The best authentic restaurants in Lecce

Lecce is for sure in our top 5 favourite places in Puglia. The city has a beautiful historical centre, unique stores, kind people and most importantly, some very good restaurants. We have listed them here for you so you don’t have to ask the locals where to eat. The insider’s guide to the best restaurants in Lecce is right here for you!

Trattoria Nonna Tetti

Trattoria Nonna Tetti is one of our favourite restaurants in Lecce. The dishes are traditional and the flavours are strong. It is simple Apulian food at its best. The menu consists of some very good pasta and meat dishes. When you visit Puglia, purè di fave con cicoria, has to be on your list to try out and trattoria Nonna Tetti is the perfect place to do that.

La Cucina di Mamma Elvira

“Mamma Elvira’s was born from the personal rediscovery of flavours, aromas and products of my land, from the desire to share these products and the sensations and emotions they generate with the rest” At Mamma Elvira they know that you need good ingredients to create good food. They have a menu with both meat, fish and vegetarian options and the wines are great. This is a place where locals go. That is how you know it is worth visiting.

Discover more restaurants in Lecce in our travel guide

Gusti Proibiti

This is a restaurant with very good food and great service. You will be welcomed with kindness by the owner who works with a lot of passion. This restaurant is perfect when you already have tasted the traditional dishes and are looking for something a little bit different.

Trattoria Le Zie

Trattoria Le Zie (meaning the aunts) is a restaurant with pure traditional foods like filled squid, Sagne Ncannulate with tomato sauce and also fresh orecchiette. They have a small menu which means all the dishes are freshly made. A restaurant with a home feeling and good food.

Pescheria con Cottura

This one is for fish lovers. Pescheria con Cottura is the place to be for fresh fish in Lecce. You can pick your prefered fish at the counter and they will prepare your fish the way you like. A very good and fresh concept. You know exactly what you are going to eat.

Osteria degli Spiriti

Osteria degli Spiriti is a restaurant with high-quality food and a great atmosphere. The (mostly) local ingredients are prepared in a luxurious way, but it is still the traditional food you long for when you stay in Puglia. They have a beautiful garden that is perfect for a date night. Expect a luxury feeling and high-quality food

Visiting Ostuni aswell? Check out our article with the best authentic restaurants in Ostuni