Best Mediterranean Restaurants in the Best Cities

Il Bacaro Restaurant Steak House

$$$ Via Giuseppe Parini, 14, 73100, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Casual Dining

Il Bacaro Restaurant Steak House, located in the historical centre of Lecce, is a highly-regarded dining establishment known for its extraordinary steaks and classic Italian cuisine. This restaurant offers a dining experience that showcases the perfect blend of traditional cooking methods with a modern flair. As the name suggests, Il Bacaro's main draw is its exceptional steak selection, focusing on local and high-quality cuts. All the meats are expertly cooked to perfection on a grill, producing a rich, smoky flavour that's hard to resist. From a succulent T-bone steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina) to a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, meat lovers will find a dish satisfying their cravings. However, it's not all about the meat at Il Bacaro. The restaurant also presents a varied menu of traditional Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts. Standouts include "Tagliatelle al Ragù di Mare," a new pasta dish served with a seafood ragù, and the "Tiramisu," a delightful end to any meal. Il Bacaro presents a stylish, contemporary ambience while maintaining a comfortable and relaxed dining environment. The interior is elegantly designed, featuring exposed brickwork, warm lighting, and chic wooden furniture.

63 Osteria Contemporanea

$$ Viale Dell'Università, 63, 73100, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual

63 Osteria Contemporanea is a modern dining destination in the heart of Lecce. The restaurant presents an innovative approach to traditional Italian cuisine, pairing time-honoured techniques and flavours with creative culinary twists. It offers an evolving, seasonal menu that respects the integrity of local produce while demonstrating the chefs' commitment to exploring new gastronomic frontiers. At 63 Osteria Contemporanea, the dishes are as visually impressive as they are flavorful. The menu changes with the seasons to ensure freshness and quality, featuring a careful selection of Italian and local delicacies prepared with a creative touch. Signature dishes may include "Ravioli Caprese," a reinterpretation of the classic ravioli dish with a burst of Caprese salad flavours inside, or "Tartare di Mare," a beautiful array of fresh, raw seafood seasoned with innovative sauces and garnishes. The dessert menu is also an adventurous journey, with modern takes on Italian classics such as "Tiramisu 63," their interpretation of the famous sweet treat. 63 Osteria Contemporanea offers a contemporary, elegant dining space. Its interior design combines sleek modern elements with traditional features of Lecce architecture, such as exposed stonework, creating a stylish yet comfortable environment.

Atenze

$$$$ Piazzetta Gabriele Riccardi, 13, 73100, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

The harmony of a rigorous and elegant aesthetic meets the innovative cuisine of Atenze Restaurant, our gourmet restaurant in the historic centre of Lecce. The amazement of discovery creeps into the flavours that our Executive Chef Ivan Bruno reinterprets in a constantly evolving evening menu and the tasting itineraries dedicated to Lecce and its origins. Original combinations of flavours express the tension towards reaching the balance point between profound respect for the most authentic ingredients and scents and their creative and contemporary interpretation in an elegant flavour essence. On summer evenings, Atenze's cuisine is staged in the suggestive location of Sira, our rooftop, to offer you the exclusive experience of dining under the silvery reflections of the moon, with the backdrop of the majestic Basilica and its Baroque rose window. At lunch, the light taste of the Salento summer inspires delicate proposals to be enjoyed in the shade of our Dehor, an intimate private garden in the small square overlooking Santa Croce.

Osteria Del Pozzo Vecchio

$$ Via M. Silvestro, 16, 73020, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style

Tucked away in the quaint town of Cavallino near Lecce, Osteria del Pozzo Vecchio is a charming restaurant known for its authentic Salento cuisine. Rooted in tradition yet unafraid to experiment, the restaurant offers a gastronomic experience that transports diners to the heart of Southern Italian flavours while surprising them with inventive culinary spins. The food at Osteria del Pozzo Vecchio is an ode to the tastes of Salento. The menu incorporates local, fresh ingredients into various dishes that showcase the region's culinary traditions while introducing modern touches. The result is a unique blend of comfort and creativity, appealing to traditionalists and adventurous eaters. Standout dishes may include "Paccheri con Ragù di Mare," a dish featuring large tube pasta with a rich, sea-based ragù, and "Involtini di Melanzane," a beautifully presented plate of rolled eggplant filled with local cheese and herbs. A meal here would not be complete without one of their homemade desserts, such as "Pasticiotto," a traditional Puglian custard-filled pastry crafted to perfection.

Il Vizio Del Barone

$$ Via Martano, 127, 73010, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style Pizzeria

'Il Vizio del Barone' is a typical Salento restaurant in Caprarica di Lecce, a few kilometres from Lecce, in business since 2001. It is a welcoming environment, furnished with sobriety and taste, which will give its guests the correct value at each occurrence. Suitable for large ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, communions, confirmations, and graduations, but also ideal for more intimate celebrations such as birthday parties, business lunches, or romantic dinners. The quality of the food, professionalism and hospitality are at the base of everything. The mission of our typical restaurant is to offer good food, do it in the best way and make guests feel at home, pampering them with dishes ranging from traditional Salento dishes, reinvented with imagination and originality, to succulent meat and fish dishes without forgetting the pizza. Cooked in a conventional wood oven, the pizza is highly digestible; its lightness is due not only to the skill and experience of the pizza maker but also to the long and slow leavening, which gives the dough taste and fun. You will also be able to appreciate the gluten-free cuisine as Vizio del Barone is the restaurant for celiacs near Lecce.

Malcandrino

$$ Strada Provinciale Lecce, 73047, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style

Located in the heart of Monteroni di Lecce, Malcandrino is a beloved local restaurant that shines a spotlight on Salento's culinary heritage. Known for its dedication to traditional flavours and cooking techniques, Malcandrino offers a dining experience deeply rooted in the rich gastronomic culture of southern Italy. Malcandrino's menu is a tribute to the tastes and ingredients of Salento. Each dish is a love letter to the region, crafted using local produce and traditional recipes. With a focus on homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and locally sourced meats, the restaurant serves a satisfying array of Italian comfort food. One can expect classic dishes like "Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa," ear-shaped pasta with rapini and garlic, or "Frise Salentine," a traditional Salentine twice-baked bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil. Seafood lovers might opt for the "Fritto Misto di Mare," a mixed-fried seafood selection. The desserts, too, are a homage to local flavours, featuring options like "Pasticciotto," a classic custard-filled pastry from Lecce. Walking into Malcandrino feels like stepping into a piece of Salento's history. The rustic stone walls, wooden furnishings, and cosy lighting create a homely and inviting atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the comfort found in its food.

La Scarpetta Hostaria

$$$ Via Principi Di Savoia, 45, 73100, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

La Scarpetta Hostaria is a beloved restaurant in the heart of the historic city of Lecce. Celebrated for its commitment to regional cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere, this restaurant offers an authentic taste of the rich culinary traditions of the Puglia region. The menu at La Scarpetta Hostaria beautifully embodies the simplicity and depth of flavours characteristic of southern Italian cuisine. The restaurant emphasises utilizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to craft dishes that reflect the gastronomic heritage of the Salento area. You can expect an incredible array of pasta dishes, including local specialities like "Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa" - ear-shaped pasta served with rapini, anchovies, and garlic. Fresh seafood is another highlight on the menu, reflecting Lecce's coastal location. The "Fritto Misto di Mare," a lightly battered and fried seafood selection, stands out. La Scarpetta Hostaria is as much known for its charming atmosphere as its food. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the restaurant offers a cosy, rustic setting with stone walls, wooden beams and warm, intimate lighting.

Ristorante Il Vecchio Molo

$$$$ Piazza Del Popolo, 4, 73023, Lecce

Mediterranean Premium Casual

Il Vecchio Molo is a restaurant that, in the summer, reflects a lively and dense marina, that of San Foca. In the winter, it is dipped in a veiled romanticism thanks to a refined atmosphere and large windows overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Here you can appreciate the freshest fish and the always seasonal products of the land in a creative and tasty encounter that passes through the hands of chef Davide Rollo. The restaurant has a refined and delicate soul with contemporary furnishings and an excellent wine cellar. The warm season is also welcomed in the dehors to taste the dishes together with the natural scent of the sea. Among the appetizers are cuttlefish tagliatelle with green pea sauce and Squid and Squid accompanied by Catalan salad. Among the first courses, the Cappellacci with saffron with beetroot and scampi and the Spaghettone with firm ricotta and swordfish on creamy aubergine, mint and bran pepper stand out—Cuttlefish in BBQ and breaded tuna fillet with citrus endive among the main courses. Bread, breadsticks, lace and everything related to bread making and desserts are exquisitely handmade, even ice creams and sorbets, as well as the selection of wines on the list, managed by Sonia, with a great variety of bubbles and niche labels.

Anima & Cuore

$$$ Corso Garibaldi, 7, 73013, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Premium Casual

Set inside the Tondi-Vignola building from the 1700s in the heart of Galatina, a stone's throw from the essential local churches, stands the restaurant with creative cuisine from the area Anima & Cuore. Anima & Cuore is a charming, warm and welcoming restaurant with decorated vaulted ceilings, niches and mosaic flooring that recall the history of the place. In the summer, it has a large outdoor area from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama and dine under the moonlight. The cuisine of Anima & Cuore is centred on the revival in a modern key of the classic recipes of the Salento culinary tradition, but not only; the chef loves to range and mix typical local dishes with Mediterranean and national recipes as well as personally taking care of every facet of words based on the creativity and inspiration of the moment. The menu ranges between sea and land with "Km0 and Miglio0" products and varies with the current seasons. Anima & Cuore's speciality is fresh fish purchased daily from the Gallipoli, Leuca, and Santa Cesarea fish markets. Not to be missed for meat lovers is the horse fillet flavoured with negroamaro wine on toasted Galatina d.o.p potato or in baked pastry. Vegan-Friendly menu every day. An excellent high-level wine list with a selection of cellars and wines from national and international territories, as well as champagne and Franciacorta. The name given to him represents the friendship and commitment we put into all of you every day. Because we put Soul & Heart into it

Farmacia Dei Sani

$$$$ Piazza Del Popolo, 14, 73049, Lecce

Italian International Mediterranean Premium Casual

Situated in the small town of Ruffano in the Province of Lecce, La Farmacia dei Sani is a unique gastronomic destination that seamlessly marries innovation with tradition. The name translates to "The Pharmacy of the Healthy," indicating the restaurant's philosophy of using only the best, healthful ingredients to create dishes that are as nourishing as they are flavorful. La Farmacia dei Sani prides itself on crafting a menu that stays true to the Salento region's culinary heritage while embracing modern twists. Locally-sourced, fresh ingredients are the cornerstones of each dish, underpinning the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability. Diners can expect traditional dishes such as "Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa," a typical pasta dish of the region, and "Fave e Cicorie," a fava bean puree with local wild chicory. The restaurant also offers an exquisite selection of seafood sourced from the nearby coastal areas of Salento. Innovations are also plenty, with creative takes on classic dishes showing the kitchen's contemporary flair.

SalentOsteria

$$ Via Naxos, 73026, Lecce

Italian European Mediterranean Casual Dining Family Style

Located in the beautiful coastal town of Torre dell'Orso in the Lecce Province, Salentosteria is a culinary beacon that proudly celebrates the distinctive flavours and traditions of the Salento region. This restaurant offers a dining experience deeply rooted in the local culture, making it a prime destination for food lovers who want to enjoy the true essence of Salento cuisine. Salentosteria showcases a menu that beautifully illustrates the bounty of the Salento region - the land and the sea. The cuisine here is characterized by an exceptional quality of ingredients, a focus on local produce, and a profound respect for culinary traditions. Starters often feature various of Salento's most cherished products, like local cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables. The pasta dishes stand out, with traditional offerings such as "Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa" - a classic Pugliese dish—seafood starring in many main words, reflecting Torre dell'Orso's coastal location. You might find words like "Frittura di Pesce," a lightly fried assortment of local fish and shellfish. The dining room offers views of the town and nearby beach, further enhancing the restaurant's strong sense of place. When the weather permits, outdoor seating allows diners to enjoy their meals while soaking up the pleasant Mediterranean climate.

La Terrazza Di Romano

$$$$ Via Lungomare Matteotti, 73026, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Premium Casual

Perched in the scenic coastal town of Torre dell'Orso, La Terrazza di Romano is a delightful culinary retreat renowned for its stunning views, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere. The restaurant thrives in providing an authentic taste of the Puglia region, focusing on the sea's bounty and the land's freshest produce from local markets and farmers. La Terrazza di Romano is a true homage to Puglia's culinary tradition, serving dishes that reflect the region's coastal character and rich agricultural heritage. The menu is based on seasonality, ensuring diners enjoy the freshest ingredients possible. Seafood plays a starring role here, with dishes like 'Fritto Misto di Mare' (Mixed Fried Seafood) and 'Cozze alla Tarantina' (Taranto-style Mussels) crowd favourites. Pasta is handmade, embodying the Italian love for carbs, with dishes like 'Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa' showcasing the best of Puglian cuisine. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the restaurant's namesake terrace. Offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, it provides the perfect backdrop for dining. During the day, the blue sea and skies create a picturesque scene, while the evening offers a romantic setting with the setting sun painting the sky in hues of pink and orange.

L'Approdo

$$$ Piazza Fiume, 8, 73026, Lecce

Italian Mediterranean Casual Dining

Welcome to the fresh fish restaurant L'Approdo di San Foca in the Marina di Melendugno, Lecce. We are a culinary oasis dedicated to lovers of high-quality fresh fish. Our expert and passionate chef creates dishes that amaze your palate, using only the freshest ingredients from the local sea. From crispy fried fish to delicacies such as carpaccio and tartare, each dish reflects the excellence and dedication to the quality of the products. Our goal is to offer an unforgettable gastronomic experience where the freshness of the fish and the culinary skill come together to create unique flavours. Book your table and let yourself be surprised by the quality and craftsmanship of our fresh fish restaurant. Our restaurant is ideal for spending moments of pleasure and romantic summer evenings. The chef uses particular combinations of local cuisine with elements that give our first courses a new and refined flavour. We also have many Italian and local meats for all tastes. Our pizzas, cooked in a wood oven, are appreciated throughout the province. Our cellar offers a comprehensive and refined selection of fine Italian wines to pair with the gourmet dishes prepared by the Chef.

Vergari Ristoratori 1966

$$$ Lungomare Giacomo Matteotti, 35, 73026, Lecce

Italian International Mediterranean Premium Casual

Vergari Ristoratori 1966 is a time-honoured establishment in San Foca, a charming seaside town in Lecce. Since 1966, this family-run restaurant has delighted locals and visitors with its commitment to traditional recipes, fresh local ingredients, and warm Italian hospitality. Vergari Ristoratori 1966 specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a distinct focus on seafood, a nod to its coastal location. The dishes showcase the freshest catch of the day, delivering an authentic taste of the sea. Classics like 'Frittura di Pesce' (fried fish) and 'Risotto ai Frutti di Mare' (seafood risotto) are popular choices, expertly prepared and flavorful. The restaurant also serves various pasta dishes, all featuring homemade pasta and rich, savoury sauces. Don't miss the opportunity to try 'Orecchiette con Gamberi e Rucola' (small ear-shaped pasta with shrimp and arugula), a delightful fusion of land and sea. The atmosphere at Vergari Ristoratori 1966 is classic and relaxed, capturing the charm of a traditional Italian trattoria. The décor is simple yet tasteful, with warm lighting and comfortable seating. Walls adorned with vintage photos echo the restaurant's long history, creating a nostalgic feel.

Retro Gusto

$$$$ Via Luigi Eula, 7, 73028, Otranto

Italian Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

Situated in the heart of the charming town of Otranto, Retro Gusto is a culinary gem that attracts food lovers with its dedication to authenticity and simplicity. Specializing in traditional Italian and Pugliese cuisine, the restaurant champions locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, presenting dishes that truly represent the region's rich culinary traditions. At Retro Gusto, the menu reflects the restaurant's commitment to offering dishes that are firmly rooted in local cuisine. Traditional Pugliese recipes are prepared with loving attention to detail, promising a culinary experience that is both genuine and memorable. Highlights of the menu include 'Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa' (ear-shaped pasta with turnip tops), a classic Pugliese dish that showcases the unique, rustic flavours of the region. Seafood lovers will be delighted by choices such as 'Fritto Misto di Mare' (Mixed Fried Seafood), which offers a taste of fresh, local seafood. Retro Gusto boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere that echoes the homeliness of its cuisine. The decor is a charming mix of rustic and modern, with exposed brick walls and contemporary artwork creating a cosy and relaxed setting.

Classe 80

$$$$ Via Guglielmotto D'Otranto, 35, 73028, Otranto

Italian Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

What do sea stars taste like? Does blue blood come from marine waters? We're talking about questions that only Classe 80 attendees can answer. How? Thanks to the practical lessons attended at our restaurant, an elegant environment, a few steps from the Aragonese Castle of Otranto, where the definition of freshness, preciousness and good taste needs to be experienced to be remembered. However, our clients must study lengthy lecture notes to pass queries regarding their wishes successfully. The topics covered in the pages range from decadent raw appetizers to delicious first and second courses based on the best fresh fish in the area, continuing with vegan dishes, up to a wide range of Italian wines and delicate homemade desserts. Despite the large amount of information, however, the customers of Classe 80 always manage to overcome the anxiety of interrogation and confidently answer the difficult question asked by our staff: "What do you want?".

FronteMare

$$$ Lungomare Terra D'Otranto, 73028, Otranto

Italian Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

Frontemare is a beachfront restaurant in the idyllic coastal town of Otranto, Italy. Offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, it serves an array of traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes, focusing on fresh, local seafood. Frontemare takes pride in offering its guests a culinary experience that speaks to the bounty of the sea and the land. Its menu is a well-crafted blend of traditional Italian dishes, often with a unique, contemporary twist. Freshness is vital to Frontemare's appeal, with daily-caught seafood featuring heavily in dishes such as 'Frittura di Paranza' (fried small fish) and 'Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare' (spaghetti with seafood). Other standout dishes include 'Orata al Forno' (oven-baked sea bream) and 'Risotto al Nero di Seppia' (squid ink risotto). The dining space is airy and filled with natural light, enhancing the blue and white palette. Outdoor seating is available, providing an unparalleled dining experience at the water's edge. The service is professional and attentive, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Ristorante Agriturismo "Il Diavolicchio Goloso"

$$$$ Via Mammacasella, 73028, Otranto

Italian European Mediterranean Premium Casual Elegant & Chic

Tucked away in the scenic countryside just outside Otranto, Ristorante Agriturismo "Il Diavolicchio Goloso" embodies the rich traditions of Italian agritourism. With an emphasis on farm-to-table cuisine, this rustic and charming establishment offers a unique blend of gastronomy and rural heritage. "Il Diavolicchio Goloso" takes pride in using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients in their dishes, many of which come directly from the farm. The menu is inspired by regional Italian and particularly Salento cuisine, focusing on traditional recipes passed down through generations. Guests can expect various dishes, including homemade pasta, hearty stews, wood-fired meats, and fresh vegetables from the garden. Standout dishes include the 'Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa' (traditional Apulian pasta with turnip tops) and 'Peposo' (a robust Tuscan beef stew).

Agli Angeli Ribelli

$$$ Via Immacolata, 20, 73028, Otranto

Italian Mediterranean Fine dining Elegant & Chic

Agli Angeli Ribelli, translating to "The Rebel Angels," is a charming and unique restaurant in Otranto's heart. The restaurant creates a fascinating blend of Italian tradition and innovative flair, both in its cuisine and its décor. The atmospheric charm and artful culinary creations make it a must-visit destination. Agli Angeli Ribelli is known for its eclectic menu, which marries traditional Apulian cuisine with innovative touches. The chefs use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create their masterpieces. Regularly changing according to the season and availability of elements, the menu is both a surprise and a delight, providing new experiences with every visit. Their menu offerings may include an assortment of antipasti, handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and succulent meat dishes, all prepared with an artistic touch. Signature dishes may consist of 'Friselle with fresh tomatoes and local olives', 'Cavatelli with seafood' and 'Grilled octopus on potato cream'. The 'Pasticciotto' is a standout dessert, a local pastry filled with creamy custard.

Lumi - Restaurante & Bar

$$$ R. De São Pedro De Alcântara 35, 1250-237, Lisbon

Portuguese Mediterranean Premium Casual Elegant & Chic

Enjoy a delicious contemporary menu from Chef Joao Silva, with spectacular views overlooking Lisbon’s skyline and the Tagus River.

Best Mediterranean Restaurants in the Best Cities

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