Puglia's best food and tips on local restaurants
For those seeking insider tips from locals, we've prepared this list of recommended restaurants and trattorias in Puglia. These places range from moderately priced to extremely good value for money. While there are a few higher-end options on this list, they are well worth the splurge.
We regularly eat at every one of these places and would never recommend them if we didn't like them. At the same time, we hope you'll enjoy them as much as we do, but please don't hold it against us if they don't meet your expectations. We come in peace :)
Discover the best places to eat near Borgomadre in Puglia
San Vito dei Normanni (1km from our villas)
- Braceria/Camioncino il Gatto & la Volpe: Great place for a sandwich with bombette and a beer after a day at the beach. Moderate prices.
- XFood: Offers a refined yet unpretentious dining experience. The restaurant employs differently-abled staff. They also have a delicious bakery, Virgola, for a morning pastry. Moderate prices.
- Enobottega: Experience the perfect pairing of exceptional wines and exquisite ingredients. Slightly higher prices, but worth it for the quality.
Specchiolla
- La Lucciola: This place feels like a throwback to the 90s, but it's perfect for a pizza, panzerotto, and beer. There's also an arcade and a mini amusement park. Low prices.
- Locanda delle Giare: Don't be fooled by its unassuming exterior. This place serves excellent food at fair prices, from seafood to pizza. Reservations suggested, but not always necessary. Moderate prices.
- Lido Tiziana: A favorite spot for a seaside aperitivo or lunch. Enjoy the view with polpettine, seafood salad, and a glass of white wine. Moderate prices.
- Dentromare: Perfect seaside location for an aperitivo with sparkling wine and finger food. The sunset is breathtaking. The restaurant side focuses on seafood, but we haven’t tried it yet since it’s under new management. Higher prices.
Carovigno
- Braceria Pomodoro: Meat lovers rejoice! This place is all about meat. Try the local bombette and capocollo. If you’re adventurous, the marretti are a must. They also serve a classic Florentine steak, but local dishes are recommended. Reservation suggested. Moderate prices.
- Sommarco: This wine bar offers excellent drinks and even better tapas. Perfect for an aperitivo or a quick dinner. The young chef is incredibly talented. Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. Moderate prices.
Ostuni
- Osteria del Tempo Perso: Set in an ancient cave, this place offers fantastic food. The owner can be a bit moody, but the cuisine and the setting make up for it. Typical Puglian dishes with a modern twist. Reservations for the cave dining are a must. Higher prices.
- Masseria il Frantoio: Experience the epitome of farm-to-table dining with a tour of the masseria. Reservations required.
Savelletri
- Oasi del Riccio: Located along the coastal road from Torre Canne to Savelletri, this spot is perfect for a casual meal. Picture yourself with a cold Peroni, a tray of freshly opened sea urchins, and warm bread. No reservations needed, just go. Rustic and authentic. Moderate prices.
- Osteria del Porto: One of the best seafood trattorias in the area. The fish is caught right in front of the restaurant and served fresh. It's a must-visit when we are home. Slightly higher prices for a trattoria, but worth every penny. Reservations are essential.
Speziale
- Il Cortiletto: A perfect spot offering typical dishes made with local ingredients. One of the best in the area. Discover authentic Puglian flavors in a charming trattoria. Reservations are a must. Moderate prices.
Cisternino
- Zio Pietro: Known for its butcher shops that grill meat. Enjoy a variety of meats with grilled vegetables. Reservations suggested. Moderate prices.
Lecce
- Pizza & Co.: Renowned for serving some of the best pizza in Lecce. The garlic pizza is particularly recommended. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great place for a casual meal.
- Alle Due Corti: Specializing in traditional Salento cuisine, this historic trattoria offers dishes like cream of broad beans with chicory and orecchiette with turnip tops. The cozy atmosphere and authentic flavors make it a must-visit.
- L'Angolino di Via Matteotti: Famous for its delicious puccia sandwiches, a typical street food from Salento. Enjoy these flavorful sandwiches while exploring Lecce.
- Caffè Alvino: A great spot for enjoying a rustico, a savory pastry filled with cheese and tomato, along with a coffee. Located at Piazza Sant'Oronzo, it offers beautiful views of the Roman amphitheater.
- Baldo Gelato: Known for its outstanding gelato, this shop is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. The pistachio flavor is highly recommended.
- Classé La Dogana: Renowned for its exquisite cuisine and elegant setting, offering fresh seafood and high-quality ingredients transformed into innovative dishes and Puglia's classics.
- Duo Ristorante: A Michelin-mentioned establishment, this restaurant is praised for its creative dishes and impeccable service, offering a modern take on Puglian cuisine.
- Alex Ristorante: Known for its innovative cuisine and beautiful setting, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a memorable fine dining experience.
Bari
- Forno Santa Rita: A local favorite for its traditional Puglian focaccia, made with fresh tomatoes and olives. It’s a must-try when in Bari.
- Panificio Fiore: Known for its delicious bread and pastries. Grab a panzerotto and enjoy it while exploring the old town.
- Al Pescatore: A seafood lover’s paradise, offering fresh catches of the day in a vibrant atmosphere.
- Focacciaro: Renowned for its panzerotti, these fried dough pockets filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce are a Bari specialty. You will not regret it.
Matera
- Vitantonio Lombardo Ristorante: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine. The innovative dishes and elegant setting make for a memorable dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended. Probably one of the best dinners of your life.
Uncover Puglia's Culinary Treasures
These carefully selected restaurants offer a diverse range of dining experiences, from casual eateries to upscale establishments. Each location provides a unique opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Puglia. We encourage you to explore these hidden gems and share your culinary adventures with us.