"A Modena institution since 1934 — handmade tortellini in brodo and lasagne verdi cooked the way the city has always cooked them."
About Ristorante da Danilo
Ristorante da Danilo has fed Modena since 1934, a family-run trattoria on Via Coltellini in the historic centre that has changed little because it has never needed to. It is the kind of place locals send you to for the real Emilian table — handmade pasta, honest cooking and prices that have stayed sane.
The kitchen is pure traditional Italian: the great Modenese classics done properly, course after course, finished with the city's own balsamic vinegar. This is comfort and provenance rather than invention.
The Kitchen
The dishes to order are the canon. Tortellini in brodo di cappone — handmade and served in a clear capon broth — is the signature, alongside lasagne verdi al forno, tagliatelle al ragù and the cart of bollito misto (mixed boiled meats). Traditional Modena balsamic finishes many of the second courses.
Pricing is the point of a trattoria like this: tortellini in brodo runs about €13 and lasagne verdi about €12, with dinner for two and wine landing around €70 to €90. Come hungry and eat in courses, the Emilian way.
The Room
The room is classic trattoria — unfussy, comfortable and warm, with a summer garden for the season and the easy rhythm of a place that has been run by the same family for decades. Service is friendly and speaks some English, French and Spanish for visitors.
The Via Coltellini address sits in the historic centre, near the synagogue and an easy walk from the Duomo. It is closed on Sundays, and booking ahead is wise given how loyal the local following is.
Best for a First Date
The warm room, the honest pricing and the handmade pasta make da Danilo a relaxed first date or low-key birthday in Modena. The sharing-friendly classics and central setting also suit a casual team dinner.
Not for
Not for diners after modern, experimental cooking or a tasting menu — da Danilo is a traditional family trattoria where the classics, not innovation, are the whole point.
Frequently Asked
What is Ristorante da Danilo known for?
Traditional Emilian cooking since 1934. This family-run Modena trattoria on Via Coltellini is a benchmark for handmade tortellini in brodo, lasagne verdi al forno and a cart of mixed boiled meats, finished with the city's balsamic.
What should I order at da Danilo?
The classics: handmade tortellini in brodo di cappone, lasagne verdi al forno and tagliatelle al ragù, then the bollito misto cart. Many second courses are finished with traditional Modena balsamic vinegar.
How much does dinner cost at da Danilo?
It is fair trattoria value. Tortellini in brodo runs about €13 and lasagne verdi about €12, with dinner for two and wine landing around €70 to €90.
Where is Ristorante da Danilo?
At Via Coltellini 31 in the historic centre of Modena, near the synagogue and a short walk from the Duomo. It has been family-run on the same street since 1934.
Is da Danilo open on Sundays?
No — Ristorante da Danilo is closed on Sundays. Booking ahead is wise given the loyal local following, and there is a summer garden in season.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Ristorante da Danilo
Closed Sundays. Book ahead — the local following is loyal. Central on Via Coltellini, with a summer garden in season.
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Practical Information
AddressVia Coltellini 31, 41121 Modena
NeighbourhoodVia Coltellini, central Modena
CuisineItalian
PriceTortellini in brodo runs about €13 and lasagne verdi about €12; dinner for two with wine lands around €70–90
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingClassic trattoria dining room with summer garden
ReservationAdvised
