Food Tips From Local
Puglia's best food and tips on local restaurants
For those seeking insider tips from locals who live (and eat!) in the region, we’ve curated this list of our favorite restaurants and trattorias in Puglia. From mid-range gems to fantastic value-for-money spots, these are the places we return to again and again.
You’ll also find a few high-end dining experiences on this list — and while they may be a bit of a splurge, we promise they’re well worth it.
We eat regularly at each of these places and would never recommend them if we didn’t genuinely love them. That said, taste is personal — we hope you enjoy them as much as we do, but please don’t blame us if they’re not quite what you expected.
We come in peace :)
Discover the best places to eat near Borgomadre in Puglia
Braceria/Camioncino il Gatto & la Volpe: Great place for a sandwich with bombette and a beer after a day at the beach. Moderate prices. A go-to spot that nails the easygoing, tasty vibe you'd find at most Brindisi Italy restaurants.
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.
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.
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.
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. One of the most iconic Ostuni restaurants, and possibly the most unique, this spot is a top contender for anyone seeking a restaurant in a cave in Puglia Italy.
Masseria il Frantoio: Experience the epitome of farm-to-table dining with a tour of the masseria. Reservations required. If you're after a truly immersive experience among the best restaurants in Ostuni Italy, this one blends local tradition, history, and flavor all in one place.
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. A simple and relaxed place that shows what Puglia food is all about, fresh, local, and straight from the sea. 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. If you're exploring coastal gems among the Puglia best restaurants, this spot deserves a top spot on your list. Reservations are essential.
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. Simple, satisfying, and a must for pizza lovers hunting down the top restaurants in Lecce for quick bites.
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. It’s a standout among Lecce restaurants for anyone craving deeply rooted local flavors.
L'Angolino di Via Matteotti: Famous for its delicious puccia sandwiches, a typical street food from Salento. Enjoy these flavorful sandwiches while exploring Lecce. Easygoing and full of flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone chasing down iconic Lecce street food experiences.
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. It’s a local institution that adds flavor (literally) to the list of must-try Lecce restaurants.
Baldo Gelato: Known for its outstanding gelato, this shop is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. The pistachio flavor is highly recommended. If you’re touring the best restaurants in Lecce Italy, don’t skip dessert, this gelateria is worth the stop.
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. A refined experience that belongs among Lecce’s best restaurants for fine dining fans.
Duo Ristorante: A Michelin-mentioned establishment, this restaurant is praised for its creative dishes and impeccable service, offering a modern take on Puglian cuisine. Elegant and inventive, it earns its place among the top restaurants in Lecce.
Alex Ristorante: Known for its innovative cuisine and beautiful setting, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a memorable fine dining experience. An upscale destination that consistently ranks among the best restaurants in Lecce Italy for a special night out.
Forno Santa Rita: A local favorite for its traditional Puglian focaccia, made with fresh tomatoes and olives. A simple bite that belongs on every list of the best restaurants in Bari Italy for street food lovers. 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. An easy stop that captures the heart of Puglia’s food scene with every bite.
Al Pescatore: A seafood lover’s paradise, offering fresh catches of the day in a vibrant atmosphere. If you’re after fresh fish and local vibes, this spot easily ranks among the best restaurants in Bari.
Focacciaro: Renowned for its panzerotti, these fried dough pockets filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce are a Bari specialty. You will not regret it. It’s local, it’s flavorful, and a perfect example of why spots like this are often listed among the best street food places in Bari Italy.
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. If you're looking for a next-level meal, this is easily one of the best restaurants in Matera Italy, possibly one of the best dinners of your life.
These carefully selected restaurants offer a diverse range of dining experiences, from casual eateries to upscale establishments. They reflect the rich variety of Puglia food, from traditional flavors to modern interpretations. Each location provides a unique opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Puglia. Whether you're after street food or fine dining, this list highlights some of the Puglia best restaurants worth exploring. We encourage you to explore these hidden gems and share your culinary adventures with us.