La Pignata In Ariano irpino

For me, one of the three best restaurants in all of Irpinia. Aside from the excellent menu (the pomegranate with pork capocollo is brilliant, and the arancini are top-notch), "La Pignata" has what many restaurants in this region lack. They want to be a bit more sophisticated (I'm obviously not talking about traditional, popular osterias), but they don't know how to make a living (they don't understand the rules of restaurant culture). Here, however, it's there: kindness when making a reservation, impeccable service, with discreet courtesy and a sommelier in the dining room (many in Italy and around the world know Irpinia only for its wines, and it would be wise to ensure they find a respectable sommelier when they enter a restaurant), and the entire "liturgy" that introduces and concludes the menu, from the chef's welcome to the pre-dessert to the small pastries. Plus, it offers a quality/price ratio that's hard to find in more renowned tourist destinations. Moreover, the restaurant is right below the Norman castle and the municipal villa. Worth a trip or a detour.

An exceptional experience. To be repeated.

The atmosphere is welcoming and the service professional, yet the warmth of the local countryside shines through. I've rarely had a better meal.

Truly a top-notch place. Knowledgeable and super helpful staff. We ate and drank really well.

Absolutely extraordinary. The food, service, and wine list are all top-notch. Congratulations!!

I was pampered the whole time, delicious food.

I returned to this restaurant after about 10 years. My positive opinion from back then is more than confirmed today. The location has improved and the cuisine has been refined, and I found it very good: an opinion confirmed by the other eight diners.

The dishes are very refined, the baked bread is excellent, the fried cod is top-notch, the desserts are decent. Don't seek exclusivity at all costs. When a customer asks for something you don't have? Just say, "Sorry, we don't make them!" Don't say, "You make your own chestnuts!"

Excellent restaurant, quality food and excellent wine.

5 stars because it couldn't be better! A warm and welcoming place; you immediately notice the wall displaying wines and their excellent and vast selection. I went there for lunch, discovering typical local dishes, some truly beautifully reinterpreted. All unique and delicious: we ate truly well! A special mention goes to the staff; the person who welcomed us carefully explained each course, the wine, the oil, and all the preparations. Everything was perfect from start to finish, even the coffee, served with a piece of their artisanal panettone. A place to mark on the map. See you soon!