La Cantina dello Zio — Restaurant in Bari

restaurant so good, we had to come back atleast one more time before end of our trip🏆 1st time we wanted to come here, it was on Tuesday and it was closed so we ended up next door in Anto, and let me tell you, they can't compare, so if you're deciding between the two, COME HERE! Here's why: we came the next day, waited in the line, and it was WORTH IT. immediately we got complimentary olives and some snacks, and later got the best pasta meals in bari. spaghetti carbonara were perfect and don't sleep on the ravioli!! they came with tomato sauce, which was million times better than the tomato sauce we had on orrechiette in Anto. we were so full but we just had to try tiramisu, and it was delicious! just perfect amount for two full people😋 we finished with complimentary limoncello shots from the cutest shot glasses, and big thanks to our waiter (Mario I believe), this older gentleman, who was the biggest sweetheart, and even recognised us the next time we came🥹 2nd time we came on our last day and a little sooner, but the line was about the same. we wanted to try more things, so we shared the food. the bruschettas were light, crispy with tasty tomatoes. the grilled seafood was made perfectly and the insalata dello zio is perfect for people who love shrimps.🦐it was packed with them and the salsa rosa wasn't spicy at all and was just creamy and delicious. we had to try another dessert, so we got profiteroles and I was sacred they would be too sweet, but they were perfect! we would've ordered 2nd portion but they were so busy in the restaurant we didn't want to bother again😅 this time we had a different waiter, who started talking to us in Polish though we are Slovak, but he tried :) P.S.: the next day we were waiting for a bus to the airport and we met a waitress from that restaurant who recognised us and greater us, so they really do appreciate their...

La Cantina dello Zio is hard to miss. Nestled in a lively street setting, its bustling patio immediately catches your eye, often animated with the warm buzz of diners and the occasional cheerful singing from the staff—a true slice of Bari's vibrant culture.

We stopped by for lunch and were delighted to immerse ourselves in the flavors of Puglia’s traditional cuisine. I opted for the orecchiette di mare, a dish that perfectly marries the essence of the sea with Bari’s signature pasta shape, orecchiette. As the birthplace of this pasta, it’s almost a rite of passage to try it here, and La Cantina dello Zio did not disappoint.

My wife chose the much-celebrated riso, patate e cozze (rice, potatoes, and mussels), a classic local specialty she had been eager to try. The dish was spot-on, delivering the comforting yet flavorful experience she had hoped for.

The meal began with a delightful surprise—complimentary olives and taralli, included in the coperto. These simple yet iconic staples of Puglian cuisine set the tone for an authentic dining experience. We paired our meal with the house wine, a charming companion to the bold and rustic flavors of our dishes.

The staff were incredibly friendly and laid-back, creating a relaxed atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Whether you're a local or a traveler looking for an authentic taste of Bari, La Cantina dello Zio is a must-visit. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience steeped in the warmth and tradition of southern Italy.

Pro tip: If you’re craving an authentic Bari experience, come early to snag a spot on the lively...

I just had a marvelous lunch at one of those places they tell you never to eat in - but I’m glad I trusted my instincts (and the Google reviews!).

La Cantina dello Zio is down the block from the flat and I noticed it the first night I arrived.

Every time I walk by, there is not one empty table and there’s a line down the block.

Yes, the menu is in two languages, but I’ve never walked by and heard any English spoken.

Unlike many other Italian restaurants, they serve continuously during the day. So I was able to go at 3 PM for lunch which is my preferred midday meal time.

When I sat down, they brought me olives and taralli, which are a savory Pugliese round snack, kind of a cross between a breadstick and a cracker.

Taralli come in various flavors and they are made with the delicious local Pugliese olive oil.

I ordered a Caprese salad, which was ginormous, followed by a whole grilled orata with a tomato & radicchio salad.

These are the lunches I dream of! Simple, clean, and delicious.

The entire check was €32.50, including mineral water and a half liter of the local rosé wine. They brought me a complementary limoncello...