Puglia Food Guide: Top Dishes & Where to Find Them

Puglia’s food culture revolves around “cucina povera” (poor cuisine) – simple dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Think sun-ripened tomatoes, artisanal olive oil, and seafood caught that morning. You’ll find little waste here! Every part of an ingredient gets used.

Locals take enormous pride in their food traditions. Family recipes pass down through generations, and meals stretch for hours as everyone savours each bite and each other’s company. When you visit a trattoria in a small Puglian village, you’re often tasting history!

Exploring Puglia by Vespa puts you right in the heart of this culinary scene, letting you stop whenever a roadside stall or charming restaurant catches your eye..

These little “ear-shaped” pasta pieces are the stars of Puglian cuisine. Made daily by nonnas (grandmothers) throughout the region, they’re traditionally served with cime di rapa (turnip tops) and a splash of local olive oil.

Where to find the best: In Bari’s old town, watch local women making orecchiette right on the street in Strada dell’Arco Basso – then pop into Osteria delle Travi for a perfect plate. In Ostuni, try Osteria del Tempo Perso for their delightful variation with a stunning view.

Cut into this innocent-looking mozzarella ball and watch as cream spills out! Burrata is dairy heaven. It originated in Andria and tastes best when eaten within 24 hours of being made.

Where to find the best: Visit Caseificio Olanda in Andria for the freshest burrata you’ll ever taste, often still warm from production. In Alberobello, La Cantina serves exceptional burrata alongside local wines in a traditional trulli setting.

This isn’t just any focaccia! The Bari version is thicker, spongier, and topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, and plenty of local olive oil. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack during your Vespa adventures.

Where to find the best: Panificio Fiore in Bari will change your understanding of what focaccia can be.

These little meat rolls from Valle d’Itria are stuffed with cheese, rolled with pancetta, and grilled to perfection. One bite and you’ll understand why locals rave about them.

Where to find the best: Head to Cisternino and visit any butcher shop with a fornello pronto (ready oven). In Fasano, Macelleria Rosticceria Romanelli serves bombette that have achieved legendary status among foodies.

This layered rice, potato and mussel dish is cooked in a terracotta pot until the flavours meld beautifully. It represents the perfect marriage of land and sea that defines Puglian cuisine.

Where to find the best: La Uascezze in Bari serves a traditional version that locals approve of. In Alberobello, Ristorante L’Aratro offers a refined version of this rustic Puglian favourite.

Puglia produces nearly 40% of Italy’s olive oil, and some of its olive trees are over 2,000 years old! Riding through the countryside, you’ll see these ancient giants stretching to the horizon like living sculptures.

The oil here has a distinctive peppery finish that locals say should make you cough slightly – that’s how you know it’s good! Many farms offer tastings where you can learn to distinguish flavours like a pro.

Puglia’s landscape isn’t just dominated by olive groves – vineyards stretch across the region too! This sunny corner of Italy produces about 17% of the country’s wine. The rich, volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate create perfect conditions for robust reds like Primitivo and the deeply coloured Negroamaro.

Each wine region in Puglia has its own character. Salento’s wines carry hints of the sea breeze, while those from the Itria Valley have notes from the surrounding herbs and wildflowers. Exploring these wine regions lets you experience the terroir firsthand – you can literally smell the influences on the grapes as you ride! From small family-run cantinas to larger estates, winemakers welcome visitors with open arms and generous pours.

For a fantastic wine experience, stop by Enoteca Argento in Fasano, a charming wine bar known for its excellent selection of local vintages. If you want to get even closer to the source, visit I Pastini Winery in the Itria Valley, where you can tour the vineyards and taste wines made from native Puglian grape varieties.

With hundreds of kilometres of coastline, seafood features prominently in Puglian cuisine. Fresh sea urchins (ricci di mare) eaten raw by the water’s edge are a true local experience. Or try the region’s famous octopus, often simply boiled and dressed with lemon and olive oil.

The fishing ports of Gallipoli, Monopoli, and Otranto offer the freshest catches. Start your day with the fishermen at the morning markets to see today’s bounty arrive.

For a truly unique dining experience, Grotta Palazzese in Polignano a Mare offers a breathtaking setting inside a natural cave overlooking the Adriatic. This spot is all about the atmosphere, making it a memorable place for a special occasion. For a more authentic and budget-friendly option, Trattoria La Locanda dei Mercanti in Monopoli is the perfect choice. This cozy, welcoming spot serves fresh, locally sourced seafood with delicious flavors and a warm atmosphere—ideal for those looking to enjoy great food without the hefty price tag.

While Puglia is famous for its seafood and meat dishes, vegetarians won’t miss out on incredible flavors. The region’s “cucina povera” is built on fresh, local produce—think sun-ripened tomatoes, wild greens, creamy burrata, and handmade pasta. Traditional dishes like Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (ear-shaped pasta with turnip greens) or Fave e Cicoria (mashed fava beans with chicory) are naturally plant-based and bursting with taste.

For a fantastic vegetarian-friendly meal, head to Munz Munz biOstrot in Ostuni. This cozy, eco-conscious eatery specializes in organic, locally sourced ingredients, serving up creative plant-based dishes with a modern twist. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty grain bowl, seasonal vegetable plates, or a refreshing natural wine, this spot is a must-visit for conscious foodies.

• Follow the locals: If you see a queue of Italians outside a simple-looking place, join it! They know where the good food is hiding.
  
• Respect mealtimes: Restaurants serve lunch from 12:30-2:30pm and dinner from 8pm onwards. Coming too early might mean limited options.
  
• Try the street food: Panzerotti (fried calzones), Sgagliozze (fried polenta), and Popizze (fried dough balls) are perfect for sampling between proper meals during your Puglian food journey.
  
• Visit a masseria: These fortified farmhouses offer some of the most authentic farm-to-table experiences in Puglia. During your Vespa Tour Puglia you will be staying in the beautiful Masserie Don Sante.
• Learn the wine: Primitivo and Negroamaro are Puglia’s star grapes. Most restaurants offer local wines by the carafe at reasonable prices.
  
• Take a cooking class: There’s no better souvenir than bringing home the skills to recreate Puglian dishes! By the way: we also offer a cooking class on our Vespa Trip!