TAG-RISTO BISTROT — Restaurant in Castellammare di Stabia

Maybe it was just an off day but our experience on a Friday night in September certainly didn't reflect the 4.8 average rating of this restaurant. Service was friendly and forthcoming, however the food was underwhelming. We shared tempura cod, the fried calamari, and the seafood spaghetti. The tempura cod was the most flavorful in our opinion. The fried calamari were bland and tasted like the ones you can easily buy frozen at the supermarket. The spaghetti were fine with a traditional white wine, olive oil, and garlic sauce but only included small clams and mussels. Cover charge was EUR 2.50/person and only included bread. There was no olive oil/balsamic vinegar or menagerie available at the table. I would also expect to have actual menus vs. just digital ones. It's just more difficult to view all options on a small smart phone screen. Noise level outside is high as you are sitting right next to a busy thoroughfare - inside seating might be more adequate for conversation. Overall, we left...

I read the other reviews and decided to give it a try. Its right across from Hotel Miramare. If you sit outdoor, you are off the beaten path and enjoy the seaview. Rosa was my server, she spoke proficient English and the menu is bilingual, so i ordered what i want. The wine was so good and fried shrimp and calamari was so fresh and tasted so good. With a side salad, i had so much to eat but couldn't stop. After dinner, i chatted with the OWNER Anna and her husband who is the cook, with Rosa and Google translate, we had a wonderful chat before the official 19:45 rush begin. - i ate early. Anna even offered me a limoncelo on the house. Afterwards, a stroll on the beach... its so perfect. I will be back here tomorrow to try their chestnut they are preparing now. And more meals to follow. ...

Eating at this restaurant was a highlight of the month+ we’ve spent in Italy. The ambiance was hip but not overwhelming (think a place Anthony Bourdain would grab a beer with the owner). Our waitress was attentive but not pushy, and we had a nice conversation with her and the owner after our meal.

In particular, I would recommend the pattatine (not quite chips, not quite potato wedges… somewhere in between the two) and the casarecce fresco con cozze e pecorino (fresh pasta with mussels in a creamy pecorino sauce not unlike cacio e pepe). The casarecce might be the best pasta I’ve ever had. Not exaggerating.

Afterwards we enjoyed cheesecake and Sorrento limoncello, which was of course delicious. We look forward to becoming...