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Food and Wine

Food and wine in Puglia are simply heavenly. Whether it is the classic “pasticciotto”, which you can only find in this region of Italy, the hand-made orecchiette, or the fresh fish from the Ionian sea – food is an important part of life here. And, of course, the wine: full-bodied reds, refreshing rosatos, and light white wines: the selection is endless.

It is impossible to list all the wonderful places to wine and dine. Here is a small selection to wet your appetite. Of course, we are happy to provide you with more once you arrive.

Our restaurant tips in and around Nardò

Tafuri Restaurant (@Palazzo Tafuri Boutique Hotel) offers exquisite dining in a beautiful antique Palazzo in the old town of Nardò. Whether you eat à la carte or follow the Chef’s choice of the day, you will not be disappointed.

For more traditional Salento fare, visit the Antica Trattoria Salandra, tucked away in a little street just off Piazza Salandra. Here you experience the typical dishes of the Salento region in a truly authentic setting. And right on the Piazza, there is Rintocco, which is great for a drink, and they also serve an excellent beef carpaccio.

The Hosteria Corte Santa Lucia also offers delicious local cuisine, as does the Girone dei Golosi or La Dispensa dei Raccomandati. For meat lovers, there is the Antica Macelleria Fai, just off the piazza, or Gli Artigiani outside the old town centre.

Il Cortile has a charming outdoor space; the menu offers a broad selection by Chef Giovanni, who had a restaurant in Paris for decades. Also, Petricore, situated just outside the old town walls, is worth a visit. Km-zero dishes and a large selection of organic wines can be enjoyed here.

One of the latest additions is La Cattedrale, where Fabio and Nadia serve a wide selection of wines from all over the world and delicious food.

And for those who love fish and don’t want to leave the old town: Pescamò, right in the ancient walls surrounding Nardò, is the place to go to. Seafood at its finest, lovingly prepared by Matteo, it is also a fish and seafood shop, if you want to enjoy some home cooking.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Italy without Pizza. There are plenty of Pizza Restaurants in Nardò and everyone is worth a visit. However, some of our favourites are Le 3 Sorelle, Gabriele, or La Torre.

For fine dining or a lovely lunch experience on the terrace, we can recommend Art Nouveau in Santa Maria al Bagno where you enjoy delicious food while overlooking the beautiful bay of Santa Maria and right next door to it, a little less elegant but authentic and lively, La Pergola.

In Galatone, which is only about 3 km from Nardò, you can treat yourself to a unique experience of “local cuisine with a touch” at Gustavo. Lovingly led by Carmela and Gigi this restaurant is always worth a visit.

During the summer months, Lo Scapricciatello or La Marruzzella can be highly recommended. The restaurants are located right next door to each other, directly at the sea, in Lido Conchiglie. They offer a huge choice of fresh fish and seafood in an informal outdoor environment.

Wine Tasting in the Salento’s wine country

There are plenty of wine-tasting places in Salento and none will disappoint you. Closest to your home away from home, i.e. right here in Nardò, you find Schola Sarmenti and Cantine Bonsegna. Both produce a wide selection of wines made from our local sun-kissed grapes such as, Negroamaro, Malvasia, Susumanello, and Primitivo. And, of course, also our native olive oil can be tasted and purchased there.

Piazza life at Nardò

Piazza Salandra, the heart of the town, lovingly also called our “living room,” is considered one of the most beautiful piazzas in Salento. It comes to life every evening as locals and visitors enjoy a walk, an aperitivo, or simply sit and gaze at what is going on. Caffè Parisi is open from morning to night, and you can start your day here with breakfast and finish with a late-night drink. For the utmost authenticity, visit Roberta’s caffè opposite Parisi or enjoy a chat with Manu, the owner of the bohemian Circolo l’Azzardo. And there are many more venues for you to discover.