Retro Gusto In Otranto

GOOD but… DON'T GET THE RAW FISH! So let's start with the fact that the fried fish is very good. Like the other appetizers we ordered… but there's one big, big flaw. The raw seafood… too expensive for such an overly elaborate dish. But ugly, tasteless… only beautiful to look at. 3 flavorless tartares, not the best fish (by type), accompanied by a flask of boh-infused oil (sour, inedible, to be avoided). Except for this salty aside, which we could have easily avoided… The appetizer was good! And the first courses… WELL, my friend… The lobster first course was “SCARY”!! Beautiful, colorful, substantial, fresh, and so on. 2 important notes, however: 1st, well done for the selection of bitters (probably a local company, a series of very nice bitters found in many restaurants in the area). Second, you can't be a Michelin-recommended restaurant... and you have no system or way to keep the dining room cool. Two air conditioners, one of which is turned off due to condensation... too bad that in the summer, with wine, dinner becomes unbearable. The raw ham (which leaves much to be desired) and the heavy sweating on the plate cost them one star in this review. Turn on the fan now!!!!

Very good food if your looking for seafood close to the ocean! Thank you!

We loved the welcome, the atmosphere and our risotto tonight, which was the best we ate here in Otranto.

The price-quality ratio is excellent. The risotto was rich in seafood. Attentive service.

A definite recommendation. Very good food, unusual dishes, professional and particularly pleasant service (with special thanks to our waitress Simone, who guided us expertly and patiently through the menu!). The quality of the food justifies the price. A good selection of local and regional wines, very affordable. Pleasant ambiance, soft music. An all-round successful evening.

A very warm welcome and good value for money, a great experience for a dinner with friends 👍

Delicious dinner. Alessandro, the owner, was always ready to accommodate our requests. Top-notch cuisine. Lobster spaghetti, made with their own pasta, was exceptional!

This place truly deserves every single star. From the moment we arrived, we felt not only welcome, but genuinely seen and heard. Their attention to detail and willingness to go that extra mile were evident. Being able to smoke outside, discreetly seated away from other customers, was a remarkable courtesy, made possible by the owner's exceptional availability and honesty in explaining the conditions, which we ultimately refused to do out of respect. Even outdoors, no one is supposed to smoke at tables; they are asked to get up and leave the restaurant. But the real magic happened at the table. The seafood risotto, initially intended as a dish to be served with a minimum of two portions, was served to us with just one portion so we could also order the off-menu item: spaghetti alla chitarra with lobster claws, shrimp, and scampi, which was simply divine, an explosion of fresh flavors and a clear example of culinary mastery. One aspect that deserves special mention was the owner's complete transparency regarding the prices of off-menu items. This rare gesture not only demonstrates admirable honesty but also strengthens our trust in an already highly acclaimed establishment. His constant yet discreet presence, the way he looked after us and ensured our satisfaction, added an extra layer of warmth to an already perfect experience. Every dish was not only delicious, but a demonstration of passion and respect for the customer. It's the kind of place that makes you want to return, knowing it will never be just another meal. Furthermore, the reasonable prices given the quality and the discreet atmosphere made the experience unforgettable.

Ottimo posto in tutto e per tutto! Cibo ottimo, qualità ottima, personale gentile e preparato. Il titolare è una persona squisita e attento al cliente. Consiglio di fare tappa in questo ristorante e vedrete che ne vale la pena!

La prima foto non corrisponde al ristorante. Che si trova in centro di Otranto in una via laterale con scorcio sul mare. Abbiamo mangiato bene a parte il polipo (antipasto) che era in po’ duro. Nel complesso però tutto ok. Pesce fresco e ben cucinato.