A highly accessible Polignano pizzeria with excellent thin, crisp pizza and a beautiful central setting, but expect brisk table turnover, a €2.50–€3 cover charge, and occasional service or cooking inconsistencies.
Al Buco Preferito Tranquillage delivers strongly favored pizza alongside well-regarded seafood and pasta, set in a central old-town spot near the bridge that many diners call a major advantage. Execution wobbles at times, with a concentrated minority reporting burnt, soggy, or undercooked dishes, and service swings between attentive and impersonal, which keeps it short of the very top tier.
Set beside the historic-center flow of Polignano a Mare, Al Buco Preferito is built for a scenic, lively stop: bridge views, beach proximity, people-watching, and a dining room that can move quickly when the town is busy. One recurring impression is of a place where the pizza arrives fast and crisp, while the experience itself can feel more like a well-run high-season rotation than a lingering dinner. Most diners praise the warm welcome and attractive setting, but a minority report rushed seating, billing surprises, or brusque interactions. The kitchen’s calling card is thin, crunchy Apulian pizza rather than a pillowy Neapolitan base. The menu stays rooted in familiar Italian formats but adds creative combinations such as stracciatella and mortadella, truffle cream and porcini, pistachio, ginger, seafood, and regional cured meats. Pizza is the safest bet; pasta, seafood, and tiramisu are often enjoyed, though reports of burnt, soggy, dry, or undercooked food show that execution is not completely uniform. Families are especially well served: the €6.50 Margherita and other straightforward pizzas are genuinely child-friendly, and one family said their young children devoured theirs and returned twice. Adventurous eaters can explore the premium toppings, while picky diners should stick to the classic section and confirm any gluten-free arrangement directly.
Area vibe: Picturesque seaside historic centre famed for cliffs, beaches and tourist-friendly old town.
Safety: Generally safe and walkable with good evening footfall but can be crowded in peak season.
What's nearby: Near the old town, sea cliffs, beaches, boat tours, and central piazzas with restaurants and shops.
The safest order is a thin, crisp pizza, but the menu also offers standout combinations and a seafood-heavy lunch dish.
Expect attractive views and fast pizza, but busy periods can mean rushed service, extra cover charges, and occasional execution issues.
The bridge-adjacent setting is lively and scenic, with a holiday atmosphere that can shift from welcoming to hurried when busy.