Calling all Lykkers and flavor seekers! Ready to uncover the soul of southern Italy, one bite at a time? Welcome to Puglia—a sun-soaked paradise where every dish is steeped in history, tradition, and bold Mediterranean flair.
Located in Italy’s heel, Puglia boasts a culinary landscape as vibrant as its scenic coastline. From hand-shaped pasta to fried seafood treasures, let this guide lead you through ten must-try dishes that truly define Puglian cuisine.
Little Ears Pasta
One of Puglia’s most iconic symbols is orecchiette, meaning “little ears” in Italian. Made from just durum wheat flour and water, this pasta is shaped by hand and often served with earthy broccoli rabe or savory tomato sauce. The best experience? Visit the Old Town of Bari, where local women skillfully craft these pasta pieces right on the street. Restaurants like Trattoria La Cantina offer generous plates starting from €8.
Focaccia from Bari
Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—Focaccia Barese is a local flatbread you can’t skip. Topped with ripe tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh rosemary, this dish is baked to perfection and finished with a drizzle of Puglian olive oil. At Magda Bakery in Bari, a slice costs around €2.50 and makes the perfect snack between sightseeing stops.
Fava & Chicory
Rooted in simplicity, fave e cicoria combines mashed fava beans with sautéed chicory greens, seasoned with garlic and extra v olive oil. It’s a comforting dish, ideal in cooler months. Head to Angolocinque Restaurant in Monopoli for a plate priced at €7—rustic, hearty, and full of southern charm.
Ricotta Treasures
For a cheese-based treat, try polpette di ricotta. These golden, crispy ricotta balls are made with stale bread, herbs, and a touch of parmesan. They’re deep-fried until crisp and ooze with soft, cheesy delight inside. At Per Bacco in Bari, a portion costs around €5, perfect as an appetizer or midday snack.
Puglia's Crunch
Need a portable snack? Grab a bag of taralli. These crunchy ring-shaped bites come in flavors like fennel seed and chili. Often paired with a glass of sparkling water or juice, they’re sold in markets for about €3 a pack. Locals love munching on them while strolling seaside promenades or relaxing at piazzas.
Fresh Burrata
Creamy, rich, and heavenly—burrata is Puglia’s most indulgent cheese. With its soft mozzarella shell and luscious center, it pairs wonderfully with tomatoes, bread, or grilled veggies. Visit Cime di Tapas in Monopoli for a starter plate priced at €9, showcasing both craftsmanship and flavor.
Rice and Mussels
A home-style favorite, tiella is a layered dish of rice, potatoes, and mussels, seasoned with onions, parsley, and breadcrumbs, then baked in clay pots. It’s a one-pan wonder! At Ristorante Tiella in Bari, the dish costs around €12 and is served with a glass of white grape juice for a full experience.
Fried Seafood
For seafood lovers, fritto misto is a must. This platter includes lightly battered and fried shrimp, calamari, and more, seasoned with lemon and herbs. Best enjoyed seaside, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Try it at Mare Chef in Monopoli for around €14 per portion.
Creamy Gelato
What better way to cool off than with creamy, artisanal gelato? Puglia’s gelato is known for rich flavor and velvety texture, made using local fruits and nuts. Gasperini in Monopoli is a beloved shop where a cone with two scoops starts at €2.50.
Sweet Cartellate
End your food tour with cartellate, spiral-shaped pastries soaked in honey. Delicate and sweet, they’re usually found during the holidays but are sold year-round at bakeries. At Pino Ladisa Pasticcere Cioccolatiere in Bari, a box costs about €6—a treat for the senses and a lovely souvenir.
Final Bites
Puglia’s food is more than sustenance—it’s a celebration of tradition, local pride, and soulful flavors. Whether it’s the chewy charm of orecchiette or the sweet satisfaction of cartellate, every bite invites you into the heart of southern Italy. Lykkers, now it’s your turn to take this delicious path—pack your appetite and experience Puglia with all your senses!
