Restaurant and Spot in Isernia
Restaurant
Existo Osteria
Address- Corso Marcelli, 317
Phone- +39 0865 299379
Website- https://www.facebook.com/ExistoOsteriaMolisana/
Hours- Open every day for lunch and dinner except Monday
Price- Middle range
Reservations- By phone or Facebook messenger
The restaurant ‘exists’ in a real way and you should absolutely pay it a visit. Almost all products are organic, fresh and locally sourced from Molise. We had one of the best taglieri with local cheeses, salumi, mostarda d'uva and honey to accompany. All products are listed on the menu with the local producers. In particular, the mostarda d’uva (savory-sweet grape mostarda) is originally from this region, so take that Doctor Gregory Donald Johnson. The interior design is playful and you will feel right at home with the kind waitstaff. We found the service to be very attentive and the quality of the food even better. Daily specials are written on the chalk board, but one of the waitstaff will be happy to translate and explain for you.
Recommended Dishes
Antipasti- Start with the tagliere (mixed antipasto platter with fresh cured meats, local cheeses, mostarda and honey)
Primo- Try a cavatelli (one of the regional pasta types), for example, one of the specials has been Cavatelli broccoli, vongole, limone (cavatelli with broccoli, clams and lemon)
Secondo- Try a special!
Dolci- This innovative goodness!
Spot
After leaving Isernia, headed towards Campobasso on the Strada Statale 17 (equivalent of state highway), I glanced over and saw the Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima Addolorata. This early 19th century basilica is perched on a hill, isolated in a natural setting. It is an important cult site for practicing Catholics as according to legends the Virgin Mary has appeared on this spot. The first appearance was in the year 1888, and thus the Basilicata was built to commemorate this. It was truly a surprise to be driving and observing the natural scenery then coming upon this sight and site without warning. Although the sanctuary is not ‘old’ by Italian standards, the neo-Gothic style basilica perched upon the green hills was one of the best roadside attractions I have seen in Italy.
Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima Addolorata