Osteria Le Arpie — Restaurant in Bari

I don’t recommend this place! As much as I and my friends wanted to eat here, as disappointed we were! I write this review because the restaurant staff didn’t know how to manage a situation, to be open to discussion and yelled at me during the entire discussion although I wasn’t guilty of anything!! I and my friends had lunch here few days ago and when we had to pay (I chose the card method), the restaurant took and blocked the money from my account, but on the receipt it appeared as payment refused. I called the bank where I have the card, and the bank agent correctly identified my payment at this restaurant and the amount that went to the restaurant (in my account appeared as a blocked amount and money was taken). When I initially explained to the waitress that it was a problem she was pressuring me to pay because it was time to close without be open to dialogue. I continued to explain to her by refusing to pay twice the same amount, and the waitress was yelling at me. I asked her to call the manager or someone qualified from the restaurant to check the payment or call the bank, but she said the bank was closed. I kept explaining and asking her to call further to verify the payment, and she didn't really seem interested in what I was saying. But she was interested in my nationality. She continued to yell and threaten to call the police. The other colleagues from the kitchen were open to dialogue, but the only solution was like someone from the restaurant to check the payment, and then the situation would have been clarified. In the end, another person from my table paid the bill, and I had to wait for the bank to refund the amount paid to the restaurant. I had to explain to my bank what happened and send the receipt on which appeared “declined transaction” to get my money back. Very nasty way of dealing with problems from the waitress ANGELA because that's what she said was called at the end. Throughout this discussion, she was yelling at me as if I were a thief, although I was open to the discussion. An attitude that doesn’t honor your restaurant! I mention she spoke only in Italian (she was actually screaming) and had all kind of suspicious looks. Me and my friends will definitely not come back to this place. I have been to many restaurants in Italy and beyond, but I have never experienced anything like this! You need to understand that not all the people you interact with are thieves and as long as there is a way of communication from the client you should teach your employees not to yell at him/her and the waitress contact the manager! This incident ruined...

The food is good, but the service and attitude fall embarrassingly short. After an evening where we genuinely enjoyed some good pasta and one of the best tiramisus we’ve had in a while, we decided to come back another day — this time just for dessert and a glass of wine. Nothing unusual, right? We had already eaten at home, so a full meal wasn’t necessary.

We ordered our dessert and wine, only to be approached by someone informing us that if we weren’t ordering a main dish, we had to leave — because, as they put it, “this is not a bar.”

Honestly, I found that incredibly rude. It was near closing time — they were set to close in 30 minutes — and there were plenty of empty tables around. So no, we weren’t “hogging” a spot that someone else was desperately waiting for. Last I checked, dessert is served in a restaurant, not exclusively in bars. And I’m not aware of any restaurant that dictates what you’re allowed to order — unless we’re talking about Michelin-starred establishments with a set tasting menu. (Spoiler: this place is not one of them.)

In the end, we had to leave — after a woman literally shouted at us, “Pasta, not dessert!” with rolling eyes. You can imagine the looks from the other customers. It was awkward, embarrassing, and entirely unnecessary.

If this is how you choose to treat guests — especially tourists who make the effort to return and promote your place — you might want to reconsider your definition of hospitality. A bit of gratitude and respect would go a long way.

And judging by some of the other reviews, it seems this kind of rude attitude isn’t just a one-off — so unfortunately, our experience wasn’t the exception, but rather part of a...

I cannot comment on the food, service or atmosphere of this restaurant. I was refused service as I am a solo traveller and needed a table for one. There were only a few tables occupied, it is not peak season and there were very few people about, however they would not seat me. The staff member was quite adamant and was actually quite rude. Unfortunate as the restaurant came highly recommended by my accomodation. I will certainly let them know. So….if you are considering this restaurant, think again. Ended up having a stunning meal not far away.

Update to owners response

The response provided by the owner in response to my review is by way of explanation for the rude level of service I received, inadequate and the suggestion that due to reservations I was unable to be seated is untrue. The photograph taken of the restaurant not 45 minutes later after I was refused service would suggest otherwise. All tables were empty. I visited the restaurant at approximately 1.30pm…this photo was taken at 2.45 on my way past after my meal not too far away. I would not return on principle regardless of how many 5 star reviews the establishment received. My review is not the only one from a...