Nicola's Bar Chiosco/Ristorante Zinzulusa Castro — Restaurant in Castro

Don't be fooled by how simple and local bar it looks!! It's a GEM!!

We visited after a trip to the caves and only really wanted a snack and quick drink before heading home, planning on dinner in the evening.

When we arrived, the waiter was friendly and sat us. Offered us (group of 4) a huge table in the corner.

I thought, having worked in bars. We won't take the big table for 6 or 8 people. A small table for 4 is ideal. Let a bigger group have the bigger table.

What a mistake that was.

My brother Inlaw and I ordered the Saute di Cozze. Essentially Mussels and finely diced vegetables cooked in oil, wine and the sea water from the mussels as they open. Served with Grilled olive oil covered bread. It was fantastic.

My wife and brother in-laws partner ordered Margherita Pizza. One each. Thankfully Nicola the owner knew what he was doing and only had one cooked for them, because it took 4 of us to eat it.

Think dining room table of a pizza. Which is why we were offered the huge table in the first place. We commented to the owner, the portions were very generous. He just laughed and said I am a generous guy.

Pugliese people are known for their generosity and especially through food. This was...

We were totally ripped off tonight. We ordered food and drinks from the 1 and only menu they had which was passed around including a bottle of house wine for €10.

The food was really good so no complaints there but when the bill came, the wine was charged at €30.

When we asked why we were told the food comes from a restaurant across the road but the wine comes from their bar. There was no mention of this on the menu and the waitress led us to believe everything was from the menu. We also ordered 2 Asprol Spritz which were €4.50 each on the menu and they charged €6 each.

Dispite us arguing they did not back down and charged us 3 times the price for the wine we ordered. Cannot recommend unless you want to...

Came for the caves, stayed for the awesome food!

Outstanding!

Made a pit stop here on the way to zinzulusa caves just looking for anywhere to eat. In the end we had probably the best meal of our trip. A place that knows what it is and knows how to get the most out of itself. Everything fresh, made with care, attention to detail, but not for show - just good honest lovely food. We had the scrocchiarella pizza, a chicken puccia, savoury pastry...all absolutely delicious. Also, they have homemade beer and gin. We tried both and both were excellent. Make this your primary destination and have a bonus peak...