Exploring a region is not just about sightseeing and taking in tourist attractions; it is also about discovering its food culture. Puglia is a region located in southern Italy and is famous for its olive groves, crystal-clear waters, and Baroque-style cities. The region is also known for its flavorful and diverse cuisine, with each town having its own unique flavors and dishes. In this article, we explore Puglia\’s culinary gems – the top restaurants you must try.

Before delving into the region\’s culinary delights, it\’s helpful to know a bit about Puglia\’s food history. The cuisine of this region is rooted in its rural past, which was defined by farming and agriculture. As a result, the food in Puglia constitutes simple ingredients that are prepared in a way that enhances their natural flavors. The use of olive oil is ubiquitous, and vegetables such as eggplants, fava beans, and artichokes are prevalent in most dishes. Pasta dishes are also diverse, with orecchiette being the most famous, especially in the Bari region.

One of the must-visit restaurants in the region is Cibus in Ceglie Messapica. This restaurant\’s unique concept is based on the changing of its menu every day, depending on the availability of local ingredients. The restaurant also offers food workshops that allow visitors to learn more about Puglia\’s cuisine and culinary traditions. Whether you are a vegetarian, a seafood lover, or a meat enthusiast, Cibus has something for everyone.

If you are looking for seafood, then La Barca di Ciro in Polignano a Mare should be on your list. Located by the sea, this restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes, including risotto with clams, prawns, and sea urchins. The restaurant is also famous for its appetizers such as oysters and red prawns.

For meat lovers, Il Falco del Casale in Martina Franca is a must-visit restaurant. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Puglia flavors with international twists. The menu includes dishes like beef tartare with truffles, lamb chops, and duck breast with orange and ginger sauce. The restaurant also has an extensive wine cellar, with an array of wines from the region and beyond.

Another top restaurant in Puglia is Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni. This restaurant is housed in a restored mill and is known for its refined cuisine and sophisticated ambiance. The menu includes dishes like steamed octopus with potato cream, rabbit with hazelnuts, and homemade pasta with zucchini pesto. The restaurant also has a great selection of wines, including some rare finds.

Trattoria de Giglio in Lecce is an excellent example of the region\’s simple yet flavorful cuisine. This restaurant offers classic Puglian dishes like ziti al forno, pappardelle with wild boar ragu, and fava beans with chicory. The restaurant\’s cozy atmosphere adds to the dining experience.

For those who want to experience Puglia\’s cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, Masseria Il Frantoio in Ostuni is the place to be. This restaurant offers a traditional Puglian experience, with dishes made from organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes dishes like homemade pasta with cime di rapa (turnip tops), stuffed zucchini flowers, and roasted lamb. The restaurant also offers cooking classes and olive oil tastings.

There you have it – the top restaurants in Puglia that offer the region\’s culinary gems. Whether you are a seafood lover, a meat enthusiast, or a vegetarian, there is something for you in Puglia\’s cuisine.

1. Finding the Best Olive Oil in Puglia

Puglia is famous for its olive oil, which is one of the most important products in the region. The region produces around 40% of Italy\’s olive oil, with over 60 million trees producing about 250,000 tons of oil. As a result, finding the best olive oil in Puglia can seem like a daunting task.

One way to discover the best olive oil in Puglia is by visiting some of the region\’s olive oil mills. These mills offer tours and tastings, where visitors can learn about the production process and sample the oils. Some of the best olive oil mills in the region include Frantoio di Otranto, Azienda Agricola F.lli Matteo, and Olio Sarolo.

Another way to discover the best olive oil in Puglia is by visiting farmer\’s markets and local producers. These producers offer a variety of olive oils, from the traditional extra-virgin to flavored oils. The best time to buy olive oil is between October and November, which is when the olives are harvested.

2. Traditional Puglian Sweets One Must Try

There is more to Puglian cuisine than just savory dishes. The region is also famous for its sweets, which are made from simple and local ingredients. Traditional Puglian sweets are a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the region\’s culinary heritage.

One of the most famous traditional Puglian sweets is the pasticciotto, a pastry filled with custard, which originated in Lecce. This pastry is typically consumed for breakfast or as a snack, and it\’s a must-try when visiting the region.

Another traditional sweet is the zeppola, a fried doughnut that is usually filled with cream or ricotta. This sweet is typically consumed during the feast of Saint Joseph, which falls on March 19th.

Other traditional Puglian sweets include cartellate, a fried pastry that is shaped like a rose and is drizzled with honey, and pettole, a fried dough that is served with salt and pepper or with a topping of tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and anchovies.

3. The Secret of Puglia\’s Homemade Pasta

When it comes to pasta, Puglia is known for its delicious homemade varieties. One of the most famous is orecchiette, which means \”little ears\” in Italian. Orecchiette is a simple pasta made from flour and water and is shaped by hand.

The secret to Puglian pasta lies in the quality of the ingredients and the kneading process. The dough is typically kneaded for a long time and left to rest before being shaped. The result is a pasta that is firm, slightly chewy, and full of flavor.

Puglia is also famous for other homemade pasta varieties such as cavatelli, a spiral-shaped pasta that is usually served with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese, and fave e cicoria, a dish made with homemade pasta, fava beans, and chicory.

4. Discovering the Best Wines in Puglia

Puglia is also well known for its wine production. The region has a long history of wine making, dating back to ancient times. The wines of Puglia are complex, full of flavor, and reflect the region\’s varied landscapes.

Puglia\’s wine production is dominated by red wines, with the most famous being Primitivo di Manduria, Negroamaro di Salento, and Castel del Monte. These wines are made from local grape varieties and are known for their intense flavors and aromas.

Puglia also produces white wines, including Fiano and Verdeca, which are crisp and refreshing. Rose wines are also popular in the region, with some of the best coming from the Primitivo grape variety.

The best way to discover the best wines in Puglia is by visiting some of the region\’s wineries. Winery tours and tastings are a popular activity among visitors to the region. Some of the best wineries in Puglia include Cantine Due Palme, Coppi, and Leone de Castris.