Osteria del Tempo Perso — Restaurant in Ostuni

Actually, a review like this should be about the restaurant, the cuisine, the place and the staff. But the feeling that remains is about something else. Priority still: the food first. Good selection in the menue, very tasty and skilfully prepared and arranged.

Now the other thing. We were here because it was warmly recommended by our kids from their first holiday in Italy on their own. The reservation and communication felt like asking for an appointment with the authorities only to be asked again later via WhatsApp if you really want to come. When we arrived, we were confronted by a shop of loud and tipsy ladies who arrogantly besieged the entrance... Attitude, we were there. The restaurant was empty except for three tables and 2 waiters who took care of the dirty tables. One asked what do you want, rude. I have a reservation. Answer: Are you sure? He switches to English. With an impatient look on his face, we are being sampled. After a back and forth, he looks anyway and finds our name. OK yes, but not in this room, but downstairs, go out and take the next entrance on the left. A little snubbed, we leave the restaurant and find ourselves in a cosier, less stylish room, where the staff also seem several degrees friendlier. Here, too, there are only tourists - something we have never encountered on our previous tour of Apulia, which lasted several weeks. Unfortunately, the focus here is also noticeably less on the food and more on showing off: we've been here and now let's see how you can please us. I wouldn't be the most motivated waiter with guests like...

Don’t let the photos fool you guys, and at first I was skeptical of the bad reviews but the rude waiter confirmed that no amount of money was worth anything in that place. It might be good if you were isolation in ostuni for the rest of your life.

Rack of lamb €25 = nothing special. Literally roast lamb thrown in the oven and sprinkled with salt and garnish with rosemary. In fairness it was cooked well but for that price I can probably secure a whole lamb at the local butchers and cook it myself better.

The fiancé had asked for pasta with cherry tomatoes and crispy bacon and had asked for no bacon as she doesn’t have meat but the guy thought he was smarter and proceeded to offer her the bolognese instead and we told him just no bacon but thought a rude comment was necessary at the time. For a Christian town with monks roaming about you’d to think these guys are more understanding but no. Even if the crispy bacon it was average at best.

I don’t make reviews usually but I guess the rude waiter encouraged me. again don’t let the photos fool you. Ps I could’ve eaten that rack of lamb in one bite. I’m glad I got the extra potatoes. I guess this place was suppose to be “fine dining” but it’s probably just “expensive dining” with...

I visited Osteria del Tempo Perso with high expectations based on its reputation and charming location in the heart of Ostuni. The ambiance of the restaurant is intimate and cozy, with a rustic cave-like interior that definitely adds to the Southern Italian charm.

The food was good, though nothing particularly memorable. The beef tartare with truffle was the highlight of the meal—well-presented and flavorful. However, the lamb racks left much to be desired; they were under-seasoned and lacked depth. A touch more care in seasoning would have elevated the dish significantly.

One major downside was the rushed pacing of the meal. I received a message insisting I arrive exactly on time, and from the moment I sat down, I felt hurried. The staff were attentive, but too eager—taking our order immediately upon arrival, bringing out the starters within two minutes, and delivering the mains the moment we finished the appetizers. There was no breathing room, and the whole dinner felt pressured and transactional rather than relaxed and enjoyable.

In short: good food, great location, but the experience was rushed. With a more relaxed approach to service and attention to seasoning, this place could...