Vicolo Matto Fishbar — Restaurant in Otranto

A memorable lunch experience in Otranto

During our visit to Otranto, we had lunch at Vicolo Matto Fishbar and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.

It began with a beautifully crafted amuse-bouche that immediately showed attention to detail and creativity. As starters, we chose The Cantabrian and Nostrano. The Cantabrian anchovies were paired with burrata, caramelized onions, and crisp croutons — a well-balanced mix of savory and creamy flavors. Nostrano brought together ricotta, taralli, burrata, confit cherry tomatoes, caramelized onion, and fig jam in a dish that was both visually appealing and full of subtle contrasts.

For the main course, we tried the Peruvian-style ceviche, made with red prawns and croaker, avocado, coriander, chili, and Tropea onion. It was fresh and flavorful, with a mezcal shot on the side that added a playful touch.

The service was warm and attentive, and the host made us feel truly welcome throughout the meal.

Vicolo Matto Fishbar offers thoughtful dishes and a relaxed atmosphere — a great stop for anyone exploring Otranto and looking to enjoy modern seafood preparations with care and...

We love exploring different restaurants, but this one truly took our breath away, and we found ourselves returning time and again. Even the “worst” dish we had over three visits was far superior to most meals we enjoyed during our trip (and we ate very well!).

We sampled a variety of dishes, including the traditional La Frise Orte sandwiches, Mix di Carpacci (carpaccio mix), Le Tartare Tonno (tuna tartare), Code di Gambero (fried shrimp), Il Trancio (grilled salmon with beetroot mayo, potatoes, and red cabbage), and an off-menu bean sauce with octopus and chicory. However, the real standouts were La Tagliata (seared tuna on a bed of arugula with burrata) and Crema di Ricotta (ricotta cheese whipped with walnuts and honey). Every bite was a delight.

The restaurant’s charming atmosphere and friendly waitstaff made our experience even more memorable. We’re sad to leave, but we know...

Vicolo Matto Fishbar was a delightful surprise tucked away on a picturesque little side street in Otranto. We started with the tuna carpaccio and the seafood salad — both dishes were incredibly fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. The tuna practically melted in your mouth, and the salad was a perfect balance of citrus and sea.

For our main, we shared a grouper fillet, which was outstanding. It came in a deliciously rustic sauce made with tomatoes and olives that complemented the fish beautifully. Every element of the dish felt carefully considered and expertly prepared.

The service was another highlight: warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive without ever being intrusive. Combined with the cozy and charming setting, it made for a relaxed and memorable evening.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking top-quality seafood and local charm in Otranto. A place we’ll...