La Tramontana - FRANCAVILLA AL MARE

We booked a table for our party. The service was slow and not particularly friendly; we weren’t told beforehand that some of the dishes weren’t available and the quality of the dishes we did manage to order was very average. We were surprised as this restaurant appears to be trying to be a cut above the other nearby restaurants reflected in the amount they charge as well) but it was a disappointment. We were also not impressed by the fact that one of the dishes we ordered, but were then told was not available, was then served up to the customers at the table next to ours who had arrived after us).

We actually ate at this restaurant three times during our last trip to Frankaville Al Mare. The first time we tried to eat lunch there, but the place was fully booked by locals. The second time was for dinner, and we were initial turned away, but, since it was rather cold, we were offered a table on the outdoor patio, since it was empty. The service and the food were good on the first 2 times we ate there, but I want to talk mostly about our last time eating lunch. We started with a seafood ceviche, which was mostly calamari with a light oil and herb dressing. It was delightful. After that, we split a primo piatto of a tomato-based paste with a diavolo sauce and shrimp, mussles and clams. It was also very tasty. As if that wasn't enough, we ordered a dish that was quite similar to a cioppino, containing huge langoustines (or prawns), bathed in a liquid that I would like to drown in (if I had to drown). Served with a wonderful crusty Italian bread, we nearly finished the entire pan of broth after consuming the seafood and other veggies that had been cooked in the broth. It's one of the best seafood dishes I've ever had, and I cook a lot of seafood myself. The wine list is adequate, with a good supply of local (Abruzzi) wines. Prices were typical to lower for a beach-side restaurant. I'd drive here from Carunchio on occasion, which is a trek.

Serving 5 star local seafood recipes in a relaxing alfresco elegant ambient! Call and book your table before arriving to avoid any disappointment. This is a family run restaurant of fishermen- Don't worry if you don't speak Italian you will find way to communicate. My favourite recipes are: Arrosto 3 or 4 types of grilled seafood) Brodetto all'Abruzzese selection sea food in fresh tomato sauce) Pasta sea food fresh pasta)

If you like seafood don't miss your best chance ever to try one of the best seafood restaurants Italy. This is a family run restaurant which I have known for over 20 years. The dishes you will try here are typical of Abruzzo and its Adriatic Sea but I can assure you that you will not taste more delicious seafood dishes any where in Italy even in the most famous and expensive restaurants in Milan Compared to La Tramontana. In the the summer they are open for lunch and dinner.

We booked a table for our party. The service was slow and not particularly friendly; we weren’t told beforehand that some of the dishes weren’t available and the quality of the dishes we did manage to order was very average. We were surprised as this restaurant appears to be trying to be a cut above the other nearby restaurants reflected in the amount they charge as well) but it was a disappointment. We were also not impressed by the fact that one of the dishes we ordered, but were then told was not available, was then served up to the customers at the table next to ours who had arrived after us).