The Best Restaurants in Puglia, Italy (30 Incredible Options)
This article on the best Puglia restaurants aims to explore the cuisine in the spectacular region of Puglia, Italy, where the rich culinary traditions are as iconic as its picturesque landscapes.
From the charming streets of Lecce to the historic town of Ostuni and the coastal gems like Polignano a Mare, there are many incredible spots in Puglia.
This comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in Puglia was created based on my experiences eating in restaurants during my extensive 3-week trip to Puglia in September 2022. We ate out for lunch and dinner almost everyday of our trip, so we managed to try a wide range of restaurants in Puglia.
If you are wondering where to indulge in the best food in Puglia, you will find my favourite establishments and other highly-recommended spots by locals in this article.
You may feel nervous when visiting Puglia for the first time about reading the menu, but I have shared all my favourite local food and dishes for you to look out for, so you have some familiarity.
Once you have learned where to eat in Puglia, make sure you read the rest of my Puglia travel guides, such as finding the best beaches in Puglia and my itinerary for 4 days in Puglia and also for 10 days in Puglia.
30 Best Restaurants in Puglia, Italy
When exploring the incredible food scene of Puglia, Italy, you will find fantastic restaurants tucked away in its charming towns and regions.
From the captivating city of Lecce, with its stunning Baroque architecture and delicious cuisine, to the charming coastal towns of Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, and the southern tip of Salento – Puglia offers a wide array of flavours.
I will unveil some unforgettable dining experiences in both well-known destinations and hidden gems, providing you with a guide to the best restaurants in Puglia, Italy, so you can immerse yourself in the regional culinary delights.
Lecce
Lecce, a charming city in the heart of the Puglia region in Italy, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and exceptional culinary scene. From traditional trattorias to upscale dining establishments, Lecce offers a diverse range of culinary experiences.
In this section, I will highlight some of the best restaurants in Lecce, where you can indulge in the region’s culinary delights.
1. La Putea Osteria e Ristoro
This restaurant in Lecce is well-situated in a picturesque part of the town. You can sit at one of the tables outside the front of the restaurant along the street with a view towards Porta Napoli. Or if you are lucky, you could also nab a spot in the stunning, private courtyard where you will find a handful of tables.
The food was tasty with good portion sizes and I loved the dishes the food was served in. I ate the failsafe Pugliese speciality of orecchiette al sugo (ear-shaped pasta with tomato sauce). Plus, their tiramisu was great.
La Putea Osteria e Ristoro has well-priced carafes of house wine.
See the menu for La Putea Osteria e Ristoro here.
2. Giardino Segreto Via Principi di Savoia Lecce
Try to get a table on their back terrace because it is beautiful, although the indoor is quite rustic yet charming – which is where we ate. Ordering the antipasti is a great way to try a few dishes, including local focaccia and cured meats.
We had a hilarious evening dining at Giardino Segreto because we had difficulties communicating with our server, whom I think was the owner.
It appeared our waiter spoke a regional dialect and had a strong accent, so our limited Italian could not stretch far enough to understand. So, we just said yes to everything he said and sometimes something would appear, or he would look satisfied.
3. La Zie Trattoria Casereccia
This restaurant is slightly out of the main old town centre, but it is still within walking distance of many accommodation options in Lecce. La Zie Trattoria Casereccia is a unique restaurant because it is decorated like a real aunt or uncle’s kitchen and dining room.
We chose the eggplant (aubergine) parmesan, and it was excellent. The pasta dishes were also great.
Ensure you have a reservation or show up early to get a table. When you arrive, you must ring the doorbell to be seen by the host/server.
Overall, I thought La Zie Trattoria Casereccia was the best restaurant in Lecce to give you a good taste of the best of Puglia.
You can find the menu for La Zie Trattoria Casereccia here
4. Porcaria
We found this spot while looking for a smaller lunch than a big bowl of pasta like we had been having most days. Therefore, Porcaria was a perfect spot for lunchtime sandwiches with a variety of flavours to choose from.
You can eat inside or outside at their restaurant or order as takeaway. The flavour combinations were tasty.
For example, I ordered the Keith Haring sandwich, which is filled with capicollo, Stracciatella, redcurrant jam, honey, and hazelnuts.
Check out the menu for Porcaria here.
5. La Succursale Pizza & Cucina
If you are looking for the best pizza in Lecce, you will find it at La Succursale. The pizzas were exceptional and there was the option to add lactose-free mozzarella to your pizza – a bonus for me.
You can either dine on the large patio out the front or at smaller tables within the restaurant. La Succursale also offers takeaway pizza.
I tried an Italian cola drink called Molecola, which was great.
6. Osteria degli Spiriti
Osteria degli Spiriti was recommended by our Airbnb host, plus it is listed on the Michelin Guide (not starred, but noteworthy); therefore, it is an extremely popular restaurant in Lecce.
You need a reservation to eat at this restaurant, and expect it to be busy while dining, meaning the service may be slower. But if you go in with the expectation of a long and relaxed meal, you will enjoy it.
The antipasti starters were a good way to taste several flavours. I ordered the ciceri e tria pasta (a traditional pasta dish with chickpeas) and it was decent, but I have enjoyed other pasta dishes more around Puglia.
7. Boccon Divino
We were searching high and low for a restaurant that served gluten-free pasta in Lecce (for one of our friends that joined part of the trip), and we came across Boccon Divino.
The restaurant was a great meal, even for those without dietary requirements.
We all ordered sausage, pancetta, and mushroom pasta which was so good I nearly ordered a second dish.
There was an energetic atmosphere on the patio situated on a buzzing street, which was fun. There was also plenty of seating inside.
8. 00 Doppiozero
Breakfast in Italy is usually a bite to eat with a coffee. So, there are limited options for sit-down breakfasts in Lecce that are not simply a bakery.
We discovered 00 Doppiozero while wandering around the town and thought it was an excellent spot for breakfast in Lecce. The café/restaurant is on a lovely side street where you can dine on the terrace and watch people stroll around.
You can order the usual items like coffee, croissants, pasticciotti (cream-filled pastries), and fruit bowls. You can also order dishes such as avocado toast and eggs.
00 Doppiozero was a busy spot, so do not expect to receive quick service.
9. Caffe Alvino
This café is a favoured place in Lecce for breakfast, so you may struggle to get a table. Caffe Alvino sells a variety of pastries – you can order them to takeaway or dine in.
If you want to try a pasticciotti, Caffe Alvino is a great place to start because there are numerous flavours for sale, including pistachio, sour cherry, and lemon.
10. Baldo Gelato
We went to this Gelateria several times in Lecce – it was a great way to end an evening.
You will know it is the right spot because this gelato shop has a cute cactus display outside the front.
You can get numerous flavours of gelato and sorbet at Baldo Gelato, and there are even gluten-free and lactose-free options. My favourite flavours are always mango and lemon.
11. L’Orecchietta – Enogastronomia
Around a 30-minute drive North of Lecce, there is a pasta shop in Guagnano that sells prepared food to takeaway, or you can dine in for lunch and have a glass of wine with it. The food is delicious.
L’Orecchietta offers a large choice of foods each day at the food counter, including salads, appetizers, and cold pasta dishes. If you want to eat a bowl of fresh pasta, they do not start serving the pasta of the day until 12:30 PM but expect to wait in a line.
You order your food at the counter before sitting down.
Several employees speak English well, and all the staff are hospitable and friendly.
The shop also sells an assortment of bottles of wine, including one of our Pugliese wine favourites, L’Archetipo.
Drinks in Lecce
Lecce, known for its vibrant atmosphere, offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in a delightful pre-dinner drink.
Quanto Basta
Go for an aperitivo at Quanto Basta, a popular cocktail bar in the heart of Lecce’s old town. Sit at one of their high-top tables on the buzzing side street. There is a good selection of signature cocktail creations.
My favourite cocktail is the Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy, a refreshing drink that is easy to drink. However, the menu is changeable, so you may not have the same menu as I did.
Olives, chips/crisps, and taralli are served while you drink.
300MILA
300MILA offers a great outdoor space for a pre-dinner drink in Lecce. The street-side patio is adorned with fairy lights, creating a cosy ambience.
There is a wide variety of gins to choose from; however, my top pick is the Lemon flavoured Malfi Gin. You can always go for the familiar Aperol Spritz.
This bar is an excellent place to visit if you only have time for a quick drink because you will receive the bill with your drinks, so you can take the bill straight to the cashier when you want to leave.
L’Altro Vino Enoteca Natural
This wine shop in Lecce sells a wide selection of natural wines. It is a great place to buy gifts or souvenir wines from the region.
The shop owner at L’Altro Vino is knowledgeable about all the wines in his store and speaks excellent English. If you are looking to buy an assortment of wines, there is an option to have wine tasting.
Salento (Southern Puglia)
The southern region of Puglia is spread out, but there are many noteworthy restaurants that are worth making the journey over to. Here are my findings for the best restaurants in Salento.
12. Borgo Antico, Minervino di Lecce
We stumbled upon Borgo Antico by accident while looking for another restaurant, and it turned out to be one of my favourite meals in Puglia. The restaurant is on a piazza in a small town, offering a lovely view.
Overall it was delicious food, and the pasta dishes had incredible flavours. The meatballs in tomato sauce were impeccable. The pasta with yellow tomatoes, cheese and bacon was unforgettable – my mouth waters when I think of that pasta.
13. Bro’s Trattoria, Supersano
If you want to be impressed, Bro’s Trattoria is a must-visit restaurant in Salento.
Scorrano, the town Bro’s is in, is not a particularly interesting town, so do not plan to visit the town before or after your meal. But you can visit some Southeast Coast of Puglia beaches and viewpoints before or after going to Bro’s Trattoria.
The restaurant is in a standalone building with a lovely garden area surrounding it. The meals can be served inside the restaurant, on the semi-indoor patio with large windows, or outdoors on the terrace.
Choose between a three or five-course meal for lunch or dinner. We selected the 3-course lunch meal and there was plenty of food.
They start with incredible Puccia bread (served warm and with a tasty garlic butter), a selection of appetizers (including local delicacies such as cheese, focaccia, and bread salad), a choice of two kinds of pasta, and dessert (I had an exceptional chocolate and almond cake). The desserts also come with fruit and other biscotti.
Bro’s Trattoria is linked to Bro’s, the Michelin one-star restaurant in Lecce. Bro’s Trattoria is also mentioned on the Michelin Guide website, although it has not yet received an award. Although, I believe Bro’s Trattoria could be the best restaurant in Puglia.
14. Bar Mename, Tricase
Enjoy the views out to the coastline and port at Bar Mename while dining on fried seafood and vegetables for lunch. You may also enjoy a sandwich with fried octopus, a speciality of the region.
Check the timings of Bar Mename locally because they stopped serving food from the kitchen in the late afternoon on the day we visited. This location is also open for breakfast and afternoon cocktails.
Ostuni
Ostuni is a town that needs to be on a Puglia itinerary because it has an array of excellent restaurants. Read on to find out the best restaurants in Ostuni.
15. Osteria del Tempo Perso
You must book a table in advance, even if only a few days before because this is one of the best places to eat in Ostuni. We heard many people requesting a table on the night, and they had no luck.
Osteria del Tempo Perso was one of my favourite restaurants in Puglia for its combined excellence in food, service, wine, and ambience. Therefore, I would rate it one of the top restaurants in Ostuni.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated inside and located on a picturesque street in Ostuni – it makes for an all-around great evening.
16. Bellavista Pizzeria
I searched high and low for the best pizza in Ostuni, and Bellavista was the common front-runner from reviews online. I am pleased to agree that the pizzas were impeccable, and we were all satisfied with the flavours and quality.
There were plenty of tables outside along the street, but it is popular, so come earlier if you can. You may be able to grab one of the tables with a view looking over the walls of Ostuni to the sea.
Find all the flavours on the menu for Bellavista here.
17. Masseria Moroseta
We practically planned our whole trip around the availability of a dinner reservation at Masseria Moroseta, a restaurant renowned for its incredible food and dining experience.
Sadly, the weather turned cold towards the end of our trip (in late September). As a result, the restaurant had to cancel our reservation due to its small indoor dining capacity, meaning that we were unable to eat here during this trip.
The staff were friendly, and we look forward to finally being able to eat here at one of Puglia’s top masserie.
Best Bars in Ostuni
Bar Perso
Seemingly located down a dead end, you will find this quirky bar down a narrow alleyway filled with beanbags for seating with a beautiful skyline view. The cocktails were delicious, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
I highly recommend a pre-dinner drink here before the sunset, particularly if you are dining at Osteria del Tempo Perso, given that it is close by.
Hanky Panky
Another excellent location for a pre or post-dinner drink is Hanky Panky in Ostuni. There is a small area inside the bar, but on a warm summer night, you will enjoy sitting on the terrace with a view of one of Ostuni’s many stunning courtyard areas.
You can order a creative cocktail from the menu or the so-called Gin Toneria’s extensive gin and tonic list.
Borgo Antico Bistrot
This laid-back restaurant is a great place to go for a pre-dinner drink and snack. However, you will struggle to get a table if you arrive an hour before sunset because that is their busiest time of the day.
Borgo Antico Bistrot has a unique restaurant layout across a series of stairs with a stunning view from the top of Ostuni to the shore.
While you can eat a full meal here, this place is better suited as a cocktail or wine stop with some antipasti. We did not find the food to be the best place we ate at, but there was plenty of it.
Riccardo Caffè
If you did not manage to get a spot at Borgo Antico Bistrot, or you are looking for somewhere new to try, you could grab a drink at Riccardo Caffè. It is around the corner to Borgo Antico Bistrot and you will pass some attractive side streets on your way.
Once the sun goes down, the streets of Ostuni are lit in various ways creating a stunning atmosphere.
I ordered a peach Bellini, which was refreshing. Like many other bars in Ostuni, there were beanbags to sit on at Caffe Riccardo, which can be challenging depending on what you are wearing (dresses are less practical).
Overall I did not find the staff particularly friendly, but the setting is nice and the drinks were good. Plus, the indoor area was fascinating, including the bathroom facilities.
Martina Franca
18. Garibaldi Bistrot
This restaurant is in a stunning location in the main piazza overlooking the Basilica di San Martino.
The service was speedy, and the tables were laid beautifully with white tablecloths and stunningly thin wine glasses, so it felt fancy. Plus, the staff were warm and welcoming, particularly when trying to understand our broken Italian.
Garibaldi Bistrot had a range of tasty options – it was a challenge to select only one dish for lunch. All the pasta dishes we chose were excellent. The desserts were divine, and we were offered complimentary limoncello shots at the end of our meal following our dessert.
Cisternino
19. Vattelappesca
This restaurant is a great example of how you can go to almost any Italian restaurant in Puglia and be served impeccable food due to the fabulously skilled chefs and fresh ingredients.
We had planned to walk around Cisternino and look at several restaurants in the city centre first, but we saw Vattelappesca directly upon parking and we felt a good vibe about it.
My pasta dish was simple, cacio e pepe with leek and red wine, but it was so memorable. Vattelappesca also served one of our favourite local wines that paired perfectly with dinner (from L’Archetipo).
It was a cooler night in late September, so we ate indoors in the quaint restaurant, but Vattelappesca also had a terrace area that would be great on a warm summer evening.
20. Terra Madre
While looking for a last-minute lunch option in Cisternino, we stumbled across this restaurant. It was not until we had ordered our food that we realised the restaurant was adorned with Christmas decorations.
This restaurant may be Christmas-themed on the inside, but it has a pleasant terrace on the outside for summer dining. It is branded the best Christmas-themed restaurant in Italian, which may not be a strong feat.
I ate the pistachio and sundried tomato orecchiette, one of their specialities, and it was such a unique and enticing flavour.
The restaurant gets several negative reviews on TripAdvisor and Google, but based on our experience, it was a decent place to stop for lunch or dinner.
Ceglie Messapica
21. Vino Fritti e Cucina
This restaurant in the centre of Ceglie Messapica is a colourful outdoor setting in a courtyard area. Vino Fritti e Cucina served a good orecchiette al sugo (tomato sauce).
There was also the possibility for gluten-free pasta and they can make pasta dishes dairy free by removing the cheese that is sprinkled on top.
22. Osteria da Giuseppe
Osteria da Giuseppe is a small family-run restaurant deep into the heart of Ceglie Messapica. The interior feels like a grandmother’s kitchen and dining area and the restaurant serves hearty, traditional Pugliese food. There was a great range of flavours in the antipasti.
I ordered some meat and potatoes, which was a change for most dishes around the region – I had eaten pasta for almost every meal since arriving. The dish was tasty and a pleasant new flavour after 3 weeks of pasta.
The service was friendly, and we felt welcomed in the restaurant. We were also offered complimentary digestive shots at the end of our meal.
View the menu for Osteria da Guiseppe here
Polignano a Mare
There are many restaurants along the Via Roma Street in Polignano a Mare to choose from and the street can become busy during peak times. So come early or expect to wait a little for your chosen restaurant.
23. Pizzeria Il Quadrifoglio – Polignano
My group ate pizza at Pizzeria Il Quadrifoglio and enjoyed the offering. They also were able to prepare gluten-free pizzas for one of our friends.
I ate the seafood pasta that had to be prepared for two people and it was delicious.
Although, there was a long wait for the pasta when we dined.
It was a busy day because the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition was taking place (in September). I would advise avoiding Polignano a Mare during the Cliff Diving competition if you can help it.
See the menu for Pizzeria Il Quadrifoglio here
24. Olio Su Pane
Toward the end of our time in Puglia, we were starting to crave a smaller dinner than a three-course meal with pasta, like we had been eating every night. Therefore, a delicious sandwich was a perfect light dinner in Polignano a Mare.
At Olio Su Pane, I opted for a meatball sandwich (without cheese), which I would recommend, and the others in my group had a prosciutto crudo sandwich, which was equally tasty.
Olio Su Pane is active on Instagram, so you can verify their opening times there.
25. Restaurant Antiche Mura
I was hoping to visit this restaurant during my time in Puglia; however, we eventually ran out of time.
Antiche Mura is a highly-rated cave restaurant in Polignano a Mare. It is recommended to reserve a table at the Antiche Mura.
26. Grotta Palazzese
Grotta Palazzese is the famous cave restaurant in Puglia Italy. It has a minimum price of EUR 195 per person whether you opt for the 1, 2 or 3-course menus.
The jury is out on whether this is the best restaurant in Puglia. Grotta Palazzese could win the title due to its incredible location and dining experience. However, many people report mediocre food and service. Plus, the price is steep, no matter how much food you order.
We did not visit the Puglia Italy cave restaurant on this occasion, but I am tempted to go in the future.
27. Mint Cucina Fresca
I saw this restaurant mentioned in numerous articles about the best restaurants in Puglia, but I never made it to dine there. I walked past Mint Cucina Fresca while it was closed, which is well-located in the town centre of Polignano a Mare.
You should make a reservation to visit by sending a message on Whatsapp.
Monopoli
28. Ristorante Piazza Palmieri
Ristorante Piazza Palmieri is a beautifully located restaurant in a quiet piazza in the centre of Monopoli. The terrace is a lovely place to eat a meal. The food is excellent but it comes with a slightly higher price tag than you may have seen in other places around Puglia.
You can expect a more formal dining experience than other restaurants in the area. All of our dishes with seafood were good. The molten chocolate lava cake was a delightful way to end the meal.
See the menu for Ristorante Piazza Palmieri here.
Alberobello
29. NeWynd
If you are looking for a bite to eat while in Alberobello, NeWynd is a small bar serving coffee, pasticciotti, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.
From the outside, it appears to be an unassuming trullo, but you can walk through the small bar to a quaint terrace at the back.
We tried the pasticciotti from NeWynd and they were delicious.
Savelletri
One of the most famous locations in Savelletri is Borgo Egnazia.
It is a 5-star resort and home to some incredible restaurants, including an extremely romantic one-Michelin-star restaurant, Due Camini. We did not manage to dine there on this occasion, but it is on our list for next time.
30. Serri Bistrot
Lunch at this restaurant was the final meal of my Apulian holiday and it was certainly memorable. It was a great environment to drink a glass of cold rosé wine on their delightful outdoor terrace.
The meal had so many incredible flavours, including the toast with butter, anchovies, and cooked tomatoes, as well as the lobster paccheri pasta dish.
Best Gelato in Puglia
I always did my research before visiting a gelato shop, and we ended up with some excellent choices. Each of the following gelaterias served tasty flavours, including dairy-free options (sorbets).
- Cremeria La Scala, Ostuni
- Baldo Gelato, Lecce
- Fiordilatte, Polignano a Mare
My favourite gelato shop I tried during our summer Italian travels was I Vizi degli Angeli (Gelateria Artigianale) in Matera. If you want to visit Matera, check out my 10 day itinerary that incorporates Matera and other parts of Puglia or my 3-day itinerary for Matera.
Wine Tasting in Puglia
While looking for a place to go wine tasting close to our Airbnb in Ceglie Messapica, I came across a small vineyard called Tenuta Santoro Wine Bar.
Although there was a miscommunication with our booking, we enjoyed a tour of the property and facilities, followed by a wine tasting accompanied by cheese and cured meats.
The whole experience was lovely, and we had an enjoyable evening. Plus, we bought several bottles of wine because it was all excellent.
If you book in advance by email, reconfirm a few days prior.
Also, it can be difficult to find a taxi company for your transportation to Tenuta Santoro because there is bad cell service in the area. I will not recommend a company, but if you make a booking with a taxi company, get a quote in advance because we felt like they overcharged us.
While at L’Altro Vino Enoteca Naturale, we tried some “Loco wine”, a natural wine producer, and ultimately bought a few bottles too. The wine was excellent.
You can also visit Loco – vini artigianali in Ceglie Messapica, but we did not manage to visit them on this occasion. It is a small venue, and do not expect to find a vineyard, but if you are interested in learning more about their process, you can send a message on Instagram to arrange a visit.
What to Eat in Puglia?
Pugliese cuisine, located in the region of Puglia in southern Italy, is known for its simplicity and fresh ingredients.
Traditional Pugliese cuisine is often associated with the concept of “cucina povera,” which translates to poor cuisine. This term refers to the humble, frugal cooking style originating from the region’s agricultural roots and the need to make the most of simple, readily available ingredients.
The emphasis in cucina povera is on using ingredients that are affordable and easily accessible, such as vegetables, grains, and inexpensive cuts of meat.
One of the quintessential examples of cucina povera in Puglia is the dish “orecchiette con cime di rapa” (orecchiette with broccoli rabe). This dish demonstrates the simplicity of Pugliese cuisine: orecchiette, the small ear-shaped pasta, is served with bitter broccoli rabe, garlic, chilli flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Another staple of Pugliese cucina povera is “fave e cicorie” (fava beans and chicory). Fava beans are combined with bitter chicory greens and cooked to create a hearty and flavourful dish.
Best Food in Puglia
Much of the best food in Puglia is due to its fresh ingredients. You can pick up the ingredients at local markets and grocery stores around Puglia.
- Bread: Puglia is known for its exceptional bread, particularly the pane di Altamura made from durum wheat semolina.
- Burrata: Creamy cheese made from mozzarella and cream.
- Caciocavallo: A soft cheese with an elastic texture made from sheep or cow’s milk.
- Seafood: some of the most common seafood caught and served in Puglia are sea bass, octopus, mussels, and clams
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, peppers, artichokes, and fava beans
- Olive Oil: Puglia has been known for its bountiful olive groves and olive oil production. However, recently many local olive trees have been wiped out by an infection.
- Orecchiette: This small, ear-shaped pasta is an iconic symbol of Puglia’s culinary tradition. Orecchiette, which means “little ears” in Italian, is typically made from durum wheat semolina and water.
Dishes to Try in Puglia, Italy
Make sure you look out for the following dishes at restaurants in Puglia using its famous ingredients.
- Orecchiette con cime di rapa: Traditional Pugliese pasta dish with ear-shaped pasta and broccoli rabe.
- Focaccia Pugliese: Flatbread topped with olive oil, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes olives or herbs.
- Frisella: Hard, twice-baked bread
- Taralli: Crunchy ring-shaped dough snacks flavoured with various ingredients such as fennel, pepper, or olive oil.
- Polpo: Octopus, amongst other fresh seafood, is fished along the Puglia coastline and is often served in a sandwich or as polpo alla pignata (cooked in a clay pot)
- Cozze alla Tarantina: Mussels cooked in a tomato sauce with garlic, parsley, and chilli flakes.
- Pasticiotto: A small pastry filled with custard or cream, often enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee.
- Trecce con mandorle: braided sweet cookies with almonds
Tips for Eating at Restaurants in Puglia
1. Seek Assistance for Reservations
If you prefer not to call restaurants because your Italian is limited, ask your hotel or Airbnb owner for help making a reservation. They can assist in securing a table and many also have other recommendations for the best restaurants in Puglia.
2. Check Opening Hours
When planning a visit to Cisternino, avoid Sundays if you plan to eat there, as many places are typically closed. To ensure the best dining experience, check the opening hours of restaurants in advance.
Or if you know many establishments in a town shut on a particular day, then make sure you have bought fresh ingredients to cook a meal at your accommodation. We loved cooking the sausages we found in supermarkets.
3. Make Bookings
If there are any restaurants that you have the urge to visit and would be disappointed if you do not, I strongly advise booking a table in advance.
While there are often tables left for walk-ins, you can often be faced with a line of people with the same idea, and only the first few get the spot. Some restaurants in Puglia are small and only have a handful of tables.
4. Enjoy a Quick Breakfast in Puglia
In Puglia, breakfast is not as elaborate as in other parts of Europe or North America. It is easy to have a simple breakfast at your accommodation, or you can visit a bakery on the go.
A typical Italian breakfast consists of a coffee paired with a croissant (cornetto in Italian) or a pasticciotto, a local pastry speciality.
5. Seasonal Restaurant Availability
Keep in mind that many restaurants in Puglia operate seasonally. During winter, early spring, and late autumn, some establishments may be closed. It is a good idea to check the seasonal availability of restaurants, especially if you visit during these periods.
When we visited in late September, some restaurants were gearing up to close throughout winter.
6. Bring Back Souvenirs
Puglia is renowned for its exceptional olive oil production. Consider bringing back a bottle of olive oil as a souvenir from your trip. One of our villa rentals made homemade olive oil and we bought as many bottles as we could fit in our suitcases.
Where to Stay in Puglia?
There are incredible places to stay in Puglia, ranging from luxury masserie to dome-shaped trulli buildings.
Check out luxury villas on VRBO.
Conclusion
My favourite restaurants in Puglia were Osteria del Tempo Perso, Borgo Antico, and Bro’s Trattoria. You cannot go to Puglia without visiting these.
