A guide to Ostuni: where to eat, shop and stay

Planning a vacation to Puglia? Ostuni is a destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary! This beautiful city has it all: very good restaurants, a beautiful historical centre, Saturday and Sunday markets and so much more. This guide will help you find all these wonderful parts of Ostuni.

Spending a day in Ostuni can be a delightful experience. Begin your adventure with a morning espresso as the city gradually comes to life, and conclude with an evening passeggiata. To truly embrace the spirit of this Puglian gem, live like a local for the day. Avoid exploring during the midday heat when shops close and streets become deserted. Instead, take the time to have a long lunch in the shade.

As night falls, the city buzzes with activity—perfect for an evening stroll, some shopping, and enjoying a late dinner. Dining at 7 pm might find you as the sole patrons of a restaurant, so take your time to savour the meal, interact with locals, and immerse in the relaxed pace. While I will guide you to the best places for dining, drinking, and lodging, let’s first explore the sights Ostuni offers.

What to see in Ostuni

Are you ready to explore the serene beauty of Ostuni? Discovering this city in Apulia offers a unique experience. The Centro Storico is home to remarkable spots that are a must-visit. We’ll start our journey at Piazza Liberta, the city’s lively hub. Here, you can enjoy an aperitivo at one of the many restaurants and soak in the local atmosphere.

Don’t miss the Duomo di Ostuni, or the Basilica Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. Originally built in 1228 and reconstructed in the 15th century, the cathedral is a highlight of the city’s architectural heritage.

Once you’ve visited Piazza Liberta and the cathedral, you can take some time to wander through the city. The charm of Ostuni lies in its narrow streets, winding up and down, lined with white houses and delicate lace curtains. These picturesque lanes offer a glimpse into the city’s soul, inviting you to fall in love with its beauty.

Shopping in Ostuni

While Ostuni might not be the premier destination for shopping enthusiasts, it has some beautiful vintage shops. Puglia is renowned for its exquisite traditional crafts, particularly ceramics. Though Grottaglie is famed for hosting the finest ceramic artists, Ostuni is home to a gem of a shop specializing in vintage ceramic treasures. La Mercanteria, a personal favorite, offers an array of stunning vintage vases—ranging from petite to impressively large sizes—along with antique plates and other unique pieces. It’s a must-visit for those looking to explore the artistic heritage of the region.

At Antichità Arte e Vintage Ceramics Francesco Anglani, you’ll discover a diverse collection of vintage and antique ceramics. Although it’s a small shop with a mix of lesser items and truly stunning pieces, it’s a treasure trove for those passionate about searching for vintage finds in Ostuni

If you want to shop luxury brands, Calzature Angelini 1948 has beautiful shoes and accessories from brands like Valentino and Gucci. This shop has a beautiful selection of high-end designer brands and less-known luxury brands.

Vintage and food markets in Ostuni

Every Saturday, Ostuni comes alive with its weekly market, offering a variety of fresh products. It’s the ideal spot to purchase seafood, olives, vegetables, and freshly pressed olive oil, all sourced directly from local growers who cultivate their own crops and produce olive oil. The market starts at 08.00 and runs until about 12.00 at Via Nino Sansone.

Additionally, on the second Sunday of each month, Ostuni hosts a vintage and antique market along Viale Oronzo Quaranta. Here, you can discover exquisite antique items from Puglia, including furniture and ceramics. This market is certainly a must-visit for those looking to find unique pieces.

The best bars and pasticcerie in Ostuni

In Puglia we have so many delicious pastries. At Bar Pasticceria da Pasquale you can get all your favourite pastries. This is a perfect place to try out a local pasticciotto, or a Napolitan sfogiatelle and babà. This is also the perfect place to start your morning with an espresso and cornetto.

Riccardo Caffè in Ostuni is a great spot for an aperitivo. Its unique outside seating with lounge chairs on the city’s steps provides a perfect place to relax and take in the ambiance of the city. This café is a favored retreat for those looking to enjoy a moment of tranquility in a picturesque setting.

Left Babà from Bar Pasticceria da Pasquale, right Riccardo caffè

Where to eat in Ostuni

Ostuni boasts a selection of restaurants that specialize in traditional Pugliese cuisine, offering a genuine taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. In these restaurants, you can enjoy classic dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including homemade pasta, olive oil, and seafood. Read this article if you are looking for a complete list of the best authentic restaurants in Ostuni.

Trattoria Fave e Fogghje is a very good place for an authentic Apulian dinner. The owners created this beautiful restaurant out of a great passion for their land. the dishes are created with seasonal ingredients that the trattoria gets from local farmers and businesses, the so-called “prodotti a km0”.

Osteria del Tempo Perso is where you will get the best authentic food. Their seasonal dishes with local ingredients are the best way to experience Apulian cuisine. Besides the good food, you will also enjoy the best wines from Puglia and Tuscany.

Left Trattoria Fave e Foggje, photo by Tenuta Trulli Acquaro, right Osteria del Tempo Perso

AcquaSanta captivates with its dedication to small, local dishes, each a reflection of Puglia’s rich culinary tradition. This intimate dining spot prides itself on serving a selection of natural wines. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking to indulge in the true essence of Puglian cuisine, accompanied by the unique flavors of locally produced natural wines.

Al Solito Posto is a great spot for a fancy lunch or dinner, offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes along with excellent wines. The menu has something for everyone, whether you like traditional food or something more modern. Their wine list is carefully picked to go well with your meal, adding to the special feel of your visit. The restaurant’s design and service make sure you have a relaxing and enjoyable time.

Left AcquaSanta, right Al Solito Posto

Where to stay in Ostuni

In Ostuni, accommodation options beautifully echo the region’s charm and heritage. Within the city, visitors can stay in stunning stone houses that blend seamlessly with the ancient architecture, offering a taste of life in the heart of this historic area. Venturing into the countryside, the experience shifts to the rustic elegance of masserie and trulli. These traditional Apulian farmhouses and distinctive conical-roofed homes provide a serene and authentic stay amidst olive groves and Mediterranean landscapes. These are a few of the most beautiful stays in and around Ostuni.

Olte gli Ulivi

At Oltre gli Ulivi, you find yourself in a cozy corner amidst sprawling olive groves, offering an affordable escape that feels both personal and secluded. The mix of rustic charm and contemporary comforts in the rooms instantly welcomes you, striking the perfect chord between simplicity and indulgence. This place becomes a personal retreat, a gentle reminder of the beauty in quiet moments and the serenity of nature, all without stretching your budget.

Masseria Le Carrube

Masseria Le Carrube is not just a restored masseria, but also a restaurant and a tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of the countryside. This stay offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the peaceful beauty of nature. This charming masseria provides elegantly appointed rooms, each blending traditional architecture with modern comforts to ensure a restful stay.

Guests can explore the sprawling grounds, which are home to ancient olive groves and lush gardens, adding to the serene atmosphere. The focus on sustainability and local produce extends beyond the kitchen, with the masseria’s commitment to eco-friendly practices evident throughout the property.

Masseria Moroseta

Masseria Moroseta stands out as one of the most celebrated masserie in the area. It’s renowned not just for its sophisticated, modern, and elegant design inspired by traditional masserie but also for its embrace of life’s simple pleasures. This ethos is vividly brought to life through their special dinners, where guests are treated to exquisite meals with local ingredients.

Masseria Grieco

The façade of the two-storey Masseria Grieco with a grand entrance staircase welcomes its guests into a regal atmosphere. In addition to its main services, the facility has added extra features to make your stay enjoyable all year round. Notably, the stone oven, situated in the external square, becomes a focal point for culinary delight and entertainment, adding a special touch to your stay at any time of the year.

Caterina’s Suites

Caterina’s has a beautiful apartment and multiple suites in a Mediterranean style. The rooms are designed to immediately make you feel at home. The beautiful interior, amazing showers and comfy beds will do just that. You can even choose between an Italian or American breakfast.