My family and I, two adults and a toddler have been at "Medeat" for dinner. We were really confused because the place name was Medeat but then the menu was labelled as Azabu 10. We skipped this confusing detail and we approached the entrance. We liked it because we experienced dishes made with local ingredients boosted with a Japanese twist. We didn't book, and the staff organised a table for us in the lovely outdoor area. We liked the courage of offering such a well-curated menu in a place like Monopoli, where the seafood tradition is so strong. Only one spot on this experience, the cocktails. This place undoubtedly needs a bartender that knows how much gin goes into a gin tonic, and the salt on the glass edge is a must for a margarita.
Here's the experience in short:
Atmosphere & Place 6 ½: The restaurant is well located in the historical centre of Monopoli. The main entrance is sexy, and the furniture does the job of attracting people. We choose it for this reason. The passage from the outdoor area to the indoor area is very low and should be better indicated. Fair enough when you opt for a place located in a historical building.
Menu 8: Everything we chose was really well cooked and yummy. My vegetable tempura was just a dream, mainly because I had the green peppers, aka friggitelli, in it for the first time! Among other things, my grilled meat was absolutely delicious, and I enjoyed it until the last tiny piece.
Service 6 ½: The staff was friendly and responsive to our needs. They were fast in serving the dishes and providing the bill. All of them were supportive in explaining the menu and trying to understand the our wishes and tastes. They played with our son and were very tolerant of his restlessness.
Bill 7: Fair considering the place, food and other...
Read moreThe food is good and creative, albeit a tad expensive for what you get. I tried this restaurant but I will not repeat. I booked an omakase for four people at the sushi counter. I have had many omakase in various restaurants in Italy and abroad. It was clear that they wanted us to be punctual. One day before the dinner I received a second email asking me to confirm our attendance, which I did immediately. On the night of the dinner, at 19:14, one minute before the booking time, as I was almost entering the restaurant, they called me and asked me where I was. That was frankly unnecessary. The reason became clear pretty fast. Not only they want the “convivial experience” to start on time, but they also need it to finish pretty fast as they have a following experience booked. So the dinner was booked for 19.15 and by approximately 20.30 the check of 344 euros for four people was brought to us, immediately after the last dish of the omakase. It was a hurried experience from the beginning to the end; the explanation of every dish took too much space and prominence. There was little time and space for us and our guests to talk and catch up. In summary the experience from start to end is basically imposed on you. They tell you at what time you must arrive but they do not tell you that you will be forced to leave pretty fast and that you have no control on how much time you will be able to remain. Really not a good feeling. Based on the fact that it is not easy to book at short notice, I think they can generate a good number of first time trials. But I doubt they have significant number of customers repeating and without a loyal base of customers, it might be difficult to...
Read moreAn Unforgettable Culinary Experience - The Best Meal of My Life
Dining at Azabu10 was nothing short of extraordinary. I had the pleasure of experiencing their 21-course Omakase tasting menu, and it was, without question, the best meal I’ve ever had. As someone who has dined at numerous fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, I can confidently say that Azabu10 surpasses them all.
The chef’s artistry and attention to detail were unmatched, with each course crafted to perfection and presented with the utmost care. What made this experience truly special was the personalized touch—I was the only American at the dinner, and the team went above and beyond to make me feel welcome by explaining each dish in both Italian and English. This thoughtful gesture allowed me to fully appreciate the intricate flavors, techniques, and traditions behind each course.
The progression of the tasting menu was a masterful journey through texture, flavor, and presentation, highlighting the freshest ingredients with a perfect balance of innovation and tradition. Every bite was a revelation, and each dish was an experience in itself, showcasing the true essence of omakase dining at the highest level.
Azabu10 is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those who seek an unforgettable culinary adventure. The exceptional service, warm hospitality, and world-class cuisine make it a standout among the finest dining experiences globally. I cannot recommend this place highly enough—it is a must-visit for any food enthusiast looking for a truly remarkable and once-in-a-lifetime...
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