Best Restaurants in Italy

Lerian Ristorante Salentino

$$ Via Di Leuca, 212, 73100, Lecce

Italian Fast Casual Family Style

Situated in the charming city of Lecce, Lerian Ristorante Salentino has quickly established itself as a culinary landmark for those seeking a truly authentic Salentino dining experience. This restaurant honours traditional Salento cooking methods while also embracing innovation, resulting in a menu that reflects the past and present of Salento cuisine. At Lerian Ristorante Salentino, guests can expect an array of dishes that showcase the diversity and richness of Salento's gastronomy. Each dish is crafted using locally-sourced, fresh ingredients, allowing the natural flavours to shine through. The menu is a well-balanced combination of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Standouts include the "Orecchiette con Pomodori e Ricotta," a classic Puglian pasta dish with tomato and ricotta, and the "Cernia al Forno," a baked grouper dish that encapsulates the restaurant's affinity for fresh seafood. No meal at Lerian would be complete without tasting their "Pasticciotto," a traditional custard-filled pastry from Lecce, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

La Dogana

$$$ Viale Della Libertà, 93, 73100, Lecce

Italian Casual Dining Elegant & Chic

From an ambitious project by Ittica Demar – the international fish market leader – comes the most enterprising and elaborate food and wine challenge of this southern strip. A brilliant idea which is above all a place, in the city of Lecce, where good taste is expressed with sophistication and ease. An avant-garde environment where culinary tradition meets innovative cuisine. In a large and modern room, between rooms, lounge area and terrace, La Dogana offers a multifaceted offer, capable of satisfying the customer from breakfast to dinner, passing through a fusion aperitif, or an unforgettable wine tasting. And for those who want to bring quality directly to their home, Demar Store is active, carefully selecting meticulously controlled and guaranteed raw materials. The experience of our customers does not coincide only with what they order from the menu. Still, it is enriched by the involvement of all the senses and by experiencing a unique, memorable moment. In our restaurant, the food and wine project created exclusively by Ittica Demar, every detail is taken care of down to the smallest detail. Fine dining, for us, is the balance between room and kitchen, experimentation and diligence. The starting point is the absolute value of the raw materials, so high as to require that they are often expressed in purity, without frills; the creativity and ambition of our Chefs determine the definitive character of the dishes. The result is knowledge that directs the taste, a motion in constant evolution, in the name of absolute refinement.

Livingstone Restaurant

$$$ Via Vito Mario Stampacchia, 17, 73100, Lecce

Japanese Asian Premium Casual Elegant & Chic

David Livingston was a doctor, a missionary and, above all, a Scottish explorer of the Victorian age. A curious and daring man whose great determination led him to discover Victoria Falls along the Zambezi River. Like him, Livingstone Restaurant finds and explores worlds, notes, flavours and tastes that meet and blend in Japanese-Brazilian Fusion and Sushi cuisine to surprise you with a unique culinary experience. This story began about 100 years ago when 165 families from the Far East landed in Brazil for the first time after months of navigation. From the meeting of two different worlds, a new art is born: Japanese-Brazilian cuisine. Our cuisine is this: a mix of facets, flavours, colours and vibrations for those who love to experiment and discover new horizons and distant places. Our journey around the world also passes through beverages. With great passion and enthusiasm, we select fine wines and gins from the most critical international territories to offer products that tell the culture of each people.

63 Osteria Contemporanea

$$ Viale Dell'Università, 63, 73100, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual

63 Osteria Contemporanea is a modern dining destination in the heart of Lecce. The restaurant presents an innovative approach to traditional Italian cuisine, pairing time-honoured techniques and flavours with creative culinary twists. It offers an evolving, seasonal menu that respects the integrity of local produce while demonstrating the chefs' commitment to exploring new gastronomic frontiers. At 63 Osteria Contemporanea, the dishes are as visually impressive as they are flavorful. The menu changes with the seasons to ensure freshness and quality, featuring a careful selection of Italian and local delicacies prepared with a creative touch. Signature dishes may include "Ravioli Caprese," a reinterpretation of the classic ravioli dish with a burst of Caprese salad flavours inside, or "Tartare di Mare," a beautiful array of fresh, raw seafood seasoned with innovative sauces and garnishes. The dessert menu is also an adventurous journey, with modern takes on Italian classics such as "Tiramisu 63," their interpretation of the famous sweet treat. 63 Osteria Contemporanea offers a contemporary, elegant dining space. Its interior design combines sleek modern elements with traditional features of Lecce architecture, such as exposed stonework, creating a stylish yet comfortable environment.

Atenze

$$$$ Piazzetta Gabriele Riccardi, 13, 73100, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

The harmony of a rigorous and elegant aesthetic meets the innovative cuisine of Atenze Restaurant, our gourmet restaurant in the historic centre of Lecce. The amazement of discovery creeps into the flavours that our Executive Chef Ivan Bruno reinterprets in a constantly evolving evening menu and the tasting itineraries dedicated to Lecce and its origins. Original combinations of flavours express the tension towards reaching the balance point between profound respect for the most authentic ingredients and scents and their creative and contemporary interpretation in an elegant flavour essence. On summer evenings, Atenze's cuisine is staged in the suggestive location of Sira, our rooftop, to offer you the exclusive experience of dining under the silvery reflections of the moon, with the backdrop of the majestic Basilica and its Baroque rose window. At lunch, the light taste of the Salento summer inspires delicate proposals to be enjoyed in the shade of our Dehor, an intimate private garden in the small square overlooking Santa Croce.

Spiriti Gourmet

$$ Via Cesare Battisti, 10, 73100, Lecce

Italian Premium Casual Pizzeria

At Spiriti Gourmet Pizzeria Buongusteria in the centre of Lecce, you can embark on a journey of taste and excellence, taste pizzas and gourmet dishes in an atmosphere that whets the appetite and stimulates conviviality. Passion and professionalism, imagination and tradition. These are the values that distinguish our pizzeria and our cuisine. What we put on the table is always the result of a high level of quality, guaranteed by the careful selection of raw materials. We carefully evaluate the products to be used, selecting local excellence based on freshness, territoriality and seasonality criteria. Our menu is short because, in this way, we guarantee a high rotation of the ingredients. In the Pizzeria Buongusteria Spiriti Gourmet, you will be sure to find fresh raw materials on your plate with preparations that follow the seasonal trend of the area's products. A choice that reconciles taste and health with pizzas and gourmet dishes prepared with high-quality raw materials, guaranteeing the highest level of nutrients.

Osteria Del Pozzo Vecchio

$$ Via M. Silvestro, 16, 73020, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style

Tucked away in the quaint town of Cavallino near Lecce, Osteria del Pozzo Vecchio is a charming restaurant known for its authentic Salento cuisine. Rooted in tradition yet unafraid to experiment, the restaurant offers a gastronomic experience that transports diners to the heart of Southern Italian flavours while surprising them with inventive culinary spins. The food at Osteria del Pozzo Vecchio is an ode to the tastes of Salento. The menu incorporates local, fresh ingredients into various dishes that showcase the region's culinary traditions while introducing modern touches. The result is a unique blend of comfort and creativity, appealing to traditionalists and adventurous eaters. Standout dishes may include "Paccheri con Ragù di Mare," a dish featuring large tube pasta with a rich, sea-based ragù, and "Involtini di Melanzane," a beautifully presented plate of rolled eggplant filled with local cheese and herbs. A meal here would not be complete without one of their homemade desserts, such as "Pasticiotto," a traditional Puglian custard-filled pastry crafted to perfection.

Il Vizio Del Barone

$$ Via Martano, 127, 73010, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style Pizzeria

'Il Vizio del Barone' is a typical Salento restaurant in Caprarica di Lecce, a few kilometres from Lecce, in business since 2001. It is a welcoming environment, furnished with sobriety and taste, which will give its guests the correct value at each occurrence. Suitable for large ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, communions, confirmations, and graduations, but also ideal for more intimate celebrations such as birthday parties, business lunches, or romantic dinners. The quality of the food, professionalism and hospitality are at the base of everything. The mission of our typical restaurant is to offer good food, do it in the best way and make guests feel at home, pampering them with dishes ranging from traditional Salento dishes, reinvented with imagination and originality, to succulent meat and fish dishes without forgetting the pizza. Cooked in a conventional wood oven, the pizza is highly digestible; its lightness is due not only to the skill and experience of the pizza maker but also to the long and slow leavening, which gives the dough taste and fun. You will also be able to appreciate the gluten-free cuisine as Vizio del Barone is the restaurant for celiacs near Lecce.

Masseria Stali

$$ Via Vicinale, Via Cisterna Vecchia, 8, 73010, Lecce

Italian Premium Casual

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Caprarica di Lecce, Masseria Stali is a culinary gem that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Salento's gastronomy. Housed in a beautifully restored masseria (a traditional farmhouse), the restaurant prides itself on serving local and seasonal dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from its farm and the surrounding countryside. At Masseria Stali, food is a celebration of Salento's rich culinary tradition and the abundance of its land. The menu varies according to the season, with the chefs crafting dishes based on the freshest produce available. Each plate is a harmony of flavours, textures, and colours that capture the essence of Southern Italian cuisine. You may find classic dishes like "Fave e Cicoria," a comforting fava bean puree served with bitter chicory greens, or more creative offerings like "Tortelli di Burrata," handmade pasta filled with creamy burrata cheese. And for dessert, you cannot miss "Pasticciotto Leccese," a traditional pastry filled with creamy custard and black cherry. Set within the rustic charm of a historic farmhouse, the restaurant's ambience is a delightful blend of rustic elegance and warmth. Original architectural elements such as stone walls and vaulted ceilings contribute to a cosy atmosphere, while stylishly rustic furniture and soft lighting add a touch of sophistication.

Malcandrino

$$ Strada Provinciale Lecce, 73047, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style

Located in the heart of Monteroni di Lecce, Malcandrino is a beloved local restaurant that shines a spotlight on Salento's culinary heritage. Known for its dedication to traditional flavours and cooking techniques, Malcandrino offers a dining experience deeply rooted in the rich gastronomic culture of southern Italy. Malcandrino's menu is a tribute to the tastes and ingredients of Salento. Each dish is a love letter to the region, crafted using local produce and traditional recipes. With a focus on homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and locally sourced meats, the restaurant serves a satisfying array of Italian comfort food. One can expect classic dishes like "Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa," ear-shaped pasta with rapini and garlic, or "Frise Salentine," a traditional Salentine twice-baked bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil. Seafood lovers might opt for the "Fritto Misto di Mare," a mixed-fried seafood selection. The desserts, too, are a homage to local flavours, featuring options like "Pasticciotto," a classic custard-filled pastry from Lecce. Walking into Malcandrino feels like stepping into a piece of Salento's history. The rustic stone walls, wooden furnishings, and cosy lighting create a homely and inviting atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the comfort found in its food.

La Scarpetta Hostaria

$$$ Via Principi Di Savoia, 45, 73100, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

La Scarpetta Hostaria is a beloved restaurant in the heart of the historic city of Lecce. Celebrated for its commitment to regional cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere, this restaurant offers an authentic taste of the rich culinary traditions of the Puglia region. The menu at La Scarpetta Hostaria beautifully embodies the simplicity and depth of flavours characteristic of southern Italian cuisine. The restaurant emphasises utilizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that reflect the gastronomic heritage of the Salento area. You can expect an incredible array of pasta dishes, including local specialities like "Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa" - ear-shaped pasta served with rapini, anchovies, and garlic. Fresh seafood is another highlight on the menu, reflecting Lecce's coastal location. The "Fritto Misto di Mare," a lightly battered and fried seafood selection, stands out. La Scarpetta Hostaria is as much known for its charming atmosphere as its food. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the restaurant offers a cosy, rustic setting with stone walls, wooden beams and warm, intimate lighting.

Ristorante Il Vecchio Molo

$$$$ Piazza Del Popolo, 4, 73023, Lecce

Mediterranean Premium Casual

Il Vecchio Molo is a restaurant that, in the summer, reflects a lively and dense marina, that of San Foca. In the winter, it is dipped in a veiled romanticism thanks to a refined atmosphere and large windows overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Here you can appreciate the freshest fish and the always seasonal products of the land in a creative and tasty encounter that passes through the hands of chef Davide Rollo. The restaurant has a refined and delicate soul with contemporary furnishings and an excellent wine cellar. The warm season is also welcomed in the dehors to taste the dishes together with the natural scent of the sea. Among the appetizers are cuttlefish tagliatelle with green pea sauce and Squid and Squid accompanied by Catalan salad. Among the first courses, the Cappellacci with saffron with beetroot and scampi and the Spaghettone with firm ricotta and swordfish on creamy aubergine, mint and bran pepper stand out—Cuttlefish in BBQ and breaded tuna fillet with citrus endive among the main courses. Bread, breadsticks, lace and everything related to bread making and desserts are exquisitely handmade, even ice creams and sorbets, as well as the selection of wines on the list, managed by Sonia, with a great variety of bubbles and niche labels.

Anima & Cuore

$$$ Corso Garibaldi, 7, 73013, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Premium Casual

Set inside the Tondi-Vignola building from the 1700s in the heart of Galatina, a stone's throw from the essential local churches, stands the restaurant with creative cuisine from the area Anima & Cuore. Anima & Cuore is a charming, warm and welcoming restaurant with decorated vaulted ceilings, niches and mosaic flooring that recall the history of the place. In the summer, it has a large outdoor area from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama and dine under the moonlight. The cuisine of Anima & Cuore is centred on the revival in a modern key of the classic recipes of the Salento culinary tradition, but not only; the chef loves to range and mix typical local dishes with Mediterranean and national recipes as well as personally taking care of every facet of words based on the creativity and inspiration of the moment. The menu ranges between sea and land with "Km0 and Miglio0" products and varies with the current seasons. Anima & Cuore's speciality is fresh fish purchased daily from the Gallipoli, Leuca, and Santa Cesarea fish markets. Not to be missed for meat lovers is the horse fillet flavoured with negroamaro wine on toasted Galatina d.o.p potato or in baked pastry. Vegan-Friendly menu every day. An excellent high-level wine list with a selection of cellars and wines from national and international territories, as well as champagne and Franciacorta. The name given to him represents the friendship and commitment we put into all of you every day. Because we put Soul & Heart into it

Farmacia Dei Sani

$$$$ Piazza Del Popolo, 14, 73049, Lecce

Italian International Mediterranean Premium Casual

Situated in the small town of Ruffano in the Province of Lecce, La Farmacia dei Sani is a unique gastronomic destination that seamlessly marries innovation with tradition. The name translates to "The Pharmacy of the Healthy," indicating the restaurant's philosophy of using only the best, healthful ingredients to create dishes that are as nourishing as they are flavorful. La Farmacia dei Sani prides itself on crafting a menu that stays true to the Salento region's culinary heritage while embracing modern twists. Locally-sourced, fresh ingredients are the cornerstones of each dish, underpinning the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability. Diners can expect traditional dishes such as "Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa," a typical pasta dish of the region, and "Fave e Cicorie," a fava bean puree with local wild chicory. The restaurant also offers an exquisite selection of seafood sourced from the nearby coastal areas of Salento. Innovations are also plenty, with creative takes on classic dishes showing the kitchen's contemporary flair.

Meraviglia

$$$$ Corso Vittoria, 108, 73055, Lecce

Italian Casual Dining

A garden on the sea that enhances the characteristics of Salento. Vintage charm and exclusivity, the beauty of the landscape and excellent service make Meraviglia the perfect place for an intoxicating experience of relaxation and entertainment. You will immerse yourself in the pristine Mediterranean scrub, sitting comfortably in the restaurant or taking advantage of comfortable furnishings designed to give you an authentic Salento emotion while enjoying Salento-style dishes. After dinner, you can stretch out comfortably on the sunbeds in the Giardino and Dolcevita area to gaze at the stars. A few minutes from Gallipoli and Torre San Giovanni, you will spend moments of tranquillity, pampered by attentive and discreet service and high-class culinary proposals.

SalentOsteria

$$ Via Naxos, 73026, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style

Located in the beautiful coastal town of Torre dell'Orso in the Lecce Province, Salentosteria is a culinary beacon that proudly celebrates the distinctive flavours and traditions of the Salento region. This restaurant offers a dining experience deeply rooted in the local culture, making it a prime destination for food lovers who want to enjoy the true essence of Salento cuisine. Salentosteria showcases a menu that beautifully illustrates the bounty of the Salento region - the land and the sea. The cuisine here is characterized by an exceptional quality of ingredients, a focus on local produce, and a profound respect for culinary traditions. Starters often feature various of Salento's most cherished products, like local cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables. The pasta dishes stand out, with traditional offerings such as "Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa" - a classic Pugliese dish—seafood starring in many main words, reflecting Torre dell'Orso's coastal location. You might find words like "Frittura di Pesce," a lightly fried assortment of local fish and shellfish. The dining room offers views of the town and nearby beach, further enhancing the restaurant's strong sense of place. When the weather permits, outdoor seating allows diners to enjoy their meals while soaking up the pleasant Mediterranean climate.

RistoBar-B-Q Salento

$$ Piazza Della Luna, 73026, Lecce

American International Casual Dining Family Style

In the charming seaside town of Torre dell'Orso, Barbecue | RistoBar-B-Q Salento brings a distinct culinary approach to the Lecce dining scene. Focusing on the art of barbecuing, this eatery skillfully combines the rustic traditions of southern Italian cuisine with the robust flavours of barbecued fare, creating a unique and memorable dining experience. The menu at Barbecue | RistoBar-B-Q Salento showcases a diverse array of dishes, but the barbecue truly stands out. Their specialities include grilled meats such as pork ribs, beef brisket, and various sausages, all slow-cooked over low heat to imbue them with a smoky depth of mouthwatering flavour. But it's not all about the meat here. They also offer a range of dishes that draw on abundant local seafood, like grilled octopus and seafood skewers. Additionally, a selection of traditional Italian pasta and risotto dishes round out the menu, ensuring there's something for every taste. With a relaxed, rustic ambience, Barbecue | RistoBar-B-Q Salento captures the laid-back spirit of a beach town. The interior is simple yet inviting, with warm wood tones and barbecue-themed décor. An open kitchen allows diners to observe the chefs at work over the grill, adding a touch of excitement to the dining experience.

La Terrazza Di Romano

$$$$ Via Lungomare Matteotti, 73026, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual

Perched in the scenic coastal town of Torre dell'Orso, La Terrazza di Romano is a delightful culinary retreat renowned for its stunning views, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere. The restaurant thrives in providing an authentic taste of the Puglia region, focusing on the sea's bounty and the land's freshest produce from local markets and farmers. La Terrazza di Romano is a true homage to Puglia's culinary tradition, serving dishes that reflect the region's coastal character and rich agricultural heritage. The menu is based on seasonality, ensuring diners enjoy the freshest ingredients possible. Seafood plays a starring role here, with dishes like 'Fritto Misto di Mare' (Mixed Fried Seafood) and 'Cozze alla Tarantina' (Taranto-style Mussels) crowd favourites. Pasta is handmade, embodying the Italian love for carbs, with dishes like 'Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa' showcasing the best of Puglian cuisine. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the restaurant's namesake terrace. Offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, it provides the perfect backdrop for dining. During the day, the blue sea and skies create a picturesque scene, while the evening offers a romantic setting with the setting sun painting the sky in hues of pink and orange.

L'Approdo

$$$ Piazza Fiume, 8, 73026, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining

Welcome to the fresh fish restaurant L'Approdo di San Foca in the Marina di Melendugno, Lecce. We are a culinary oasis dedicated to lovers of high-quality fresh fish. Our expert and passionate chef creates dishes that amaze your palate, using only the freshest ingredients from the local sea. From crispy fried fish to delicacies such as carpaccio and tartare, each dish reflects the excellence and dedication to the quality of the products. Our goal is to offer an unforgettable gastronomic experience where the freshness of the fish and the culinary skill come together to create unique flavours. Book your table and let yourself be surprised by the quality and craftsmanship of our fresh fish restaurant. Our restaurant is ideal for spending moments of pleasure and romantic summer evenings. The chef uses particular combinations of local cuisine with elements that give our first courses a new and refined flavour. We also have many Italian and local meats for all tastes. Our pizzas, cooked in a wood oven, are appreciated throughout the province. Our cellar offers a comprehensive and refined selection of fine Italian wines to pair with the gourmet dishes prepared by the Chef.

Vergari Ristoratori 1966

$$$ Lungomare Giacomo Matteotti, 35, 73026, Lecce

Italian International Mediterranean Premium Casual

Vergari Ristoratori 1966 is a time-honoured establishment in San Foca, a charming seaside town in Lecce. Since 1966, this family-run restaurant has delighted locals and visitors with its commitment to traditional recipes, fresh local ingredients, and warm Italian hospitality. Vergari Ristoratori 1966 specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a distinct focus on seafood, a nod to its coastal location. The dishes showcase the freshest catch of the day, delivering an authentic taste of the sea. Classics like 'Frittura di Pesce' (fried fish) and 'Risotto ai Frutti di Mare' (seafood risotto) are popular choices, expertly prepared and flavorful. The restaurant also serves various pasta dishes, all featuring homemade pasta and rich, savoury sauces. Don't miss the opportunity to try 'Orecchiette con Gamberi e Rucola' (small ear-shaped pasta with shrimp and arugula), a delightful fusion of land and sea. The atmosphere at Vergari Ristoratori 1966 is classic and relaxed, capturing the charm of a traditional Italian trattoria. The décor is simple yet tasteful, with warm lighting and comfortable seating. Walls adorned with vintage photos echo the restaurant's long history, creating a nostalgic feel.

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