Molise boasts an ancient and genuine gastronomic tradition: if you are in Campobasso you cannot miss the experience of eating in the beautiful and welcoming Monticelli!
But you, have you ever been to Molise?
Sure most of you have said no, but perhaps this article will give you more motivation to do so.
Several times I have talked about my land and its scenic and historical cultural beauties to visit, but never about how good the Molise cuisine.
In fact, among the many beauties that you might be fascinated by, one is the kitchen.
How is the food in Molise?
Not to be biased, but the food is really good.
Therefore, if you want to taste authentic flavors and experience a typical atmosphere of our territory, you cannot help but read the following.
Among the streets of the lower part of the beautiful historic center of Campobasso (capital of the small Molise Region) made up of: ups and downs, steep stairways, churches, arches and entrance doors to the medieval walls and houses - fortunately still inhabited and well maintained by their owners - you can see the door of a room that to me has so fascinated.
The restaurant welcomes its guests with the following sentence:
"This is not just a restaurant, but a way to express love for a land".
Nice, right?
It inspired me a lot.
Monticelli Saperi e Sapori, a local in the historic center
If you are here, it will mean that you have arrived at the local Monticelli Saperi e Sapori, in Via Sant'Antonio Abate in Campobasso.
Strolling through the streets of the historic city center, I met him almost by chance; so one evening, in sweet company, I decided to come in and try.
I was intrigued by the idea of ​​discovering what was behind that door from which you could see an entrance counter and from the side street came a pleasant smell of cooking every time I passed.
Once inside, passed the small entrance and escorted to the table, I was really impressed.
The venue is splendid.
The interiors, placed on several levels, are excavated in the antiquity of the rock on which the historic center of the city stands; The wood, the fireplaces, the typical furnishings of the past, small stairways, vaulted ceilings and a room with a frescoed ceiling, give a unique atmosphere; hot; welcoming and at times almost magical.
The welcome was excellent, personal in a way and in uniform.
The restaurant menu
Once we were seated, we ordered and immediately we were served the drinks (in addition to the water two excellent glasses of red wine, of which I honestly do not remember the type, but you will certainly be adequately advised as it happened to us).
In total we ordered: two appetizers, two first courses, two desserts plus drinks.
The dishes as well as being beautiful to look at and make you hungry to look at them, were very good.
What most impressed me, especially on the palate, was the first: one square spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli, flavored with anchovies and toasted breadcrumbs which gave that touch of crunch, really mouth-watering, even if I don't have them.
I can only recommend this place if you are in Campobasso.
A really cool restaurant, dal seasonal menu which says a lot about the quality and freshness of the products.
Impeccable staff, and refined cuisine in taste and presentation.
Medium / high price range, depending on what you choose to taste.
This is a place that expresses, as in the premises, the love for its land.
It is appropriate to say: “Molise exists and resists”.
Not only with its landscape and historical cultural beauties of its land, but also in the genuineness of its products in the kitchen and of those who believed and still believe in them by investing in them.
Many compliments to those who take care of this activity, the brothers Simona and Stefano De Castro (chef and sommelier), who are the soul of the business.
If you find yourself passing by let me know how it went.
