While I did mention the Eataly, I think you have to admit I was NOT recommending it - calling it "efficient" was pointing out its best feature. In fact, I too pointed more generally to Parma/Modena/Bologna if the OP was interested in food within an urban context. Yes, there's LOTS of very good places in all three cities as well as great, classic Italian food products. etc. What I don't know when someone says they are interested in food in Italy is whether they are interested in fine dining, food products (cheeses, meats, wines...), education, etc. Depending upon the nature of the interest, it may make more sense to spend time in urban centers or, alternatively, in the countryside. Food in Emilia-Romagna is a pretty big footprint. I specifically didn't recommend any place because I have no idea what the OP is looking for across the food spectrum.

Relative to Eataly, I certainly wouldn't say that it is the answer to understanding Italian food but does have a role. You can eat better and more authentically there than at 1000's of tourist rip-offs and one can access a lot of artisanal products there that are very good (for example, one restaurant near my Italian home makes great honey which Eataly sells). It's not the final word on Italian food but it can help people understand both the diversity and regionality of the Italian table. And while there are Eataly's outside of Italy those in Italy are more authentic if only because many of the ingredients are more authentic.

Do I prefer to eat at a local restaurant that makes a pasta with fresh Monterosso sardines over some substitute ingredient? Certainly and that's what I had that 3 weeks ago at a restaurant 5 minutes walking from my house. The chef (a friend) came to my table and told me that the fishmonger had brought them in today (Monterosso is 40 minutes away) - when he tells me that I listen. Eataly isn't in that league but that doesn't mean it's terrible. It's kind of like EPCOT center for Italian dining (and I mean that in a good sense). If you're driving south on A1 past Modena you are not going to get a better meal ON the Autostrada than the Eataly/Autogrill there. Sure, there are many better places in Parma/Modena/Bologna but I wouldn't (and haven't) turned my nose up at stopping there for a meal.