High above the rolling hills of Molise, Contrasto in Cercemaggiore channels mountain serenity into haute cuisine elegance. Set within a beautifully restored former sheepfold at 937 meters, Contrasto + Cercemaggiore speaks to diners seeking authenticity elevated: chef-patron Lucio Testa reinterprets regional tradition with French-inflected precision, delivering a fine dining experience that feels both intimate and quietly exclusive.

The Story & Heritage
Born in Cercemaggiore, Lucio Testa returned home after years in acclaimed French kitchens to open Contrasto on the village’s edge. The stone façade remains faithfully preserved, while the interior’s exposed beams and contemporary lighting reflect a modern sensibility. Testa’s philosophy marries Molise’s pastoral pantry—garden vegetables, mountain herbs, local grains, and prized mulard duck—with sauces, dressings, and emulsions learned from French mentors. The result is a distinctive signature: soulful recipes distilled through a rigorous, technique-led lens. Acclaim has followed swiftly, positioning Contrasto among the best restaurants in Cercemaggiore and a serious contender in conversations about Michelin star restaurants in Cercemaggiore.

The Cuisine & Menu
Expect creative Molisan cuisine anchored in seasonality and terroir. Several tasting menus chart the territory—an elegant prix fixe progression that might include Tintillia-glazed Mulard Duck with smoked beet and cacao nib jus; Cavatelli di Grano Arso with sea urchin emulsion and wild fennel; and Aged Caciocavallo Fonduta with black truffle and apple mosto. À la carte is available for those who prefer to curate. Vegetarians are thoughtfully accommodated, and the kitchen handles allergies with ease. Ingredients are predominantly local—often from the chef’s own garden—complemented by exacting French technique. Price positioning sits firmly in fine dining, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and purity of flavor.

Experience & Atmosphere
Contrasto’s charm lies in its layered architecture: small dining rooms unfold across multiple levels, each with stone walls, timber beams, and a warm contemporary glow. Service is polished yet personal, led by a team that anticipates without intruding. The wine program highlights Molise’s undervalued gems alongside Italian classics; ask for a pairing featuring Tintillia del Molise—particularly the Rutilia 2019 from Cantine Salvatore. A discreet chef’s table and intimate private dining can be arranged for special occasions. Reservations are recommended—especially weekends and holidays—while attire leans smart casual to elegant. Expect thoughtful tableside touches, restrained theatrics, and a rhythm that invites conversation.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Choose Contrasto for an elegant expression of Molise’s terroir, refined by French technique and delivered in a beautifully restored rural setting. Reserve well ahead—two to three weeks for prime evenings—and consider the tasting menu for the fullest narrative of place. For oenophiles, request the Tintillia-led pairing; aficionados should inquire about the chef’s table for a quietly immersive, ultra-premium experience.