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, Basilicata & Calabria
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…
Calabria
In Terranova di Pollino, Luna Rossa is the highly esteemed restaurant of chef Federico Valicenti. Basilicatan cuisine is perfectly expressed in simple,…
Reggio Calabria
One of the best restaurants in Reggio, serving maccheroni al ragù di maiale (handmade pasta with pork sauce) and involtini di vitello (veal rolls) in an…
Matera
Degustation menus from five to 12 courses provide a sumptuous experience of elevated Italian cuisine at Matera's most innovative restaurant. Menu options…
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…
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…
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…
Calabria
Among Calabria’s best eats, La Tavernetta marries rough country charm with citified elegance in warmly colourful dining rooms. The food is first-rate and…
Matera
'The Angels' Vices', an artisanal gelato 'laboratory' on the busy promenade of Via Domenico Ridola, is Matera's best. Alongside classics such as pistachio…
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…
Matera
Harnessing ingredients sourced from Slow Food producers around southern Italy, Da Zero is the best pizzeria in Matera. Interesting flavour combinations…
Tropea
Dining options include a slender and modern dining room or an outside terrace with excellent views, both great locations to enjoy Genus Loci's light and…
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…
Basilicata
Vintage movie posters and a juke box packed with opera arias and 1960s soul hits combine at this welcoming cafe on Bernalda's main street. Like the…
Calabria
When your dad's a fisherman, it's easy to guarantee a good supply of the freshest seafood. There's nothing pretentious about this family-owned eatery,…
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…
Basilicata
This terrace restaurant, sitting above the Bar del Porto overlooking the marina, has been knocking out delightful Lucanian seafood for over 20 years. Sit…
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…
Basilicata
The in-house ristorante of the Locanda delle Donne Monache hotel, Il Sacello serves wonderful Lucanian fare and seafood, overlooking the red rooftops of…
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…
Reggio Calabria
Local Calabrian flavours shine at this friendly and informal spot where the menu changes regularly on a seasonal basis. Meaty favourites like Calabrian…
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…
Matera
The paradoxical bounty of Lucania's cucina povera is laid out before you in this stone cellar in Sasso Caveoso. For a fantastic introduction to a range of…
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…
