Peschici
Mimì sadly passed away in 2016, but his extended family keep this delightful place ticking. Sitting on wooden trestles beneath the trabucco (a traditional…
Must-see restaurants in Puglia
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Polignano a Mare
Offering a fresher, lighter and often vegetarian alternative in Polignano a Mare, MINT's concise menu focuses on a few dishes done very well. Highlights…
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Otranto
This elegant modern restaurant near the castle stands out in Otranto's competitive dining scene. It stays in touch with basic Pugliese and Italian…
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Lecce
An offshoot of the stylish Enoteca Mamma Elvira, 'The Kitchen' makes use of a bigger space than that available to its older sibling to deliver more…
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Trani
The decking, stiff tablecloths and marquee setting of this famed Trani seafood restaurant set hopes racing, and the food, wine and service deliver in full…
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Alberobello
Vegetables take pride of place in Italian kitchens, especially at this enthusiastic vegetarian-ish (some meat is served) restaurant. The farm-to-table…
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Peschici
Superb views of the ocean drop away from the floor-to-ceiling windows beside intimate alcove tables at this adventurous and stylish clifftop restaurant…
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Taranto
Unsurprisingly, seafood is the thing at the Red Cat. Relaxed and unpretentious, its heavy tablecloths, deep wine glasses and solid cutlery set the scene…
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Lecce
Tucked away down a shopping street in Lecce's New Town, L'Arzilla Furcina features a compact and stylish space showcasing seasonal and local ingredients…
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Vieste
A classy cut above other Vieste restaurants, Osteria degli Archi offers innovative spins on established flavours and recipes. Standout dishes include…
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Brindisi
This stylish glass pavilion along Brindisi's seafront is the showcase restaurant for Puglia's Tenute Rubino winery. Local seafood like octopus and tuna is…
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Gallipoli
The Italian art of making exceptional sandwiches is practised assiduously here. Choose the dense Italian bread (or a baguette if you're feeling fluffy)…
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Cisternino
A classic fornello pronto (half butcher's shop, half trattoria), this is the place for a cheerful, no-frills meat fest. The menu is brief, listing a few…
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Ostuni
Scenically installed in the Aragonese fortifications, this terraced restaurant is a special occasion charmer. Seafood is wonderful here, with a whole…
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Valle d’Itria
Craft beer and pizza make an excellent combination at this quietly stylish old town restaurant with wooden tables, soft lighting and stone floors. It's…
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Ostuni
Puglian classics are given a thoroughly modern makeover at the stylish and elegant Osteria Ricanatti. Seafood is often the star, including superb tuna and…
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Lecce
Lecce is an important university town and this boisterous pizzeria combining gourmet pizzas with decent wine and craft beer is hugely popular with local…
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Otranto
A modern update on a traditional friggitoria, SoFish features excellent fried seafood, good salads – the one with huge slabs of seared tuna almost…
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Vieste
Located in a limestone cave dating back around 1000 years, Al Dragone is Vieste's classiest fine-dining restaurant. Local produce and ingredients…
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Bari
Just maybe Puglia's freshest raw seafood – including squid, oysters and briny sea urchins – is served outside at simple tables by Bari's wise-cracking…
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Bari
Top-notch salads and panini sandwiches crammed with local products including octopus, ham, buffalo mozzarella cheese and pistachios make Mastro Ciccio a…
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Promontorio del Gargano
A superb restaurant with a barrel-vault interior, central courtyard and a menu that includes traditional dishes like orecchiette with cime di rape (bitter…
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Lecce
The couple behind Baldo Gelato make the best gelato in Lecce, hands down. The dark chocolate may be the most intensely chocolatey thing you've ever put in…
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Cisternino
This charismatic little juice bar/lunch spot is the necessary counterbalance to the meaty excesses Cisternino is famous for. Market-fresh vegetables and…
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Trattoria Il Rifugio della Buona Stella
Lecce
A third-generation family restaurant in a gorgeous Leccese building with sandy stone walls and medieval decor, this wonderful trattoria serves utterly…
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Promontorio del Gargano
This renowned restaurant owned by well-known chef Gegè Mangano serves excellent fare amid an intimate setting. The seasonal menu always features good…
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Trattoria le Zie - Cucina Casareccia
Lecce
Where better to eat cucina casareccia (home cooking) than a place that feels like a private home, with patterned cement floor tiles, paper-strewn desk and…
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Polignano a Mare
Huddled against the eponymous 'Old Walls' of Polignano, this delightful little restaurant features a vaulted cave-like interior with lanterns and bells…
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Brindisi
Named after the Rabelaisian giant Pantagruel, this trattoria three blocks from the waterfront serves excellent fish and grilled meats. Expect fresh…
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Alberobello
Vegetarians will be pleased here, as vegetables step timidly out of the contorni shadow, into the primi limelight. Alongside the swordfish, shrimp and…
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Alberobello
The cheerily cluttered interior of this excellent trattoria is papered with photos of smiley diners, obviously put in the best mood by dishes like…
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Lecce
Rosalba de Carlo, a noted repository of Salento gustatory wisdom, is the presiding authority in this authentic-as-it gets Pugliese kitchen. 'The Two…
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Trani
This compact and happening spot soundtracked by classic soul music combines good-value gourmet salads and panini sandwiches with a thoughtful selection of…
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Ostuni
This compact osteria serves up great food in a setting that manages to keep it classy, despite a kitsch chandelier and muzak soundtrack competing with…
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Valle d’Itria
In a narrow side street off Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, this well-regarded trattoria serves robust Itrian fare such as pork cheek in a primitivo reduction…
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Gallipoli
Book ahead to ensure your table at the place for fish in this seafood-loving town. Follow the practically obligatory seafood antipasti with delicious…
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Lecce
You'll eat handsomely at the in-house restaurant of the Patria Palace Hotel, right in the heart of old Lecce. The food is Puglian, mainly elevated…
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Trani
Renowned for its seafood, swish La Darsena is housed in a waterfront palazzo. Outside tables overlook the port while inside, photos of old Puglia cover…
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Bari
Peep through the lace curtains into the cool interior of this rustic trattoria, where worn flagstone floors and period furnishings make you feel like you…
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Bari
Excellent service and a quiet and shaded interior garden make Piccinni 28 a good option for lunch or dinner. Pizzas feature innovative toppings, dishes…
