The 10 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Puglia in 2024
Puglia, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and crystal-clear waters, is not only a dream vacation destination but also a haven for gourmet enthusiasts. The region’s luxury dining scene has flourished in recent years, offering a culinary journey that blends traditional flavors with innovative techniques. Whether you are looking to indulge in a luxurious meal or seeking an unforgettable dining experience during your vacation, Puglia’s Michelin-starred restaurants provide an exquisite showcase of the finest cuisine the region has to offer.
Discover the top 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in Puglia for 2024, where each dish is a testament to the culinary artistry and passion that define this enchanting region.
Due Camini
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“Borgo Egnazia”, Savelletri (BR)
First of all, let’s introduce Borgo Egnazia, a luxury resort that perfectly embodies the charm and elegance of the region!
Inspired by the architecture of traditional Apulian villages, this stunning retreat offers a blend of modern comforts and rustic beauty. With its whitewashed walls, cobblestone streets, and lush gardens, Borgo Egnazia provides a serene and picturesque setting for an unforgettable vacation.
Among the several exceptional dining venues that it hosts, its crown jewel is the Michelin-starred restaurant Due Camini, which promises a sophisticated and refined dining experience. Here, Chef Domingo Schingaro crafts exquisite dishes that pay homage to the traditions of Apulian cuisine while incorporating contemporary techniques and presentations. The menu at Due Camini features a curated selection of seasonal ingredients, highlighting the region’s rich agricultural bounty and culinary heritage.
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Casamatta
Manduria (TA)
Hosted by a resort build in a noble ancient castle dating back to the early XX century, Casamatta certainly doesn’t spare pleasures at the table.
The Casamatta restaurant, led by the gastronomic expertise of Chef Pietro Penna, is a rising star: authenticity in flavor combinations, solid dishes so well-anchored in their local context, and technique. Authenticity, because the ultimate intention is not to confuse or dazzle, but to bring Puglian cuisine – and indeed, very Italian cuisine – to the table without seeking dazzling insights, but rather following a path of indigenous and meticulous taste, for a personal representation of the territory.
A geolocated raw material, because Chef Pietro Penna, in addition to relying on a selective and loyal array of small local producers, focuses on the self-production of Vinilia’s garden. A comforting sight, for example, is the chef approaching a mulberry tree (which is not exactly a mulberry, but rather more of a cross with a blackberry): he gathers the plump, blood-colored fruits that inevitably stain the hands upon touch. Well, that fruit you’ll pleasantly find in the amuse-bouche served with a ”friggitello” (small, sweet, elongated green pepper), a key to interpreting the entire meal: immediacy, proximity, flavor.
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Già Sotto l’Arco
Carovigno (BR)
Offering a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation, resulting in delightful dishes that captivate both locals and visitors alike, this charming osteria is led by Chef Luca Rossi.
Sourcing the finest local ingredients to create dishes rich with the flavors of Puglian cuisine, the menu is a celebration of regional specialties, with each dish expertly crafted to highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, warm hospitality, and impeccable service ensure that guests feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they step through the door. Whether you’re indulging in a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner, “Già sotto l’arco” promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the flavors of Puglia.
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Angelo Sabatelli Ristorante
Putignano (BA)
Before settling in Putignano, where he lives and works today, Angelo Sabatelli spent 12 years abroad in the kitchens of Jakarta, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mauritius, learning about the fragrances and spices of the East, which he later harmonized with local ingredients. He returned to Italy in 2007 and opened his eponymous restaurant, which received its first Michelin star in 2013.
Technique and territory are the principles to which he adheres. Thanks to the incredible variety of Puglia’s products, from the fruits of the land to the treasures of the sea, his study of different cultures and Oriental cuisines has influenced the tradition of dishes from his homeland. From Monopoli, his historic headquarters, to Putignano, his current location, from sea to inland, Angelo Sabatelli continues to play with fish and meat in perfect balance, exploring the products of his region, which vary by season, and constructs tasting menus based on them.
His cuisine draws inspiration from and constantly dialogues with yesterday’s traditions, transcending them to create unique and surprising results. Traditional recipes transform into new yet comforting flavors. Exotic experiences inspire forms of creative and intelligent fusion. Each dish crafted by Angelo aims to be not just a gastronomic experience, but a true celebration, a joy for the senses, an enrichment of the spirit.
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Casa Sgarra
Lecce
Located in the heart of Puglia, Casa Sgarra offers a remarkable dining experience that marries tradition with innovation. Founded by the talented trio of brothers, Felice, Riccardo, and Roberto Sgarra, the restaurant has earned its prestigious Michelin star by showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage with a contemporary twist. Felice, the head chef, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the kitchen, having honed his skills in renowned kitchens across Italy and Europe. Riccardo, with his expertise in hospitality, ensures every guest feels warmly welcomed, while Roberto manages the business with a keen eye for detail.
The Sgarra brothers decided to open Casa Sgarra to create a space where their collective passion for Puglian cuisine could shine. The menu is a testament to the exquisite local produce, featuring fresh seafood, handpicked vegetables, and artisanal cheeses, all meticulously prepared to highlight their natural flavors. With its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, Casa Sgarra not only serves as a gourmet destination but also as a celebration of Puglian culture and gastronomy. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to provide an unforgettable journey through the authentic tastes of the region, making it a must-visit for any culinary enthusiast.
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Bros
Lecce
Situated in the historic heart of Lecce, Bros’ stands as a beacon of contemporary culinary excellence in Puglia. Led by the dynamic duo of Floriano Pellegrino and Isabella Potì, offers an unparalleled gourmet experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional Italian cuisine. Bros’ is renowned for its avant-garde approach, blending local Puglian ingredients with innovative techniques to create dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
The restaurant provides a variety of meticulously curated tasting menus, each designed to take diners on a sensory journey through the flavors of Puglia. Among these, the vegan menu stands out, offering a creative and satisfying array of plant-based dishes that showcase the rich diversity of the region’s produce. Each menu is crafted to highlight the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience for every guest.
From the moment you step into Bros’, you’re treated to an extraordinary dining adventure, where each course is a work of art and each bite is a revelation. The intimate and stylish setting, combined with impeccable service, makes Bros’ a must-visit destination for any food lover seeking to explore the cutting edge of Italian cuisine.
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Quintessenza
Trani
Helmed by the talented Chef Stefano Di Gennaro, Quintessenza ,in Trani, takes diners on an exquisite culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Puglia. Chef Di Gennaro, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach, combines local ingredients with contemporary techniques to create dishes that are both sophisticated and deeply rooted in regional heritage.
The restaurant offers a variety of tasting menus that reflect the seasonal bounty of the area, each thoughtfully crafted to provide a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. From the freshest seafood to the finest meats and produce, every ingredient is sourced with care and transformed into culinary masterpieces. The elegant and intimate ambiance of Quintessenza, paired with impeccable service, ensures that each visit is a memorable experience, where every dish tells a story and every meal is a celebration of Puglian gastronomy.
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Pashà
Conversano (BA)
Pashà, nestled in the historic town of Conversano, offers a sublime gourmet experience deeply rooted in tradition and innovation. Housed in a beautiful 15th-century palazzo, Pashà was born from the vision of its passionate owners, Maria Cicorella and Antonello Magistà, who transformed the family home into a culinary destination. Maria Cicorella, the heart and soul of the kitchen, initially started as a self-taught chef, drawing from her deep love for Puglian cuisine. Over the years, her son, Antonello Magistà, joined her, bringing a contemporary flair and refined technique to the dishes.
The restaurant’s ethos focuses on enhancing regional ingredients and time-honored recipes. Every dish celebrates Puglia’s culinary legacy, expertly prepared with contemporary methods and creative flair. Pashà’s tasting menus highlight a seamless fusion of flavors and consistencies, highlighting seasonal fruits, ocean-fresh seafood, and premium meats, all procured from top local suppliers.
Guests at Pashà can expect an elegant dining experience, where the historic ambiance of the palazzo enhances the culinary journey. The impeccable service and attention to detail ensure that every meal is not just dinner, but a celebration of Puglian culture and gastronomic excellence.
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Porta di Basso
Peschici (FG)
The restaurant, founded by the talented chef Domenico Cilenti, has garnered acclaim for its innovative approach to regional cuisine, skillfully blending local ingredients with contemporary techniques to create dishes that are both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
Chef Domenico Cilenti’s journey began in Peschici, but his culinary skills were honed in some of Italy’s most prestigious kitchens. His passion for Puglian flavors and his commitment to culinary excellence led him to open Porta di Basso, where he could fully express his creative vision.
The restaurant’s tasting menus are particularly noteworthy, each course is meticulously crafted to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, with dishes like sea urchin spaghetti, red mullet with artichokes, and lemon sorbet with olive oil standing out as culinary masterpieces. For those with dietary preferences, Porta di Basso also offers a thoughtfully curated vegan menu that does not compromise on flavor or creativity.
The dining experience at Porta di Basso is further enhanced by its breathtaking location. The restaurant boasts stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, providing a picturesque backdrop that complements the exquisite cuisine.
Porta di Basso is not just a restaurant; it is a destination for those seeking an authentic and elevated taste of Puglia, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world who come to savor the unique flavors and unparalleled dining experience it offers.
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Primo Restaurant
Lecce
Founded by the talented chef Marco Bistarelli, Primo has quickly become a beacon of fine dining in the region, celebrated for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and its inventive approach to Apulian cuisine.
Chef Bistarelli, whose culinary journey spans prestigious kitchens across Italy, brings a profound respect for regional flavors and a creative flair to every dish. At Primo, the menu is a testament to the rich gastronomic heritage of Puglia, featuring an array of meticulously crafted dishes that highlight the bounty of the local terroir. Signature offerings include delicacies such as orecchiette with wild broccoli, burrata with heirloom tomatoes, and Adriatic seafood risotto, each prepared with precision and a contemporary twist.
The dining experience at Primo is elevated by its elegant yet welcoming ambiance. The restaurant’s chic interior, adorned with modern art and subtle lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere that enhances the enjoyment of the exquisite cuisine. Guests can choose from various tasting menus, which provide a curated journey through the chef’s most celebrated creations, ensuring a memorable and immersive dining adventure.
Primo Restaurant is more than just a dining venue; it is a celebration of Lecce’s culinary artistry. Chef Marco Bistarelli’s passion for excellence and his innovative spirit have made Primo a must-visit destination for gourmands seeking to explore the sophisticated and vibrant flavors of Apulia in a refined setting.
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