Best Restaurants in Lecce

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.

Zio Pesce Restaurant - Officina di Mare is an esteemed seafood destination in the heart of Lecce, Italy. Revered for its outstanding seafood cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, Zio Pesce attracts locals and visitors looking to taste the Mediterranean Sea. Zio Pesce's kitchen is a sanctuary of the Mediterranean Sea, with a menu highlighting the freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that highlight the natural flavours of each component while adding a creative twist to traditional seafood recipes. The menu highlights include "Crudi di Mare," a raw fish dish showcasing the day's freshest catch, and "Linguine ai Frutti di Mare," a pasta dish topped with a seafood medley. Sea and served in a light and fragrant tomato sauce. Zio Pesce's "Fritto Misto", a mixed fried seafood, is another customer favourite, boasting a delicious crunchiness and the pure flavour of the sea.

Located in the heart of Lecce, Osteria 203 is a beloved local hangout offering a dining experience steeped in authenticity and tradition. Celebrated for its homage to Puglian cuisine, the restaurant blends a rustic atmosphere with a menu highlighting the region's distinct flavours. At Osteria 203, the menu is a love letter to Puglia, filled with dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The culinary team carefully interprets the region's classic recipes while keeping their essence intact. The "Orecchiette con Sugo di Braciole", a traditional pasta dish served with a slow-cooked meat sauce, is a crowd favourite, along with the "Fritto Misto di Pesce", a combination of local seafood lightly fried to perfection. Their menu also features various types of meat cooked on an open grill, adding a tempting smoky flavour.

L'arzilla Furcina is a popular restaurant in Lecce known for its inventive approach to traditional Italian cuisine, specifically dishes from the Puglia region. This restaurant is highly regarded for its commitment to quality, utilizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create a unique dining experience that pays homage to the region's rich culinary heritage. The menu at L'arzilla Furcina is a testament to the abundance of the Puglia region, featuring a wide range of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. The kitchen team delights in experimenting with classic recipes, adding their unique touches without losing the authenticity of the flavours. Among the standout dishes is their signature "Furcina Pasta," a unique pasta dish with a robust seafood sauce, showcasing the restaurant's maritime influence. Another must-try is the "Zuppa di Pesce," a traditional seafood soup that bursts with the fresh flavours of the Adriatic Sea. For dessert, patrons highly recommend the "Tiramisu di Pistacchio," a delightful reinterpretation of the classic dessert using pistachio instead of coffee.

La Cucina di Mamma Elvira is a cherished restaurant in the historic heart of Lecce, renowned for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine. The restaurant embodies the spirit of Italian hospitality and tradition, offering an array of dishes that transport guests to the comforting hearth of a Puglian home kitchen. La Cucina di Mamma Elvira showcases a menu that is a tribute to the culinary richness of Puglia. The emphasis here is on simplicity and flavour, with dishes prepared using the finest local ingredients, many of which are organically grown. Guests can indulge in classics such as "Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa," traditional Puglian pasta with turnip greens, or "Involtini di Carne," rolled meat stuffed with various fillings. The restaurant's homemade bread and pasta, made daily, add authenticity to the meals. La Cucina di Mamma Elvira is a place of warmth and friendliness, adorned with traditional Italian decor that brings a homely and welcoming ambience. The exposed stone walls, rustic wooden furniture, and family photos adorning the walls all create an environment reminiscent of a Puglian family home.

Il Bacaro Restaurant Steak House, located in the historical centre of Lecce, is a highly-regarded dining establishment known for its extraordinary steaks and classic Italian cuisine. This restaurant offers a dining experience that showcases the perfect blend of traditional cooking methods with a modern flair. As the name suggests, Il Bacaro's main draw is its exceptional steak selection, focusing on local and high-quality cuts. All the meats are expertly cooked to perfection on a grill, producing a rich, smoky flavour that's hard to resist. From a succulent T-bone steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) to a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, meat lovers will find a dish satisfying their cravings. However, it's not all about the meat at Il Bacaro. The restaurant also presents a varied menu of traditional Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts. Standouts include "Tagliatelle al Ragù di Mare," a new pasta dish served with a seafood ragù, and the "Tiramisu," a delightful end to any meal. Il Bacaro presents a stylish, contemporary ambience while maintaining a comfortable and relaxed dining environment. The interior is elegantly designed, featuring exposed brickwork, warm lighting, and chic wooden furniture.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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' 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.

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.

The Blu Notte restaurant is the ideal place to eat fish specialities surrounded by the extravagant beauty of the historic centre of Lecce. The restaurant is intimate, relaxed and welcoming, perfect for any occasion, celebration or holiday. A visit to Blu Notte leaves you speechless: this is where art, culture and cuisine create a fascinating mix, a real treat for all your senses. The menu is completed by a series of tasty homemade desserts, including the characteristic cassata di ricotta. It selects selected wines, from signature whites to prestigious reds, meditation wines and wines produced with the valuable grape varieties of the Salento, among which Negroamaro and Primitivo stand out for their quality and body. The strength of our fish restaurant in Lecce is the variety of fish that is always present on the counter, fresh, delicious and of high quality, personally selected and cooked by the chef, who gives customers an experience of taste and dishes of the highest quality. The main dish of the house is the fresh mint spagoni with chunks of grouper, which combines the Salento culinary tradition with a taste that delights the senses. Fish is in the spotlight at Blu Notte, a fish restaurant in Lecce, in the heart of the historic centre. Here the best catch is treated with respect and cooked to taste even better. Chef Maurizio's skill is demonstrated during the service of an excellent menu, from appetizers to desserts. The flagship of our menu is undoubtedly the first and second courses of fish, exquisite and carefully prepared dishes, which you can enjoy in the evocative setting of the historic centre of Lecce, accompanied by highly selected wines, from signature whites to red products in Salento.

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.

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.

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

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.