This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through them. You can read our full disclosure here. Thank you for your support.
As someone living in Lecce and a passionate foodie, one of my favorite weekend activities is exploring restaurants around the Salento area.
The great thing is, if you’re willing to drive up to an hour from Lecce, there are plenty of incredible options to discover. And if you’re after a good breakfast spot before heading out, I’ve got you covered—check out My Top Breakfast Spots in Salento!
Of course, Lecce itself has some fantastic restaurants (and here are my Top Picks on Restaurants in Lecce!), but I enjoy venturing out and uncovering new spots that often fly under the radar.
I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorite places—spots that tend to stay off Google’s top search results or social media trends and are rarely on the radar of “outsiders”.
These are all places I’ve personally been to, usually more than once, and that I genuinely think are worth visiting.
Whether it’s for the great food, the ambiance, the warm service, the local charm—or, more often than not, a combination of all of these—these are the places that stand out for me.
I will list them in no particular order, as they are all equally great places to try. If you’re visiting nearby cities or beaches, try to plan a stop for a meal—you won’t regret it!
Partiamo! 🎒✈️🇮🇹
TL;DR – If YOU choose Lecce as your base to explore the RESTAURANTS, consider my top hotel choices
Top Accommodations
🌠 Renata’s Top Choice: Pollicastro Boutique Hotel
💎 Luxury: Palazzo Maresgallo Suites
👍 Mid-Range: Palazzo BN Luxury Suites
💲 Budget: Dimi House
Taverna del Porto – Tricase Porto
Taverna del Porto in Tricase Porto is one of those places that just sticks with you!
Right by the sea, with a rustic, intimate vibe and a view that makes everything taste even better. I just love it!
The seafood here is as fresh as it gets—literally straight from the local fishermen.
In our last visit, we started with their Pane Pomodoro with anchovies, then came the Fettuccine with shrimp tartare and, of course, we had to get their Fritto di Pesce. Everything was just amazing!
The whole place feels effortless, but in the best way. The service is warm, the atmosphere is laid-back, and you’re never rushed. It’s the kind of restaurant where you lose track of time, sip your wine a little slower, and just enjoy.
If you love seafood and want a meal that feels special but totally unpretentious, this is definitely your place! 🤩
Origano Cibo e Vino – Minervino di Lecce
Origano Cibo e Vino in Minervino di Lecce is a place that does things right—good food, great wine, and a menu that actually makes sense with what’s in season.
The restaurant is part of the Menhir winery, so every dish is paired with their wines, and honestly, they nail the combinations.
I love their approach to food. It’s not about fancy tricks, just solid flavors that work beautifully together.
One of our visits started with Tuna Tartare and Burrata with Prawns—both fresh and perfectly balanced. Then came the Conchiglioni stuffed with aubergine and pecorino, and Spaghetti with mussels, both full of flavor. For dessert, their beautiful Meringue with Ricotta and black cherries, which looked almost too perfect to eat but tasted even better!
The atmosphere here is relaxed, with a mix of rustic and modern touches that make it feel both cozy and stylish. It’s the kind of place where the food and wine do all the talking—just how I like it! 🍷
Ristorantino Da Fabio – Zollino
Ristorantino Da Fabio in Zollino is a family-run restaurant, one of those authentic places that reminds you why you fell in love with Salento’s food in the first place!
Set inside an 18th-century castle’s olive mill, the atmosphere alone makes this place special. The menu is all about fresh, local ingredients, and you can really taste the difference.
What I love most about this place is how genuine everything feels. Fabio, the owner, often comes to take your order himself, and his passion for the food just shines through.
We always start our visits with their antipasti spread—absolutely fantastic!
In our last visit, we had their amazing gnocchi in fish sauce, followed by the Open Ravioli stuffed with seasonal veggies and cheese. Everything was just delicious, and their homemade orange cheesecake was the perfect ending to a great meal!
The whole atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with that perfect balance of feeling special while staying completely unpretentious. It’s a spot that locals love, and now you understand why!
If you’re looking for real Salento cooking that comes straight from the heart, this is definitely your place! 🍝
For a full review on Ristorantino da Fabio, click here!
Mora Mora Bistro’ del Mare – San Foca
Mora Mora Bistrò del Mare in San Foca is one of those places we keep coming back to! When we need a quick escape from Lecce, nothing beats great food with a sea view.
It’s right on the beach, so you’re literally dining with your feet almost in the sand.
The menu is all about fresh seafood with a modern touch, and they do it so well! Plus, they have a great cocktail bar —perfect for a pre-dinner drink while watching the waves.
And honestly? We never leave without a quick swim! The beach here has soft sand, and the water is crystal clear.
Good food, a refreshing dip, and a cocktail by the sea… what more could you ask for? 🌊🍹
my GUIDE FOR THE ULTIMATE FOODIE EXPERIENCE IN LECCE!
L’Oca Fifì – Lequile
L’Oca Fifì in Lequile is one of our favorite places when we want a meal that feels a little special!
Set inside a beautifully restored historic building, it’s cozy, intimate, and just the right mix of rustic and elegant.
The menu is well thought out—four courses: appetizer, first course, main course with a side, and dessert.
You can go all in with the full tasting menu or pick just two or three courses. Either way, everything is made with care and top-quality ingredients.
Of course, we went for the full tasting menu!
We started with a Mix of Fried Bites and a Fresh Salad. Then came the Gnocchi with Pumpkin Cream, and the Chestnut Pappardelle with Mushrooms and Sausage! For the main course, we had the Orange-glazed Medallion with Purple Cabbage, and the Potato Coculona with Truffled Cacio e Pepe Cream. And for dessert, the Passionata (a ricotta-based dessert) and, of course, Tiramisù.
Everything was just sooo delicious, the kind of meal you never want to end! 😍
We love coming here for special occasions! The warm atmosphere, the attention to detail, and, of course, the food always make it a meal to remember. ✨
L’Orecchietta – Guagnano
L’Orecchietta in Guagnano is one of those spots we always say we should visit more often! It’s super popular with locals, and once you step inside, you get why.
The setup is buffet-style, so you actually get to see and smell all the dishes before choosing—which makes it even harder to decide!
The selection is huge, with all the classic Salento favorites.
Last time, we had Polpette al Sugo, Cod with Cherry Tomatoes, Orecchiette with Turnip Tops, Lasagna, and lots of Vegetables—all amazing and packed with flavor!
The vibe is casual, the service is always warm and welcoming, and it’s just one of those easy, no-fuss places where you know you’ll eat well.
And every time we leave? We tell ourselves the same thing: we really need to come here more often! 😆
For a full review on L’Orecchietta, click here!
Il Fienile Ristorante – Galatina
Il Fienile in Galatina is a cozy yet stylish spot—great for date nights, special celebrations, or just treating yourself to a great meal!
The space is beautiful, with a mix of rustic charm and modern details that make it warm and inviting. And the service is always attentive but never too formal, which I love!
On one of our visits, we had their delicious Fresh Troccoli Pasta with Black Truffle, and the Mixed Fried Seafood—so full of flavor!
And for dessert, their Tiramisu was just perfect—light, creamy, and totally irresistible. The kind you don’t want to share!
What makes it even more special is the location. It’s right in Galatina’s historic center, and if you’re dining outside in the warmer months, you also get a view of the stunning Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria—such a perfect setting!
Trattoria La Puritate – Gallipoli
Trattoria La Puritate in Gallipoli is one of my go-to spots for seafood when I’m in the area! Right near the historic Puritate Church, it’s all about super fresh, high-quality fish and shellfish—exactly what you want when you’re by the sea.
The menu is simple but spot on. Their Crudo di Mare (raw seafood platter) is always a must! In our last visit, we had the Linguine with Bonito and the Mezzo Paccheri with Mixed Seafood—both were incredible!
The dining room has this old-school charm, with white tablecloths and wood-paneled walls. Nothing fancy, but honestly? It just fits. And the service is always warm and welcoming.
Some might say the decor is a little dated, but to me, that just makes it feel even more authentic—this place is all about the food. And the best part? It’s right by the beach, perfect for a meal after a morning in the sun! ☀️🍝
Il Diavolicchio Goloso – Otranto
Il Diavolicchio Goloso in Otranto is one of those places I always look forward to! Set in a countryside villa just outside town, it’s the perfect escape from the tourist crowds.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with that perfect mix of rustic Salento charm and modern style. And the staff is always super friendly and welcoming!
And the food? So good! Every dish is not only delicious but also plated beautifully. The menu is a mix of traditional and creative dishes, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
Last time, we started with Burrata with Cherry Tomatoes and Fava Bean Purée with Chicory. Then came the Fettuccine with Arugula Pesto, Cuttlefish, and Shrimp, and their perfectly crispy Mixed Fried Seafood—all so good! And for dessert, that Apricot Cheesecake—absolutely amazing!
Every meal here feels like a treat. If you’re looking for a spot with incredible food, a cozy countryside vibe, and that special Salento touch, this is it! 🍷✨
Il Vecchio Molo – San Foca
Il Vecchio Molo in San Foca is a cozy yet elegant spot right by the harbor.
The service is spot on! Super attentive without being over the top.
And the food is fresh, local, and seriously good! Their seafood dishes strike the perfect balance between tradition and creativity.
On one of our visits, we had Paccheri with Tomatoes and Seafood, Spaghettone with Ricotta Forte and Eggplant, Gnocchi with Burrata, Cuttlefish, and Truffle, and Seared Octopus with Fava Beans, Cardoncelli Mushrooms, and Onion—every bite was pure joy!
This restaurant is a great pick for those of us who love great food, a relaxed vibe, and a view of the boats! 🚤✨
Ristorante Art Nouveau – Santa Maria al Bagno
Some friends who have a summer house in Santa Maria al Bagno kept telling me, “You have to try Ristorante Art Nouveau!” And now I get why!
Set in a stunning Art Nouveau-style building. It’s elegant, with vintage touches like boiserie and classic lamps make it feel extra special, but the atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming.
The service is professional yet super friendly! You feel taken care of without any of that stiff, formal vibe. And for a place that looks this upscale, the prices are surprisingly reasonable, which makes the experience even better!
The menu is all about Italian and Mediterranean flavors, with a big focus on fresh seafood.
Every dish was beautifully plated, and the flavors were just amazing! We each had a different take on Tagliolini—one with Bottarga and Raw Seabream, the other with Fish, Bottarga, and Cherry Tomatoes—both absolutely delicious!
For dessert, we couldn’t resist the Apple Puff Pastry with Vanilla Gelato and the Chocolate Lava Cake with Pistachio Gelato—pure indulgence! ✨
Between the excellent food, stylish setting, and warm service, this place is a total treat! ✨🍽️
Marenuesciu Cucina Tipica Marinara – Squinzano
Marenuesciu Cucina Tipica Marinara in Squinzano was such a fantastic find! This cozy, family-run osteria in the town’s historic center has a warm, laid-back vibe that instantly draws you in. The kind of place where you just know you’re about to eat well!
We kicked things off with the most incredible antipasto—a feast of small dishes, each one more delicious than the last.
Then came the mains: Trofie with Mixed Seafood, Fettuccine with Monkfish, and Mixed Fried Fish—all bursting with flavor and that perfect seaside freshness! For dessert, we couldn’t resist the Tiramisù and a Mixed Berry Crumble to finish off!
The portions are so generous, and the whole experience feels truly authentic and special.
The husband takes care of the dining room while his wife works her magic in the kitchen—she even came out to greet us before we left!
If you love seafood, this spot should definitely be on your list! 🦑✨
Cantina Don Carlo – San Pietro in Lama
I recently discovered Cantina Don Carlo in San Pietro in Lama, and what a great find! This welcoming spot has a cozy feel, with warm lighting and a charming atmosphere that makes it perfect for a special meal.
The menu is huge, covering everything from seafood and meat to pizza, so there’s always something that catches my eye. We started with this divine Antipasto, an array of small plates bursting with flavor—I just love it!
Then we went for Gnocchi Norcina, Orecchiette al Sugo, and Scialatielli with Fish and Tomato Sauce—each dish hit the spot!
The staff is genuinely friendly, the portions are generous, and the whole experience just feels easygoing and enjoyable. A place that makes you want to come back over and over again! 🍝🍕🐟
Map Of Lecce
Quick Picks for the Swift Traveler – Lecce
Top Accommodations
🌠 Renata’s Top Choice: Pollicastro Boutique Hotel
💎 Luxury: Palazzo Maresgallo Suites
👍 Mid-Range: Palazzo BN Luxury Suites
💲 Budget: Dimi House
FAQs – Lecce, Puglia
Is Lecce Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Lecce is a must-visit in Italy for its stunning Baroque architecture, rich history including Roman sites, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife.
