Elegant Dining On The Ionian Sea

 

Ristorante Cosimino is a historic, family-run restaurant in the heart of Porto Cesareo. Fresh fish, seafood and crustaceans from local fishermen are the specialty. I have had rare oysters from the deep waters of the bay just outside. Also delicious: pasta with small mullet fish (pasta con triglie), deep-fried local squid (so-called totani), whole fish meunière (turbot is the best, if you can get it). Locals often prefer huge platters of anything raw.

 

Cosimino is very popular with families for lunch on Sundays. It rocks on Summer weekends. Best place to see the ladies in their Sunday’s best both in the restaurant and on the sidewalk outside. You need a reservation and have to find parking early. Important for the newly arriving tourist not yet accustomed to the late eating hours of Southern Italy: this restaurant serves lunch as early as 12:30 p.m.

 

During the week and during the off-season Ristorante Cosimino is a bit quieter and the friendly, professional waiters have more time to chat. Ask them for a table by the sunlit windows, and you’ll enjoy a gentle breeze, a view of Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island), and fishing boats bobbing in the water across the street. When Pasquale arrives at your table smiling, asking what you would like to eat, you may think this is a perfect moment in time.

 

The building houses a 4 star hotel above the restaurant with rooms overlooking the harbor (same ownership).

Tip: Sunsets in front of Ristorante Cosimino are often magical.