The story
In the small town of Cercemaggiore, in the province of Campobasso, chef Lucio Testa’s Contrasto offers a clear vision of modern Italian cuisine. Established in 2019, the restaurant has quickly earned a Michelin recommendation for 2026, a recognition that reflects the precision and personality of the kitchen.
The philosophy at Contrasto begins with an exacting respect for raw ingredients, following the natural rhythm of the seasons. The menu draws primarily from local Molise produce, but the kitchen ventures further across Italy and the world for new, well-defined flavors. This is a restaurant that balances tradition with technique, and the result is cooking that feels both grounded and inventive.
The tasting menus are the heart of the experience. “Millemetri” is an eight-course progression that tells the story of the local territory, weaving past and future into a single narrative for 70€. “Tratturo” is a journey through Molise itself, an homage to the land, its knowledge, and its traditions, offered at 65€. For those who prefer a bolder, more enveloping approach, “L’Anatra Mulard” presents a single, decisive ingredient—the mulard duck—priced at 80€.
A la carte options include dishes like asparagus with peas and morels, salt cod in green sauce, and fusilloni with chickpeas, anchovies, and saffron. The wine list is extensive and available upon request via WhatsApp.
The atmosphere is understated and welcoming, designed to let the food speak. Contrasto serves lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, with the restaurant closed on Monday and Tuesday. For a taste of modern Italian cuisine in the heart of Molise, Contrasto is a destination worth seeking out.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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