Get Lost with Lisa

For a fine dining experience unlike one you’ve ever had before, make sure to spend an evening at Ristorante Bacco.

The Restaurant

When your restaurant makes it into the Micheline guide book, you know you’re doing well. Ristorante Bacco is not just any restaurant, it’s a unique culinary experience that will leave you remembering it years after you visited. Located in the charming and sleepy historic town of Barletta (which just so happens to be the very first city I ever lived in, in Italy), the restaurant is very different from others that you’ll find in town.

While the rustic and antique charm of the architecture and décor are nothing new to Barletta, the fine dining experience is unmatched with anything else in the area. Having said that, the restaurant can only accommodate so many, and a good piece of advice would be to book well in advance of your evening out – perhaps even a month prior.

The owner is beyond cordial and friendly. He will explain anything and everything you need to know about the menu and in my case, he brought several of the dishes and wine out himself.  And boy, oh boy, was there a lot to taste…

The Menu

While there is no menu online to peruse in advance, and without knowing if they change it weekly or seasonally, I can only attest to the wide range of variety I had the evening I frequented the restaurant. For starters, you’re met with some little appetizers on the table, including olives, almonds and an incredible glass of prosecco – all of this, most commonly  known in Italy as “aperitivo”. The Italians would tell you that the wine will help “open up your stomach”.  Essentially, it’s to make you hungry.  With which I have no problems.

After my aperitivo, I was brought several seafood dishes, followed by “terra” or, “land” entrees  – i.e. meat.  All of which was phenomenally presented, and though the portions seem small, they filled me up very quickly. I was brought a delicious wine, Morello, and a of course, our evening wouldn’t be complete without various types of pasta and some dessert to finish.

The Ambiance & Staff

The servers all had classy attire, and were above and beyond friendly, respectful and professional. The atmosphere was chic, relaxing and upper crust – at the same time very intimate, given that there is limited seating. The ambiance and décor went along with the overall 4^th century B.C.  architecture that remains throughout Barletta. And the design of the space itself was creative, artistic, yet classy. I especially liked the little window peaking into the kitchen to see what the chef was preparing while seated at my table.

And while it may not be a Micheline star restaurant, it certainly had Micheline star standards.

Overall, if you are in Baretta and want a uniquely sophisticated dining experience, then definitely book a table here at Ristorante Bacco. And when you do, make sure to let them know that Lisa sent you!