OUR FAVORITE OSTUNI RESTAURANTS
"The only thing I like better than talking about food is eating." - John Walters
An Ode to Simplicity and Freshness
Pugliese cuisine, hailing from the picturesque region of Puglia in southern Italy, is a delightful ode to simplicity and freshness. With its deep-rooted agricultural traditions and coastal bounty, Pugliese dishes celebrate the natural flavors of the land and sea. Think warm rustic bread drizzled with golden olive oil, velvety burrata cheese accompanied by vine-ripened tomatoes, and delicate orecchiette pasta adorned with robust ragù. From its famous seafood dishes like the briny octopus and the succulent mussels to hearty meat-based recipes like the legendary bombette, Pugliese cuisine offers a harmonious blend of flavors that evoke a sense of timelessness. Infused with fragrant herbs, locally grown vegetables, and freshly caught seafood, every bite tells a story of passion, tradition, and the uncompromising pursuit of gastronomic perfection.
Our first stop in Puglia was the walled city of Ostuni, and it left a lasting impression. Here are some places we recommend to give you a sense of what food in Puglia is like.
Trattoria Fave e Fogghje - The most authentic and homegrown Pugliese restaurant inside a cave! We tried their eggplant parm, Pugliese lasagna (it has broccoli inside!), and the BEST charcuterie board I’ve ever tasted.
Ramunno Bistrot - Fine dining on a budget! We stumbled upon this cute little osteria while strolling around the central storico (historic center) of Ostuni. Plenty of raw seafood appetizers and delicious pasta entrees.
Gelateria Borgo Antico - Cute gelateria right next to the Ostuni Cathedral in the center of the old town. We made it a point to get here early in the morning before the walking tours got there so we could enjoy a cup of coffee and a pasticciotto, a type of custard-filled Italian pastry that we saw all around Ostuni!
The land of Orecchiette PASTA
The word "Orecchiette" translates to "little ears" in Italian. This distinctive pasta shape is characterized by its round, concave form that resembles a tiny ear. Its unique shape allows it to hold sauces and ingredients, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The origin of Orecchiette pasta in Puglia can be traced back centuries ago when the region's cuisine began to take shape. Puglia, located in the southeastern part of Italy, is known for its delectable dishes and rich culinary heritage. Amongst its culinary treasures, Orecchiette holds a special place.
Legend has it that the origins of Orecchiette can be attributed to the creative hands of Puglian housewives. These skilled women crafted this pasta shape by hand, skillfully rolling dough into tiny circles and then pressing their thumbs against them to create the characteristic hollow center. This labor-intensive process required patience and precision, showcasing the dedication of Puglia's culinary artisans.
We were able to find a local trattoria by our Airbnb where we had some delicious orecchiette pasta with meatballs. While the orecchiette was the main event, the star of the show was the yummy meatballs lightly fried with cheese on the outside. Depending on where you are staying, you will likely find several good local eateries serving up some of the most authentic homemade pasta you’ve ever had!
Traditional Elegance
If you're looking for a more homegrown and traditional dining experience, we highly recommend Trattoria Fave e Fogghje. We suggest making a reservation if you want to sit outside, but we didn’t have time to prepare and decided to go when the restaurant first opened. There were lots of hidden restaurants tucked in small alleys within the old town of Ostuni, but we wanted to try something traditional and eat something we can’t get in the rest of Italy. We were seated at a table in the most secluded area of the restaurant, which was fully enclosed in a cave! Their wine list was filled with Puligese natural wine, which is a plus in my book. The restaurant served tons of pasta dishes, but we ordered the traditional dishes like Pugliese lasagna which came with broccoli for those who need a bit of veggies, these delicious fried pork bites, eggplant Parmesan, and the best charcuterie board I’ve ever tasted (bold statement, I know). Even the waitress was very impressed by our ability to finish everything we ordered!
FINE DINING ON A BUDGET
To us, the charm of Puglia is really how authentic, delicious, and affordable the food is, and it always comes with great service and friendly staff. We both love pasta, and it was such a dream to try out so many kinds in one city. After experiencing the traditional Pugliese food, we opted for a more modern take on Italian food and pizza. We found Ramunno Bistrot, an osteria just behind the main old town square in Ostuni, not far from all the nearby olive groves. We were able to get seated at a table quickly since we got there before the regular lunch crowd arrived.
Puglia is on the southern coast, so you’ll tend to see a lot of nice seafood dishes! Since everything was so well priced, we decided to go wild — we ordered the raw shrimp appetizer, deep-fried octopus, squid ink pasta, and a soppressata pizza. The restaurant offered an extensive wine list, of course. I loved sitting at this restaurant looking at the buildings surrounding us and enjoying the quiet of a slow morning. The experience truly felt like we were enjoying fine dining on a budget.
Final Thoughts
Locals and travelers are generally laid back and places do close between 1-4 pm for resting, so you should plan your meals accordingly. Get an early start to see the gorgeous views surrounding the walls of Ostuni where you can see miles of olive groves before views of the ocean before all the walking tours begin. There is a sense of calmness and romance when you stroll along the streets of centro storico which I thoroughly enjoyed. Since we were traveling around Italy, we wanted to make sure we tried various kinds of Italian food so we didn’t end up getting sick of it. Hopefully, this little food guide can help you out during your visit to Ostuni. These are only a few places we stumbled across, but make sure to wander and see what interesting foods speak to you! Centro Storico is a bustling area with lots of food options to check out. The vibe changes from morning to afternoon, all the way until the sun goes down with the most beautiful sunset. We truly enjoyed strolling around the city and returned to the main old town square quite often just to soak it all in, usually ending the night with some gelato! Try the local cuisine of Puglia; Ostuni was such a charming town with amazing food, we would go back!
