The Iconic Cavallino Restaurant Is Back, Now With Even Classier Upgrades!

Ferrari has recently brought in a new chapter for the Cavallino restaurant. This collaboration of art and design (and, of course, a fantastic variety of meals) is thanks to Massimo Bottura and architect India Mahdavi. It is located opposite the Maranello factory entrance at the Via Abetone Inferiore. 

The history of the Cavallino goes back to 1942 when founder Enzo Ferrari took over the land from former owner Fondo Cavani. Before the restaurant’s launch in 1950, it was a mere farmhouse used as a canteen, changing room, and a training centre for the workforce. 

This sanctuary was where Enzo Ferrari would have meetings with staff, clients or even close friends, particularly in the private room where he would enjoy the Grand Prix. 

Among his guests were Gioacchino Colombo, the designer of the first Ferrari 125S Sports car in 1945. On top of that, there were also illustrious guests such as Prince Bernardo of Holland, Princess Liliana de Rèthy and three-time world champion Jackie Stewart. Not forgetting all the drivers and engineers throughout the years who were part of the Ferrari team. 

The Cavallino is known to be a place for individuals of a shared passion for Ferrari and the Osteria Francescana. This includes all brand lovers, Ferrari customers, foodies and even the local public!

According to a grand admirer of Ferrari and an ambassador of excellence in his field Massimo Bottura, the Cavallino is "a new vision and a new way of bringing Modenese cuisine to life".

An important factor of the Cavallino is tradition. "It's good, healthy cooking, with a story behind every dish; it's cooking you can't say no to."

Some of the many classic dishes of the restaurant include the Filetto alla Rossini, or also known as the Cotechino alla Rossini. This dish is crowned with a mineral truffle and a Modena black cherry sauce, where the gnocco fritto is served with a selection of Emilian cured meats. 

The Ballito is cooked at a low temperature to preserve the organoleptic properties of the meat from the best artisans and farmers, and the bread is made from traditional grains in naturally leavened loaves.

On top of that, the signature tortellini is cooked in capon broth and served in a Parmigiano Reggiano cream. This dish is specially prepared by the Tortellante training project that instructs young adults with autism in the art of making tortellini by hand. The recipes are passed on by the rezdore - grandmothers from Modena.

Overseeing the kitchen is Modenese Chef Riccardo Forapani, who has 13 years of experience under the Osteria Francescana. As for the dining room, it is handled by Luis Diaz, who received an award for best young Maître d'Italia in 2016, assisted by sommelier Silvia Campolucci.

Next to that, having received improvements is the Gestione Sportiva racing department and the new flagship store in Maranello, Cavallino, that India Mahdavi and her studio have entirely redesigned. 

Did you know that starting from the entrance, the rooms of the restaurants are connected through a series of arches?

Other highlights include the traditional terracotta tiles covering the floors in a chequerboard pattern that alternates between each and ivory tiles. 

Then there is also the oak panelling on the walls where the tables lean and the bench backrests made of yellow leather with rounded and graphic shapes that outline the rooms. 

Following that, the walls are adorned with rare celebratory collections of photographs, posters, souvenirs and memorabilia that tells the story behind the brand’s marvellous adventure. 

As for the exterior, the garden has been reinvented and now forms a patio like an open-air dining room, thanks to the talent of Marco Bay. Not only that, upstairs, there is a balcony with two private lounges on a rooftop terrace. 

Down below, the Enzo Room is equipped with its poplar wood panelling. This was where the founder used to sit and watch the races. The room has now been reinvented by creating a private dining room breached by a large bay window, along with movable wooden slats that open onto a sunny driveway. 

Another exciting highlight of the Cavallino is the brand’s logo, the Prancing Horse that has now been pixelated for a brand new identity specifically for the Cavallino.