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
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…
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…
Martina Franca
Tucked away down a dogleg alley off Martina Franca's main pedestrian drag is this lovely little modern Italian place, run by brothers Francesco and…
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…
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…
Alberobello
Vegetables take pride of place in Italian kitchens, especially at this enthusiastic vegetarian-ish (some meat is served) restaurant. The farm-to-table…
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…
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…
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…
Vieste
A classy cut above other Vieste restaurants, Osteria degli Archi offers innovative spins on established flavours and recipes. Standout dishes include…
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…
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)…
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…
Ostuni
Scenically installed in the Aragonese fortifications, this terraced restaurant is a special occasion charmer. Seafood is wonderful here, with a whole…
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…
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…
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…
Otranto
A modern update on a traditional friggitoria, SoFish features excellent fried seafood, good salads – the one with huge slabs of seared tuna almost…
Vieste
Located in a limestone cave dating back around 1000 years, Al Dragone is Vieste's classiest fine-dining restaurant. Local produce and ingredients…
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…
Bari
Top-notch salads and panini sandwiches crammed with local products including octopus, ham, buffalo mozzarella cheese and pistachios make Mastro Ciccio a…
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…
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…
Cisternino
This charismatic little juice bar/lunch spot is the necessary counterbalance to the meaty excesses Cisternino is famous for. Market-fresh vegetables and…
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…
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…
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…
Brindisi
Named after the Rabelaisian giant Pantagruel, this trattoria three blocks from the waterfront serves excellent fish and grilled meats. Expect fresh…
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…
Alberobello
Vegetarians will be pleased here, as vegetables step timidly out of the contorni shadow, into the primi limelight. Alongside the swordfish, shrimp and…
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…
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…
Martina Franca
A friendly delicatessen and cafe showcasing Slow Food ingredients from around the Valle d’Itria, Cibando is a good place to try the area's renowned smoked…
Trani
This compact and happening spot soundtracked by classic soul music combines good-value gourmet salads and panini sandwiches with a thoughtful selection of…
Martina Franca
Formerly a more casual osteria, this restaurant in Martina Franca's centro storico has been relaunched with a fine dining focus and an improved wine list…
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…
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…
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…
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…
