I know I go on a bit about Primitivo, a fabulous red wine from Puglia, but you really should try it. Needless to say, when I spotted a van wrapped in adverts for Ristorante Tentazione Pugliese in Milner Street (behind the Preluna) - I knew my cravings could be satisfied more easily now... I just had to find the place.
Hidden, like pretty much all good restaurants are, in a back street, the restaurant doesn't look much - but again, the best food is often served in such establishments. The roaming guitar players almost put us off entering but the thought of my precious Primativo strengthened my resolve.
We were greeted by an animated chap - Domenico - who ushered us and in half English half Italian advised us of the choices that were on and off the menu. The van had just pulled up outside carrying abundent fish - and we 'settled' for an antipasto of seafood. I will undoubtedly miss a dish or two but we enjoyed smoked salmon, carpaccio of tuna, octopus, swordfish, neonati and lightly battered trill and sardines, baby octopi (is that the plural?) and much more, including an impossible to do it justice in writing calamari; juliennes of noodle textured tasty melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness. I did hog the plate a bit, but hey, I'm the one that was working....and it is plates like this that are the reward.
Do forgive me but the free flowing Primativo has somewhat dulled my capacity to recall all details. I do, however, remember that we chomped our way through every dish - and our fullness decided for us that we wouldn't opt for a main course but just finish off with desert. After a limincello concoction that has restored my faith in the liquer, the chef delivered warm strawberries in a sticky sweet broth.
Just close your eyes and imagine - then call this number to book: 21323496
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