Es Cantina&Ristorante — Restaurant in Manduria

We were two couples, and one of the couples was actually staying at the hotel. When we arrived, however, they didn’t allow us to go directly into the restaurant while our friends were doing the check-in — which already felt strange and unwelcoming.

We had made a reservation for four people by phone, and it was accepted. There was no menu available online or on Google, but since the winery had good ratings, we assumed it would be fine. Unfortunately, from the moment we sat down, the entire dining experience was uncomfortable, confusing, and felt like a complete trap.

The receptionist –who was also acting as the sommelier– made us wait over 10 minutes in the hotel lobby before finally seating us. The terrace itself looked nice and tidy, but the atmosphere was spoiled by the fact that they were playing Spotify’s free version, with loud ads interrupting every few songs.

There were only 4 tables occupied in the entire restaurant (ours included), so the place was not busy at all. Still, service was chaotic. One of us is gluten-free, and every dish for them came completely out of sync: not 3–5 minutes, but sometimes 15 minutes before or after everyone else. The only waitress, with just one month of experience, was clearly overwhelmed. Honestly, we felt sorry for her — it wasn’t her fault, but rather a complete lack of preparation and organization by the owners.

We then found out it was a set tasting menu (something never explained beforehand). When we asked, they told us it was €70 per person. We agreed, even though we never saw a written menu and everything was just verbally described.

The meal started decently with a parmigiana appetizer and a pasta dish, both tasty. For the main course, we were told we could choose between octopus or beef. We ordered, but only 40 minutes later they came back to inform us that there was no more octopus available. So everyone was forced to have the beef. What eventually arrived was insulting: three tiny bites of boiled, flavorless meat. A complete disaster.

As for the wine, yes, each glass was explained – but never once did they clarify that these would be charged separately. In the end, three different wines were poured, and each was billed at €15–20 per glass.

The overall atmosphere was bizarre. At one point, the owners sat at another table preparing their own salad, like they were at home. For dessert, the gluten-free guest had to literally check the boxes of industrial ice creams in their freezer to find one that was safe.

When we finally tried to leave, the gate was locked. Nobody came to open it. We had to go back inside and ask for someone to let us out.

The bill was shocking: €125 per person in a restaurant that looked improvised, with inexperienced staff, disorganized service, and food that did not justify even half that price. The experience was zero hospitable, completely odd, and left us feeling taken advantage of.

I would happily pay €125 per person for a proper fine dining experience with professional service and quality food. Unfortunately, this place did not meet even the most basic expectations, and I cannot...

I don't usually write reviews, but the team at Gianfranco Fino are truly deserving of a glowing one. An unbelievable experience, from the wine and food, to the hospitality, to the beautiful estate. Chef Simone is a visionary, his passion and dedication is clearly evident in the food he so meticulously prepared. The whole team was incredibly professional and generous and I cannot recommend this...

Delusione e sensazione di essere stati truffati. Nel menù proposto vengono fornite informazioni non veritiere. Il fatto più grave è che mio marito è intollerante al maiale: nel menù la pasta era descritta come preparata con “carpaccio di Angus”, ma ci è arrivata una pasta con pancetta. Lo chef non lavora più nel ristorante.

Ci siamo fidati perché il ristorante appare nella guida Michelin. Non dovrebbe essere assolutamente consigliato con prestigio.

Il “menù degustazione” proposto è carissimo: tre antipasti semplici e una pasta per 80€ (senza servizio né vino). Il rapporto qualità-prezzo è inesistente.

Avevamo chiamato in anticipo per chiedere informazioni sul menu, e la proprietaria ci ha risposto in modo scortese dicendo che non avrebbe fatto eccezioni. Abbiamo comunque deciso di provare, pensando che ne valesse la pena.

Tutto sembrava improvvisato (e mal riuscito): i camerieri apparivano intimoriti, i proprietari li trattavano male, e si rivolgevano ai clienti con un atteggiamento poco educato.

I piatti non avevano nulla di elaborato, facilmente replicabili a casa e poveri di sapore.

Sconsigliato, non buttate...