The story
Trattoria Pomposa – Al Re gras is an homage to the purest Emilian tradition. Located on Via Castel Maraldo in Modena, this trattoria presents recipes and gastronomic excellence that tell the cultural identity of the city. The kitchen draws from the best “ricordi” (memories) of local and national culinary heritage, evolving them with a continuous, personal touch. The result is a menu dedicated to the simple, genuine flavours of Modenese country cooking.
The menu is a journey through recipes passed down through generations. Antipasti like gnocco fritto with cured meats and squacquerone cheese, or calzagatti (fried polenta with beans and ricotta) set the tone. First courses feature handmade pasta: tagliatella al ragù modenese, tortellini in capon broth or in a creamy Parmigiano Reggiano sauce, and green lasagne. Second courses include a pork scaloppine glazed with Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP, cotechino with stewed beans, trippa in umido, and the classic bollito misto with five cuts of meat and its accompanying sauces. A special nod to the late Luciano Pavarotti appears in “Polpette di Anna” – fried eggplant meatballs taken from his cookbook.
The restaurant affectionately calls one of its key ingredients “l’oro giallo” – the yellow gold of Modena. This refers to the region’s prized Parmigiano Reggiano and aged balsamic vinegar, both used generously throughout the menu. The trattoria’s dedication to these products reflects a deep respect for local food culture. This commitment to authenticity and quality has earned Trattoria Pomposa a Michelin Recommended distinction, a fitting recognition for a kitchen that honours tradition while cooking with genuine emotion.
Recognition
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