One of the questions I get asked all the time, apart from “Nikki how can you find us our dream home in Italy” is “where are the best places to eat in Puglia”?
Wow, there are so many.
But I want to share with you my top tip places to visit and experience the very best food and drink when you are coming to Puglia. There are so many amazing places to experience but I will outline my favourites here for you.
Aquamarea – Polignano a Mare
Aquamarea is a hotel and restaurant which has a special place in my heart for many reasons. My good friend Elisa told me about this place in April of 2023 and told me that the atmosphere is magical and the views will totally blow your mind. What I wasn’t expecting is that not only my mind would be blown but also my heart. One of Elisa’s good friends is one of the owners of this incredible venue and lets just say it was a love at first sight experience of which I am truly grateful for. Now let’s get back to the venue. Imagine being up on the most exclusive roof terrace in the town, overlooking the famous “Lama Monachile” beach. My jaw was on the floor totally. I said to Elisa at the time, “do you realize that we are in one of the most incredible places in Puglia and this is our home” total mind blowing moment right there.
Aquamarea offers the most incredible cocktails, a Japanese-Pugliese fusion cuisine, a dj dropping the most amazing beats and creating a contagious vibe and the VIEWS. OMG. Each person I have recommended to Aquamarea has been totally awe inspired so it’s definitely a place to add to your Puglia bucket list!!
Ardecuore – Fasano
I was first introduced to this incredible restaurant last year and I have experienced many a “life changing” food moment but Ardecuore gets me every time. Their antipasti is the BEST that I have tried in Puglia and let me tell you I have experienced a lot.
This quaint restaurant is filled to the brim with Pugliese charm and character and the food is off the charts good. Not to mention the wait staff who are super friendly and completely at your disposal. If you come to Puglia and not visit Ardecuore you are totally missing out.
La Taverna dello Gelosia – Ostuni
Apart from the fact I LOVE the name of this restaurant, it means the tavern of jealousy…..oh the drama, I truly love the food! However, apart from the dramatic name the food is absolutely sublime! Antipasti is incredible. I highly recommend getting the “bombette” which is a giant bombette that is definitely one your palate will be dancing to delight to!
Garibaldi Bistrot – Martina Franca
I have been to this restaurant several times and it never disappoints! Apart from the fact of the incredible service, the owner is so passionate about sourcing local produce and the antipasti is absolutely incredible.
Definitely add the scamorza on top of the pureed cipolla, the pizza fritta and the white truffle pasta to your order and you will be thanking me later!
Masseria Conte – Fasano
I have been going to Masseria Conte for years and it never disappoints. The owners Angelo and his wife Lucia have such an incredible way of making everyone feel right at home. This place is super family friendly with a slide and swing set and a huge garden area for kids to play in plus lots of animals on the premises to have a look at!
What I love about this masseria is the simplicity of its food. Local produce, totally a farm to fork experience with an incredible antipasti menu – are you seeing a theme here? I am a total sucker for an antipasti tasting menu as you really get a chance to experience so many different flavours and local dishes.
If you are a vegetarian then please look away…….the “secondi” part of the menu is all meat cooked on the barbecue, simple chargrilled flavours at its finest.
Definitely one of the best masserias I have experienced and you must book in advance as they always get booked up!
Bahia Beach Club – Torre Lapillo
This beach club has been on my bucket list for years since living in Puglia and this summer I got to experience it several times. What I love about living in Martina Franca is that I am halfway between the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines.
I am definitely team Ionian as I ADORE the soft sandy beaches, the shallow crystal clear waters that are so warm it feels like you are in a giant bath.
Bahia is definitely one if you like a bit of luxury on your beach day and you are also very lazy like me, where all your drinks and food are delivered to your sunbed so no need to ever get up unless you are wanting a dip in the sea!
Prices for the sunbeds range depending on the month of the season and also the positioning to the water.
Il Fienile – Galatina
I first discovered this restaurant on a property viewing trip with a private client and it has become a firm favourite. I think in the months between April and May I went about 4 times!
The decor of this restaurant is traditionally Salento style which I adore and the service is absolutely impeccable. It is run by a husband and wife duo, she is the maitre d whilst her husband is in the kitchen cooking up some phenomenal dishes!
Galatina is definitely one of the cutest towns in lower Salento, like a mini Lecce and is definitely a place to check out – also the property prices there are still VERY reasonable (for now!)
My Favourite Places to Eat in Puglia – And Yours…??
So this is a list of my favourite places to eat in Puglia, but what about you? Do you know of any hidden gems I have missed? Add your thoughts below – I look forward to hearing from you!
