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…
Must-see restaurants in Salento
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Lecce
This sweet courtyard restaurant is dependably one of Lecce's better eating options. There are pizzas, but why would you, when the seafood's so good? Try…
Lecce
This gelateria, one of Lecce's best, has an array of fabulous confectionery. Anything made with pistachios is likely to be delicious.
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…
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…
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…
