Appetì Po' Bistrot — Restaurant in Monopoli

I rarely leave negative reviews, but this time I couldn’t stay silent.

We ordered spaghetti arrabbiata, and unfortunately the pasta came burnt – with many black, bitter pieces that were inedible. I tried a few bites, but they upset my stomach. When I mentioned it, the chef insisted that this is how the dish is “supposed to be,” which was very disappointing.

Another issue was the miscommunication about the price and portions. The waiter told us that spaghetti arrabbiata was a dish for two people for €8. We thought it was a great deal, but in the end we were charged €20 for two separate portions, with stracciatella added on top (without informing us it would cost extra). At the register we were even laughed at for believing that a pasta dish could cost €8 in total.

We chose this place because of the many good reviews and the nice atmosphere at first, but sadly the final experience ruined our mood for the rest of the day.

For these reasons, I cannot recommend this restaurant, especially to tourists who don’t speak Italian.

EDIT, AFTER RESTAURANT’S ANSWER: Thank you for your reply. I understand that spaghetti all’assassina is meant to be crispy, but what we were served went far beyond that – many pieces were completely black and bitter, which made them inedible and even upset my stomach. “Burnt” and “crispy” are two very different things.

As for the price, the waiter clearly told us it was a dish for two people at €8, which was misleading. The stracciatella supplement was also never mentioned. These are details that tourists can’t guess if the staff doesn’t explain them.

Finally, it is not professional to mock customers at the register or suggest they should only order dishes they already know. Respectful communication would have solved the situation immediately.

I stand by my experience, and I share it so that other visitors can make an...

I truly believe that everyone can find a place for themselves at Appetì Po' Bistrot. Whether you're alone, with friends or family, I think that you will have a great time with delicious (and I mean it with my whole heart) food. The interior is nicely designed, but if you prefer to sit outside - no problem! That's what I did and would recommend to everyone, I felt really comfortable and happy in that place. As for the food: I ordered a salad and didn't expect something amazing due to my past experiences, but honestly it changed my whole view about salads as a dish. Fresh vegetables, the chicken perfectly seasoned, very well balanced and so so delicious. And I was actually full after eating!! Which never happens with salads. My family members were also very pleased with their dishes. Now how can I not mention the staff...very helpful, patient, I think the nicest service in my whole life. Overall really sweet, just this makes me want to come back and I will!! But really, I can't express how much I adore all of the Ladies working there, thank you, your smiles really made my day.

ps. I'm now reading others reviews and realised how much I didn't mention - that just proves how good this place is, so many positives I would just be writing, writing, writing...

My husband and I came to eat here thanks to the amazing reviews. The service was great, everyone was friendly and helpful so no complaints there.

However the food was really lacking, what makes Italian cuisine so famous is the freshness and quality of ingredients that you can taste in the dish and compliment each other - but the pasta and food we ate here had no natural umami which is quite uncommon.. the flavour and quality was just really not there. Usually baked pasta especially has incredible umami from the sweetness of the tomatoes etc.

If you’re after an easy and friendly atmosphere only, this place could be convenient for you, but if you are after fresh and delicious Italian food you’re better off going somewhere else - especially with the price tag

Thank you for the...