MikEle

The story

MikEle Maranello: Michelin-Recommended Seafood & Modern Cuisine in Emilia-Romagna

Il mare a Maranello

In the heart of Maranello, just steps from the Ferrari factory, Ristorante MikEle has been a destination for exceptional seafood since 2009. Run by husband-and-wife team Elena and Michele, with their daughter Marisol, the restaurant has built a reputation as a reference point for fish lovers in Emilia-Romagna. The kitchen is led by a chef whose impressive career spans Italy and abroad, bringing a contemporary approach to every plate.

The dining room is elegant and calm, with nine round tables well spaced for privacy, plus three smaller private rooms. The atmosphere is refined but welcoming—a place where the focus is squarely on the food and the company.

The Sea on the Plate

MikEle’s menu is a celebration of the sea, built on fresh, carefully sourced fish. The raw selection, Nudo e crudo, is a highlight: amberjack, tuna, scampi, red shrimp, cuttlefish, scallops, and gobbetto. The Battuto di Tonno (tuna tartare) comes with a crumble of tarallo, bagna, and mustard, while the Tiepido di polpo offers warm octopus with horseradish potato and asparagus.

Pasta dishes are equally compelling. The Spaghettone Monograno with shelled clays is a study in simplicity and quality, while the Tagliolino Scampo e limone pairs delicate handmade pasta with scampi and lemon. For mains, the Tonno tonnato—roasted tuna with a classic tuna sauce, mushrooms, and piquillo peppers—shows a confident hand with tradition. The Catalana di crostacei is a generous platter of steamed langoustine, scampi, and prawns.

A Wine Cellar to Match

Michele, a passionate sommelier, personally selects the wines for the restaurant’s well-stocked cellar. The list offers a wide range of Italian and international labels, chosen to complement the seafood-driven menu. Whether you’re looking for a crisp white from the region or something more structured, the selection is thoughtful and accessible.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. MikEle holds a Michelin recommendation, a recognition that speaks to the consistency and care in both the kitchen and the dining room. For anyone seeking modern cuisine rooted in the sea, this is a place that delivers.