They say, every trattoria in Puglia, whether in Alberobello, Bari, Lecce, Ostuni, or Polignano a Mare, doesn’t just cook meals; it serves up memories.
No wonder they came up with orecchiette here: this pasta, shaped like tiny ears, really tunes in to your taste buds.
Let’s dig deeper into Puglia’s culinary treasures so you can start drawing your own mouthwatering map of this Italian foodie paradise.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Em Campos. Image Location: Polignano a Mare, Italy
1. Grotta Palazzese: a dining experience in a cave
Imagine dining in Batman’s cave, but with better food and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. That’s Grotta Palazzese for you, a restaurant set inside a natural limestone cave, where the only bats are the ones battling for a reservation!
Location: Trains to Polignano a Mare
Specialty: Seafood
Price Range: $$$ ($100–$200 per person)
Reservation: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
2. Osteria del Tempo Perso: a rustic treat
Welcome to Osteria del Tempo Perso, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Puglia where the clocks seem to stand still. In this 16th-century building, time may be lost, but flavors are certainly found.
Location: Ostuni
Specialty: Orecchiette pasta
Price Range: $$ ($50–$100 per person)
Reservation: Recommended
Dress Code: Casual
Image Credit: Getty Images, Salvator Barki. Image Location: Lecce, Italy
3. Cibus: a contemporary culinary journey
Cibus is a restaurant that marries old and new, adding exciting twists to each of its dishes. Nestled in a 15th-century building with stone walls, it offers a taste of Cegliese cuisine, which is the delightful culinary tradition of Ceglie Messapica, a town in Puglia known for its rich gastronomic heritage.
Location: Trains to Lecce
Specialty: The grilled octopus
Price Range: $$ ($50–$100 per person)
Reservation: Recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
4. Masseria Il Frantoio: farm-to-table fine dining
Olive oil isn’t just for Popeye! At Masseria Il Frantoio, it’s the star of the show, pressed from olives that have seen more sun than your beach towel.
Location: Ostuni countryside
Specialty: Olive oil-based dishes
Price Range: $$$ ($100–$200 per person)
Reservation: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
Image Credit: Getty Images, daniele russo. Image Location: Ceglie Messapica, Italy
5. Al Fornello da Ricci: the gourmet choice
Chef Ricci’s dishes are so good, they’ve got a Michelin star. This place is all about keeping it real while serving up top-notch flavors. It’s like the cool kid in town who happens to cook like a Michelin chef. So, if you’re up for real tummy bliss, this is where you want to be. No fancy frills, just darn good food.
Location: Ceglie Messapica
Specialty: Contemporary Italian cuisine
Price Range: $$$ ($100–$200 per person)
Reservation: Highly recommended
Dress Code: Smart casual
6. La Taverna del Duca: local flavors in a cozy setting
If you ever wondered where the “dukes” of Puglia eat, it’s probably here. La Taverna del Duca, known for its intimate atmosphere and traditional Salento treats, serves up dishes fit for royalty (minus the crowns and scepters).
Location: Lecce
Specialty: Ciceri e Tria (pasta with chickpeas)
Price Range: $$ ($50–$100 per person)
Reservation: Recommended
Dress Code: Casual
7. Il Poeta Contadino: straight from the garden
At Il Poeta Contadino, they’re all about nature’s rhythm. With a menu that changes with the seasons, you can taste the freshness of each harvest in every bite.
Location: Carovigno
Specialty: Seasonal farm-to-table
Price Range: $$ ($50–$100 per person)
Reservation: Recommended
Dress Code: Casual
Image Credit: Getty Images, fabiomax. Image Location: Italy
Best restaurants in Puglia FAQs
What is the traditional food in Puglia?
The most famous Pugliese dish is orecchiette pasta with turnip tops or tomato sauce. The region is also the birthplace of burrata, a creamy cheese that is a delicacy in its own right. Another local specialty is Ciceri e Tria, a distinctive dish from the Salento area that combines chickpeas with both boiled and fried pasta. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try Pasticciotto, a custard-filled pastry from Lecce.
What is the famous Italian cliff restaurant?
It’s Grotta Palazzese in Puglia. This popular (and deservedly so!) restaurant is located in a natural cave overlooking the sea. The nearest train station is Polignano a Mare.
How much does it cost to eat at a cave restaurant in Italy?
At Grotta Palazzese, dining can cost you between $100 to $200 per person, excluding drinks.
Puglia is like a big all-you-can-eat buffet, but a hundred times more elegant, healthier, and with a sea view. To make your journey seamless, book your train tickets using the Trainline app for a hassle-free and oh-so-tasty adventure!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Fani Kurti. Image Location: Ostuni, Italy
