Best Restaurants in Puglia: Your Complete Guide to Exceptional Dining

Puglia's culinary excellence stems from its rich agricultural landscape, where ancient olive groves, fertile plains, and pristine coastlines provide an abundance of premium ingredients. The region's restaurants excel at transforming these local treasures—from world-renowned extra virgin olive oil to fresh seafood from the Adriatic—into dishes that epitomise authentic Italian flavours.

The best restaurants in Puglia maintain strong connections to traditional recipes whilst embracing contemporary techniques, creating a dining scene that satisfies both purists and adventurous gourmands.

To help you plan your dining experiences, we've categorised restaurants by price range:

• € - Under €20 per person (starter/primo and secondo, excluding wine)
• €€ - €20-€40 per person
• €€€ - €40 and above per person

Cisternino

Osteria Bella Italia - Via Duca D'Aosta 29, tel. 0039 080 4449036 A romantic gem nestled within narrow medieval alleys, this restaurant serves exquisite Puglian dishes with contemporary flair. The intimate atmosphere and innovative approach to traditional recipes make it essential for discerning diners. Closed Thursdays. €€

Chirico Bistrot - Via San Quirico 23, tel. 0039 080 4448661 Renowned for its exceptional sunset views and warm hospitality, this bistrot combines excellent food with a convivial atmosphere. The menu celebrates local produce with modern presentation. Closed Tuesdays. €€

La Capase - Via Roma 27, tel. 0039 080 4447142 This boutique restaurant exemplifies contemporary Puglian cuisine at its finest. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views over Cisternino's terracotta rooftops, creating an unforgettable dining backdrop during balmy summer evenings. Closed Mondays. €€€

Ostuni - The White City's Culinary Jewels

Osteria Del Tempo Perso - Via Tanzarella Vitale 47, tel. 0039 0831 304819 Located in Ostuni's historic centre, this charming osteria serves superior Puglian cuisine in atmospheric surroundings. The highlight is dining in their enchanting grotto (suitable for children 12+), which provides an extraordinary culinary experience. Open daily during summer. €€€

Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale - Largo Arcidiacono 7, tel. 0039 0831 335026 Positioned opposite Ostuni's magnificent cathedral, this intimate restaurant offers an unparalleled setting for exceptional regional cuisine. The location alone makes it unmissable. Open daily in summer. €€

Ristorante Porta Nova - Via G. Petrarolo 38, tel. 0039 0831 338983 Distinguished by its privileged location and outstanding cuisine, this restaurant combines wonderful food with impeccable service and breathtaking views. The perfect choice for special occasions. €€€

Ceglie Messapica - Authentic Flavours

Osteria Pugliese - Vico 1 Orto Nannavecchia 10, tel. 0039 0831 377115 A family-run treasure in the historical centre, this casual osteria serves homestyle Puglian cuisine that locals adore. Don't miss their exceptional antipasti selection. Closed Wednesdays. €

Cibus - Via Chianche di Scarano 7, tel. 0039 0831 388980 Specialising in rustic dishes using premium local ingredients, Cibus offers brilliant cold meats and an exceptional cheese selection. Their extensive wine list complements the authentic flavours perfectly. Closed Tuesdays. €€

Martina Franca - Baroque Elegance

Osteria del Coco Pazzo - Via Arco Mastrovito 18, tel. 0039 080 4838299 Set on the steps of a picturesque piazza, owner Stefano creates a welcoming atmosphere with his genuine hospitality and excellent cuisine. The location near the historic centre is simply magical. Closed Mondays. €€

Four Seasons - Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 17/18, tel. 0039 080 430 1599 This authentically charming restaurant, run by an enthusiastic team, provides an elegant ambience perfect for memorable dinners. The attention to detail in both food and service is exceptional. €€€

Alberobello - Beyond the Trulli

EVO - Via Giovanni XXIII 1, tel. 0039 320 8481230 A hidden gem away from tourist crowds, this intimate restaurant showcases innovative interpretations of traditional recipes. The talented chef creates dishes that honour Puglian heritage whilst embracing modern techniques. Reservations essential. Closed Wednesdays. €€

Terra Madre - Piazza Sacramento 17, tel. 0039 327 4459979 Located opposite the impressive Trullo Sovrano, this trattoria excels in vegetarian cuisine, offering delicious plant-based interpretations of regional specialities. Closed Mondays. €€€

Monopoli - Coastal Culinary Excellence

P23 - Via Giuseppe Ungaretti 3, tel. 0039 080 4724542 This sophisticated sea lounge restaurant offers spectacular ocean views alongside exceptional fresh seafood. The combination of location and cuisine creates an unforgettable dining experience. €€€

Lido Bianco - Via Procaccia 4, tel. 0039 080 512 7433 Positioned directly on the water, this seafood restaurant provides a magical atmosphere, particularly during evening service. The fresh catch of the day is prepared with expertise and passion. Closed Mondays. €€€

Il Bastione - Via San Vito 2/A, tel. 0039 080 4240914 Part of the renowned Covo dei Saraceni hotel, this restaurant specialises in fish dishes whilst offering spectacular sea views. The dramatic clifftop location makes reservations essential. €€€

Osteria di Chichibio - Largo Gelso 12, tel. 0039 080 4240488 A wonderful osteria close to the historic centre, serving excellent traditional cuisine in this stunning coastal town. The authentic atmosphere and quality ingredients make it a local favourite. Closed Mondays. €€

Otranto - Where History Meets Gastronomy

Laltro Baffo - Via Cenobio Basiliano 23, tel. 0039 0836 801636 This intimate restaurant near the castle serves exceptional cuisine that perfectly captures Salento's culinary essence. The small size ensures personal attention and quality. €€

Masseria Montelauro - SP358 14, tel. 0039 0836 806203 A beautiful masseria just outside Otranto, offering the magical experience of dining amongst century-old olive trees. The rural setting and exceptional cuisine create truly memorable evenings. €€€

Primo - Via delle Torri 5, tel. 0039 350 5021356 Committed to organic, locally-sourced produce, Primo offers excellent vegan and wheat-free options alongside traditional dishes. Their sustainable approach doesn't compromise on flavour. €€

Lecce - The Florence of the South

Trattoria Le Zie - Viale Costadura 19, tel. 0039 0832 245178 A welcoming restaurant serving traditional Puglian dishes in generous portions. The authentic atmosphere and excellent value make it beloved by locals and visitors alike. €

Pietrabianca Vino e Cucina - Via Benedetto Cairoli 25, tel. 0039 0832 300456 This highly recommended bistro serves excellent Puglian cuisine with innovative touches. The wine selection perfectly complements the sophisticated menu. €€

300mila Lounge Bar - Via Centoquarantesimo Reggimento Fanteria 11, tel. 0039 0832 279990 One of Italy's finest bars, located in Lecce's heart near Piazza Mazzini. The extensive drink selection and superb aperitivo make it perfect for sophisticated evening drinks. €€

Gallipoli - The Pearl of the Ionian

Trattoria La Puritate - Via Sant'Elia 18, tel. 0039 0833 264205 Perched on the walls of Gallipoli's old town, this restaurant specialises in local cuisine with stunning views. The romantic setting and authentic flavours make advance booking essential. €€€

Il Bastione - Riviera Nazario Sauro, tel. 0039 0833 263836 Dine on a terrace overlooking the sea at this excellent fish restaurant. The combination of fresh seafood and spectacular views creates an unforgettable dining experience. €€

Castro - Hidden Coastal Gem

Tuna Lounge Restaurant - Via Fratelli Bandiera 48, tel. 0039 0836 947277 An elegant restaurant serving creative fish dishes with an excellent wine selection. The sophisticated approach to seafood preparation sets it apart from typical coastal restaurants. €€

37 Nodi Fish e Food - Via Litoranea per Tricase 70, tel. 0039 333 9086572 Known for extremely creative recipes using the freshest ingredients, this restaurant also serves excellent pizzas. The innovation in their approach to traditional dishes is remarkable. €€

Santa Maria di Leuca - The Land's End

Ristorante Fedele - Via Doppia Croce 55, tel. 0039 0833 758732 Fish is their speciality, and with the owner being a fisherman, you can expect exceptional freshness and quality. The authentic connection to the sea makes every dish special. €€€

Lido Giulia - Lungomare C. Cristoforo Colombo, tel. 0039 347 1153420 Excellent service, exquisite food, and a great wine list combine with the beauty of the sea and coast. A complete culinary experience celebrating both food and location. €€

Agriturismo Dining

Agriturismo Le Stanzie - Strada Provinciale 362 km 32.9, Supersano, tel. 0039 0833 632438 This renovated authentic masseria serves delicious seasonal cuisine prepared by local chefs using daily ingredients. It's a hidden gem that remains true to its territory. Booking advised. €€

Botanical Garden Dining

La Cutura - SS Maglie–Poggiardo km 5, Giuggianello, tel. 0039 0836 354164 A unique restaurant within a botanical garden featuring one of Europe's finest succulent plant collections. Guided tours available, with the garden open from 18:00 during summer months. €€