Antò - Cucina tipica pugliese

"Antò – Traditional Apulian Cuisine" is an authentic restaurant hidden in the picturesque alleys of the old town of Bari. It is a place where gastronomy meets history, offering visitors not just to satisfy their hunger, but to touch the true soul of southern Italy. The interior is designed in a warm, homey style, creating a cozy atmosphere, as if you were visiting old Italian friends.

The main feature of "Antò" is strict adherence to the culinary traditions of the Apulia region. Here they do not chase fashion trends of fusion cuisine, but carefully preserve recipes passed down from generation to generation. This is the ideal place for those looking for "that specific" taste, without tourist clichés and simplifications.

The restaurant is famous for its hospitality and attention to detail. From the choice of the freshest seafood to handmade pasta, every element here speaks of love for food and respect for the guest. "Antò" is a small gastronomic attraction allowing one to understand the city's culture through the taste of its dishes.

To book a table or inquire about the menu, you can use the following contact details. The restaurant is located in the historic center, so it is easy to find during a walk.

The main activity at "Antò" is, undoubtedly, tasting masterpieces of local cooking. Be sure to try the famous orecchiette (pasta in the shape of "little ears") with turnip tops (cime di rapa) — the region's signature dish. Seafood lovers should pay attention to the freshest gifts of the Adriatic Sea, which are prepared here with a minimal amount of spices to highlight their natural taste.

Enjoy the atmosphere of a leisurely Italian lunch or dinner. Order a glass of local wine, for example, a rich Primitivo or a refreshing white, and allow yourself to relax after walking around the city. Observing the staff's work and chatting with the waiters, who are often ready to tell the history of every dish, will add a special flavor to your visit.

Also pay attention to the interior and presentation. Pleasant music often plays at "Antò", and the setting encourages taking beautiful photos of dishes and cozy corners of the restaurant. This is a great opportunity to capture moments of true Italian happiness.

The "Antò" restaurant is located in the very heart of the old town of Bari (Bari Vecchia), on Strada Palazzo di Città. Since the historic center is primarily a pedestrian zone, it is easiest to get here on foot. Orient yourself by the famous Basilica of Saint Nicholas — the establishment is located just a few minutes' walk from it.

If you are traveling by public transport, the nearest bus stops are on the avenue Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. From there, you need to delve into the labyrinth of ancient streets, following signs to the center. A walk from the embankment or from the Bari Centrale railway station will take about 15–20 minutes at a leisurely pace.

For those who prefer a taxi, the driver will only be able to take you to the borders of the limited traffic zone (ZTL). Ask to be dropped off at the entrance to the old town from Piazza del Ferrarese or near the Castello Svevo, and then walk the remaining short distance, enjoying the city's atmosphere.

Although the "Antò" establishment itself may not possess a centuries-old history like the architectural monuments surrounding it, it is a guardian of important cultural heritage — the culinary traditions of Apulia. The restaurant's location in the labyrinth of streets of Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) itself immerses you in history: these stones remember the change of eras, from the Normans to modern times.

The restaurant's concept is built on respect for "cucina povera" — peasant cuisine, which over time has turned into the region's gastronomic heritage. Many recipes used here were passed down orally from generation to generation, from grandmothers to grandchildren, preserving the authentic taste that cannot be reproduced on an industrial scale.

Special attention is paid here to the use of local products. Historically, Apulia was the breadbasket of Italy, and "Antò" continues this tradition, choosing ingredients grown on local lands and caught in the waters of the Adriatic. Visiting this place is a kind of excursion into the history of the daily life and tastes of Bari residents.

You should set aside at least 1.5–2 hours to visit "Antò". An Italian meal does not tolerate haste, especially when it comes to traditional cuisine, where every dish is served with soul and requires attention.

If you are planning a full dinner with appetizers, a main course, and dessert, accompanied by a glass of local wine, time will fly by unnoticed. The cozy atmosphere encourages long conversations and enjoying the moment in the style of dolce far niente.

When planning a visit, note that the restaurant is open six days a week. On Monday, the establishment is closed, so it is worth rescheduling your gastronomic experience for another day. On other days, the doors of "Antò" are open for guests from morning until late evening.

The current schedule is as follows: from Tuesday to Sunday, the restaurant welcomes visitors from 11:45 to 22:45. Such a schedule allows you to drop in here for both an early lunch and a late dinner after a long walk around Bari.

The restaurant's location in the historic center makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city's cultural treasures. After a hearty lunch or dinner, you can immediately immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere just by stepping outside.

Literally a few steps away are ancient walls, a majestic castle, and archaeological zones telling of the rich past of this port city. Here is a list of attractions worth visiting nearby: