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Before I head off to explore the beaches or wander through the historical cities of Salento, Puglia, a good breakfast is a must!
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee, a sweet treat, or a full-on feast, Salento has plenty of surprising places to discover and start your day on the right foot.
Most are small local businesses that never fail to surprise.
I’m sharing my go-to spots for starting the day right so that you can experience the best of Salento from the very first bite. Also, don’t miss my guide to the absolute best restaurants I recommend in Salento.
Partiamo! 🎒✈️🇮🇹
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Il Melograno – Lecce
Il Melograno in Lecce is my go-to for the best pastries in town! 🥐
Known for its incredible cornetti, pasticciotti, and krapfens, this café serves up some of the best pastries in Salento, so no wonder both locals and visitors can’t get enough!
The atmosphere is welcoming, and the quality is consistently high.
If you’re heading to one of the Adriatic beaches, be sure to stop here for breakfast—you won’t regret it.
300Mila – Lecce
300Mila in Lecce is one of my favorite spots for a fantastic coffee experience.
Whether I’m dashing in for a quick espresso or treating myself to a leisurely breakfast, this place never disappoints!
It’s got this cool, upscale vibe that I really appreciate, and the coffee ☕ is some of the best in Salento—definitely worth a visit!
Caffè Alvino – Lecce
Caffè Alvino, also in Lecce, is a local institution and a must-visit for anyone in the city.
Their Rustico Leccese—a delicious savory pastry—is the best in town and has become a staple you’ve got to try!
Plus, its prime spot right on Piazza Sant’Oronzo is perfect for people-watching while you sip your coffee. 👀
While in Lecce, check out my complete guide on Where And What To Eat In Lecce. There are so many great choices—you’ll love it!
DON’T MISS my LECCE GUIDE FOR THE ULTIMATE LECCE EXPERIENCE!
Agnese De Donatis – Casarano
Agnese De Donatis Artigiana dei Sapori in Casarano serves up a charming and mouthwatering gourmet experience.
Their croissant-like pastry (not your typical Italian cornetto) is just amazing, by far the best I’ve had in Salento!
And the variety of baked goods, like focaccia, cakes, and pan brioche, whether you enjoy them there or take some home, will definitely have you coming back for more! 😋
La Santa Beata Felicità – Santa Caterina
La Santa – Beata Felicità, right by the sea in Santa Caterina, is one of those places where you sit down for breakfast and end up wanting to stay all day.
We usually go for a morning bite and love it—super flaky Cornetto alla Crema, a warm Tramezzino with ham and cheese, and of course, caffè and Espressino done right. With that sea breeze and those views, it’s hard to leave!
It’s actually open all day, so you can come back for lunch or dinner too. The vibe is chill and young, with outdoor tables right in front of the water. Their menu leans Mediterranean, with a good mix of seafood, pasta, and even pizza, plus local wines and beers.
Easygoing, scenic, and tasty from morning till night! 🤩
Mille Voglie – Specchia
Pasticceria Mille Voglie in Specchia is an absolute must if you’re in the area. Run by award-winning pastry chef Giuseppe Zippo, it’s famous for its artisan panettone and gelato, both of which have won several prestigious awards.
The pasticciotto is a local favorite, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try their babasticciotto—it’s a fun twist with a babà inside!
The charming outdoor area at the back is perfect for enjoying your treat in the sun, and the indoor space is pretty fantastic too!
It’s the perfect excuse to visit the picturesque Specchia and indulge in some seriously good pastries! Whether for breakfast or a sweet break, this place will make your day!
Jacopo Falli Dolci & Gelato – Porto Cesareo
Jacopo Falli Dolci & Gelato in Porto Cesareo is a fantastic spot for a sweet start to the day! This small place blends traditional Salentine flavors with a modern twist.
You’ll find local favorites like pasticciotto and krapfen, plus treats like pain au chocolat and pain suisse.
I especially love their super light puff pastries—made with crisp, airy puff pastry—like the excellent croissant, plain or with different fillings, and the delicious tartellette topped with fresh fruit.
Their artisan gelato made with carefully chosen ingredients, and their signature cuokko—a gelato-filled, grilled brioche—are worth trying! The outdoor seating is great for enjoying a cappuccino while Porto Cesareo wakes up.
Pro tip: Head there early, especially in peak season, as the good stuff flies off the shelves! 😉
Martinucci – Many Locations
Martinucci is a beloved local institution! This bar pasticceria is everywhere in Puglia, and for good reason.
Their breakfast pastries are delicious – their pasticciotto and cornetto always hit the spot with a perfect coffee or cappuccino on the side.
But Martinucci isn’t just a morning spot. Pop in later for a quick snack or stick around for aperitivo hour. The vibe is cozy yet classy, perfect for any time of day.
With locations all over, you’re never far from a Martinucci fix!
Dentoni Pasticceria – Torre dell’Orso
Dentoni Pasticceria in Torre dell’Orso is a hit with everyone—locals and visitors.
It’s famous for its signature Torta Crepes and the amazing array of pasticciotti flavors. And really, you can’t leave without trying their mustaccioli cookies – they’re something special!
The location itself is fantastic! Grab a seat on their terrace and enjoy that stunning view of Torre dell’Orso beach. It’s the perfect place to kick back and indulge in some seriously good treats.
Bar Lucia di Tonio Barba – Salice Salentino
Bar Lucia di Tonio Barba in Salice Salentino has a lively vibe and an impressive selection of treats. Whether you’re after a quick coffee or a tasty snack, you’ll find it here.
The setting is great, with plenty of indoor and outdoor tables to choose from.
I was struck by how busy it was – the number of cars parked outside and how buzzing it was inside. It’s clearly a local favorite!
It’s especially busy on weekends, so if you’re in the area, you should definitely pop in and see for yourself!
Isabelle Boulangerie – Racale
Isabelle Boulangerie in Racale is a special little bakery that brings a touch of French flair to Salento.
Their freshly baked croissants and bread are a must-try, and they have a variety of pastries that are light, buttery, and delicious.
I especially like their cruffin—the perfect croissant-muffin mash-up—filled with crema allo zabaione, and the almond croissant filled with custard. They also have a fantastic pain au chocolat and beautifully crafted tartlets with fresh fruit.
It’s a perfect spot to enjoy your breakfast with a cappuccino, definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area! But get there early—the place just opened and it’s already super popular, with lines forming fast! 😉
Provenzano – Tuglie
Provenzano in Tuglie is a great stop to try real traditional, artisanal sweets.
This historic pastry shop has been in the heart of this charming little town since 1920, with three generations still making their treats the old-fashioned way.
The pasticciotto is exactly as it should be—crispy on the outside and filled with silky custard. But don’t stop there, so much more to try! Like the marzipan, it’s pretty special too.
Pair it all with a perfectly brewed espresso, and you’re all set!
Dolcemente Cake Design – Tricase
Dolcemente Cake Design in Tricase is a pasticceria and caffetteria that has everything from flaky croissants to their famous pasticciotti in unique flavors like pistachio and almond. They’ve got a great selection of mini sweets too, so you can try a bit of everything!
The vibe is super cozy, and the decor is really unique, with every little detail carefully thought out.
No wonder locals love this spot—it’s perfect for starting your morning with something sweet and delicious!
Delizie dal 1995 – Squinzano
I finally made it to Delizie dal 1995 in Squinzano on a Sunday morning—such a great find!
The place was buzzing, with locals popping in for mini sweets to serve at Sunday lunch, while others—myself included! 😊—lingered over a relaxed breakfast with freshly baked pastries and the perfect coffee to match.
And it’s not just about breakfast. They have a huge selection of gelato, chocolates, and desserts to enjoy any time of the day.
Cozy indoor and outdoor seating, friendly vibes, and endless treats—a perfect way to start (or sweeten!) your day!
Graffio – Galatone
Graffio is a popular caffetteria, pasticceria, and gelateria in Galatone, Salento, known for its high-quality pastries, particularly the local favorite, pasticciotto!
What I like about Graffio is the warm, welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or sitting down to enjoy your breakfast. The staff is friendly, and the service is always with a smile.
It’s a place you’ll just want to return to again and again. If you’re exploring Salento and want an authentic taste of local breakfast culture, make sure to stop by!
Arte Bianca – Parabita
Arte Bianca in Parabita is the perfect spot for anyone looking to dive into a true local breakfast experience—and since we are in Italy, it means a lot of pastries, of course!
With both indoor and outdoor seating, this pasticceria, led by a renowned pastry chef, has earned prestigious awards. Their secret? A flawless mix of tradition and innovation, with only the finest ingredients.
And the results speak for themselves—it’s always buzzing with customers!
L’Arte del Gusto – Maglie
L’Arte del Gusto in Maglie is always hopping with locals, with a steady line of people waiting for their takeout orders while enjoying their breakfast right there.
While their pasticciotti are the main attraction, for me, it’s their krapfen with creamy custard that really steals the show!
There’s no seating, but there are some counters where you can savor your pastry and coffee—and feel like a local yourself! 😊
Map Of My Top Breakfast Spots in Salento
FAQs – Lecce, Puglia
What is the difference between a cornetto and a croissant?
While both are flaky pastries, the cornetto and croissant differ in taste and texture. A cornetto is an Italian pastry, typically softer, sweeter, and with a denser crumb. It’s often filled with jam, custard, or Nutella. A croissant, on the other hand, is French, known for its buttery, flaky layers and more neutral taste.
