Ristorante Osteria Il Rosone

I am fond of the couple who have opened this restaurant, having had many wonderful experiences in the well established restaurant they previously ran, entirely down to the care they took and their obvious delight in giving customers a delightful experience. I always felt welcome and at home. So I had to come to il Rosone. I've been twice now. The first time, back in January, my friend and I were slightly surprised at the lack of engagement of our waiter, a charming looking very young man. It constantly appeared that he was in a hurry because he had far more important things to do. The owner passed by and was very friendly, had a few words on the phone with my son, who'd usually accompanied me previously. I guessed the flaky waiter was still being trained. I went for the second time a few days ago, on the last evening of my stay. I was alone and of course was placed in a small table next to the entrance, which became uncomfortable because the air conditioner was blowing onto my shoulder. There were several young male waiters (please don't imagine I have anything against young males per se, I don't). They all look like they've been cast in a movie about the slightly bored wealthy. They all did a pretty good job of almost completely ignoring me, a couple of em asked if I wanted to order but didn't come back. One found out that I was gluten sensitive and didn't come back. They seemed to be more active around tables with wine (I was driving so no) and the solo tall young blonde, who was allocated a much more comfortable spot to sit (there was plenty of space free by the way). The one person who actually paid attention was a woman who may be maitre d. She actually asked how I was, if I was being served, and told one of the young guys to serve me. When eventually my food arrived it was she who, hearing (can't remember why) that I was gluten sensitive, told me the peppers were fried in breadcrumbs. So the waiter who'd known I was g-s hadn't thought it important enough to remember to tell anyone else. I got the dish reprepared without breadcrumbs. The food's good though not cheap. But it was honestly spoiled by the fact that I struggled not to feel unwelcome and in some unidentified way inferior. I couldn't help thinking, for the first time in my life, that it was the penalty for being a woman over 50 eating alone. Unfortunate because I was in Locorotondo to complete the sale of a house I still love, and so not at my most cheerful. I may go again if it's with my son, but I dunno. I know other places where Italian hospitality shines.

Recommended restaurant with a menu that is attentive to gluten-free and celiac needs. Very kind and knowledgeable staff and a menu with various gluten-free options, from appetizers to desserts. Superb mixed house appetizer and first courses available with GF variants. Excellent also the gluten-free tiramisu. Price appropriate to the service

Great means & desserts also glutenfree