Ristorante Osteria Il Rosone — Restaurant in Locorotondo

I am fond of the couple who have opened this restaurant, having had many wonderful experiences in the well established restaurant they previously ran, entirely down to the care they took and their obvious delight in giving customers a delightful experience. I always felt welcome and at home. So I had to come to il Rosone. I've been twice now. The first time, back in January, my friend and I were slightly surprised at the lack of engagement of our waiter, a charming looking very young man. It constantly appeared that he was in a hurry because he had far more important things to do. The owner passed by and was very friendly, had a few words on the phone with my son, who'd usually accompanied me previously. I guessed the flaky waiter was still being trained. I went for the second time a few days ago, on the last evening of my stay. I was alone and of course was placed in a small table next to the entrance, which became uncomfortable because the air conditioner was blowing onto my shoulder. There were several young male waiters (please don't imagine I have anything against young males per se, I don't). They all look like they've been cast in a movie about the slightly bored wealthy. They all did a pretty good job of almost completely ignoring me, a couple of em asked if I wanted to order but didn't come back. One found out that I was gluten sensitive and didn't come back. They seemed to be more active around tables with wine (I was driving so no) and the solo tall young blonde, who was allocated a much more comfortable spot to sit (there was plenty of space free by the way). The one person who actually paid attention was a woman who may be maitre d. She actually asked how I was, if I was being served, and told one of the young guys to serve me. When eventually my food arrived it was she who, hearing (can't remember why) that I was gluten sensitive, told me the peppers were fried in breadcrumbs. So the waiter who'd known I was g-s hadn't thought it important enough to remember to tell anyone else. I got the dish reprepared without breadcrumbs. The food's good though not cheap. But it was honestly spoiled by the fact that I struggled not to feel unwelcome and in some unidentified way inferior. I couldn't help thinking, for the first time in my life, that it was the penalty for being a woman over 50 eating alone. Unfortunate because I was in Locorotondo to complete the sale of a house I still love, and so not at my most cheerful. I may go again if it's with my son, but I dunno. I know other places where Italian...

This is our second time in visiting Locorotondo but had not been to this quaint and beautifully curated Osteria run by the charismatic and charming couple, Pino and Margerita! Our dinner was the BEST we've had in the historic centre of Locorotondo. We reserved a table for four and upon arrival were immediately greeted by Pino with his effervescent smile and demeanour who welcomed us and made us feel right at home bringing us to our table straight away. Our dinner started with a delightful ‘amuse bouche’ which exploded with taste and flavour in one bite! We then began our meal at the suggestion of Margerita with a unique 5-course antipasto and what an incredibly delicious start! Each plate was beautifully presented, complemented with unique and tasteful flavour combinations which melded harmoniously together bite after bite. Our mains were equally amazing and delicious, and once again beautifully plated and satisfyingly delicious. It is evident Pino and Margerita are passionate about what they do, by the service they provide to their clients, by their authentic but modern cuisine but more so ensurIng each customer is fully satisfied upon leaving their establishment. It is clear the importance they place on the quality of ingredients used and that they are locally sourced. They take great pride in their Pugliese heritage in highlighting simple but flavourful dishes, carefully thought, planned and executed by a talented and passionate Chef and kitchen Team which want to showcase the true and genuine Pugliese cuisine but with a twist and modern interpretation! Kudos to a great kitchen brigade and an energetic and efficient waitstaff who are quick on their feet, provide courteous and professional table service with a smile. Thank you once again to Pino and Margerita and their ensemble Staff! We look forward to enjoying another wonderful dinner on our next visit to Locorotondo as it is a must stop for its truly magnificent food, quality...

This is the only bad review I have ever given in 12 years of visiting Italy. Over that time, I have eaten some mediocre meals, like any country! but this is the ONLY occasion I have chosen to sit down and write a poor comment, from over 26 places - which should really say something. I would also say that I was so looking forward to eating here, based on other reviews! Please HEED my advice and only eat here if you are Italian. It started well, but continued so, so poorly. We just got engaged so wanted to have a big celebration meal- antipasti, primi, secondi etc. Starters were GREAT! But the minute the restaurant started filling up, any care for our food or enjoyment dried up dramatically. Our primi and secondi ended up arriving at the same time- to which we were told it was simply ‘not possible’ to do anything about. After saying we weren’t happy, they eventually took it away. They then brought the same dish back out 25 mins later (it was put under a hot hold in our eye line for the entire time) which was dry and barely edible. No apologies given and no further questions asked. They presented the bill with no further question- if you wanted a coffee, you were in the wrong place! Also- we watched the owner oversee the service, so no doubt this is the norm. Please don’t waste your holiday on somewhere that doesn’t care a bit about your experience! There are so many other places that are delighted to have you! Locorotondo has wonderful food choices! Just not here if you don’t hold an...