When it comes to Italian heritage, Modena is an iconic emblem. Nestled in Italy's Northern province of Emilia-Romagna, the city is praised for its vibrant opera scene and origin as a world-class luxury car producer. But let's skip to what's really important in this underrated Italian city -– the food.

A morning pastry run or afternoon pasta craving is all it takes to discover how Italians express their creative passion. Cooking is an art dedicated to the senses. It's one the locals here have mastered, governed by fine-tuned palates and family recipes ingrained in their heritage, passed down through generations.