Ristorante Gli Ulivi is a traditional restaurant and pizzeria at Contrada Popoleto, 70011 Alberobello BA, Italy, in the rural Popoleto area on the edge of Alberobello in the Metropolitan City of Bari. Framed by centuries-old olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation, it is a rustic, multi-room dining address where travelers come for Puglian cooking, evening pizza from a traditional oven, local wine, and the relaxed countryside setting just beyond the trulli districts.
What to Expect at Ristorante Gli Ulivi
The restaurant’s defining feature is its setting: the name “Gli Ulivi” refers to the large olive trees surrounding the property. Rather than a single dining hall, the venue is arranged across several characterful indoor and outdoor areas. Its rustic, traditional look suits an unhurried lunch after exploring Alberobello or a dinner away from the busiest lanes of the historic center. The restaurant also accommodates small banquets, including birthdays, baptisms, communions, confirmations, and other celebrations.
The à la carte offer is rooted in local cuisine, while dinner adds pizza baked in the restaurant’s traditional oven. A wine list focused on Puglian labels and a selection of Italian beers give diners useful pairing options for both regional dishes and pizza. The restaurant publishes dedicated banquet and group menus; its banquet menu begins with a house hot appetizer followed by primi courses. Guests with allergies or intolerances should tell the staff before ordering, as the kitchen identifies dish ingredients on request and notes the potential presence of major allergens.
- Olive-grove setting: dine among mature olive trees and Mediterranean planting in Alberobello’s countryside.
- Several dining environments: choose from distinct interior rooms and outdoor spaces, subject to seating and weather.
- Territory-led cooking: the restaurant presents its cuisine as cucina del territorio, centered on local Puglian traditions.
- Traditional-oven pizza: pizza is available at dinner and cooked in the venue’s traditional oven.
- Celebrations and groups: small banquets, ceremonies, and group lunches can be arranged directly with the restaurant.
Ristorante Gli Ulivi at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Contrada Popoleto, 70011 Alberobello BA, Italy |
| Neighborhood / Area | Contrada Popoleto, a rural olive-growing area on Alberobello’s outskirts |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Tue, Thu–Sun 12:30–14:45 and 19:30–23:00; Wednesday closed |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission or tickets; diners pay for food and drinks. See the official menu or contact the restaurant for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a relaxed lunch or dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Best reached by car or taxi from central Alberobello; confirm parking arrangements and taxi return timing when booking. |
| Official Website / Phone | ristorantegliulivialberobello.it / +39 080 432 3796 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve by phone, particularly for Friday through Sunday dinners, larger parties, or a banquet-style meal. Lunch is a good choice for seeing the olive-grove surroundings in daylight; dinner is the time to order pizza. Arrive close to the 12:30 opening or at the start of evening service for the smoothest seating. There is no ticketing system: booking is the practical step, and menu prices are set by the restaurant rather than a visitor admission charge. Ask about tables in the outdoor areas when making the reservation, since they depend on conditions and availability.
Contrada Popoleto is more convenient by car or taxi than by public transport, so organize a return ride if not driving. The multiple indoor and exterior spaces create a rural layout rather than a single level dining room; guests using wheelchairs, strollers, or with limited mobility should call ahead to request the most accessible table and confirm any step-free route, restroom access, and parking proximity. For sightseeing, pair the meal with Alberobello’s trulli: Trullo Sovrano, the two-level historic trullo, is around 15 minutes on foot from the restaurant area, while the UNESCO-listed Rione Aia Piccola and Rione Monti districts are better approached by a short drive or taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ristorante Gli Ulivi’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
The restaurant is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:30–14:45 and 19:30–23:00, and is closed Wednesday. Book an early lunch for daylight among the olive trees or dinner for pizza from the traditional oven.
Does Ristorante Gli Ulivi charge admission or require a reservation?
There is no admission fee or ticket: it is a restaurant, and guests pay for what they order. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends, dinner, groups, and celebrations; call +39 080 432 3796. Current menu details are available on the official menu page.
How much time should I allow for a meal?
Allow about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. A straightforward pizza dinner may be shorter, while a multi-course Puglian meal, a wine pairing, or a group banquet merits the longer end of that range.
Is Ristorante Gli Ulivi suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families are well suited to the informal restaurant-and-pizzeria format and its varied dining spaces. For wheelchair users or visitors with strollers, call before arrival: the property includes separate indoor and outdoor areas in a countryside setting, so staff can advise on the most practical table, route, and facilities for the day.
When planning your Alberobello travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Alberobello, pair this stop with standout local spots including Trattoria "Casa Amatulli" di Gianvito Amatulli, Ristorante "Trullo Dei Sapori", Paco Wines, and CIBUM – Macelleria Ristogrill (0.5 km away).
