24/03/2026: I celebrated my 60th birthday and it was a wonderful party thanks above all to the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff. The quality of the products is always perfect.
15/03/2026: If you'd like to experience traditional seafood cuisine from Taranto, Piccolo Porticciolo is a place where quality sets it apart. The freshness and cleanliness of the products set them apart. Authentic flavors, without any processing that would alter or obscure the freshness of the dish you're enjoying. Ask the person serving you for advice; you can trust them!
If you want to try typical and traditional seafood dishes from Taranto, this is the place you're looking for. No artificial flavors, no cream, no butter to cover, because all the ingredients are fresh and bought daily. My suggestion: try the risotto or the tubettini con le cozze. For those who love mussels, you must try the mussels from this city; they're famous all over the world for their distinctive flavor. Don't miss the antipasti—there are plenty. You can also trust the waiter, because, as I said, the food is always fresh. Book your table because the anti-COVID procedures are followed.
For me, Trattoria Al Piccolo Porticciolo isn't just a trattoria: it's a must-visit every time I return to Taranto. It was when I lived in London, when I lived in northern Italy, and it still is today, now that I live in Lecce. It's one of those places where the sea is intertwined with family memories.
But beyond the memories, there's substance: the quality of the fish.
Today, I carefully browsed the menu and noticed an interesting detail: the first three pages of the dishes don't even have an asterisk indicating frozen products. In 2026, with the skyrocketing price of fresh fish, that's a detail that speaks volumes.
The linguine with clams, the marinara risotto, and our pride and joy, the rice, potatoes, and mussels, are authentic dishes: respected ingredients and expert craftsmanship in the kitchen.
The service is friendly and cheerful, even during the busiest hours. And speaking of the dining room: it's almost always full here. In the restaurant world, it's often the simplest and most honest indicator when it comes to value for money.
Fresh fish, expert cooking, and a tradition that continues to do its job well, without the need for special effects.
To me, Trattoria Al Piccolo Porticciolo is more than just a trattoria. It's a place I return to every time I come back to Taranto—whether I was living in London, Northern Italy, or now in Lecce. A place where the sea meets family memories.
Beyond nostalgia, there is substance: the quality of the fish.
Today I carefully looked through the menu and noticed an interesting detail: in the first three pages of dishes, there isn't a single asterisk indicating frozen products. In 2026, when the price of fresh fish has skyrocketed, that detail says a lot.
The linguine with clams, the seafood risotto, and our local pride, Riso, patate e cozze, are exactly what they should be: honest dishes built with excellent ingredients and experienced hands.
The service is warm and friendly even when the dining room is full — which, interestingly enough, happens quite often. In the restaurant world, that usually speaks for itself when it comes to value.
Fresh fish, skilled cooking and a tradition that continues to do its job well, without the need for theatrics.