Restaurants and Bars

There are many good restaurants and bars to be found within easy distance of Casa Calandra for a range of budgets. Ostuni, Cisternino and particularly Ceglie Messapica - which has a good gastronomic reputation - all have a lot to offer in terms of eating out. Part of the fun of going on holiday, of course, is exploring and finding one’s own restaurants and bars but we’ve selected a few here as a guide to get you started.

In Casalini, the closest village to the house just a 5 minute drive away, you’ll find the excellent Braceria Macelleria where you choose your own meat at the counter which is grilled to order and served with salad and french fries. There is a huge outside dining area which is bustling throughout the summer months. Tasty, atmospheric, good value. Booking essential.

In Ostuni, many are located in the centro storico in the area of cobbled streets and alleyways of the old town which ascend up Via Cattedrale from the main square, Piazza Liberta, towards the Cathedral. Ristorante Taverna della Gelosia specialising in pasta such as a black one made with squid ink. Down steep steps into a charming al fresco setting. Osteria Monacelle is a few metres away along the city wall. Unpretentious warm hospitality serving good value simple Puglian specialities such as stewed rabbit (coniglio) in white wine. La Summita is high quality, Michelin listed restaurant located behind the cathedral.

In Cisternino there are a number of excellent bars, pizzerias, bracerias (which specialise in grilled meat) and it is well worth a wander or an aperitivo in the square. Il Cuccio is an atmospeheric enoteca (wine bar) located within the old town that sells a wide range of Pugliese and regional Italian wine to take away or drink in the adjoining restaurant.

In Villanova, an unpretentious fishing port just 15 minutes drive away, is Gli Archi – a family friendly restaurant serving great value seafood. The antipasti is fabulous, ordering one can be enough for two!

An excellent restaurant in Ceglie Messapica is Al Fornello da Ricci. We have yet to experience a better tasting menu in Puglia! Booking essential.