Ristorante il Cavallino – Ferrari’s restaurant

Restaurants

The most famous restaurant in Maranello is undoubtedly Ristorante il Cavallino. The restaurant is located opposite the old Ferrari factory gate on Abetone Inferiore and is easy to find thanks to its striking red exterior and the large black horse on the facade. Ristorante Cavallino is a historic restaurant closely linked to the Ferrari legend. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1950, it originally served as a place where he dined with friends, guests, and colleagues. The restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience in a setting steeped in Ferrari heritage.

Ferrari’s iconic Restaurant

Upon entering the restaurant, you are immediately struck by the many Ferrari-themed items adorning the walls. This is hardly surprising when you consider that Ristorante il Cavallino was once the favorite lunch spot of Enzo Ferrari himself. Today, the restaurant is owned by Ferrari and is still frequently visited by the brand’s employees and F1 drivers. Notable guests, including Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, have dined here, and Ferrari owners collecting their new cars from the factory are often treated to a special lunch or dinner at the restaurant.

Ristorante il Cavallino was founded in 1950 by Enzo Ferrari as a gathering place for Ferrari employees, drivers, and distinguished guests visiting the home of the Prancing Horse. Over the years, it became a legendary venue where key business decisions were made over exquisite Italian cuisine.

In 2021, the restaurant underwent an extensive renovation led by Massimo Bottura, one of the world’s most renowned chefs and owner of the three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena. Bottura brought a fresh vision to Il Cavallino, blending its rich history with modern culinary innovation. The redesign was carried out by acclaimed designer India Mahdavi, who created an interior that feels both classic and contemporary, subtly infused with Ferrari’s heritage. The space features historical photographs, racing memorabilia, and pixelated artworks inspired by Ferrari’s iconic logo, offering an immersive experience that celebrates the brand’s legacy.

Under the guidance of Massimo Bottura, Il Cavallino offers a menu that pays tribute to the traditions of Emilian cuisine while incorporating a modern twist. Guests can enjoy authentic dishes crafted with care and precision, using only the finest local ingredients.

The restaurant offers several menu options, ranging from the most affordable Welcome to Emilia menu, starting at €65 per person with a matching wine pairing for €38, to the more elaborate Gran Turismo experience. In addition to full-course menus, guests can also choose individual dishes from the à la carte menu. Some menu highlights include:

Tortellini del Tortellante – A dish inspired by Bottura’s social project, which teaches young people with autism to make traditional pasta. These tortellini are served in a rich Parmesan broth.
Parmesan Crème Caramel – A unique take on a classic dessert, made with 36-month-aged Parmesan cheese, chives, and 12-year-old balsamic vinegar.
Tagliatelle al Ragù – A traditional dish from Emilia-Romagna, prepared according to the classic recipe with slow-cooked meat and fresh pasta.
Zuppa Inglese – An elegant dessert that reimagines one of Italy’s most beloved sweet treats.

Additionally, Il Cavallino boasts an impressive wine list featuring a carefully curated selection of top Italian and international wines, perfectly paired with the dishes.

Prices at Il Cavallino are slightly higher than the average Italian restaurant, but the quality of the food reflects this. A typical meal, including drinks, costs around €75 per person. The menu primarily features regional dishes, with a special focus on pasta specialties such as Risotto, Gnocchetti, and Tortelloni. For more information about the restaurant, visit www.ristoranteilcavallino.it.

For those planning to visit Ferrari’s iconic restaurant, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, as it is popular among both locals and tourists visiting the Ferrari factory and museum nearby. Reservations can easily be made online via Ferrari’s official website.