Our recommended restaurants in Puglia

Dining out in Puglia is a real treat, and the quality is almost always high, thanks in large part to the excellence of the region's locally-produced, flavour-filled ingredients. Most restaurants serve classic Puglian cuisine in all its many guises, but you will occasionally come across dishes or inspirations from other parts of Italy and further afield. Our list of recommended eateries below includes a little bit of everything, from Michelin-starred sophistication to authentic trattorie fare. Buon appetito!

Price guide

Average price per person for a two course meal comprising a starter (antipasto) or pasta course (primo) and a main course (secondo) excluding wine.

€ - under €20

€€ - €20-€40

€€€ - €40 and above

The Valle d'Itria

Cisternino

• Osteria Bella Italia - Via Duca D’Aosta 29, tel. 0039 080 4449036. A romantic, cosy little restaurant spread out along the narrow alleys near the main square. It serves delicious Puglian dishes with a modern twist. Closed on Thursdays. €€

• Chirico Bistrot - Via San Quirico, 23, tel. 0039 080 4448661. A lovely setting with excellent food and friendly service. Great place at sunset! Closed on Tuesdays. €€ 

• La capase - Via Roma 27, tel. 0039 080 4447142. A wonderful boutique restaurant serving contemporary Puglian food. There is a lovely terrace overlooking the town roofs for the long summer evenings. Closed on Mondays. €€€

Ostuni

• Osteria Del Tempo Perso - Via Tanzarella Vitale 47, tel. 0039 0831 304819. A very charming local restaurant right in the heart of the old town centre, serving superior Puglian cuisine. Make sure you reserve your table in the lovely grotto (only suitable for children 12+). Open every day in the summer months. €€€ 

• Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale - Largo Arcidiacono 7, tel. 0039 0831 335026. An amazing little restaurant just opposite the Cathedral. Not to be missed! Open every day in the summer months. €€

• Ristorante Porta Nova - Via G. Petrarolo 38, tel. 0039 0831 338983. Wonderful food as well as ambience and service. The restaurant is privileged with a lovely view and an amazing location. €€€

Ceglie Messapica

• Osteria Pugliese - Vico 1 Orto Nannavecchia 10 – Piazza Plebiscito, tel. 0039 0831 377115. Closed on Wednesdays. Homely, traditional Puglian cuisine in the heart of the historical centre. Small and very casual family-run restaurant, don’t miss the antipasti! €

• Osteria del Divin Gustare - Via San Rocco 19, tel 0039 0831 1986278. A traditional restaurant serving wonderful local produce. Closed on Mondays. €€

• Cibus - Via Chianche di Scarano 7, tel. 0039 0831 388980. The food here is largely rustic in style using local ingredients. The cold meats are brilliant and the cheese selection is to die for. Great wine list too, and reasonable prices. Closed on Tuesdays. €€

Martina Franca

• Osteria del Coco Pazzo - Via Arco Mastrovito 18, tel. 0039 080 4838299. A lovely location on the steps of a pretty piazza near the historical centre. The owner Stefano will make you feel at home with his friendliness and lovely food. Closed on Mondays. €€

• Four Seasons - Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 17/18, tel. 0039 080 430 1599. The restaurant is delightfully authentic and run by a most helpful and enthusiastic team. Lovely ambience for an unforgettable dinner. €€€

• Ristorante Garibaldi - Piazza Plebiscito 13, tel. 0039 080 4837987. This pretty bistro serves good local cuisine in the shadow of the town's stunning Basilica di San Martino. Closed on Thursdays. €€

Locorotondo

• Bina - Via Dottor Recchia 44-50, tel. 0039 080 4311784. High-quality traditional dishes in an elegant setting. Closed on Mondays. €€€

• Osteria del Rosone - Via Eroi di Dogali, 6 , tel. 0039 080 431 1433. Serving wonderful antipasti and traditional Puglian dishes in the heart of the historical centre. Closed on Tuesdays. €€€

• Pizzeria Casa Pinto - Via Aprile 23, tel. 0039 346 2749859, for the best pizza in town. €

Alberobello

• EVO - Via Giovanni XXIII n. 1, tel. 0039 320 8481230. This small restaurant is off the beaten track and is a true gem among all the other restaurants in town. The very talented chef recreates innovative dishes from traditional recipes and reservations here are strongly recommended. Closed on Wednesdays. €€

• Terra Madre - Piazza Sacramento 17, tel. 0039 327 4459979. Located right opposite the impressive Trullo Sovrano, this trattoria offers delicious vegetarian options. Closed on Mondays. €€€

• Trullo d'Oro - Via F. Cavallotti 27. This is a very traditional restaurant set in an old trullo, and a long-standing favourite! €€€

Monopoli

• P23 - Via Giuseppe Ungaretti, 3, tel. 0039 080 4724542. Sea lounge restaurant with a fantastic view of the sea and great fresh seafood. €€€

• Lido Bianco - Via Procaccia, 4, tel. 0039 080 512 7433. Lovely seafood restaurant right on the water, with a fantastic atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Closed on Mondays €€€

• Piazza Palmieri - Largo Palmieri 3, tel. 0039 080 743265. Very good seafood in one of the many restaurants surrounding the main historical square. Open every day. €€

Polignano a Mare

• Osteria di Chichibio - Largo Gelso 12, tel. 0039 080 4240488 or 0039 368 936350. A wonderful osteria, close to the historical centre of this beautiful town. Closed on Mondays. €€

• ll Bastione - Via San Vito 2/A, tel. 0039 080 4240914. The restaurant belongs to the well-known hotel Covo dei Saraceni and serves fish specialities, overlooking the sea. Reservations recommended. €€€

• Antiche Mura - via Roma 11, tel. 0039 080 4242476. Nice cosy local restaurant. Closed on Tuesdays. €€

Savelletri di Fasano

• Osteria del Porto - Via del Porto 19, tel. 0039 338 2805468. An informal seafood

  osteria open every day, non-stop in summer. €€

• Frontemare - Via Baracca, 2, tel. 0039 388 094186. Good seafood in a panoramic waterfront location. €€€

Salento

Specchia

• La Ficarigna - Via Grazia Deledda 2, tel. 0039 0833 535398 or 0039 329 0676858. Traditional Puglian dishes and a good wine selection. €€

• Trattoria da Coppuledda - Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 3, tel. 0039 0833 535403. Tasty traditional dishes made with care and great local ingredients. € 

Lucugnano

• Da Iolanda - Via Montanara 2, tel. 0039 0833784164. Outside dining in a narrow side street, specialising in local cuisine. We advise you call ahead and book a table. €

Tricase

• Locanda del Levante - Piazza Dell'Abate, tel. 0039 0833 546678. A family-run restaurant serving meat and fish specialities. €€

• Lemì bar Cozze e Gin - Via Tempio, tel. 0039 347 541 9108. The chef created his own new mouth-watering cuisine starting from the local cuisine and recipes, using the freshest local fish and vegetables and combined them with a great regional wine list. €€€

Tiggiano

• Trattoria Madamadoré - Via Solferino 1, tel. 0039 329 0327256. Wonderful ambience, outstanding local recipes, food and local wines. Great staff and hospitality. €€

Ruffano

• Osteria Farmacia dei Sani - Piazza del Popolo 14, tel. 0039 339 8332514. Meat specialities and excellent pasta dishes. Puglian cuisine at its best. €€

• Farmacia dei Contenti - Piazza del Popolo 12, tel. 0039 347 1351498. Excellent gourmet sandwiches paired with original and tasty cocktails. €

Supersano

• Agriturismo Le Stanzie - Strada Provinciale 362 km 32.9, tel. 0039 0833 632438. A renovated and authentic old masseria serving delicious, seasonal and homemade food prepared by the local chef and based on day by day ingredients. A real hidden gem true to its territory. Booking advised. €€

Surano

• La Bersagliera - Via 2 Luglio 3, tel. 0039 0836 938236. Elegant trattoria in the centre next to the church. Dine outside in the courtyard or on the terrace during the summer. Excellent food. €€

Castro

• Da Amedeo - Via Sant'Antonio 48, tel. 0039 0836947040. A family-run fish restaurant serving excellent Mediterranean dishes. In the summer months, there is an al fresco dining area in an attractive courtyard. €€

• Tuna Lounge restaurant - Via Fratelli Bandiera 48, tel. 0039 0836 947277. An elegant restaurant serving creative fish dishes and a good selection of wines. €€

• 37 Nodi Fish e Food - Via Litoranea per Tricase 70, tel. 0039 333 9086572. Delicious restaurant with very creative recipes, extremely fresh products and also serving tasty pizzas. €€

Spongano

• Trattoria Picaló - Piazza della Vittoria 16, tel. 0039 347 1771929. Traditional and excellent family trattoria serving delicious local recipes in the main square of the town. €

Marina di Marittima

• Anam Terrace - Via Litoranea77, tel. 0039 392 908 4279. A beautiful terrace overlooking the bay of Cala Dell'Acquaviva. Great spot for an aperitif at sunset, serving excellent cocktails and fresh products, often with live music too. €€

Minervino di Lecce

• Cantine Menhir - Via Scarciglia 18, tel. 0039 0836818199. A wine bar and restaurant, serving Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by an excellent selection of wines. €€

Botrugno

• La Locanda Dei Camini - Via Vittorio Emanuele 36, tel. 0039 0836 993733 or 0039 347 1653012. Good traditional local cuisine and wonderful service. €€

Giuggianello

• La Cutura - SS Maglie – Poggiardo km 5, Contrada Cutura, tel. 0039 0836 354164 or 0039 335 8262477. Wonderful restaurant with a botanical garden whose collection of succulent plants is amongst the best in Europe. There are also guided tours. The garden is open during the Summer months from 18:00. €€

Muro Leccese

• Nonna Rosa - Via Piazza del Popolo 14, tel. 0039 0836 342530. Nice family-run trattoria in the centre of the town specialising in local cuisine and fresh fish. €€

Maglie

• Bel Ami - Via Roma 86, tel. 0039 0836 312930. Mediterranean cuisine and an excellent selection of wines served alfresco in the summer. €€

• Classico Maglie - Piazza Aldo Moro, tel. 0039 0836 312945. A very elegant place. perfect for a light lunch or aperitivo with view on the main square of Maglie. €€

Corigliano d'Otranto

• Estìa - Via Cavour 11, tel. 0039 0836 329466. Nice restaurant in the centre serving local cuisine accompanied by a good selection of wine. €€

Otranto

• Laltro Baffo - Via Cenobio Basiliano 23, 0039 0836 801636 or 0039 392 9974508 or 0039 389 1537971. A small restaurant near the castle, serving 68 excellent cuisine. €€

• Acmet Pasha - Lungomare Degli Eroi, 21, tel. 0039 0836 801282. Lovely restaurant on the beautiful sea promenade of Otranto serving excellent cuisine. €€

• Masseria Montelauro - SP358, 14, tel. 0039 0836 806203. A beautiful Masseria just outside Otranto, offering the chance to enjoy a wonderful dinner among century-old olive trees. €€€

• Primo - Via delle Torri 5, tel 0039 350 5021356. Primo sources its organic produce as locally as possible, and also offers vegan and wheat-free options. €€

Marina di Novaglie

• Lo Scalo - Via Amerigo Vespucci, tel. 0039 0833 533488 or 0039 339 3079694. A beautifully positioned seafront restaurant serving excellent fish dishes. €€€

Salve

• Trattoria Il Borghetto - Via Persico 14, tel. 0039 339 4699399. A beautiful location in the old town in a courtyard, a family-run restaurant serving excellent seafood dishes. In the summer there are tables outdoors. We advise you call ahead and book a table. €€

Patù

• La Rua de li Travaj - Vicolo Cavallotti 44, tel. 0039 0833 767880 or 0039 349 0584531. Right in the centre of a beautiful small town, serving excellent regional cuisine. €

Castrignano del Capo

• La Fulana – Piazza San Giuliano 1, tel. 0039 340 5909239, 0039 331 4235496. Excellent local cuisine. €€

San Gregorio

• Sant'Elia - Strada Provinciale Patù-San Gregorio, tel. 0039 348 7219803. Serves excellent cuisine al fresco during summer and has a good selection of wine. €€€

• Ristorante Pizzeria Tora - Lungomare Magnagrecia, 12, Marina di Felloniche, tel. 0039 0833 767826 or 0039 347 7288941. Seafront pizzeria with an authentic atmosphere. €€

Santa Maria di Leuca

• Ristorante Fedele - Via Doppia Croce 55, tel. 0039 0833 758732. Fish is their speciality because the owner is also a fisherman! €€€

• Lido Samarinda - Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, tel. 0039 392 1950465. A restaurant and pizzeria with an authentic atmosphere by the sea. Open from 15th May to 30th September. €€

• Lido Giulia - Lungomare C. Cristoforo Colombo, tel. 0039 347 1153420. Excellent service, exquisite food and great wine list. A great culinary experience mixed the beauty of sea and the coast on which the restaurant is located. €€

Felline

• Il Mulino di Alcantara - Piazza Caduti 1, tel. 0039 0833 985250 or 0039 338 4442379, www.ilmulinodialcantara.it. A wonderful restaurant in the piazza of Borgo Antico in Felline, a small town between Gallipoli and Ugento. €€

• Antico Monastero, Trattoria e Pizzeria - Piazza Castello, tel. 0039 0833 985105, anticomonastero.com. A small restaurant in the historical centre with al fresco dining in the summer. It serves local cuisine, a wide selection of pizza made with special wheat, and a good selection of wine and beer. €€

Racale

• L’Acchiattura - Via Marzani 12, tel. 0039 393 8919527 or 0039 0833 558839, acchiatura.it. In the centre of the small town serving traditional Salentine cuisine. €€

Alliste

• Entroterra - Piazza Municipio, tel. 0039 0833 583798. A good option for summer alfresco dining, serving local fish and meat but mostly known for its excellent pizzas. €€

Taviano

• A Casa tu Martinu - Via Corsica 95, tel. 0039 0833 913652. Serving traditional Salentine cuisine. Try the homemade pasta dishes! Closed on Sundays and Mondays, in July and August open daily for dinner. €€

Alezio

• Le Macàre Trattoria Pizzeria - Via Mariana Albina 140, tel. 0039 0833 282192. Restaurant serving local cuisine. Closed on Tuesdays. €€

Gallipoli

• Trattoria La Puritate - Via Sant’Elia 18, tel. 0039 0833 264205. A lovely restaurant on the walls of Gallipoli’s old town centre, specialising in local cuisine. Make sure you book in advance. €€€

• Il Bastione - Riviera Nazario Sauro, tel. 0039 0833 263836. Dine on a terrace overlooking the sea at this excellent fish restaurant. €€

• La Vinaigrette - Riviera Armando Diaz 75, tel. 0039 0833 264501. Lovely restaurant with vaulted ceilings, a terrace, and a family atmosphere specializing in fish. €€

Galatone

• Ristorante da Gustavo - Via Gallipoli 48, tel. 0039 345 6155711. Specializing in high quality local meat dishes and barbecues. Lovely al fresco dining in the warm summer evenings. Only set menus are available but vegetarian options can be requested. €€

Galatina

• Anima e Cuore – Corso G. Garibaldi 7, tel. 0039 0836 564301. A well respected restaurant specialising in meat dishes, Surely the best dinner in Galatina! €€ 

• Ristorante Corte del Fuoco - Piazza San Lorenzo, tel. 0039 0836 565858. €€

• Il Fienile - Piazza Raimondello Orsini 6, tel. 0039 392 0378604. Lovely design and service with delicious food using local ingredients inspired by modern tastes. €€

Lecce

• Trattoria Le Zie - Viale Costadura 19, tel. 0039 0832 245178. A welcoming restaurant serving traditional Puglian dishes. €

• 300mila Lounge Bar - Via Centoquarantesimo Reggimento Fanteria 11, tel. 0039 0832 279990. Excellent bar situated in the heart of Lecce, next to Piazza Mazzini, one of the best in Italy with a great, extensive selection of drinks and a super tasty aperitivo. €€

• Pietrabianca Vino e Cucina - Via Benedetto Cairoli 25, tel. 0039 0832 300456. A highly recommended local bistro serving excellent Puglian cuisine with a twist of innovation. €€

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