NOS is a gem that has not been previously covered by Yelpers. Yet, there are 70 Google reviews averaging 4.9/5.
It is within a hotel, though you'd not recognize it as such. It is definitely upscale, especially for Alberobello.
The dining rooms are freshly designed and finely appointed, from the table settings, cutlery, and glassware to the food presentations and the live music. Even the WC impressed.
The "piano man", Maestro Martin, also plays violin. He's a virtuoso who is accompanied at times by a singer (whose name I now regret not recalling).
Both are real professionals and extremely accommodating. How?
We tried to dine the night before, but they were closed. However, they were on premises (and offered us a local recommendation for that night, Cico Osteria, which I already reviewed and was likewise fabulous) and they asked me my favorite song. I answered what came to mind, the Garcia/Hunter (Grateful Dead) tune Scarlet Begonias, which Maestro Martin learned how to play overnight! Along with other tunes, many Italian and otherwise familiar, including Sinatra, we were serenaded by Scarlet Begonias during our dinner!!
The first thing we noted is, unlike pretty much everywhere else in Italy, there was no mandatory per person coperto charge. Instead it's incorporated into the prices of their offerings. The prices reflect it, but bottled water (their own private label) is included and is an unexpected and novel approach.
To the food and drinks, we were first served complimentary Prosecco and an amuse bouche of amberjack and rice, effectively a very Italian upscale version of sushi. We then read the menu, which is written with a very lighthearted and humorous flair, which enhanced our dining experience. Check their website to see what I mean and also to get more details on the dishes we ordered.
Please check the menu for fuller descriptions, however, my wife started with a version of French onion soup, which was heartier than the typical. I had the scallops wrapped in guanciale. Some starter! In many restaurants this could be a main course of four scallops. Both starters set an awesome challenge for what was to come.
My wife had the lamb chops and I the spaghettone with truffles. Both were wow! These were supberbly complimented by our glasses of ALBEA "LUI" IGP ROSSO NERO DI TROIA.
At this point my wife was sated, but I could not resist the EVO gelato concoction. I'd had similar once before at a local Italian restaurant in NJ, but this was more elegant in both taste and presentation.
The bill was higher than most and unlike most the charge card gizmo allowed for an uncommon (to Italy and most of Europe) tip. Having left a cash tip on the piano already, I added 10% here.
Alberobello is a tourist destination for many, especially Italians. Many come just for the day to see the Trulli and will miss the two restaurants I reviewed here. If you stay overnight though, make sure not to miss either of these restaurants. However NOS is truly (Trulli?) surprisingly unique and when you add in all the ingredients - atmosphere, design, food, and music. It was truly an extraordinary experience!
I added over a half-dozen photos, but there seems a glitch, as they have not appeared. Help Yelp!!!!! read more
