Ristorante Van Westerhout — Restaurant in Mola di Bari

This is simply my favorite dining experience of my life. Prawns cooked in white wine, fish ravioli in creamy tomato sauce, clams with gnocchetti, perfect tiramisu, and homemade limoncello. This place is pure authenticity and will immediately transport you to a state of bliss. Every bite that I had was absolutely perfect. The chefs/owners are so sweet and personable. It feels as though you are being invited into their home. If you want to split a dish or want anything special they are happy to accommodate you. I stayed in Mola for a little over a week and I went here 3 times because I could not get enough. On my third visit, our limoncello digestif was on the house without even asking for it. Their passion for the food they make and the experience they provide is unparalleled even in a region rich with amazing cuisine. I truly feel honored to have dined here. I will fantasize about sucking the last drops of delicious garlicky shrimp juice out of the prawns until the day I die.

They are also known for playing an eclectic selection of jazz music. I know nothing about jazz but it certainly adds to the ambience, and if that’s your thing, you...

Consistent with the many other already stellar reviews of this restaurant. From the point before we even entered we were welcomed by the owner who even assisted me to park the car safely. The service was very warm and friendly, much more than nearly any other restaurant I've dined in any country. This was one of the top 10 dining experiences I've ever had. The food was simple, tasty, fresh, perfect portions. My two children also ordered octopus and squid (they enjoy non traditional items) and were also offered pasta and enjoyed everything. The owner was so kind as to provide them drinks of their choosing even though he did not have it on hand. I've never seen anyone be so welcoming for my children. He also suggested local wine and it turned out to be excellent. They had fresh fish on hand and presented that as well. The staff were so polite and skilled that you just cannot find this kind of experience in many places in the world, especially the US. We also ordered the lemon granita and chocolate soufflet and both were devoured by our kids. Very impressive restaurant. My wife and I will never forget...

A small intimate restaurant run by a chef who established a number of restaurants throughout the world. He sold out but found retirement boring so opened this small 16 seat restaurant. To start the chef opened early for us as we had an 8pm concert. After concert was an hour drive home so he graciously agreed to open early. Immediately upon being seated we were presented with these 2 mini bruschetta with these amazing tomatoes and basil. Shortly there after a small plate of mini portions of beer batter veggies arrived. Get the mixed appetizers as it's a taste of every item on the antipasta menu and a LOT of food.Then if you are still hungry other a second course. I had mistakenly ordered the drunken shrimp at the same time as the appetizer. 4 huge shrimp. Fortunately I was able to share them with my friends. We were all too full to order an actual desert but the chef brought out 4 mini pastries. Phyllo pastries filled with Chantilly cream and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. 4 people 2 bottles of top quality wine, 4 mixed appetizers, 3 main courses, coffee,...