Restaurant Il Re di Puglia claims to bring the authentic flavors of Puglia, Italy, to the heart of the city. However, a recent visit to this establishment left much to be desired, revealing several shortcomings that overshadowed the potential for a delightful dining experience.
Service and Attention to Detail
Upon arrival, the service at Il Re di Puglia seemed promising. Our order was quickly taken and the food arrived on time. However, this initial efficiency was marred by a lack of attention to detail. Despite the presence of daily specials on the menu, no effort was made to highlight them, which is obviously a missed opportunity.
Moreover, the attitude of the staff suggested a disinterest in our presence(or that of customers in general). For example, most of the staff was far from cheerful, and upselling was also out of the question.
While our dishes were served, empty glasses were left on the table without the staff asking if we wanted another drink. Even before we could indicate ourselves to have another drink, they (in an almost empty restaurant) immediately ran away again
The Food:
Pasta: Overcooked and Underwhelming
The pasta, a staple of Italian cuisine, was a major disappointment. Although the taste was fine, the texture was far from the desired al dente. Instead of a firm bite, the pasta was overcooked, resulting in a mushy consistency that failed to impress. For a restaurant that prides itself on Italian authenticity, this was a letdown. Because of the texture of the pasta, the oil used here had completely soaked in and every bite tasted like
Appetizers: Overpriced and Underwhelming
Our appetizers, which cost nearly 18 euros per person, consisted of three small dishes. Although the taste was okay, the portions and quality did not justify the high price tag. For about 35 euros, you would expect a more substantial and memorable culinary experience. Instead, the appetizers let us down and we were not impressed.
Pizza: A Far Cry from Stone Oven Perfection
The claim on the menu of “fresh stone oven pizza” was another point of contention. Contrary to our expectations, the so-called stone oven turned out to be a large, metal device that lacked the traditional charm and efficiency of a real stone oven. When we inquired, we were told that the stone oven was located inside the metal structure. While this could be a functional approach, the results did not match the promise.
The pizza we received was in stark contrast to the stone oven pizzas we have eaten in Italy and even in other Amsterdam restaurants. The crust was hard and the middle of the pizza was soggy. After a few bites, we decided to leave the rest of the meal. When the staff cleared our plates, which were still almost full, they did not ask about our satisfaction. When we did express our dissatisfaction, the response was an uninterested “oh, oh okay.”
Final Impressions
When we paid our bill, the cashier asked if everything was satisfactory. We repeated our earlier complaints, only to receive another apathetic “oh sorry” before being handed the payment terminal. This last interaction characterized the overall experience at Il Re di Puglia: a restaurant where the pursuit of profit apparently outweighs the importance of customer satisfaction.
In conclusion, while Il Re di Puglia adds to the diverse range of dining options in Amsterdam, it falls short of delivering a satisfying culinary experience. The combination of inattentive service, overpriced and substandard dishes and misleading claims about their pizza preparation culminates in a disappointing visit. For those looking for authentic Italian cuisine in Amsterdam, there are many other restaurants that value both the quality of their food and the satisfaction of their guests.
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Review: 5/10
Price / Quality: 3 | Service: 3 | Atmosphere: 5.5 | Originality: 5 | Freshness: 6.5 | Choice: 7
