Bella ‘Mbriana in Polignano
Bella ‘Mbriana is a pizzeria in Polignano a Mare that offers high-quality pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven, in a welcoming and central environment.
We returned from Martina Franca with sore legs from the morning trek. We were really hungry, not just snack-hungry. In Polignano, when you're hungry, you need patience too. It's crowded at night, and without a reservation, you might waste time.
Even finding parking was a small challenge. We drove around a lot outside the center until we spotted a free spot. We stopped immediately, not thinking twice. It wasn't close, but we were tired and didn't want to keep searching. From there, I walked to the historic center, where I had a reservation at Bella 'Mbriana.
They seated us right away and brought a small welcome bite. A simple gesture, but when you're starving, you appreciate it twice as much.
The orecchiette with turnip tops was the dish that impressed me most, so I'll start there. They were well mixed with the sauce, with the bitterness of the greens present but balanced. Before that, we also got appetizers: burrata, capocollo, and cherry tomatoes. Generous portions. The burrata was creamy, the capocollo flavorful but not overpowering, and the tomatoes added freshness. Everything was really good.
The service had two sides: a smiling, attentive waitress, and a more distant staff member. All the dishes arrived at once, even though not everyone ordered an appetizer. A bit unusual timing, but it didn't ruin the evening.
To finish, I chose a dessert with amaretti, ricotta, and pear. Sweet but not heavy. I paired it with a glass of Primitivo, smooth and slightly sweet, with a raisin-like aroma. I usually don't like reds, but I enjoyed this one.
The location, in the main square of the historic center, is charming. In the evening, Polignano is lively, and you can enjoy the buzz from your table.
About the prices, what struck me was not feeling like I was in a tourist trap. For such a popular spot, the bill seemed fair for what I ate and the location.
