La Traversa — Restaurant in Salerno

My boyfriend and I visited this place on our last day in Salerno. We were walking by and saw a cozy looking place with a man playing guitar outside. After looking at their menu and pricing, and judging by the amount of people being there, we assumed it was quite good or a popular stop. Now, almost a month later, after finding the place on Google maps because we didn’t remember the place back then, I am just stunned by the amount of great reviews people have been writing. My boyfriend and I agreed that it was the worst experience in Salerno, despite a welcoming atmosphere. The food was just sad….Disappointing and sad. The „meatballs pasta“ I have ordered, had one meatball, which wouldn’t have been bad if it tasted like one. All I could taste was just pure bread. Tomato sause, in which the meatball was, was the plainest tomate sauce I’ve ever had in the restaurant. Tasted pretty much like the sauce from the can in the supermarket without any spices or any taste. But the saddest thing of the whole experience was the „mama‘s Bolognese“. It barely had any minced meat in there, the sauce tasted the same as mine, and the portion was tiny. Paying 15€ for one pasta like this felt not only like such a waste money, but seriously just a waste of the meal in Italy, as it was one of the few ones we had. I’m genuinely surprised how people rate this place and give the food so many compliments. We went to other places and food was just incredible. So, I don’t think we are the category of people who are haters and are never satisfied 🤣 Maybe something happened to the chef that day and someone else had to step in, you never know. But the food was really sad...

To be honest, I chose this restaurant based on its Google rating. The atmosphere is nice and the service is ok, but the food didn't meet my expectations. We ordered a burrata and tomato salad, but the burrata we received was already cut, which is something I've never experienced before,it's usually served whole. Additionally, there were no cherry tomatoes in the salad, and when we asked, they said adding cherry tomatoes would cost extra. I don't know if they're trying to take advantage of tourists. The taste of the dishes was also not very good. Look at the picture, it came as a small cut portion, not a whole burrata.

Dear La Traversa,

Thank you for your detailed response and clarifications regarding the menu items.

Regarding the Salad: I want to clarify that I specifically asked the waiter for a burrata salad with tomato( I even showed photo), and he directed me to this dish. I genuinely believed I ordered burrata. If it wasn't burrata, why did the waiter not inform me? And why blame the customer for not reading the menu properly?

Regarding the Mixed Salad: I noted the additional charge for the tomatoes, and it wasn't meant to imply that there was an error in your pricing. My intent was to share my dining experience and feedback.

I appreciate your clarifications, but I also hope that the restaurant can provide more attentive service in the future. Better communication could help avoid such misunderstandings. Thank you for addressing...

La Traversa is a true gem in the heart of Salerno. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and genuine Southern Italian charm. The service was impeccable—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable without being overbearing. Every staff member made us feel like valued guests.

The food was outstanding, easily among the best we had in Italy. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, showcasing the freshest local ingredients. From traditional seafood pastas to inventive daily specials, everything we ordered was cooked to perfection. The wine list was thoughtfully curated, and our server made excellent pairing recommendations.

The atmosphere was equally impressive—elegant yet relaxed, with a perfect balance of style and comfort. Whether seated indoors or on the charming outdoor terrace, the setting made the entire experience even more enjoyable. It’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave.

La Traversa isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a memorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Salerno who values great food, exceptional service, and a...