Our culinary journey through Lecce begins with three places that combine tradition and modernity to offer an unforgettable taste experience.

The first stop is Antica Pucceria Giannone dal 1941, a true institution among locals. This is the place where pucce - traditional Apulian sandwiches - has been served for more than 80 years. The restaurant impresses not only with its taste, but also with its atmosphere - on the walls you can find greetings from guests from all over the world. The specialty of the establishment is puccia with high-quality cheese and ham, served in a fresh roll straight from the bakery. It's the perfect place for a quick but satisfying meal in the city center.

Another spot on our map is La Cucina di Mamma Elvira, a restaurant that takes guests into the world of homemade Apulian cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its excellent pasta dishes, including the unique orecchiette - 'little ears', a symbol of local cuisine. We especially recommend trying orecchiette with tomato sauce and mini pullets or with broccoli rabe. La Cucina di Mamma Elvira is also the place to enjoy delicious wines from the Puglia region, perfectly matched to the dishes served.

A third place that combines tradition with modernity is L'angolino di Via Matteotti. This small restaurant specializes in pucci, but with a more modern twist. Here, traditional sandwiches get new, often surprising flavors. The vegetarian puccia is worth trying, proving that meatless versions of this delicacy can also delight the palate. L'angolino di Via Matteotti is the perfect place for lunch - you can eat here quickly, deliciously and at an affordable price.

Each of these places offers a slightly different dining experience. Antica Pucceria Giannone dal 1941 is a trip back in time to the traditional street cuisine of Lecce. La Cucina di Mamma Elvira provides a more refined experience in an elegant restaurant. L'angolino di Via Matteotti, on the other hand, is a modern take on traditional recipes. However, all of these establishments have one thing in common - a passion for local products and recipes that have shaped Lecce's culinary landscape for generations.

Continuing our culinary journey through Lecce, we delve into the city's picturesque backstreets, where more gastronomic gems await.

Our fourth stop is Tabisca 'il Vico dei Tagliati', a restaurant that impresses not only with its taste, but also with its atmosphere. Tucked away in a narrow street near Piazzetta Santa Chiara, it offers an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant specializes in meat dishes, including delicious steaks. It is worth noting the wide selection of wines, perfectly matching the served dishes. Tabisca is a place where you can enjoy quality meat in a cozy, almost homey atmosphere.

Another spot on our map is Il Vico Del Gusto - Ristorante, a true paradise for seafood lovers. This elegant restaurant is famous for its excellent fish dishes, prepared with fresh, local products. We especially recommend trying the linguine with seafood - a dish that fully captures the taste of the sea. Il Vico Del Gusto is also the place to enjoy traditional Apulian appetizers, such as tuna tartare and octopus carpaccio.

Our sixth stop is Ristorante Blunotte, a place that combines tradition with modernity. Located in the heart of Lecce's historic center, this restaurant offers refined Mediterranean cuisine. Blunotte is famous for its creative interpretations of classic recipes, using the best local ingredients. Try the seafood risotto or grilled octopus here. The restaurant impresses not only with its taste, but also with its elegant decor, creating the perfect place for a romantic dinner.

Last but not least on our culinary journey is Trattoria Nonna Tetti. This is the place that best captures the spirit of authentic, homemade Apulian cuisine. Located near San Matteo Church, the trattoria offers the authentic flavors of the region at affordable prices. A must-try here is the orecchiette with broccoli rabe - a classic dish at its best. Trattoria Nonna Tetti is also home to a traditional interior with stone walls and a vaulted ceiling, adding to the culinary experience.

Each of these restaurants offers a unique culinary experience, reflecting the diversity of Lecce's gastronomy. From the elegant Il Vico Del Gusto to the modern Blunotte to the traditional Trattoria Nonna Tetti, each place has its own atmosphere and specialties. However, they all have one thing in common - a passion for local products and traditional recipes that make the cuisine of Lecce so unique.

Our culinary journey through Lecce has come to an end, but the flavors and aromas of this unique city will remain in our memories for a long time. We visited seven exceptional places, each offering a unique gastronomic experience, which together form a complete picture of the rich culinary culture of Lecce and the entire Puglia region.

We began at Antica Pucceria Giannone dal 1941, where traditional puccia transported us into the world of authentic Lecce street cuisine. Next, at La Cucina di Mamma Elvira, we enjoyed homemade pastas, including the famous orecchiette, a true symbol of the region. L'angolino di Via Matteotti showed us how traditional recipes can be creatively interpreted to create modern versions of classic dishes.

At Tabisca 'il Vico dei Tagliati, we discovered the importance of meat dishes, especially high-quality steaks, in Puglia's cuisine. Il Vico Del Gusto - Ristorante took us on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean, offering delicious seafood dishes. Ristorante Blunotte delighted us with its modern take on traditional recipes, creating refined dishes that are a true feast for the senses. Finally, at Trattoria Nonna Tetti, we returned to the roots of Apulian cuisine, enjoying simple but extremely tasty dishes in an authentic atmosphere.

Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and specialties, but they all have one thing in common - a passion for local products and respect for the region's culinary traditions. From simple street food snacks to homemade pastas to sophisticated seafood dishes, the cuisine of Lecce offers an extraordinary variety of flavors and experiences.

It's worth noting how important a role fresh, seasonal produce plays in local gastronomy. Olive oil, vegetables, seafood or local cheeses all contribute to the unique flavor of Lecce dishes. In addition, each of the restaurants we visited has its own character - from rustic interiors to modern, elegant spaces.

To sum up our culinary journey in Lecce, we can safely say that this city is a true paradise for lovers of good food. Whether you are looking for simple street food, traditional homemade flavors or sophisticated cuisine, Lecce has it all. Every meal in this city is not just about satisfying your hunger, but a true cultural experience, allowing you to better understand the history and traditions of the Puglia region.

We encourage all visitors to Lecce to be brave enough to experiment with local flavors. Don't be afraid to try new dishes, ask waiters for recommendations or go to lesser-known but often equally wonderful establishments. Remember that every meal in Lecce is not just about the food - it's a journey through the history, culture and tradition of this unique region of Italy. Buon appetito!