5 best restaurants in Brindisi

Our favourite places to eat. Enjoy awesome food and stunning decor.

1.

Osteria Pugliese

Loved by locals

For authentic, home-style food in the white-washed town of Ceglie Messapica, Osteria Pugliese is unrivalled. Run by a mother and her sons, it serves all the famous local dishes, from fave e cicoria to orecchiette. Choose wines by the jug to heighten the rustic charm, and enjoy sweet biscuits with an espresso or liqueur while you ponder over the very reasonable bill. The restaurant relies on word of mouth and a history of great cooking, making it most popular amongst locals.

Vico I Nannavecchia 10, Ceglie Messapica

Tel: 39 0831 377115

Our
favourite
place to
eat

2.

Le Zie Trattoria

A homely haven

If you love Lecce, you love Italian traditions, and there’s nowhere better for that than the charming Le Zie Trattoria. Haphazardly decorated, it’s a homely little hangout run by a family-focused lady who uses her mother's sun-dried tomatoes and her aunt's olive oil to produce daily-made dishes such as orecchiette (the local ear-shaped pasta) and fave e cicoria (local broad bean puree with chicory). Head here for home-cooked foodie heaven.

Viale Costadura 19, Lecce

Tel: 39 083 224 5178 www.lezie.it

3.

Lido Bosco Verde

Al fresco favourite

Live like an Italian and laze on the beach, take a dip in the pool and then satisfy your hunger, all at the coolly casual Lido Bosco Verde in Ostuni. A long room styled in crisp whites, it overlooks a terrace shaded with olive trees and offers market-price fresh fish and seafood that diners choose from the counter. Traditional antipasti, pasta, Italian wines and delicious desserts complete the set-up at this family-friendly venue.

Calle da Pilone, 2017 Ostuni

Tel: 39 331 767 4008 www.lidoboscoverde.it

4.

Il Bastione

Fresh from the sea

In the little island town of Gallipoli, a couple of hours from Lecce, lies Il Bastione, where chef Marcello Caricola takes twice-daily walks down to the harbour where fishermen sell their catch. From lobster and urchins to pesce azzurro (blue-scaled fish), he serves it up at the restaurant on raw platters, grilled, baked and stuffed, alongside mouthwatering side dishes and Puglia wines. Complemented by beautiful sea views from the terrace, this place is always a winner amongst weary sightseers.

Riviera Nazario Sauro 28, 73048 Gallipoli

Tel: 39 083 3263 836 www.ilbastionegallipoli.it

5.

Mint Cucina Fresca

A little local gem

Run by a husband-and-wife team who blend their Italian and Brazilian backgrounds, Mint Cucina Fresca offers a unique menu that departs from the traditional pizza and pasta. Feast on fish, meat and vegetarian dishes produced from the healthiest and freshest local ingredients, in bijou surroundings. Start with Puglian cheeses and finish with fantastic desserts that range from chocolate tortes to custard creations. Even the non-alcoholic cocktails taste divine!

Via San Benedetto 32, Polignano a Mare

Tel: 39 080 424 1373 www.mintcucinafresca.com