€€€Contemporary
The building is a former Dominican monastery dating back to 1442, which also houses a boutique hotel. The restaurant, on the other hand, is decidedly modern and furnished in a minimalist style: light-coloured floors, mighty stone columns, vaulted ceilings and a room with a view of the wine cabinet. The service is very efficient, attentive and friendly, and the cuisine reaches high levels. Among the most recommended specialities are palamita with fennel tarallo, burrata, salad, bell pepper extract, tarragon oil, and among the main courses the grilled snapper, its extract with saffron pistils, a
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 50 reviews
Located in a restored Dominican cloister in Lecce, Gimmi offers a contemporary dining experience with an average rating of 4.8/5 from 50 reviews. Guests consistently praise the high food quality, particularly the six-course tasting menu and signature dishes like potato dumplings with lobster. Service is attentive, accommodating dietary needs, and supported by skilled sommelier recommendations. The ambiance is described as elegant and unique. Minor criticisms include occasional pacing issues, slight overcooking of pasta, and mixed views on value, but the overall consensus highlights exceptional culinary execution and a refined setting.
Ideal for diners seeking refined contemporary cuisine within a historic setting.
€€€Contemporary, Creative
This elegant, intimate restaurant with subdued lighting is the perfect choice for a romantic gourmet dinner. Showcased on tasting menus and a concise à la carte, the excellent cuisine focuses on typical recipes and specialities from Puglia, often with an added personalised and creative twist.
€€Apulian, Traditional Cuisine
Delicious cuisine from Puglia, including excellent orecchiette pasta with clams and chickpeas, served in a delightful ambience with a number of different rooms and internal patios. The same traditional atmosphere is evident in the attractive, well - equipped guestrooms, as well as in the picturesque swimming pool housed in a grotto.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Melissano within an ancient 12th-century monastery, L'Acchiatura offers a charming atmosphere with intricate details. Reviews highlight traditional Apulian cuisine, particularly delightful Salento appetizer platters, seafood first courses, and local rosé wines, supported by generally friendly service. However, recent feedback indicates inconsistency, with some guests reporting mediocre food quality, limited choices for main courses, less fresh fish, and reduced portions. While the ambiance remains a strong point, the dining experience varies, with some noting a decline in culinary standards compared to past visits. It suits travelers seeking historic settings and traditional flavors, though expectations regarding current food consistency should be managed.
Ideal for diners seeking historic ambiance and traditional Apulian cuisine, with attention to daily freshness.
€€Seafood, Italian Contemporary
This 19C palazzo renovated in modern style serves fish and seafood, including raw dishes, with fish displayed in a cabinet in the dining room. Among the desserts, the vanilla ice-cream is a classic favourite!
€€€Modern Cuisine
Situated within the Gianfranco Fino wine estate, this tuff building houses a restaurant on its first floor with large picture windows that look out at the vineyards and a spacious terrace offering views of the surrounding countryside. Here, chef Simone Profeta from Naples serves modern meat and fish dishes, often cooked using wines from the estate, such as in the deliciously tender braised veal cheeks served with a full-bodied ES reduction. There’s also a vegetarian menu that features organic vegetables grown in the estate’s own kitchen garden. The wine list showcases the winery’s own labels o
€€Apulian, Modern Cuisine
Occupying a corner of the central Piazza del Popolo in the delightful historic centre of Ruffano, this family restaurant (also a liqueur-maker) is surrounded by old palazzi which add to the charm of its setting. The Puglian cuisine served here has a modern twist while remaining unfussy in style and firmly anchored in the region. The service is quick, and each guest is greeted with a smile by the Rizzo family.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Ruffano's historic center, Farmacia dei Sani serves modern Apulian cuisine. Based on 80 reviews, it holds a 4.7/5 average rating. Positive feedback highlights food quality (60 mentions), service (49), and atmosphere (47), with guests praising meticulous dish crafting, unique ingredient pairings, and attentive staff. Negative points focus on meal pacing (11 mentions) and value (10), where some found flavors too avant-garde or pricing high relative to the setting. While generally exceptional, occasional inconsistencies in timing and portion perception exist. The restaurant offers a refined, research-driven dining experience suitable for those seeking innovative local flavors.
Ideal for food enthusiasts seeking refined modern Apulian cuisine and a unique dining experience.
€€Country cooking, Modern Cuisine
Although this restaurant is slightly set back from the seafront, the high quality cuisine focusing on the flavours of the Salento makes the short walk well worthwhile. A classic ambience with simple yet tasteful furniture, soft background music and an informal atmosphere.
€Seafood
Situated in the town centre just a stone’s throw from the port, this small, typical trattoria is renowned for its delicious fish and seafood, including an excellent antipasto buffet and fresh fish cooked mainly on the grill. The large outdoor area is perfect for summer dining. Informal service.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.6/5 · 80 reviews
Pantagruele in Brindisi specializes in seafood and traditional cuisine. Many reviews praise the fresh ingredients, attentive service, and comfortable atmosphere, highlighting dishes like beef with Primitivo wine. However, approximately 25% of feedback points to inconsistencies: slow pacing, bland or undercooked fish, and perceived high prices relative to quality. While the main dining area is cozy, the terrace is described as simple and located near a busy road. Experiences vary significantly, with some guests finding it a special treat while others report disappointment regarding food freshness and value.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional seafood who prioritize consistent quality, with a suggestion to verify daily catch freshness.
€€Seafood, Mediterranean Cuisine
Nestled among magnificent beaches and bays, the sea reigns supreme: it dominates the horizon and returns to the plate in its most authentic expression. Patron Saverio Galeone is the guiding presence of the house, and the cooking follows a classic approach in both its techniques and pairings, so as to draw the very best from the quality of the catch. The finest cuts are generally cooked over the grill, while molluscs and crustaceans are presented in preparations that are spare and respectful of the ingredient. A table that speaks the language of the sea with frankness, precision and clean flavo
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
La Barca in Pulsano specializes in Mediterranean seafood, holding a 3.7/5 average from 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the warm service, particularly from Saverio, fresh ingredients, and high-quality cooking. However, criticisms focus on perceived poor value, inconsistent service, slow pacing, and dated interiors. Some guests noted issues with missing menus or unclear pricing, affecting transparency. Despite these drawbacks, many diners appreciate the authentic Ionian Sea flavors and excellent fish preparation. The restaurant offers a refined culinary journey but requires patience regarding service consistency and cost-effectiveness.
Suitable for diners prioritizing fresh seafood and authentic flavors, with advice to confirm menu details beforehand.