Ristorante Porta Nova — Restaurant in Ostuni

This was very, very disappointing. The 2019 Michelin recommendation, the description of the various dishes and the prices create high expectations which are not met for one second. The only reason to visit this restaurant is the view.

The restaurant and service can only be described as pretentious. Mediocre dishes against ridiculous prices.

E.g. for our children: a deep fried cotelette, which appeared to have been put in the oven as it was very dry, more batter than actual meat with some pattatine, for 20 euro. For us, as an a example, a very basic pasta with some tomato sauce and and a little bit of goat cheese for 15 euro. The shrimps used were suspected to have been frozen, completely tasteless. Octopus, slightly burned, with supposedly smoked potato. A very basic stuffed aubergine, which our daughter of 6 can prepare using her cookbook for children. Some goes for the by the staff suggested, supposedly homemade icecream desserts. On top of it all, even the coperto was excessive: 24 euro for 4 adults and 2 small children. You would then at least expect a nice amuse.

The staff themselves seem to know as they not even once ask you whether you have enjoyed the meal. They appear to be uninspired and not proud / even unaware of what they are serving.

We hardly ever give public reviews except for when it’s really below standard. We always pick Michelin recommended restaurants as it ensures the quality and we certainly don’t mind paying top euro’s provided it’s a top meal.

In this case: Michelin race over there and repeal the recommendation as fast as you can as it undermines your own credibility.

Our recommendation: Go to Osteria Monacelle (also in Ostuni) triple the quality, half the prices, a passionate owner and inspired, proud staff! Or Essenza in San Michelle: top quality fresh ingredients and staff that go out of their way to passionately explain the dishes and a Chef that proudly visits the guests...

Yesterday, we were melting in Ostuni. Having seen as many sights before shoe rubber adhered to the paving stones, we craved lunch and a cool location. We had originally planned to eat at one of Ostuni's oldest restaurants, but it was inexplicitly closed. Firing up Google maps, we searched for what was nearby and found this place. First off, it is not for those on a tight budget. If you want authentic, original, and amazingly well-balanced dishes, which, with a bit of recalibration (food and presentation excellent, the ambiance could be slightly improved) ..could be a contender for Michelin Star quality. It is that good. Whilst we were tempted with the taster menu, we couldn't quite stretch to a £200 lunch for two (+ drinks on top) so worked through the menu so that we could try new dishes and experience new flavours. Our needs were very well managed by Donato, who patiently helped to explain the dishes and shared some really interesting techniques. For example, we couldn't understand how out of season turnip tops could appear in a summer menu..the answer, Flash Freezing. The result..a flavour and texture as good as if it had just been plucked from a field. The same technique is used with fish. Minus 14C kills off bacteria too..always good to know.

My wife and I tried to decide which dish we thought was best...it was impossible as we loved them all. The Octopus was fabulously succulent, the Red Tuna stunningly fresh, and amberjack carpaccio an absolute delight. It would be helpful in future to have fully itemised billing (we discovered too late that we had been overcharged for drinks we didn't have), but the quality of the food and experience is by far what we will remember the most. With a little fine tuning, I think this could be a a first rate experience from beginning to end. The food, service, quality of tableware, comfortable seating.. already exceed expectations....

Like many, we were passing through Ostuni. But we craved something nice. As a tourist it is easy to eat street food, or tavola calda, or osteria, and that can be good, but sometimes you need to slow down and enjoy it all.

Porta Nova is one of the places you eat to savor the experience. It is fine dining from beginning to end.

We were greeted warmly, seated and well served.

Bread selection is wonderful. The amuse bouche was veloute of pumpkin with chestnuts and mushrooms. Amazing!

I had the local fish crudo (pictured) was delicate thinly fileted local fish with red pepper corn. Delicious! My wife enjoyed the mussels which were perfectly prepared.

I had roasted full body local fish which came with vegetables (pictured). My wife had the orcchietti with rape. Such execution is noteworthy.

A local white wine was the perfect partner for everything.

Plus you have the incredible views (pictured) and my poor photos don't do it justice.

Overall a...