Welcome to Lecce, a Baroque gem of Puglia. We love this city where we live, and in this article, we’re sharing our favorite spots. Discover our selection of addresses that celebrate the local flavors of Puglia: typical trattorias , delicious breaks, and gastronomic experiences.
Typical trattorias, gourmet breaks and gastronomic moments
Although the number of restaurants in Lecce has increased in recent years and the cuisine has become somewhat standardized, there are still some authentic, friendly and gourmet places to eat.
Here are our favorites, classified into three categories: typical trattorias , places to eat on the go and more elaborate restaurants.
Some typical trattorias that we like
The Puglia region of Italy is renowned for its traditional cuisine, reflecting Mediterranean flavors and fresh, local produce. Lecce is no exception. Here’s a selection of our favorite spots in Lecce. In these trattorias, you’ll find the atmosphere of simple homes of yesteryear… and horse meat on the menu.
1. Ristorante Via Cairoli
Located in the historic center of Lecce , near the Palmieri restaurant, the extremely kind owner welcomes you and offers delicious, typical regional dishes. The attentive service makes it a perfect stop for those looking to savor local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
Our favorite: spaghetti alle vongole.
Address: Via Benedetto Cairoli, 4, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Monday – lunch and dinner – Outdoor seating.
2. La Vecchia Osteria da Totu
Salvatore Campilango, known as “Totu,” has been cooking in his restaurant for over 25 years. A colorful character, he welcomes you with his legendary smile. The trattoria, formerly located in the historic center, is now situated just outside, near the Massimo cinema. It’s perfect for a typical meal where the emphasis is on quality ingredients and authenticity. Everything is delicious, from meat to fish.
Our favorite thing: their variety of cooked vegetables.
Address: Viale Francesco Lo Re, 9, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Monday – lunch and dinner – Outdoor seating.
2. La Vecchia Osteria da Totu
Salvatore Campilango, known as “Totu,” has been cooking in his restaurant for over 25 years. A colorful character, he welcomes you with his legendary smile. The trattoria, formerly located in the historic center, is now situated just outside, near the Massimo cinema. It’s perfect for a typical meal where the emphasis is on quality ingredients and authenticity. Everything is delicious, from meat to fish.
Our favorite thing: their variety of cooked vegetables.
Address: Viale Francesco Lo Re, 9, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Monday – lunch and dinner – Outdoor seating.
3. Le Zie – Trattoria Casereccia
Carmela Perrone lovingly carries on the culinary traditions of her aunts (“le zie”). The chef welcomes you to this small restaurant as if you were in her own home. Located just outside Lecce’s historic center , near the public garden, this restaurant has been a local institution for 60 years. Everything is simple, delicious, and authentic. It offers a truly genuine dining experience, immersing diners in the very essence of local gastronomy and its centuries-old traditions.
Our favorite: the calamari ripieni and their homemade digestifs.
Address: Via Colonnello Archimede Costadura, 19, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Sunday and Monday – lunch and dinner.
4. La Perla
It’s not a trattoria, but it’s a must-try restaurant for authentic pasta in Lecce. Located just outside the historic center, near the post office, the atmosphere is very family-friendly and relaxed.
Our favorite: spaghetti carbonara.
Address: Via Giovanni Antonio Orsini del Balzo, 15, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Monday – lunch and dinner.
A few nice places for a quick and tasty meal
1. Joyce Irish Pub
Joyce has many advantages. Located in an alley in the historic center of Lecce , the outdoor tables benefit from shade and often enjoy a bit of fresh air. The service is pleasant and efficient. The dishes are simple and high-quality. The atmosphere is convivial. Joyce is a relaxed place, ideal for a good, quick, and friendly meal, or a casual dinner party with friends.
Our favorite: the torta del giorno.
Address: Via Matteo da Lecce, 5, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day – lunches and dinners – Outdoor seating.
2. Bar Moro
With its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, Moro bar, run by Alessandro Zizzari, attracts both locals and travelers looking for an authentic aperitif or a good meal. Located near the iconic Doppio Zero in Lecce’s historic center , the ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a festive touch that intensifies as the evening progresses. Don’t hesitate to arrive relatively early to fully enjoy it.
Our favorite: the Aperitivo del Moro, to share.
Address: Via Degli Ammirati, 10, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day – lunches and dinners – Outdoor seating.
3. Prendici Gusto
Francesco Strazzullo and his wife run a catering and takeaway service. Located a short walk from Piazza del Duomo, near the pharmacy, everything there is delicious and authentic. A few tables outside allow you to enjoy dishes fresh from the oven. This place is perfect for savoring typical dishes, whether you eat in or take them away.
Our favorite: the polpette al limone.
Address: Via Euippa, 1/C, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Sunday – lunches and dinners – Some tables outside.
4. Antica Pucceria Giannone dal 1941
A true local institution, Antica Pucceria Giannone offers the typical puccie, the open-faced sandwiches of Puglia. If you’d like to learn more about these famous puccie, you can read our article: The Art of the Aperitif in Puglia: A Gastronomic and Oenological Experience . Giuseppe Giannone, as friendly as ever, continues the family tradition (since 1941) and prepares generous puccie to suit all tastes, to enjoy on-site or to take away. It’s the perfect place for a delicious break, offering a taste of authentic Lecce.
Our favorite: the puccia leccese (for lovers of spice).
Address: Via Giuseppe Libertini, 46, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Monday – lunches (from 10:30 am) and dinners – Some tables outside.
A selection of gourmet/gastronomic restaurants
1. Santavoglia
Antonio Camilli is a musician and former chef, notably working for Joël Robuchon. After living all over the world, he decided to return to Lecce and, in 2023, opened a restaurant and art gallery located on the other side of the Porta San Biaggio. He uses excellent ingredients to create unconventional recipes. It’s the perfect place for dinner, especially for lovers of inventive cuisine seeking a unique experience.
Our favorite: the secondo: salsiccia, peanuts and bietole.
Address: Piazza D’Italia, 30, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Monday – dinners – Outdoor seating.
2. Il Vico del Gusto
A seafood restaurant located slightly outside Lecce’s historic center , near the public gardens. Don’t hesitate to reserve a table inside for lunch or dinner and enjoy the beautiful, starlit vaulted ceilings so typical of Salento. The atmosphere is elegant and welcoming, and the service is attentive. For me, it’s a must-visit for seafood lovers in Lecce.
Our favorite: the array of starters for two.
Address: Vico dei Fieschi, 14, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Tuesday – lunches and dinners – Outdoor seating.
3. La Scarpetta Hostaria
La Scarpetta is a seafood restaurant located near Porta Napoli. Step through the door and you’ll discover a secret garden (open during the warmer months). Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the atmosphere is calm and refined. You’ll feel as if you’re dining in a secluded and exclusive spot. A true haven of peace for lovers of simple yet sophisticated cuisine.
Our favorite: troccoli with pesto di pistacchi e gamberi.
Address: Via Principi di Savoia, 45, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day – dinners – Garden with tables.
4. Tabisca “Il Vico dei Tagliati”
Located in a quiet alley off the Piazzetta Santa Chiara, Tabisca is perfect for meat lovers. The menu offers a fairly extensive selection. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is particularly attentive and friendly.
Our favorite: the wide selection of grilled meats (carne arrosto) which arrive still piping hot on their hot plates.
Address: Via Dietro Ospedale dei Pellegrini, 29, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day – dinners – Outdoor tables.
5. Gimmi Restaurant
Lecce boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as several hotel restaurants. Among the Michelin-starred establishments, we particularly love Gimmi , located in the Hotel Le Chiostro dei Domenicani, just outside Lecce. The atmosphere inside is incredibly cozy, while outside, you’ll feel transported to another era. We highly recommend it for a truly upscale dining experience.
Our top pick: choose the tasting menu (4, 6 or 8 courses) prepared by chef Donato Episcopo.
Address: Via S. Pietro in Lama, 23, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
Open every day except Saturday and Sunday – dinners – Outdoor tables.
Before leaving Lecce, don’t forget to try the local specialties. You’ll find more information on our blog. Feel free to follow us or write to us. Lecce is full of culinary treasures. Don’t hesitate to share your favorite dishes and addresses!
