Ristorante Montana, Spezzano (MO)

Alonso and Rossella (he looked really happy in his Ferrari jumpsuit)

We have been here nearly 3 years and I have never been to the famous Ristorante Montana in our part of the world. No, it's not a Michelin restaurant with a few stars, it's not even chic. But it's not cheap and you usually need to reserve at least a day or 2 in advance.

The restaurant has been around for more than 30 years and we were told by regulars that the current owners Maurizio and Rossella have been managing it for 20 of them. This place serves very good home-made Modenese cuisine (cucina casalinga) and more importantly, generations of Ferrari F1 pilots have eaten there, Ferrari Managers and Directors (including Hub) regularly entertain there and everywhere in the restaurant you can see the close association between the establishment and the company.

Massa

Maurizio knows everyone who is worth knowing within the company and out of it. We were seated in a small room often reserved for Ferrari personnel. There you have signatures, F1 driver jumpsuits, photos of F1 pilots plastered all over the walls. Alonso has already eaten there and has had a photo taken with Rossella in the kitchen.

Salami, egg rolls etc on the table when you arrive

The owner took our orders himself and gossiped with the Hub. We had classic dishes to start e.g. tortellini in brodo, tagliolini al pomodoro...followed by grilled beef with salad and balsamic vinegar. The food was very good, but it's Modenese cuisine. Always the same.

Looked messy but the pasta was very fine and delicious

The beef was under the salad

For dessert, Hub and the Teenager had Tiramisu which I must say was very good. One of the best I've ever eaten, very light. The red wine we had (a Sangiovese) was good too and I found myself drinking 2 glasses which I don't often do.

Tiramisu

I am happy to have tried this restaurant. It's an institution for Ferrari fans and visitors, part of the few things you have to do and see in Maranello. Car-loads of tourists often land there for lunch and enjoy Rossella's very thin and fine tagliolini. The thinnest I've ever eaten.

Ristorante Montana
Via XX Settembre, 3
41040 Spezzano di Fiorano (MO)
Tel : 0536 843910