Trattoria da Ismet — Restaurant in Acquaviva delle Fonti

A Hidden Gem in Aquaviva delle Fonti - Trattoria da Ismet

Last night, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at Trattoria da Ismet, a charming restaurant nestled in the quaint town of Aquaviva delle Fonti. From the moment we entered, we knew we were in for a treat.

The culinary highlight for my wife was the octopus, which was exceptionally tender and flavorful, surpassing her expectations. As for me, I indulged in the tagliata - and I must say, it was arguably the best I've ever savored in Italy, a statement I don't make lightly given my extensive travels across the country.

What truly set Trattoria da Ismet apart was the warmth and attentiveness of the owner. His passion for food and hospitality shone through, making our dining experience genuinely unforgettable.

This gem of a restaurant proudly uses local ingredients, offering a taste that is authentic and superior to what you might find in more tourist-centric locations like Alberobello, Bari, or Matera. The flavors here speak of the region's culinary heritage and the care put into each dish.

We wholeheartedly recommend Trattoria da Ismet to anyone seeking a delicious, warm, and memorable dining experience. It's a testament to how a small restaurant in a small town can deliver an unforgettable culinary journey. We're already looking forward to...

During our dinner at Trattoria da Ismed, we were warmly welcomed by Ismed himself, who runs this cozy little restaurant with his wife. It was half-full, likely due to the off-season, which created an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Ismed took the time to explain the menu in detail, and his passion for the cuisine was evident. We chose a delicious, full-bodied rosé made from the Negromare grape, produced by a local winemaker – a perfect choice that paired beautifully with the meal.

The starters were a delight: from juicy fresh oyster mushrooms to crispy potato croquettes filled with spinach and creamy ricotta. For the main course, we enjoyed a mixed grill of lamb, various flavorful sausages, and perfectly grilled BBQ tagliata. Everything was prepared with local ingredients and a deep love for the products, elevating the dishes to another level.

Although we initially thought about skipping dessert, we were surprised with a homemade pistachio ice cream and chocolate bonbon – a delightful end to a perfect evening.

Ismed, thank you so much for the hospitality and the relaxing evening. We will definitely be back!

Best regards, Carla and...

Exceptional food and service

Such wonderful welcoming Husband and Wife who cook from the heart!

Finding ourselves in Acquaviva on Easter Monday night we stumbled across this restaurant. They were not open yet but they came out when they saw us looking to let us know they would be opening soon.

When we came back they had a table ready to go for us with exceptional service and wonderful super delicious regional dishes. They were even able to accommodate our overtired 7 year olds wish for chips and chicken with traditional cotoletta and hand made chips.

If you find yourself in Acquaviva, Puglia make sure you eat at...