Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Italy

Summer Fish

$$ Via Delle Torri, 4, 73028, Otranto
Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style
We have chosen the splendid setting of Otranto because its charm leaves us speechless. And this is precisely where we wanted to make our dream come true and give substance to our idea of typical cuisine. The land of Salento is the inspiring muse of everything we offer you at the table. We seek out the flavours that have characterized our life and childhood in every preparation. The continuous search for tastes and colours can only push us towards the sea surrounding us, where our best raw material comes from. Freshness is a guarantee of flavours and aromas that you will never forget. In our philosophy, a dish is not just a sum of ingredients; it is not the result of the steps of a recipe. For us, it is the result of an idea, of a flavour to be achieved, sometimes of experiments, of techniques that are refined day after day until a single bite, the first, is enough to understand that even if they say that perfection does not exist, you can get close!

Dinette

$$ Lungomare Terra D'Otranto, 29, 73028, Otranto
Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining
Located in the charming coastal town of Otranto, Dinette is a modern Italian restaurant that combines Italian cuisine's simplicity and a contemporary dining experience. Known for its vibrant setting, delightful menu, and inviting ambience, Dinette has garnered recognition as a must-visit spot in the region. Dinette's menu celebrates Italian culinary traditions reimagined with a contemporary flair. The kitchen uses only fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create an enticing variety of dishes. Diners can expect to indulge in various offerings, from traditional antipasti platters to handmade pasta dishes and fresh seafood. Signature dishes include the 'Risotto with sea urchin and lemon zest,' 'Fettuccine with white ragu of wild boar,' and the 'Grilled octopus with potato cream.' For dessert, diners should not miss out on the 'Tiramisu alla Dinette,' a delightful reinterpretation of the classic Italian dessert. Dinette's interior is a fusion of modern design elements and traditional Italian charm. The dining room is spacious and filled with natural light, featuring sleek furniture, contemporary artwork, and a vibrant colour scheme that lends an upbeat vibe to the space.

Ristorante Fedele

$$ Via Doppia Croce, 55, 73053, Santa Maria di Leuca
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual
Ristorante Fedele is a renowned culinary establishment in the southernmost tip of Italy, Santa Maria di Leuca. Famous for its charming blend of authentic Italian dishes and fresh seafood, Ristorante Fedele is a must-visit destination for any gastronome visiting the region. With a menu deeply rooted in Puglian culinary tradition, Ristorante Fedele offers a range of delicacies that marry local produce with sea-fresh offerings. The chef at Fedele takes pride in sourcing ingredients locally, and the menu changes based on seasonal availability. Signature dishes include the 'Seafood Risotto,' 'Fettuccine with Lobster,' and the 'Grilled Mix of Local Fish.' Carnivores are not forgotten, with meat-based dishes such as the 'Lamb with Rosemary' equally popular. The dessert menu, too, is delightful, featuring classics like 'Pasticciotto Leccese,' a traditional Puglian dessert with cream filling. Ristorante Fedele is the epitome of classic Italian charm. Its rustic yet elegant interior features wooden furniture, warm lighting, and walls adorned with local artwork.

Ristorante Santa Maria

$$$ Lungomare C. Colombo, 73040, Santa Maria di Leuca
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual
Ristorante Santa Maria, located in the charming coastal town of Santa Maria di Leuca, is an iconic establishment that promises a delightful gastronomic journey through Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Its emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods ensures an authentic taste experience. Ristorante Santa Maria is renowned for its classic Italian and Mediterranean offerings, specialising in seafood. A seasonal menu provides the freshest produce and seafood from the local markets daily. Favourites among the patrons include 'Paccheri ai Frutti di Mare' (Paccheri pasta with seafood), 'Fritto Misto' (mixed fried seafood), and 'Branzino alla Griglia' (grilled sea bass). Meat lovers aren't left out, with dishes like 'Ossobuco di Vitello con Risotto allo Zafferano' (Veal Ossobuco with Saffron Risotto) available. Try the 'Tiramisu,' a house favourite, or the 'Cannoli,' a Sicilian speciality for dessert. An extensive wine list featuring local and national labels perfectly complements the rich and varied menu. Outdoor seating offers stunning views of the beautiful Adriatic Sea, adding to the enchanting dining experience. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, providing top-notch service and insightful recommendations.

Sacrestia Restauran

$$$ Vico Alessandro Volta, 1, 73040, Santa Maria di Leuca
Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style
Sacrestia Restaurant is a premier culinary destination in the coastal town of Santa Maria di Leuca. Famous for its refined, authentic Italian dishes, the restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking to explore the flavours of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu at Sacrestia Restaurant is a symphony of Italian classics and innovative recipes, all prepared with an emphasis on local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. Seafood holds a prominent place on the menu, given the restaurant's coastal location, with dishes like 'Paccheri alla Pescatora' (Paccheri with mixed seafood) and 'Frutti di Mare alla Griglia' (grilled seafood platter) stealing the show. Meat options aren't overlooked, with offerings like 'Tagliata di Manzo' (sliced beef steak) and 'Cotoletta alla Milanese' (Milanese-style breaded veal cutlet). For dessert, guests are often tempted by the house 'Tiramisu' or 'Panna Cotta al Frutto della Passione' (Passion Fruit Panna Cotta). A hand-picked selection of local and regional wines complements the dishes beautifully.

Torri Dell'Acqua Restaurant

$$$ Via Dante Alighieri, 8, 73040, Santa Maria di Leuca
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual
An ancient rainwater collection tower transformed into an elegant restaurant: the Water Towers is a building of historical importance and an excellent restaurant in Santa Maria di Leuca. A story made up of upheavals and renovations…changes that have seen the structure become what it is today, the Water Towers: an exceptional location, developed on several levels, which leads you to experience more than a simple dinner, but a real own experience! Take a seat at the Water Towers and let yourself be moved! The flagship of the Torri dell'Acqua restaurant is undoubtedly its panoramic terrace: dining on top of the towers, tickled by a light breeze and with an incredible view of Santa Maria di Leuca, is priceless! A small gem of the Torri dell'Acqua restaurant is the Tavernetta: wonderful with the classic barrel vaults in living stone and its warm tones that exclusivity the environment. Le Torri all'Acqua is a beautiful and particular structure with an excellent culinary proposal. The creations of the chef of the restaurant in Leuca include dishes based on highly fresh fish and exquisite land specialities, all accompanied by an excellent selection of wines: a real taste experience!

Calura Leuca

$$$ Via Fratelli Cairoli, 22/23/26, 73040, Santa Maria di Leuca
Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style
Calura Leuca is a highly regarded dining spot nestled in the picturesque seaside town of Santa Maria di Leuca. Renowned for its inventive, contemporary spin on Italian and Mediterranean classics, it is a must-visit location for epicureans looking to sample culinary creativity in a breathtaking coastal setting. The food at Calura Leuca is a celebration of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, elevated with an inventive, contemporary touch. Emphasizing the freshest locally sourced seafood, meats, and produce, the menu continually changes with the seasons to offer the most vibrant flavours. Popular dishes include a variety of homemade pasta, such as 'Linguine con Aragosta' (Linguine with Lobster), and creative seafood plates like 'Carpaccio di Polpo' (Octopus Carpaccio). Meat lovers aren't forgotten, with offerings such as 'Carré di Agnello alla Brace' (Grilled Rack of Lamb). The 'Cannolo Decontructed', a modern take on the classic Sicilian cannoli, is a crowd-pleaser for dessert. Calura Leuca combines modern elegance with a rustic charm to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Inside, the decor combines rustic wood elements with contemporary design, balancing traditional Italian charm and modern elegance.

Il Pescato

$$ Via Atropo, 23, 70044, Polignano A Mare
Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style
Perched on the rugged cliffs of Polignano a Mare, overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Il Pescato - Dispensa di Mare offers patrons a mesmerizing dining experience. With its unrivalled ocean views and commitment to fresh, local seafood, this restaurant embodies the spirit and flavours of the Puglian coastline. The heart and soul of Il Pescato lie in its selection of marine delights: Ocean-to-Table Philosophy: As the name "The Catch - Seafood Pantry" suggests, the establishment takes pride in serving seafood caught on the same day, ensuring optimal freshness. Antipasti: Choices include raw Adriatic shrimp with a drizzle of local olive oil or marinated anchovies to start the gastronomic journey. Seafood Pasta: Dishes like linguine with rock lobster or spaghetti with sea urchin evoke the flavours of the sea and are delicacies not to be missed—clifftop Views: One of the biggest draws of Il Pescato in Polignano a Mare is its location. Diners might be treated to panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, with waves crashing against limestone cliffs. An outdoor terrace or balcony seating would enhance this experience. Rustic Elegance: Interiors with exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and nautical-themed decor create a cosy, rustic ambience. Splashes of blue in the set might remind patrons of the sea just beyond the walls.

Masseria Il Frantoio

$$$$ Strada Statale 16, Km 874, 72017, Ostuni
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual
Among millenary olive trees and splendid landscapes near Ostuni stands Masseria il Frantoio, one of the oldest farms in Puglia (dating back to the 1500s), now restored and become a charming residence: Sixteen elegant and comfortable rooms and a 0 km organic cuisine to live an unforgettable and timeless experience. Between different aromas and flavours, as the year's seasons are different, Apulian cuisine is proposed as a very light dance between land and sea. Between the white stones and a consistently mild climate, today as yesterday, her food is an absolute pleasure and a beauty cure. A detailed work took us years to reveal the tricks of the ancient dishes that the women prepared for their husbands when they returned from the hard work days in the fields. The recipes are updated according to the creative taste of the cooks of the Il Frantoio restaurant, but guarantee that link with tradition that amazes and satisfies. The dishes are prepared every day with the organic products of the farm: the fruits for the jams are obtained from the seventeenth-century citrus grove; with durum wheat, in addition to the famous Apulian bread, many pasta shapes are prepared by hand; along the country paths, among the centuries-old olive trees and dry-stone walls, asparagus, lampascioni, pumpkins, butcher's broom sprouts, artichokes, legumes and chicory grow; aromatic herbs from the garden created behind the dining room.

Cielo Restaurant

$$$$ Vico Pergola, 9, 72017, Ostuni
Italian European Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic
Relais La Sommità 5-star Hotel in Ostuni, will gladden your stay with refined menus in harmony with the seasonal peculiarities in our elegant Cielo Restaurant. It is a perfect balance between new and old, in an unreal atmosphere, told as if it were a centenary fairy tale set in the rocks that characterize the building. The Chef, Roberto Monopoli, offers sensory journeys between tradition and experimentation through dishes that play with shapes and colours, using local excellence and preciousness worldwide. A taste experience to be enjoyed surrounded by the stone vaults of the restaurant or outside, among the olive and orange trees of the Spanish garden. Our dishes are accompanied by a wise choice of Apulian and Italian wines, and in the summer, dinner is served in the ancient Spanish garden, where orange and olive trees frame this splendid picture. A staircase carved into the stone guides us towards three ancient cisterns used in the past for oil collection, today dedicated to wine tasting: the precious Cellar. From the restaurant of the Relais La Sommità, on the highest point of Ostuni, you have a suggestive view of the alleys and the dazzling lime of the city walls that frame pictures of a clear sky. The suspended atmosphere of the restaurant is one of sober elegance; even the background music can become a pleasant moment of personal silence. During the summer, the citrus scent of the Spanish Garden makes the Aperitifs of Relais La Sommità unforgettable at sunset.

CarloQuinto

$$$ Via Santa Maria, 52, 70043, Monopoli
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual Elegant & Chic
On the Santa Maria seafront, between the city's ancient walls, close to the pristine sea of Monopoli, the "Carlo Quinto" will enchant you with its colours, scents and unique atmosphere. Attention to detail, freshness and quality are the essential musts of the restaurant. From breakfasts in the morning to exquisite aperitifs, through succulent lunches and delicious dinners, the freshness and genuineness of its products will seduce even the most refined palates. To make everything even more magical, the sea breeze will take care of it, between the alternation of sunrise and sunset over the sea, which will gently caress you in absolute relaxation. Unmissable in the moonlight, the fresh and tasty cocktails on the wall. The culinary experience for each of us is essential during a holiday. We are talking about the goodness and quality of the various courses and underline the experience of enjoying a good dish in a context with a sea view. This is possible in Carlo Quinto. Puglia has a deeply rooted culinary tradition: the typical Apulian cuisine is very famous throughout Italy, and in addition to the usual dishes, dishes based on fresh fish appear and make their way which takes on various variations depending on the different fishing locations. After a day on the boat or beach, nothing is better than ending the evening in style with an excellent dinner and a sea view.

La Locanda Sul Porto

$$$ Via Cristoforo Colombo, 10/11, 70043, Monopoli
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual Elegant & Chic
Situated in the heart of Monopoli's picturesque old harbour, La Locanda sul Porto offers guests an authentic dining experience with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. This seafront establishment melds the essence of Puglia's coastal charm with culinary delights, establishing itself as a cherished locale for residents and tourists alike. La Locanda sul Porto emphasizes the richness of the Mediterranean diet, particularly spotlighting the sea's bounty. Diners can expect dishes that showcase the freshest ingredients and the region's profound flavours. Highlights might include Crudo di Mare: A raw seafood platter that features the day's best catch, from red prawns to sea urchins, each piece providing a taste of the pristine Adriatic waters. Risotto ai Frutti di Mare: Creamy risotto adorned with an assortment of seafood, from mussels to clams, masterfully cooked to deliver a symphony of textures and tastes. Orata al Forno: Oven-baked sea bream seasoned with local herbs and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, highlighting the fish's natural flavours. La Locanda sul Porto boasts an ambience that mirrors the serene beauty of Monopoli's harbour. The decor might be dominated by marine motifs, with hints of nautical blues and whites, and adorned with marine paraphernalia, recalling the town's maritime heritage.

Trattoria Il Brigante

$$$ Via Cavaliere, 17, 70043, Monopoli
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual
In one of Monopoli's charming and winding streets, Trattoria il Brigante offers patrons an authentic and intimate culinary experience reflective of Puglia's rich gastronomic heritage. The name, which translates to "The Brigand," might hint at a rustic and rebellious spirit, perfectly embodying the robust and hearty flavours of the region. Trattoria il Brigante is deeply rooted in traditional Puglian cuisine, offering dishes passed down through generations yet presented with a contemporary touch. Potential offerings may include Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa: The iconic Puglian pasta paired with turnip tops, anchovies, and a hint of chilli, resulting in a plate bursting with contrasting flavours. Braciola di Cavallo: A regional speciality, this horse meat roll is filled with cheese, parsley, and garlic, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Fave e Cicorie: A humble yet flavorful dish of pureed fava beans served with bitter greens sautéed in garlic and olive oil. Walking into Trattoria il Brigante might feel like stepping into a bygone era. Stone walls, dim lighting from vintage lanterns, and wooden beams could dominate the decor. The atmosphere would be accentuated with classic Italian melodies in the background, transporting diners to a nostalgic space.

Hostaria De Don Juan

$$$ Via Sallustio, 15, 70043, Monopoli
Spanish European Mediterranean Casual Dining Ethnic Family Style
The Hostaria de Don Juan represents a milestone in the heart of the wonderful Monopoli. Just a few steps away, as you enter the city's historic centre, you will find the Hostaria in a white open space in the city walls. The Iberian culture blends with the Apulian tradition in a place where cuisine and tradition are the masters. At Don Juan, you will find the best dishes of the Spanish tradition, including tapas at the beginning of the meal, followed by many types of paella, a selection of fine meats, and above all, the Rubia Gallega, one of the most renowned meats in the Iberian country, and many other delicacies arrived directly from Spain. A suggestive location, in full Spanish style, with paintings and tents that highlight the country's history; moreover, in the spring and summer seasons, you will find an open space where you can eat within the walls of the old houses in the historic centre of Monopoli.

Ristorante Piazza Palmieri

$$$ Largo Palmieri, 3, 70043, Monopoli
Italian European Mediterranean Premium Casual Elegant & Chic
As its name suggests, Ristorante Piazza Palmieri might be in or around the iconic Piazza Palmieri, enveloped by the historic ambience of Monopoli. This restaurant, rooted deeply in the region's traditions, potentially stands as a beacon of Apulian culinary heritage while embracing modern gastronomic influences. Diners at Ristorante Piazza Palmieri would likely be treated to an authentic Apulian dining experience. The menu might boast a blend of timeless classics and innovative dishes. Here's a potential snapshot of their offerings: Crudo di Mare: A selection of the freshest seafood, served raw, celebrating the bounties of the Adriatic Sea. Tiramisù al Limone: A unique take on the classic Italian dessert, introducing the zestiness of lemons. Imagine stepping into a space where the essence of Monopoli's historic streets is captured within four walls. Ristorante Piazza Palmieri might showcase vaulted stone ceilings, possibly reminding visitors of the town's ancient structures. The walls could be adorned with black and white photographs showcasing Monopoli's history, bridging the gap between the past and present.

La Posteria

$$ Via Capitano Pirrelli, 4, 70043, Monopoli
Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual
The La Posteria restaurant with American bar offers a location with a refined aesthetic and elegant and modern architecture with innovative and traditional cuisine: the La Posteria restaurant demonstrates how all this can coexist in a single space. One year after its opening, the La Posteria restaurant is confirmed as one of the local excellences. Located in Monopoli, near the central Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and a stone's throw from the historic centre of the city, it is a point of reference for tourists from all over the world and beyond: they are much appreciated by the entire local and neighbouring community. On TripAdvisor, you can find La Posteria among the top 3 restaurants in the city out of 260. The result is the staff's commitment and love for this work. Attention to the customer, discretion and professionalism are the flagships. If you are wondering where to eat in Monopoli, the answer is in Posteria!

Ristorante Il Punto Cardinale | Trattoria Al Borgo

$$ Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 39, 70043, Monopoli
Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style
Nestled in the heart of Monopoli, Ristorante Il Punto Cardinale | Trattoria al Borgo stands as a celebration of traditional Apulian culinary arts, representing a magnetic blend of authenticity and sophistication. Its unique name suggests a confluence of orientations, possibly a nod to both the classic and the contemporary, the local and the global. Guests stepping into this establishment can likely expect a symphony of flavours, textures, and aromas true to the soul of Puglia. Some potential highlights from the menu might include Cavatelli alle Cozze: Freshly-made cavatelli pasta tossed with mussels, cherry tomatoes, and white wine. Involtini di Carne: Delicate meat rolls filled with local cheeses, breadcrumbs, and herbs, slow-cooked to perfection—Pesce Spada alla Griglia: Grilled swordfish steak, perhaps served with a refreshing citrus and caper sauce. Upon entering Ristorante Il Punto Cardinale | Trattoria al Borgo, diners might be greeted with a harmonious blend of rustic charm and refined elegance. Exposed brick walls could complement modern art pieces, while vintage wooden tables could be adorned with sleek, contemporary tableware.

Komera - Cucina Nostra

$$$ Via Barbacana, 79, 70043, Monopoli
Italian European Mediterranean Premium Casual
Founded on the passion of professionals, the camera is the right place to cross the past and the future of traditional Apulian cuisine—a strong bond with this land of the sea. Raw materials come down to "compromises" with creativity, and the love of Puglia makes it a philosophy of life. Innovative tradition, yes, but always with respect. Because the authentic soul of Komera demonstrates that a future made of creative taste is born from the beauty of the territory and its history. Destined to last. komera? How will it be? Questions about recipes from the past duet on the table with visions of the future. Our cuisine is a story to be preserved, an account to be handed down and a resource that can be continually innovated and savoured from different points of view. Our menu was born from this reflection. Appetizers to start feeling at home. First courses for a taste experience that leads to the heart of every kitchen. Second, studies of sea and land capture the nuances of tradition that meet experimentation. Illustrious pizzas with diversified doughs and long leavening to dive into the secrets of raw materials. Sweets for a satisfied smile at the end of the meal that already makes one imagine the return.

Porta De Mä

$$$$ Largo Giuseppe Garibaldi, 21, 70043, Monopoli
Italian Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic
Porta De Mä is a story that unites sea and tradition: two worlds that meet, mix and enrich each other. Wonderfully set in the historic centre of Monopoli, a few steps from the ancient port, our restaurant tells a journey of flavours: a unique gastronomic proposal. When a quality raw material meets the freshness of our cuisine, something extraordinary always happens. Territory and creativity: start your journey to discover Porta De Mä. The incredible freshness of the raw materials, especially the daily catch that arrives on the restaurant's counters, is still alive. The refinement and wisdom in the hands of the chef, the elegance of the place, which with these lights and these light walls, creates a harmonious, elegant, almost mysterious contrast, in which to enjoy the goodness of the food and admire the culinary art.

La Locanda Porta Picc

$$ Via Anemone, 34/36, 70044, Polignano A Mare
Italian European Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style
In the heart of the historic centre of Polignano a Mare, the Locanda Porta Picc offers a place dedicated to the culture of eating and drinking well with the taste. The restaurant welcomes customers in rooms furnished in a rustic style, offering cuisine inspired by the Apulian gastronomic tradition and enriched by creative solutions dedicated to the care and refinement of raw materials that enhance the products of our land. Some of our proposals were colours and, of course, tastes come together in our seasonal menu. All ingredients are fresh and carefully selected by our chef. We offer cuisine in line with the local philosophy: respect for the Apulian tradition and absolute genuineness of the raw materials, great space for flavours and the constant search for authentic flavours committing ourselves to enhance the culture of good food where we can express a simple but refined cuisine, genuine and with traditional dishes prepared with exclusively fresh and seasonal products. The meat and fish dishes are the protagonists of the menu: grilled meats, Florentine steaks, appetizers, and delicious snacks are sure to stimulate the appetite, and fresh fish is prepared marinated with delicate carpaccio and intriguing seafood crudités or as a condiment for creative first courses.
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