Puglia is an Italian food lover’s paradise, where every meal is a celebration of simple yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. Get ready to want to cover yourself in silky olive oil drizzled over freshly made pasta or crispy focaccia paired with creamy burrata.
Whether you’re exploring charming seaside towns or wandering through the trulli-dotted countryside, the food in Puglia is irresistible.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best restaurants in Puglia, city by city, to indulge in the region’s best dishes—from hearty plates of orecchiette to fresh seafood. Puglia’s culinary scene is diverse and exciting, so bring your appetite and get ready to dive into a delicious journey through the tastiest corners of Puglia!
Best Puglia Restaurants by City Quick Links:
Best Restaurants in Puglia, Italy, Where to Eat by City:
Monopoli
Tuttoapposto Winebar
Tuttoapposto Winebar, nestled in the lively Centro Storico di Monopoli, is where locals and tourists gather for an aperitivo with a side of great ambiance. It’s a place where you can truly feel the local charm and become part of the experience.
This adorable, cozy wine bar is perfectly positioned right on the harbor, offering incredible views and prime people-watching opportunities. The staff is also warm and welcoming, creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere where good music fills the air.
What really stands out here is the exceptional selection of wines from all across Puglia. If you’re lucky enough to snag the small inside table overlooking the harbor, sit back and sip your wine with one of the best views in town.
N24
In the heart of Monopoli’s old town, N24 sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s atmosphere is magical, with hanging lights strung above the medieval walls and lush plants wrapping the space in greenery.
When you’re here, make sure to introduce yourself to our friend Jean-Pierre, the restaurant’s sommelier who will make you feel like part of the family. His knowledge of Pugliese wines is impeccable, and the bottle he suggested to us was one of our favorites we drank all throughout Puglia (we even went back to see him a few days later to ask where we could ship some home).
One of the other main highlights of our meal, because of their uniqueness, great taste, and fun eating experience, was the vegetarian palette. These little veggie balls are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs and are simply a must-try!
Spaghetti d’Italia
If the name Spaghetti d’Italia sounds a bit generic, don’t let it fool you. This unassuming spot serves some of the best pasta we had in Puglia. Their carbonara, in particular, is legendary.
What sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional flavors. Our entire group couldn’t stop raving about it! If you’re craving pasta in Monopoli, this is your place.
Alberobello
Cosi Com’era
Located in the quaint Piazza del Popolo, Cosi Com’era is the perfect place to start your day in Alberobello. This peaceful town square provides the ideal setting for a sit-down breakfast that will linger in your memory long after the meal is over.
The breakfast platter and pancakes were our meal’s stand-out picks. The breakfast platter celebrates Pugliese cuisine, complete with fava bean mash, local cheeses and meats, and copious amounts of focaccia. Then, whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the pistachio pancakes; they’re the perfect fluffy, sweet, nutty touch to top off your morning.
Also, Even the kids’ menu at Cosi Com’era was impressive. My 11-month-old happily devoured scrambled eggs that were far too delicious for a kid’s dish—fluffy, fresh, and served with local tomatoes and focaccia.
Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar
When in Alberobello, you can’t miss the opportunity to sip wine surrounded by iconic trulli. Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar offers a prime spot to do just that.
Tables with umbrellas line the picturesque streets of the Trulli zone, creating a charming atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
We had our first (and best) Spritz Pugliese here, accompanied by delightful focaccia and burrata snacks. The wine list is extensive, and whether you’re a spritz fan or a wine enthusiast, this is a fabulous place to unwind after exploring the trulli.
Otranto
L’Ortale Ristoro Salentissimo
For an exceptional experience in Otranto, head to L’Ortale Ristoro Salentissimo’s terraced garden for a drink and some tasty bites. This wine bar, located outside in a covered and terraced garden offers a stunning outdoor setting, surrounded by plants, and with tons of cozy seating, feels like a hidden oasis.
First off, the service here is exceptional—when I arrived with my 11-month-old in his stroller, the host effortlessly carried my full stroller (with baby inside and all) up the 30 winding, terraced steps so I didn’t have to struggle.
Similar to other Pugliese wine bars, L’Ortale’s wine list is extensive, with plenty of local varieties to choose from. Our favorite was an orange wine called Confidenziale by Amastuola. It struck a perfect balance between boldness and refreshment, making it an ideal summer sipper.
While L’Ortale may be known for wine, don’t skip the food, too! The friselle here was the very best I had in all of Puglia. Also, make sure you grab a caffe leccese, before you go or on your way out, this delectable iced specialty of the region is made with espresso and almond syrup and is the perfect pick me up to continue your day in Otranto.
Polignano a Mare
MINT Cucina Fresca
If you’re looking for a restaurant that will dazzle all your senses, MINT Cucina Fresca is it. With a much deserved 4.9 rating on Google, this vegetable-based spot elevates traditional Italian dishes in the most refreshing way.
The owners are locals, so the food is as authentically Puglian as it gets despite the plant-based twist. Also, the restaurant was partially inspired by the owner’s husband, who is a pastry chef, so save room for dessert! For a fun treat, you can ask him to surprise you with whatever he wants to make!
As if the delicious food were not reason enough to come, the decor inside the restaurant is spectacular. Liu, the owner, has expertly curated it to perfection, creating an eclectic and beautiful space. Everything from vibrant chandeliers to vintage glassware to a striped ceiling adorns the small restaurant. Even the bathroom is expertly crafted! My friend I was traveling with said about the bathroom, “It was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen”!
Ostuni
Borgo Antico Bistrot
Perched on a hill in Ostuni, Borgo Antico Bistrot offers one of the best places to enjoy an aperitivo while watching the sunset over this whitewashed city.
I like to call it the “sunset bar” for a reason—the panoramic views are unbeatable, especially if you can grab a seat on one of the ramps toward the top of the hill.
The quirky seating arrangement only adds to the unique vibe, making it a fantastic spot for people-watching as you sip your spritz and nibble on snacks.
Osteria del Tempo Perso
Wander through Ostuni’s winding alleyways, and you’ll find Osteria del Tempo Perso, a restaurant renowned among both locals and visitors.
Unfortunately, it was closed on the day we visited, but the glowing reviews from everyone (locals included) that we spoke to make it clear that this is a must-visit. Set in a picturesque alleyway adorned with twinkling white lights, it’s the kind of romantic, intimate dining experience that you won’t forget.
Bari
Carletto Cucina
In the heart of Bari’s old town, Carletto Cucina serves up a traditional 4-course Italian lunch that feels like a true local experience. For only 25 euros, we were treated to fresh, authentic dishes that came with generous sides—making it feel more like an 8-course feast!
The vino della casa, or house wine, was a perfect pairing, light and wonderfully drinkable. With only ten tables outside on the charming streets, this small, unpretentious restaurant makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem.
Bonus: the owners don’t speak much English, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
Mercantile Nove
Looking for the perfect place to grab drinks and snacks in Bari? Mercantile Nove is your go-to.
Located on a lively square where the old town meets the water, this place offers plenty of outdoor seating and great views.
We kicked off our visit with an order of the Frisella from Bari, but then it was so good that we ordered two more! Washed down with perfectly made Aperol spritzes, it was the perfect way to enjoy a warm evening in Bari.
Best of all, the prices are fantastic—three friselle and five spritzes for around 30 euros? Yes, please!
Vieste
Carpenter
Set on the edge of a cliff with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, Carpenter is the quintessential spot for soaking up Vieste’s stunning vistas. Our group loved this place so much, we ended up visiting nearly every day of our trip!
While the food isn’t the highlight here, the Aperol spritzes were spot on, served with crunchy and flavorful taralli and juicy olives. With such breathtaking views, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Vieste.
Antichi Sapori
For those seeking the perfect picnic to accompany their Vieste adventures, look no further than Antichi Sapori. This little sandwich shop offers a huge range of options to build your dream panini.
We grabbed some to-go for our boat tour around the Gargano Peninsula, and they held up perfectly until lunchtime. Whether you’re headed on a boat trip or just need a quick meal to take with you, these paninis are the perfect solution.
Osteria Al Duomo
Located in Vieste’s old town, Osteria Al Duomo is an enchanting restaurant where history comes to life. The restaurant is carved into the rock, giving it the feel of dining in a cave with beautiful stone archways overhead.
The atmosphere is as memorable as the food! Make sure to book ahead, as it’s a popular spot!
