"Modena's most charming lunch: four tables behind a 1605 deli — book months ahead for gnocco fritto and cured meats off the counter."
About Hosteria Giusti
Hosteria Giusti is a piece of Modena's history. The Giusti salumeria on Via Farini has traded since 1605, and in 1989 Nano Morandi set just four tables in the room behind the deli, turning the shop's own cured meats and cheeses into a tiny, lunch-only Emilian restaurant. You walk in past the counter to eat; it carries a place in the 2026 Michelin Guide. With seats for barely a dozen at a time, it is one of Italy's most sought-after lunches — and a different, deli-first experience to the city's grander tables.
The Kitchen
The meal opens the way Modena does, with gnocco fritto — pillows of fried dough — served with the salumeria's own prosciutto, culatello and lardo. From there come Emilian primi, the tortellini in capon broth chief among them, and slow-cooked secondi, closing with a regional dessert and the deli's aged balsamic. Reckon on €50–75 a head ($$$) for the full lunch. It is heritage cooking drawn straight from the shop's counter, generous and unhurried rather than precious.
The Room
The room is the charm: a single small space behind the working deli, lined with bottles, hams and the patina of four centuries of trade, seating only a handful of tables at once. Lunch is the only service for individual diners, and dinner runs only for pre-arranged groups. Booking opens weeks ahead and fills fast. Service is warm and familial, the pace slow and the mood that of eating in a friend's pantry — intimate, personal and quietly special.
Best for a business lunch
For a long business lunch, a solo food pilgrimage or an intimate celebration in Modena, Hosteria Giusti is unmatched: a four-table room behind a 1605 deli. A natural business-lunch and solo-dining table.
Not for
Not for a spontaneous visit, a large group or dinner — Hosteria Giusti seats only four tables, opens lunch-only for individuals and books out weeks in advance.
Frequently Asked
How old is the Giusti salumeria in Modena?
The Giusti delicatessen on Via Farini has traded since 1605; in 1989 Nano Morandi opened the four-table Hosteria Giusti in the room behind the shop counter.
Where is Hosteria Giusti in Modena?
It is at Via Farini 75 in Modena's old town; diners enter through the working salumeria to reach the small room with just four tables behind it.
What should I order at Hosteria Giusti?
Start with gnocco fritto and the deli's own cured meats — prosciutto, culatello and lardo — then the tortellini in capon broth and a slow-cooked Emilian secondo.
How hard is it to book Hosteria Giusti?
Very. With only four tables and lunch-only service for individuals, reservations open weeks ahead and fill fast; dinner runs only for pre-arranged groups.
Is Hosteria Giusti in the Michelin Guide?
Yes. Hosteria Giusti is listed in the 2026 Michelin Guide Italia, recognised for its heritage Emilian cooking drawn from the centuries-old Giusti salumeria.
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Practical Information
AddressVia Farini 75, 41121 Modena
NeighbourhoodModena old town
CuisineItalian, Emilian
PriceEmilian; the full lunch around €50–75 a head ($$$)
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingFour tables in a single room behind the working salumeria
ReservationReservations essential, weeks ahead; lunch only for individuals; dinner for pre-arranged groups
