If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Puglia, you are in luck. Puglia has some of the tastiest and most authentic eateries you’ll ever try. From the small towns that have yet to see mass tourism arrive to the more bustling cities, you’ll find some of the most delicious food in all of Italy. Here are 11 of our tastiest favorites for you to try:
1. Ristorante da Silve
Ristorante da Silve in Fasano is a hidden gem beloved by those who know of its existence. Headed by Silve and his mother Maria in the kitchen, the restaurant is like a warm embrace that welcomes guests in and invites them to become part of the family.
The menu celebrates the local Puglian culinary traditions while adding a few of their own creative touches, such as zucchini flowers and burrata over cavatelli. To top it off, the restaurant offers a homemade digestive made with chamomile and black pepper.
Not only is the food outstanding, but the restaurant’s interior is tastefully designed and part of the design-conscious aesthetic that Puglia is rapidly becoming known for. So, if you’re looking for a truly remarkable dining experience in Puglia, look no further than Ristorante da Silve.
Location: Via Tinella, 18, 72015 Fasano BR
2. La Bottega Del Corso
La Bottega Del Corso is one of the best restaurants in Puglia, located in Lecce. This delightful bar is situated on one of the city’s bustling streets, a perfect spot to head to for an aperitivo and some light snacks. During the summer season, it gets incredibly crowded due to the limited outdoor seating and the fact that there is no seating indoors.
La Bottega Del Corso specializes in platters known as tagliare. These platters are filled with local meats, cheeses, and vegetables from the Salento region. The tagliare platters are known for their delicious cured meats, like the capocollo (pork neck) and the burrata (a creamy cheese made from mozzarella and cream).
La Bottega Del Corso is the ideal spot for those looking for a light meal or a casual drink. Whether it’s a summer night or a winter afternoon, you can enjoy a great experience at La Bottega Del Corso.
Location: Via Giuseppe Libertini, 52, 73100 Lecce LE
3. Bistro Garibaldi
Bistro Garibaldi in Martina Franca is a restaurant like no other. Located in the beautiful Itria Valley, it stands out not just for its creative cuisine but also for its modern take on traditional dishes.
A must-try dish is the orecchiette with meatballs, a classic Pugliese dish with spicy tomato sauce topped with parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect embodiment of traditional and modern cuisine, as well as the perfect example of the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Bistro Garibaldi is one of the most popular restaurants in Puglia, and it’s easy to see why. Guests will find the atmosphere to be warm and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are reasonable, and the food is tasty.
The restaurant also offers various vegan and vegetarian dishes, making it a great option for everyone. There’s no doubt that Bistro Garibaldi is one of the best restaurants in the region, and it’s no wonder why it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Location: Piazza Plebiscito, 13, 74015 Martina Franca TA
4. Trattoria La Locanda Dei Mercanti
If you’re looking for an unforgettable seafood dining experience, look no further than Trattoria La Locanda Dei Mercanti. Located in Monopoli, it is highly regarded as one of the best seafood restaurants in the region, and for good reason. They serve only the freshest seafood, with fish caught that morning.
For those looking to try something unique to the area, try the ‘crudo‘ or raw fish. The carpaccio plate is a popular choice, featuring red prawns, sea bass, and octopus. There’s also seafood pasta with clams and prawns that is sure to satisfy.
The atmosphere of the taverna is lively and bustling and is sure to make any visitor feel at home. La Locanda Dei Mercanti is a must-visit for seafood lovers visiting Puglia.
Location: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 44, 70043 Monopoli BA
5. Osteria Del Caroseno
Osteria Del Caroseno is one of the most renowned restaurants in all of Puglia. Located down a quaint, car-free alleyway, the restaurant is a hidden gem that is known for its traditional Apulian cuisine and its cozy accommodations.
From the classic orecchiette alla Pugliese to the humble fave e cicoria, the menu at Osteria del Caroseno is a celebration of the diverse flavors of the region. Every dish is crafted with love and care, ensuring that every bite is a delectable experience.
The restaurant also offers a few rooms on-site, perfect for those who wish to truly immerse themselves in the culture and beauty of Puglia. For locals and tourists alike, Osteria Del Caroseno is a must-visit experience.
Location: Via Santomagno, 18, 70013 Castellana Grotte BA
6. Trattoria delle Ruote
Trattoria delle Ruote is an authentic Italian experience like no other. This restaurant has been around for decades, and the menu has remained unchanged. The atmosphere is cozy and rustic, with tables tucked into a trulli decorated with traditional tools. The diners are encouraged to take their time and savor the experience.
The food is made with the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms, including artisanal salami and formaggi. The pasta dishes are exquisite. All the ingredients are prepared in-house, and the herbs and pickles are especially flavorful.
The meal is completed with herbal liquors that add an extra touch of class to the experience. Trattoria delle Ruote is one of the best restaurants in Puglia, and it is sure to provide a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Location: Strada Monticello, 1, 74015 Martina Franca TA, Italy
7. Mastro Ciccio
Mastro Ciccio is a true gem in the Puglia region. It’s the best spot to feast on all the local delicacies, including the renowned panino imbottito, a stuffed sandwich made with regional ingredients. From fresh fish to cured meats and local cheeses, each sandwich is filled with the finest ingredients and flavors.
Lunchtime is always bustling with locals queuing up to get their hands on the famous panino con la bomba, a special type of bread filled with a mix of cheeses, vegetables, and cured meats, topped off with a spicy pepper paste.
Other popular choices include the panino con la salsiccia, the sandwich with sausage, and the panino con il polpo, the sandwich with octopus. Without a doubt, Mastro Ciccio is the go-to spot for the most delicious and authentic sandwiches in Puglia.
Location: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 15, 70122 Bari BA
8. Al Sorso Preferito
Al Sorso Preferito is a popular restaurant in the city of Bari in Puglia, Italy. It is a local institution and the perfect spot for casual dining. With its proximity to the sea and the port, the restaurant is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes, all of which are prepared using locally caught fish and other seafood.
Among the most popular dishes is the Spaghetti all’Assasina, a partially pan-fried spaghetti dish with a hint of chili and tomato sauce, crisped to perfection. It is an unusual combination, but the result is incredibly flavorful and delicious.
Al Sorso Preferito is definitely one of the best restaurants Puglia has to offer – a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Location: Via Vito Nicola De Nicolò, 40, 70121 Bari BA
9. Carlo Quinto
Carlo Quinto, located in Monopoli, is one of the best restaurants in Puglia. This casual restaurant/bar is located along the Lungomare and offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
Going at sunset is a must, as you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of the sky turning pink and the moon rising above the Adriatic Sea. Carlo Quinto is ideal for a romantic dinner, drinks with friends, or even a light lunch.
Making it even more special, the restaurant offers a variety of sharing plates, perfect for groups. Some of the most popular dishes include raw fish served with lemon, sea salt, and olive oil, as well as a selection of charcuterie boards and heartier plates like seafood pasta. All in all, Carlo Quinto is a great choice for a unique dining experience.
Location: Via Santa Maria, 52, 70043 Monopoli BA
10. Caffè Alvino
Caffè Alvino is one of the most beloved restaurants in the region of Puglia. This Italian bar is situated in the heart of the city of Lecce, right across from the Amphitheatre. It is the ideal spot to visit for a quick snack or lunch after a day of sightseeing or shopping.
Caffè Alvino is particularly well known for its delicious and delightful baked goods. A must-have is the Pasticciotto, an Italian cream-filled pastry.
To top off the meal, one must try the famous caffè Leccese – a shot of coffee on ice blended with almond syrup. Eating at Caffè Alvino is an experience that one will never forget. Visitors will be able to taste the best of Puglia, all while taking in the beauty of the historic city of Lecce.
Location: Piazza Sant’Oronzo, 30, 73100 Lecce LE
11. Pescaria
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Puglia, Pescaria should be your top choice. This small chain restaurant is found throughout Italy and is famous for its fresh seafood dishes.
It’s the perfect spot for a light lunch, with an array of dishes showcasing the flavors of the Adriatic Sea. One of the signature dishes is the Crudo di Mare, a raw seafood platter that features the finest raw fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
Another favorite is the Frittura di Paranza, a mixed seafood platter with fried fish, squid, and shrimp. With a casual atmosphere, Pescaria’s seafood is sure to delight. Plus, the Adriatic Sea setting provides a beautiful backdrop for a delicious lunch. If you’re looking for an unforgettable seafood experience in Puglia, Pescaria is the place to go.
Location: Piazza Aldo Moro, 6/8, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA
There are just too many restaurants on our list to mention, but each has offered an unforgettable dining experience. From the mouthwatering seafood of Polignano a Mare to the rustic simplicity of Alberobello’s trattorias, each restaurant on our list has stood out from the rest. With its rich history and fertile land, Puglia’s cuisine reflects not only its culture but its soul as well.
