It’s a winning combination – the mamma, Maria, in the kitchen, and handsome son, Antonello, in the restaurant, in his black velvet jacket with designer beard, filling the room with warmth and charm. One of the best sommeliers I’ve come across, he chose a Vereto Rosso 2006 to go with our sumptuous meal. I had the mouth-watering red mullet fillets in almond crust, pasta with ricotta and scampi and then pot of vanilla, fruit and hazelnut crumble.
This is a restaurant you’ll remember. Dimmed lights, terracotta walls, tables well spaced out, and cool thirties music wafting in the background. It’s refined, sophisticated, and with a faint jazzy edge to it. Antonello’s flair, and the flourish with which he pours his wine, decanted into big swirling glasses and served with relish, adds to the sense of occasion. Candles flicker, the service is impeccable, and the food sublime, made with the best Puglian produce by Maria and her small team.
It’s worth driving to the ancient town of Conversano for an evening at Pasha, perched on the hilltop overlooking the spectacular Norman Castle lit up under the moon.
After a memorable evening you walk up the silent, windy streets and hear your footfalls echoing in the shadowy darkness. A real treat if you’re in Puglia.
Quote the voucher code SF PASHA when you book, to enjoy a complimentary
bottle of the best Puglian wine, for first 50 bookings from this site