Palazzo Dante B&B Racale

The food wasn't bad overall, though the calamari in the main course was rubbery, and the handling of an allergy was unacceptable. We had told them one friend couldn't eat shrimp, but his tagliolini arrived with a prawn in it. We asked before the first course who couldn't have shrimp, but by the time he noticed after a few bites, he had to run to the bathroom. We didn't make a scene because we didn't want to draw attention from the other diners or embarrass ourselves in front of the owner. We found the place through The Fork and probably wouldn't have stopped otherwise. The restaurant is in a quaint hamlet in Taviano. Our table was in an outdoor space across the side road, and it couldn't seat six properly. The owner left a serving rack beside it, which we had to use for our drinks because there wasn't enough table room. We chose the €24.90 menu with an appetizer, first course, and second course, at 50% off through The Fork. The menu didn't offer half the starters. Nearly everyone wanted the lobster starter, the one we were most curious about, even though it cost €5 extra and was overpriced. When we went to pay, the POS didn't work, so we had to go out and withdraw cash. That seems to happen quite often in the area, how strange.

We spend €35 each, and for us it's a must-visit every year. The seafood menu is extraordinary, and the fish is cooked just right. The place has a distinctive, typical Apulian feel, with an intimate atmosphere that suits couples especially well. My only gripe is the coffee, which I couldn't drink. Be sure to bring cash, since they didn't take debit cards.

The setting was nice, but the food was lousy and the bill was a mess. Several items were charged incorrectly. After a heated argument with the cashier, who kept switching between the receipt and calculator, I still left him about €10 extra. A small sum compared with how badly the place came across. Salento is beautiful, with heavenly seas, but the people here have a long way to go. They don't know transparency or friendliness.

The owner really makes the place, professional, welcoming, and incredibly kind. You can tell he loves his work. The restaurant itself is enchanting, with a traditional Salento layout, star-shaped vault, and decor in keeping with local tradition. The cooking is excellent and unusual, with flavors that surprise you in every dish.