The story
In the heart of Lucera’s historic centre, just behind the Cathedral and steps from the Museo Civico Fiorelli, Il Presidente occupies a space that was once the stable of a noble palace. The restaurant seats up to 80 guests in an elegant, vaulted room that retains the character of its origins. An open kitchen gives diners a direct view of the action, while the wine cellar – with over 300 labels – is visible through two glass wells set into the floor, a subtle architectural gesture that makes the collection part of the experience.
From June to September, the outdoor garden in the piazza in front offers a second, equally inviting setting.
Chef Massimo Ferosi brings a style that is “essential, decisive, and identity-driven,” as he describes it. His cooking is firmly rooted in the terroir of Puglia, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients transformed with precision and creativity. In 2023, Ferosi was named an Ambasciatore del Gusto by the Italian association that represents excellence in hospitality and cuisine. He regularly collaborates with other acclaimed chefs – including Michelin-starred colleagues – for four-hand dinners, and has participated in events such as Festa a Vico and the Gran Tour, always carrying a piece of Puglia with him.
The cuisine at Il Presidente is Mediterranean with a strong emphasis on seafood. Tasting menus are the backbone of the offering, crafted to showcase the flavours of the region and the chef’s technical skill. Among the dishes that have appeared in recent collaborations are a ceviche of mackerel, an innovative “panzanella” of wild sea bass with fermented grapefruit, and a raviolo of turbot with butter, herbs and anchovies. The sweet finish “Lemonsud” brings a note of Campanian freshness. While the menu changes seasonally, the philosophy remains constant: immediate, flavourful cooking that speaks at the first bite.
The cellar, with over 300 labels, is curated to complement the menu. It is positioned beneath the dining rooms and visible through the glass floor wells – a quiet invitation to explore. The restaurant offers wine pairings with its tasting menus, and the sommelier’s selections are an integral part of the experience.
Il Presidente has been listed in the Michelin Guide with a Recommended award for 2026, a recognition that underscores the restaurant’s consistent quality and Ferosi’s growing reputation. The Michelin nod sits naturally alongside the chef’s Ambassadorship of Taste and the restaurant’s presence in other respected guides, confirming that this is a destination for fine dining in northern Puglia.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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