca cherry, close the experience with
the same precision and flair as a Ferrari crossing the finish line. For those with a sweet finish in mind, the Speedform—zabaione with balsamic vinegar and marasca cherry offers a highoctane dessert worthy of its name. Wine pairings, curated with precision, elevate each course into a complete sensory journey.
Since 2021, the Cavallino experience has extended beyond Maranello through its e-commerce boutique. Guests can relive their visit or gift a taste of it with artisanal treats, chocolate cookies, giandujotto, pralines or bespoke dining ware like espresso cups and Italian-crafted steak knives. Each piece is a tangible fragment of the restaurant’s atmosphere, as considered and refined as its plates.
Cavallino is not merely a place to dine; it is a pilgrimage for Ferrari enthusiasts, gourmets, and seekers of exceptional experiences. Whether seated in the main room beneathracing memorabilia, in a private room steeped in history, or on the terrace surrounded by Mediterranean flora, guests are enveloped in a world where performance, heritage, and flavor accelerate together toward perfection. For those who crave the symphony of roaring engines and clinking glasses, Cavallino is the ultimate pit stop.