A star is born

There is a new star in Ferrari’s world: Cavallino restaurant, led by chefs Riccardo Forapani and Virginia Cattaneo, has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Star. A stunning achievement born from the partnership between Ferrari and chef Massimo Bottura, who since 2021 has overseen the kitchen and menu of the historic restaurant just outside Ferrari headquarters.

The Michelin Star is testament to the quality of a kitchen that reinterprets Italian cuisine authentically and innovatively. The restaurant champions local flavours and techniques through set menus including “Welcome to Emilia”, dedicated to Modenese cuisine, and “Supercars”, developed alongside the Ferrari Styling Centre.

Riccardo Forapani and Virginia Cattaneo lead the kitchen at Cavallino, bringing a balance of experience, creativity and deep knowledge of contemporary gastronomy.

Riccardo joined Bottura’s team at Osteria Francescana as a young chef, going on to help it win major Italian and international awards.

Local flavours, culinary techniques and even a "Supercars" menu can be enjoyed at the Michelin-starred Cavallino restaurant

He passionately described what it means to be part of this adventure:

“Being part of this project, an icon of Ferrari’s history, is an honour. This recognition is not a destination but a motivation to keep growing. It is the result of team spirit and collaboration which, just like in the world of racing, are the essential ingredients in the kitchen as well. On my own, I am Riccardo Forapani; together, we are the Cavallino restaurant.”

Alongside him is Virginia Cattaneo, who came to Maranello in 2021 as a sous chef at Cavallino, before becoming co-chef in 2023.

“This achievement confirms that technique and creativity, when supported by tradition, dedication, and collaboration, create value for everyone. Today, our team is the tangible proof of this; a dream come true,” says Virginia.

Founded in 1950, Cavallino has always been a cornerstone of the Ferrari tradition. Enzo Ferrari ate lunch here every day, often spending his Sundays at the restaurant watching Grand Prix racing on the TV. Il Commendatore was joined at the restaurant’s tables by all the great drivers of the Scuderia, plus some of the marque’s most famous international jet-set clients. Cavallino was fully renovated by the architect India Mahdavi in 2021 – the same year that Bottura came on board to ensure a ‘stellar’ future for the historic restaurant.