Ristorante Garibaldi — Restaurant in Martina Franca

Two friends and I came here for dinner on the recommendation of the owner of our Masseria. We got there right as the doors opened and were seated right away--though I had the impression they were going to be packed later (we were early birds after a long day of touring around!). The staff was incredibly kind and helpful. There was a woman who was maybe the manager wearing a chic dress we loved, a sweet younger waitress who was so helpful and nice, and a guy who also seemed to be our waiter. The chef even came out to say hi! They were particularly kind since we don't speak Italian and they were happy to help us investigate the menu.

We knew it was going to be a great meal when the bread came out and was absolutely delicious. That salty, chewy, focaccia is what dreams are made of! The kitchen sent out some bruschetta that was really delicious--tomato and arugula/rocket. We ordered a cheese plate to start and it came with a beer jelly--which sounds odd but was so good!! It was tangy and sweet and different than anything I've had before and I really enjoyed it. For out main courses: One friend got the seared tuna dish, one got the seafood pasta, I got a pasta special with eggplant/Aubergine and tomato and cheese. I absolutely loved my pasta--it was almost like a take on pasta alla Norma. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the eggplant was great--not oily or heavy but light, silky and flavorful.

It was a fabulous meal!

If I were to come again I'd call for a reservation and I'd try to sit outside. The piazza is beautiful and the neighborhood coming out for the evening stroll...

Doing some homework prior to visiting an area is always a good idea. I have to thank joujoutravels.com for this top tip for eating in this amazing baroque old town.

Garabaldi visit bistro was easy to find sitting just to the left of Basilica di San Martino. Although a wet day, their umbrellas kept us perfectly dry.

The welcome was friendly and we found the service to be impeccable.

As we were eating light at dinner we decided on a larger course with salad for lunch with a glass of wine each.

We were immediately served with some local breads, olive oil and balsamic asking with an amazing tomatoe bruschetta each.

We ordered Maccheroncino pasta with asparagus, yellow datterino tomatoes, stracciatella and fried bread and the Tubettino pasta with mussels, accompanied by a mixed salad.

The pasta was perfect. We both thoroughly enjoyed the freshness of the ingredients and the local dry white by the glass was delicious. A bottle of sparkling water goes without saying but I must make mention the beautiful blue water glasses.

An older lady (and likely the matriarch) helped us dress the salad perfectly in her own broken English smiling way.

Staff were excellent. We witnessed several seating changed to accommodate the needs of larger parties or families with young children. Nothing was too much.

A genuinely beautiful little restaurant that is well worth finding on your travels.

Thank you again...

My husband and I were in Martina Franca for a visit and looking for a recommended restaurant for lunch. That resto was closed so we used Google to find another. What luck! Garibaldi Bistrot in the piazza where the cathedral is - Garibaldi Piazza, I believe turned out to be a great find. The family owners welcomed us warmly. We started with the zucchini flowers (my personal favourite) that were were crunchy and delish. My vegetarian husband marvelled at his paccheri with tomato, ricotta and basil. We shared an arugula salad - fresh, large portion that we dressed with some fantastic local olive oil and finished with an incredible chocolate torta. So satisfying that we made another lunch visit two weeks later which turned out to be even better. John had the same dishes as previously (why change a good thing) and I won with the zucchini flowers and the pasta special of the day - tortello (like ravioli) stuffed with taleggio cheese and pear and covered with a parmesan cream and truffle powder. It was mozzafiato! Lovely clean and pretty room with the freshest foods and quiet very attentive service. Would...