There was a time, Gentle Reader, when Your Humble Correspondent would have never darkened these doors. Then Cosimo and Luca left La Bisboccia and made their proprietorial debut here, and things changed forever.
There is an effervescent joy about this place, both contagious and encouraging. Even in these dark days of a global pandemic, Cosimo and Luca are truly focused on the warmest possible entertaining experience for their guests. It is, if you like, a philtre for troubled times and a profitable investment in well-being.
The food is good, of course. Puglia features strongly in a regional sense, which is a relief now that Antichi Sapori seems to have closed. Obviously, your favorite Italian dishes are on the menu as well. There are daily offerings depending on what the providors have been able to source. In fact, Gentle Reader, the problem is more the temptation to order too much - which foible Your Humble Correspondent admits to being a frequent occurrence - rather than scouring a bland page of the "standard" dishes one finds too often in Italian restaurants in Tokyo.
There is plenty of very good wine available as well, although sometimes in smaller quantities. The most exciting part of the beverage service at Mari e Monti is the generous - possibly copious - limoncello service at the end of your repast. The team whip this up in the kitchen, very likely in 20 liter containers.
The point about Mari e Monti is the sheer brightness and warmth of the people that run it. Visiting this establishment is honestly the high point of any day. During these dour times, try to get a prescription from your physician for the benefits that Cosimo and Luca provide for your mental health.
Visit Mari e Monti with friends rather than colleagues. The energy is probably not suited to detailed business discussions. Neither is the limoncello.
And please be forgiving if a little fat boy joins you for the limoncello. Frankly, I'm addicted.
Rating: Food: 8/10; Puglia-ness: 8/10; Service: 8/10; Ambiance: 7/10; Price-Performance: 7/10
Total: 38/50 (3 Forks)
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