Written by Lucrezia Worthington
modified 9 December 2024
5 min. read
It’s safe to say that when travelling to Puglia, or Italy in general, besides the pretty obvious tourist traps, it’s rare to have a bad food experience.
What makes Italian cuisine so excellent is the quality of our raw ingredients combined with simple recipes that most chefs have learnt from mothers and grandmothers. While there’s room for experimentation and modern techniques, it’s those homily, comforting flavours that keep you coming back over and over again. In this article, we will highlight seven standout restaurants in the Itria Valley that deserve a place on your list. Oh and by the way, in Puglia, it’s customary to begin dinner with a house appetizer selection!
The perfect restaurant for a candle-lit date night or dinner with a group of friends. Situated within a former courtyard, the space has a very particular, traditional setting with whitewashed walls, vaulted ceilings, wooden tables and bunches of dried tomatoes hanging here and there. Il Cortiletto is a family-led, rustic eatery that showcases traditional Apulian flavours with a particular commitment to high-quality local ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from the surrounding Itria Valley. The menu changes with the seasons, though classics like Orecchiette al Ragù remain a staple.
Located in the heart of Martina Franca’s historic centre, Osteria del Cocco Pazzo has become a must-visit when in the Itria Valley. This spot invites you to unwind after a day of exploring, serving delicious dishes alongside a carefully curated wine selection. Although interiors are modest, the cuisine is undoubtedly the strong point, with ingredients sourced from nearby farms, local markets, and coastal sources. Handmade pasta is among the recommendations, but the restaurant also excels with meat dishes like pork and beef steak.
Osteria del Caroseno, Castellana Grotte
Set in a former olive oil mill, Osteria del Caroseno embodies the warmth and authenticity of family heritage. Chef Giovanni Longo’s deep culinary heritage was passed down from his mother Rosetta, who instilled this passion in him since childhood. Dishes speak of genuine flavours and traditional aromas, reimagined in a contemporary, well-presented key. Recommended dishes include the impanata of lava beans and chicory, slow-cooked veal rolls and the Apulian reinterpretation of the tiramisù, made with taralli, ricotta and almonds.
Located in Ostuni’s historic center, Casa San Giacomo is a charming eatery with exposed stone walls and vaulted ceilings. It’s one of the few places in town that has kept its authenticity intact, even with the summer influx of tourists. Here, the chef works with contemporary techniques and recipes, using only locally sourced and seasonal produce. You won’t find your ‘Apulian classics’ here, but you will most certainly recognise staple ingredients such as capocollo, cacio cavallo, cime di rapa and taralli. Come here if you’re looking for a cosy environment, delicious dishes and an honest bill at the end.
Il Casalicchio, Castellana Grotte
Castellana Grotte is a very beautiful town to stroll around in and discover the incredible limestone cave system formed millennia ago. Beyond this natural wonder, its narrow cobblestone streets treasure delightful boutiques and cafes to discover, still untouched by mass tourism. Il Casalicchio is situated within a hidden courtyard, where you can taste delicious Apulian cuisine in an authentic environment. The Orecchiette e Brasciola is something truly special - no revisitations, just the traditional, generation-led recipe, as is the Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa (a lighter, veggie option).
Osteria da Giuseppe, Ceglie Messapica
This small eatery is a local restaurant in the heart of Ceglie Messapica. With simple interiors and an open kitchen, Osteria da Giuseppe stands out for the flavour and warmth chef Giuseppe Ciraci brings to each dish. You can sense his passion for sharing his hometown’s traditional, ancient flavours. A house antipasto and a glass of Apulian wine are the perfect way to start your meal here.
Trattoria delle Ruote, Martina Franca
As you arrive at Trattoria delle Ruote, you’re essentially walking into the owner’s home. A quaint Trullo, set in a charming garden, with trinkets and curious objects displayed around the property and on the walls. A walking museum, with memorabilia of the past that accompanies your culinary experience. Here, the food is comforting and rustic, or “casalinga” as Italians say. The house antipasto is an array of local produce, but the real star is the braciola, served with orecchiette or as a main dish with tomato sauce. You’ll be tempted to return, meal after meal.
In the small town of Cisternino, Katia Grilletti and Davide Argentieri opened a homily restaurant on the outskirts of the city center. With only ten tables (reservations are essential), the space features an open kitchen where Katia crafts delectable, farm-to-table dishes. The menu changes daily, based on seasonal ingredients, offering simple yet traditional cuisine reimagined with a contemporary twist. This approach perfectly complements the modern interior, which doubles as a wine cellar, showcasing Davide’s curated selection of fine labels.
Do you also want to discover Puglia? Have a look at our holiday villas in Puglia here.
Lucrezia Worthington
I am a Travel Journalist and Content Creator born in the UK, made in Italy. It is in fact in Italy that I have settled down, travelling to Umbria, Puglia and Sicily on a frequent basis. Although it seems as though I was always destined to work in the travel industry (I took my first flight at the age of 3 weeks old), I wouldn't have had it any other way. I love discovering, exploring and sharing the beauty of this world, and specifically, of our country: Italy.