Casa Federici: Where Francesco Cerrato Brings Montoro, Italy’s Flavors to Life
More than just onions! Montoro, a charming southern Italian town nestled between Avellino and Salerno, is renowned for its exquisite coppery onions, celebrated for their sweet taste and rich aroma. Today, Montoro has another culinary star: Casa Federici. Here, Chef Francesco Cerrato and his wife, Marzia Longo, have lovingly restored an 18th-century farmhouse, breathing new life into its historic warmth and charm. While Francesco leads the kitchen, Marzia personally attends to the dining room, ensuring impeccable service and a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel at home. Their menu beautifully reflects the comforting, hearty meals once enjoyed by local families.
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| Chef Francesco Cerrato |
Located in the town of Pandola di Montoro, Casa Federici takes its name from the street it occupies, reflecting an ancient charm. The restaurant resides in a beautifully restored rural building originally home to farmers, featuring thick stone or brick walls. Historically, these rural homes often featured large kitchen fireplaces used both for cooking and heating the entire house—a tradition reflected today in Casa Federici's open kitchen, where guests can watch Chef Cerrato and his team preparing dishes with warmth and passion.
Guests can admire preserved historical features such as the functioning antique well, a charming external courtyard, and elegant arches. Thoughtfully highlighted during restoration, these elements blend historical charm with minimalist elegance. The neutral color palette of white, gray, black, and beige creates a serene and refined ambiance, free from visual distractions. Natural materials such as wood, metal, and glass further enhance the space, adding a touch of understated sophistication. Recognized as a "gourmet stop" by the prestigious Michelin Guide 2025, Casa Federici masterfully blends passion, creativity, and culinary tradition.
The Chef: Francesco Cerrato
For Francesco Cerrato, cooking was both a discovery and a calling. While completing his studies at hotel school, his early summer work experiences placed him in the kitchens of some of the most authoritative chefs, shaping his culinary identity. Over the years, he has refined his craft, working alongside masters like Matteo Sangiovanni and Rocco Iannone. His cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition yet fearless in innovation, always searching for the perfect balance between technical mastery and creative intuition. Seasonality plays a fundamental role in selecting raw materials, ensuring that each ingredient is at its peak of freshness and flavor.
Cerrato’s approach is meticulous. He doesn’t just cook, he crafts. His dishes play with textures, unexpected flavor contrasts, and a keen eye for aesthetics. He explores the depth of umami through sauces, toasting, smoking, caramelization, and broths. Each plate is designed to engage all the senses, adding layers of complexity that make every meal a memorable experience. From the first bite of his exquisitely prepared finger food to the final indulgence of his small pastries, Cerrato’s precision and artistry shine through. His talent has rightfully earned Casa Federici a coveted place in the Michelin Guide.
The Menu: Between Memories and Sensations
At Casa Federici, every dish is a testament to the land, the past, and the emotions woven into its flavors. Cerrato's menus surprise and delight, offering playful combinations, unexpected textures, and striking presentations. His culinary approach merges local ingredients with international techniques, ensuring that seasonality and sustainability remain at the heart of every creation. Fresh seafood, premium meats, and vibrant garden vegetables serve as the foundation for his ever-evolving menu.
The Menù Ricordi (Menu of Memories) pays homage to tradition, inspired by the cherished Sundays of Francesco’s childhood spent at his grandmother’s table. This six-course menu, priced at 80€, revives nostalgic flavors with a refined and contemporary twist, allowing guests to experience the warmth and familiarity of home-cooked meals elevated to gourmet excellence.
The Menù Sensazioni (Menu of Sensations) is a bold expression of culinary artistry. It explores taste and technique with dishes that are meticulously constructed, deconstructed, and reimagined. The interplay of flavors and textures takes diners on an immersive sensory journey, where passion and precision define each bite. This four-course experience is available for 65€.
For those who prefer à la carte dining, Casa Federici offers an exquisite selection of dishes that showcase Cerrato’s refined creations. Appetizers range from 18€ to 22€, first courses of pasta and risotto from 20€ to 22€, main courses from 20€ to 25€, and desserts at 12€. A curated selection of local cheeses is also available for 25€.
Casa Federici
Address: Via dell’Irpinia, Piazza di Pandola, 83025 Montoro (AV), ItalyTel: +39 0825457211
Website: https://casafederici.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasaFedericiCF
