Matera
In Sasso Barisano, this lofty and convivial cavern is styled as a Neapolitan pizzeria. It has a great, cheery atmosphere with excellent, substantial…
Must-see restaurants in Puglia, Basilicata & Calabria
Alberobello
Although tourists have discovered this place, located to the side of a little Doric temple, it has maintained the high standards established back in 1958…
Cosenza
Beloved of the locals, this unpretentious trattoria is one of Cosenza's best. Simple, robust dishes such as fagioli con cozze (beans with mussels),…
Basilicata
On the main coastal highway in the village of Cersuta (about 5km north of Maratea), the flower-bedecked Da Cesare is worth seeking out for its simple,…
Vieste
Al Cantinone is a convivial, welcoming place set in a deep, vaulted room. Pugliese classics are rendered with aplomb, and there are more unusual dishes …
Cosenza
Traditional Calabrian cuisine, such as cavatelli con cozze e fagioli (pasta with mussels and beans) and grigliata mista di carne (mixed grilled meats), is…
Bari
Fish sandwiches, salads and grilled seafood combine with a decent selection of Puglian wine and Italian craft beer at this compact corner spot. Either eat…
Martina Franca
With a broad communal bar, ever-hissing espresso machines and outdoor tables aligned towards busy Piazza XX Settembre, this is the quintessential Italian…
Vieste
Look beyond the stony, cavernous interior of this modest-seeming restaurant to find what is possibly the best homemade, hand-shaped orecchiette in Puglia…
Reggio Calabria
The most popular gelateria in town is in a modest green kiosk at the end of the lungomare. Try the subtle citrus zing of the bergamotto flavour,…
Tropea
Recommended by the locals, this restaurant in a smartly whitewashed cellar in the old town has a romantic ambience, candlelit tables and a solid…
Promontorio del Gargano
The 'Tavern of the Wolf' is located in a large exposed-brick cellar with jaunty tablecloths and an enthusiastic young staff. The crispy wood-fired pizzas…
Calabria
Providing an elegant upper town alternative to the cafes and restaurants in Chianalea, this 2018 opening comes recommended by locals for its excellent…
Lecce
This gelateria, one of Lecce's best, has an array of fabulous confectionery. Anything made with pistachios is likely to be delicious.
Puglia
A class act with a sea-view terrace, this place specialises in – what else? – fresh fish.
Matera
Stone is where you go to find young company or late-night grub (or both). Cavernous (like everywhere in Matera), its brightly lit interior has been given…
Bari
This long-established Barese osteria (casual tavern) features no menu, just a chalkboard displaying what's cooking that day. It's all salt-of-the-earth…
Cosenza
There's no sea in Cosenza, yet the seafood is spot on at this diminutive family restaurant just off the city's main pedestrian street. With Sicily so…
Matera
Proudly proclaiming itself to be the first of its kind in Sasso Barisano, this informal restaurant set in arched whitewashed rooms has been trading since…
Vieste
Tucked away in a picturesque narrow alley in the heart of the old town, this welcoming osteria has a cosy cave-like interior and outdoor seating under a…
Bari
With domed ceilings, archways and medieval-style artwork on the walls, this restaurant oozes atmosphere, and a quiet (justified) confidence in its classic…
Lecce
A warmly inviting restaurant, this good-value trattoria is known for regional classics. As is proper to Puglia's 'cuisine of the poor', it's often the…
Matera
'The Mole' has burrowed itself comfortably inside one of Sasso Barisano's caverns, creating a rustic dining experience. With plates of Lucanian (aka…
Gallipoli
For good Gallipoli spumone (layered ice cream with candied fruit and nuts) and refreshing granite (ices made with coffee, fresh fruit or locally grown…
Ostuni
This laid-back place harnesses the best of the region's produce, from Martina Franca's capocollo (cured pork neck) to whatever's been hauled from the…
Otranto
You can't miss this pizzeria right by the huge Porta Terra as you enter the historic centre. Despite the tourist-trap location, the food doesn't lack…
Brindisi
Established more than 40 years ago in a restored 15th-century palazzo, sophisticated Il Giardino serves refined seafood and meat dishes in a delightful…
Basilicata
The outdoor seating at this cafe in Maratea Borgo's central piazza is ideal for people-watching. The cafe serves snacks such as panini and crostata with…
Matera
This cavernous restaurant with sharp colour accents is a favourite with visitors to Matera, but we were slightly underwhelmed with the service on our last…
Calabria
For expansive sea and castle views dine at this bright and airy seafood specialist. Try the squeaky-fresh crudo di mare (raw seafood) antipasto, the…
Calabria
Pizzo enjoys something of a reputation for its gelato, and, on the main square, Ercole is reckoned by many to serve the best in town. The most admired…
Tropea
Set on the lip of Tropea’s stunning cliffs, Pimm’s serves up simple but excellent local seafood, as well as salads starring the town’s prized red onions…
Tropea
Pesce spada (swordfish) is a speciality on this part of the coast and it rates highly on the menu at this simple seafood place tucked away in the…
Matera
If you're looking for a snack on the go, grab a slice of just-baked focaccia or a knobbly, deep-brown Matera loaf from this popular bakery on Matera's…
Bari
Check out this simple corner stall for Barese street-food sgagliozze (deep-fried polenta cubes). You may need a lie-down afterwards.
