L'Altro Baffo occupies a seafood trattoria on Via Statuti Marittimi in Trani, a port city on Apulia's Adriatic coast whose Norman cathedral rising directly from the seafront is one of southern Italy's most compelling architectural sights. The restaurant's address places it within close range of the working harbour, and the sourcing reflects this proximity: the fish visible from some tables in the late morning is on the plate by lunchtime.
The kitchen's identity is built around the Adriatic catch — squid, sea bream, mussels, and the varieties of fish that characterise the northern Apulian coast between Bari and the Gargano promontory. Calamaretti fritti, baby squid lightly battered and fried, arrive crisp and ungreasy — one of the simpler preparations on the menu and one of the best. Risotto ai frutti di mare brings together clams, mussels, prawns, and local squid ink in a rice preparation that requires at least 20 minutes to execute correctly; the kitchen executes it well. The daily catch all'acqua pazza — fish simmered in a light broth of cherry tomatoes, white wine, and parsley — is among the most direct expressions of Adriatic coastal cooking on the menu.
The dining room is compact and unpretentious. Tables are set with paper covers; the walls carry framed fishing memorabilia. The atmosphere is informal and family-oriented at lunch, with the lunchtime crowd made up primarily of Trani residents. In summer evenings the room becomes more mixed. The wine list is short but appropriately light — local Locorotondo and Fiano whites dominate. Monday is the closure day. Reservations are taken by phone (+39 0883 506911) and are advisable for summer weekend dinners.
Signature dishes
- Calamaretti fritti (baby squid) — €14 (~$15.10)
- Risotto ai frutti di mare — €16 (~$17.30)
- Catch of the day all'acqua pazza — €22 (~$23.75)
Good to know
- Known for
- Trani port seafood — fish so fresh it came off a boat visible from the restaurant window
- Hours
- 12:30–15:00, 20:00–23:00; closed Monday
- Reservations
- +39 0883 506911
Location
Via Statuti Marittimi 86, 76125 Trani BT, Italy
41.2783, 16.4162 View on map
Highlights
- Calamaretti fritti: baby squid fried with precision — light, uncloying, from the morning's Adriatic catch
- Risotto ai frutti di mare built on Trani's local shellfish and squid
- Harbourside location in Trani, one of Apulia's most photogenic port towns
- Daily catch all'acqua pazza — the clearest expression of northern Apulian coastal cooking
Tips for visiting
- Arrive Monday to find the restaurant closed — Monday is the standard closure day for Trani's seafood venues
- Request the daily catch recommendation on arrival — the kitchen will specify what landed that morning
- Risotto ai frutti di mare takes time to prepare properly; order it as a first course early in the meal
- The summer lunch sitting (12:30) is the most locally populated and the menu is freshest at that point
- Pair the frittura and risotto with a chilled local Locorotondo white rather than the house rosé
Accessibility
The trattoria occupies a ground-floor dining room accessible from the street; no significant steps are reported at the entrance. The compact interior may be challenging for wheelchair users when the room is full. Visitors with mobility requirements should call ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What type of fish does L'Altro Baffo typically serve?
The menu is based on northern Adriatic catches landing at Trani harbour: sea bream, squid, cuttlefish, clams, mussels, prawns, and seasonal fish such as dentex or red mullet. The specific offer changes with the daily catch.
Is L'Altro Baffo suitable for non-fish eaters?
The menu is almost entirely seafood-focused. Non-fish eaters will find limited options; a pasta with tomato sauce or a cheese antipasto may be available on request but the kitchen's identity is maritime.
How is Trani accessed from Bari?
Trani is approximately 45 km north of Bari along the Adriatic coast. Regional trains connect Bari Centrale to Trani station in around 40 minutes, making a lunch excursion practical from the regional capital.
Does the restaurant have outdoor seating?
The trattoria is primarily an indoor dining room, but the Via Statuti Marittimi location is within walking distance of the harbour promenade if outdoor seating is a priority. Some pavement tables may be available in summer.