L'Osteria In Martano

After a long time, I've been thinking about it, and I'm finally giving my overall opinion, my review, of this place. Let's start with the assumption that, as described, it's an Osteria, and therefore should be compared to other establishments in its category. Both in the distant past and more recently, I've frequented it hundreds of times, from simply enjoying a simple but excellent pizza to convivial gatherings with family, friends, and dignitaries. It has never betrayed my trust. Never. At the Osteria of Maurizio and Letizia Protopapa, people I respect for their professionalism and great availability, it feels like being at home, in the best sense of the word, with the added bonus of good, typical local cuisine that's always fresh and plentiful, regardless of whether you're a regular or a passing tourist. They make no distinction, and I've always noticed this over time. Let's start by judging their "simple" mixed fried food and long potato panzerotti as a centerpiece. It seems simple, but there's art to it. To move on, even though we rarely order them, to the mixed seafood appetizers. For my tastes, the highlight is the sagne ncannulate (a sort of fresh pasta fettuccine rolled and closed at the ends), especially served with tomato sauce and horse meat strips, and then topped with a variety of seasonal accompaniments, such as today's fresh porcini mushrooms. The main courses are varied and always plentiful, from various types of roasted meat, pieces of horse meat in tomato sauce, quality cheeses and cured meats, fried fish, and more. They offer a wide selection of wines, both mid-range and high-end. The selection of beers is equally extensive, and finally, there's a wide selection of spirits to choose from. The price is very fair for the quality and quantity of food. My heartfelt compliments to Maurizio and Letizia, as well as to the kitchen staff, Salvatore and Antonio.

Excellent value for money, very varied menu, in summer it is very pleasant to be hosted in the ancient side street

Fantastic place, we can't wait to go back

Generous portions, good wine. The appetizers weren't cooked fresh from the day they were made.

A restaurant in the center of Martano that reflects the essence of the town. Generous and carefully prepared dishes. The owner and staff are very helpful. Excellent value. A perfect place to complete a holiday in Salento. Thank you.

Takeaway pizzas, the dough is good but the tomato sauce has no flavor. On the other hand, the servers are very friendly.

As for the food, nothing special, not even the usual selections you'd find anywhere. The only interesting one was a pasta dish with saffron, but they added cream. A celiac patient was well taken care of. They served us some longer-than-usual fried potato croquettes, but two of them were still frozen inside. The place was clean. I went upstairs to check it out, but even though there were no customers, they turned off the light and told me I couldn't stay there; that's enough to give the service a one-star rating. The young man who served us was very kind and helpful. Good wine selection. The water is from the dispensers (not branded bottles). Without any ill-famed or inglorious people, I wouldn't go back.

Very nice restaurant, good food, fast service, reasonable price, thank you

Cena con amici, accoglienza dello staff preparato ed efficiente… veloce nel prendere la prenotazione e servire. Antipasto ricco rigorosamente tipico del luogo. Ciceri e tria più che buoni… seppia arrostita, tagliata di manzo e frittura mista tutto eccellente.

Grazie per aver reso il mio compleanno (ieri sera )perfetto Siete fantastici ragazzi.. Ci vediamo a settembre Denise lago di Como