Ai 2 Ghiottoni — Restaurant in Bari

In the past, I have had the pleasure of dining at a few exquisite fish restaurants in Bari. The most famous one, Ai 2 Ghiottoni, is sadly not on my list of recommendations any longer. Let me share with you my experience from October 9th, 2023. Eight friends and I gathered for dinner, and although three of us enjoyed decent dishes, such as a delicious fish carpaccio, an alright pasta, and a satisfactory beef dish, I didn't share their luck: The seafood risotto I ordered, lacked flavor and taste. The presentation was less than appealing, with rice grains that were inconsistently cooked. It was the most disappointing risotto I have ever tasted. Several of us also tried the orecchiette with turnip tops, which unfortunately turned out to be overly salty and lacking in flavor. We couldn't help but wonder if the restaurant compensates for the average quality by serving large portions.

I mentioned to the waiter that the lukewarm red wine was warmer than I prefer. He snapped back that red wine should not be served cold.

It's disheartening when a once-great restaurant relies solely on its reputation and mentions in international food guides. One can only hope that they become aware of their decline before it's too late.

PS Based on the feedback I received from the restaurant regarding my initial post, I'm uncertain they intend to mend their ways. But let's hope...

The ingredients were top quality and very fresh so a seafood lover will really appreciate it. But that comes at a price. We paid €220 for two people, but to be fair we chose some of the more expensive items on the menu.

The interior is elegant, and the wine list is long and interesting, with plenty to explore.

The dishes were prepared in a comforting way that would appeal both to seafood newcomers and seasoned seafood lovers. For example, the fresh tuna tartare came with mellow tomatoes and pine nuts, and the pasta was served in a gently sweet tomato sauce — subtle and satisfying. Portions were quite generous.

Service was mixed. One waiter was very attentive and patiently explained all the details, even though I had quite a few basic questions. But later, another waiter kept trying to clear our plates before we had finished and didn’t seem interested in whether we were enjoying the food.

Also, I got the sense that speaking Italian made a difference. The English menu was shorter and less detailed, and I only learned about the full dessert options after...

I recently dined at Ai 2 Ghiottoni restaurant that left quite an impression. The food was truly exceptional, with a standout dish being the spaghetti al assassina, which was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spice. The restaurant also boasts a wide selection of wines, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for any meal. One of the highlights of the menu was the seafood—everything was incredibly fresh, from the fish to the shellfish. You could really taste the quality and care in every bite. The atmosphere was authentically Italian, warm and inviting, with an ambiance that made you feel like you were dining in a cozy corner of Italy. The only slight downside was the service, which was a bit on the slow side. However, the quality of the food and the overall experience more than made up for it. In summary, this is a fantastic spot for anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine and fresh seafood. Just be prepared to take your time and savor...