From Agnone, I embarked on a scenic 50-kilometer drive southwest to Isernia, the capital of the province by the same name. The road winds through green mountain ridges, tracing the edges of the breathtaking Parco Nazionale. As I traveled, I felt a growing curiosity about how street food, or cibo di strada, could thrive in the traditional Molise region.
Discovering Garage Moto Kafè
My destination was the Garage Moto Kafè, a street food business run by Mattia Rotolo and Gianluca Cortese Tempesta in the heart of Isernia. Their approach is simple yet effective: they serve burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs, all made with traditional local ingredients. “We only use quality products sourced from our rich surroundings,” Mattia explains. “From the burgers of Isernia to the bread of Montaquila, the mozzarella from Bojano, and the truffles from Cantalupo, each dish offers an authentic taste of Molise. And it works really well!”
The Scottona Burger: A Local Specialty
One thing that stood out on their menu was the scottona burger. “Scottona refers to lean, young meat,” Mattia explains. “It’s incredibly tender and comes from female cattle between 18 to 24 months old that have never given birth.” The result is a burger that’s exceptionally tender and flavorful—a true Molise delicacy.
Bringing Street Food to the Next Level
The young entrepreneurs behind Garage Moto Kafè present themselves in true American biker style, and they deliver their culinary creations via motorbike. Beyond their brick-and-mortar location on Giuseppe Garibaldi Street, they also have a large mobile airstream caravan and several smaller ones for parties and events, spreading the joy of Molise street food far and wide.
Practical Tip:
When in Isernia, don’t miss out on the scottona burger. It’s a unique, regional specialty, offering a tender and flavorful experience. You can even enjoy it on the go—perfect for a quick but satisfying meal while exploring the town.
Address: Garage Moto Kafè, C.so Giuseppe Garibaldi 211,Isernia
