Where to Eat in Puglia, Itlay: Best Restaurants and Food Guide
- Lili
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 3
Puglia, in southern Italy, is a true gastronomic paradise. Known for its handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and high-quality olive oils, the region delights even the most demanding palates. If you're planning a trip to Puglia and want to know where to eat in its main cities, this guide brings you the best restaurants and recommendations for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Best Restaurants to Eat in Bari – The Gateway to Puglia
🍴 La Tana del Polpo: If you love seafood, this is the perfect place to go. The grilled octopus and fresh seafood dishes are must-tries.
🥪 Mastro Ciccio: Offers gourmet sandwiches with fresh ingredients and creative combinations. A great option for a quick and delicious meal.
🍞 Panificio Fiore: A perfect place to taste traditional focaccia barese, crispy on the outside and soft inside, at an affordable price. Link on instagram.
📍 Find these restaurants on Google Maps: Bari Restaurants
Where to Eat in Polignano a Mare: Stunning Views and Great Food
🌊 Ristorante Grotta Palazzese: One of Italy's most iconic restaurants, located inside a cave with breathtaking sea views. Dining here is expensive but truly unforgettable.
🐟 Pescaria: An innovative gourmet fast-food concept specializing in fish and seafood sandwiches. Perfect for a quick yet delicious meal.
🔹Tip: If you go to Polignano a Mare, don't miss the famous "granita di caffè" or caffe speciale, a unique coffee served with sugar, lemon, amaretto and cream. It's a real trademark of the city.
Polignano a Mare's cuisine is simple but full of flavor, reflecting the Mediterranean tradition with fresh, authentic ingredients.
Authentic Flavors in Alberobello – Traditional Flavors Among the Trulli
🍝 Trattoria Terra Madre: A cozy restaurant that prioritizes local ingredients and regional/traditional dishes, such as orecchiette with broccoli.
🍷 Casa Nova il Ristorante: Another excellent option to try authentic orecchiette, one of Puglia's most famous pasta dishes.
Matera's Unique Dining Experience: Eating in Stone-Carved Caves
🏡 Dimora Ulmo: A highly-rated restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and refined atmosphere, offering a modern take on traditional flavors.
🍽️ Baccanti: For those seeking a more refined dining experience, this restaurant offers exquisite dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Ostuni – The White City and Its Refined Gastronomy
🍄 Osteria del Tempo Perso: Famous for its handmade pasta and truffle dishes, a must-visit for lovers of fine dining.
✨ Ristorante Cielo (at Hotel La Sommità): A sophisticated and romantic option, perfect for a special dinner. The elegant ambiance and refined cuisine make this a memorable experience.
The region's cuisine values simple and authentic ingredients, with a strong presence of locally produced extra virgin olive oil. One of the typical dishes: tiella di riso, patate e cozze (rice, potatoes and mussels)
Lecce – The Florence of the South and Its Authentic Flavors
🍲 Trattoria Le Zie: A family-run and cozy restaurant where you can enjoy homemade Puglian dishes like ciceri e tria (pasta with chickpeas).
🐠 Osteria degli Spiriti: Famous for its fresh pasta and seafood dishes. An excellent place to explore local cuisine.
Otranto and the Salento Coast – Where the Sea Meets Gastronomy
🐟 Ristorante Retrogusto (Otranto): A top-rated restaurant offering contemporary interpretations of traditional Puglian cuisine. Known for its fresh ingredients and refined presentation, this is a fantastic choice for a memorable meal in Otranto. Open from April to October
🌊Ristorante FronteMare - Otranto: it is co-owned by Ristorante Retrogusto, with the same menu. Open all year round.
🌅 Grotta del Conte (Santa Maria di Leuca): Besides delicious food, the spectacular sea view makes dining here an unforgettable experience.
Vieste and Gargano – Coastal Flavors
⛰️ Il Capriccio: Led by chef Leonardo Vescera, this restaurant is renowned for the quality of its ingredients and its refined touch in the gastronomy of Puglia.
🌊 Osteria Al Duomo: A cozy place that serves traditional dishes from the region, showcasing the best of local cuisine.
Conclusion
Whether in charming historic towns or by the turquoise-blue sea, Puglia is a destination that impresses both visually and gastronomically. From simple traditional dishes to sophisticated dining experiences, the region offers options for every taste and budget. When visiting Puglia, be sure to savor the local cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of this enchanting Italian region. Some of the region's typical dishes are Ciceri e Tria, orecchiette alle cime di rapa, Riso, patate e cozze, Caciocavallo, Pasticciotto Leccese, Panzerotti and many others. I hope I've made you hungry! Buon appetito! 🍷🍝Buon appetito! 🍷🍝
Ready to Explore Puglia?
🔹 Discover the Best Time to Visit Puglia – Each season reveals a unique side of the region, with stunning landscapes and must-see events. Find out the best time for your trip and make the most of your experience! [[Link to the post about the best time to visit Puglia]]
🔹 Find the Perfect Itinerary for You – Whether it's a short getaway or a longer trip, we have personalized itineraries for different durations and interests. Explore our 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day itinerary suggestions and choose the one that fits your travel style. [[Link to posts about 3, 5, and 7-day itineraries]]
🔹 Find the Ideal Accommodation – From luxurious hotels to charming guesthouses, check out our accommodation recommendations in each Puglia region and find the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration. [[Link to the post about accommodation in Puglia]]
🔹 Explore Brindisi and Beyond – Discover what to see and do in Brindisi, plus other must-visit attractions in southern Italy.
💬 Share Your Experience! Have you visited Puglia? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below with your tips, impressions, and favorite places. Your experience could help other travelers plan the perfect trip! |
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