Puglia - Blue Jay

On a positive note, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options labeled on the menu. Additionally, it is nice to see that gluten-free items are also specif... read more On a positive note, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options labeled on the menu. Additionally, it is nice to see that gluten-free items are also specified.

It's best to make a reservation; we did and were seated quickly, but by the time we finished our meal, the place was bustling with guests. The bruschetta is a m... read more It's best to make a reservation; we did and were seated quickly, but by the time we finished our meal, the place was bustling with guests. The bruschetta is a must-try, and though I’m not usually fond of olives, they were perfect on the plate. We also ordered the Prosciutto Cotto pizza and the Braciole pasta—both were delicious, but the pizza was definitely the standout for us. (Chef's kiss!) We opted for the wine special, which included both red and white wines, and they complemented our meal perfectly. The olive oil they use for their dishes and bread appetizer rivals the oils we sampled in Italy. In fact, they sell it on-site! For dessert, we indulged in the Tiramisu, which featured a few extra layers of flavor compared to a traditional version, yet it was still excellent. One aspect that may deter some from returning is the pricing, as noted in other reviews. However, the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind the cuisine are evident. Living on the mountain, it's hard to find such quality elsewhere. I can imagine it’s not easy to uphold such high standards in Blue Jay, but we truly appreciated it and would happily return. If you don’t live on the mountain, you may have your go-to Italian spots in town or in LA that are tough to compare, but I assure you, you won’t be disappointed here. We can’t wait to return and try new dishes, as they offer a rotating menu and weekend specials.

The service was friendly and attentive. Our waiter was more than willing to answer any questions we had about the menu, ensuring our glasses were always full.... read more The service was friendly and attentive. Our waiter was more than willing to answer any questions we had about the menu, ensuring our glasses were always full. Puglia's atmosphere is casual and inviting. The small, intimate space features warm lighting and exposed brick walls, making it the ideal place for a romantic dinner or a laid-back meal with friends. Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Puglia Italian Restaurant. The food was delicious, the service was top-notch, and the ambiance was just right. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in search of a delicious Italian meal.

This place was a huge disappointment. It’s a shame because the staff seems so nice and attentive and the restaurant is so romantic. We really wanted it to be go... read more This place was a huge disappointment. It’s a shame because the staff seems so nice and attentive and the restaurant is so romantic. We really wanted it to be good. Unfortunately our party left with stomach aches. Spending $50 per person, there’s no excuse for the poor quality food we just consumed. The pasta tasted old and store bought. The octopus pasta dish was almost inedible because of the saltiness. The chicken piccata was dry and came with a side of cold vegetables including baby-cut carrots (the kind you get from a bag). The meatballs were overcooked. Even the coke was flat. We won’t be returning.

We live in Lake Arrowhead and really try to support all the businesses in the area. We’ve been to Puglia several times. Each time, we swear it’s our last, and y... read more We live in Lake Arrowhead and really try to support all the businesses in the area. We’ve been to Puglia several times. Each time, we swear it’s our last, and yet we decided to try their “pizza day.” This time, it is THE LAST TIME. The “manager” was a complete j when I mentioned that my Prosecco was flat and warm. He made a sarcastic remark about being able to still see bubbles, and then he brought out a bottle to the table and said, “I personally opened this bottle in the morning.” He poured it and asked me to confirm that I could see bubbles and said “feel the glass- it’s cold, and you can see the bubbles, right? Now taste it so you can see it’s not flat.” At some point, I had to laugh. What was happening!? The worst part is that he was making the customers at the table close to us very uncomfortable. Antonello really needs to examine who he hires. Further, the food is okay. Read the other reviews. NOT worth the price. Just wait til you’re back down the hill to eat Italian food.