28/06/2025: Yesterday, we were melting in Ostuni. Having seen as many sights before shoe rubber adhered to the paving stones, we craved lunch and a cool location. We had originally planned to eat at one of Ostuni's oldest restaurants, but it was inexplicitly closed. Firing up Google maps, we searched for what was nearby and found this place.
First off, it is not for those on a tight budget. If you want authentic, original, and amazingly well-balanced dishes, which, with a bit of recalibration (food and presentation excellent, the ambiance could be slightly improved) ..could be a contender for Michelin Star quality. It is that good.
Whilst we were tempted with the taster menu, we couldn't quite stretch to a £200 lunch for two (+ drinks on top) so worked through the menu so that we could try new dishes and experience new flavours.
Our needs were very well managed by Donato, who patiently helped to explain the dishes and shared some really interesting techniques. For example, we couldn't understand how out of season turnip tops could appear in a summer menu..the answer, Flash Freezing. The result..a flavour and texture as good as if it had just been plucked from a field. The same technique is used with fish. Minus 14C kills off bacteria too..always good to know.
My wife and I tried to decide which dish we thought was best...it was impossible as we loved them all. The Octopus was fabulously succulent, the Red Tuna stunningly fresh, and amberjack carpaccio an absolute delight.
It would be helpful in future to have fully itemised billing (we discovered too late that we had been overcharged for drinks we didn't have), but the quality of the food and experience is by far what we will remember the most.
With a little fine tuning, I think this could be a a first rate experience from beginning to end. The food, service, quality of tableware, comfortable seating.. already exceed expectations. Thank you again.
26/06/2025: My favourite meal in Puglia. Beautiful, traditional food, absolutely delicious and the staff were so friendly and informative. We will be back. Fabulous restaurant!
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