If you want to experience the true magic of orecchiette, you must visit the famous Arco Basso street, also known as 'Strada delle Orecchiette'. It is here, in the heart of Bari Vecchia, that local women continue the centuries-old tradition of handmade pasta. Among them, a true legend is Nunzia, known as the 'Pasta Lady extraordinaire of Bari Vecchia'. This remarkable woman has become a living icon of the city and a symbol of Puglia's culinary heritage. Sitting on a small stool in front of her house, she molds perfect orecchiette with amazing dexterity and speed, using only a simple knife and her experienced fingers.

Nunzia not only sells freshly prepared pasta, but also enjoys sharing her knowledge with tourists. Watching her at work is a true lesson in history and culture. Every movement of her hand reflects decades of experience and passion for the culinary craft. Interestingly, Nunzia, like the other women of Arco Basso, doesn't use any modern tools - everything is done according to tradition passed down from mother to daughter. You can buy fresh orecchiette by weight and take it with you as a unique souvenir from Bari or, better yet, prepare an authentic Apulian meal with it.

Not far from Nunzia is 'La casa delle orecchiette', another place that deserves special attention. This small store offers not only fresh pasta, but also a variety of local products that go perfectly with orecchiette. Here we can find traditional sauces, sun-dried tomatoes, capers and other ingredients necessary for preparing classic Apulian dishes. The owners proudly display their wares and are happy to advise on how best to prepare orecchiette at home.

For those who would like to learn the art of orecchiette making, 'Le Orecchiette della signora Franca' offers informal demonstrations. Signora Franca, like Nunzia, is a master at her craft. With patience, she demonstrates how to make the distinctive 'little ears' from a simple dough of durum flour and water. The secret is in the proper thumb pressure, which gives the pasta its concave shape - perfect for retaining the sauce. Franca stresses that true orecchiette should have a rough surface, which absorbs flavors even better.

It's worth noting that each of these women has her own unique style of making pasta. Some create smaller, more compact forms, while others prefer slightly larger and thinner ones. This variety is part of the charm of traditional orecchiette - no two pieces are identical, each bears the mark of the hand that created it. Prices for fresh pasta are affordable - for a kilo of handmade orecchiette you'll pay about 5-8 euros, which is excellent value for money given the artisanal nature of the product.

When visiting these places, it is worth remembering that they are not typical stores or restaurants. Rather, they are home workshops where tradition is alive and tangible. The women of Arco Basso don't usually speak English, but the language barrier is not a problem - their hospitality and passion for pasta transcend all boundaries. The best time to visit is in the morning, when pasta production is in full swing and the streets of Bari Vecchia are bustling with activity.

After learning about the process of making orecchiette, it's time to taste this specialty at its best. Bari offers a number of excellent restaurants where traditional recipes meet a passion for local ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Antò - Cucina tipica pugliese' is a place that deserves special attention. Located in the heart of the old town, this restaurant is famous for its authentic Apulian dishes, and their orecchiette with rapini (wild broccoli) and anchovies is a true masterpiece. The interior of the restaurant has a rustic charm - stone walls, wooden tables and traditional decorative elements create a cozy atmosphere. The chef places great emphasis on seasonality and freshness of ingredients, which translates into an intense taste of each dish. The menu changes depending on the season, but the classic orecchiette always remains on offer. Prices are moderate, which, combined with the high quality of the food, makes this place extremely popular with tourists and locals alike.

Another place worth visiting is 'ORECCHIETTERIA SAN NICOLA'. This small restaurant specializes, as the name suggests, in orecchiette dishes. Their flagship dish is 'orecchiette alle cime di rapa' - a traditional combination of pasta with bitter turnip leaves, garlic, olive oil and a little peperoncino (hot pepper). The restaurant stands out not only for its excellent food, but also for its location - the windows overlook a picturesque square. The interior is small, which creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner. It's worth booking a table in advance, especially during the tourist season, as the place is very popular. Price-wise, ORECCHIETTERIA SAN NICOLA ranks in the middle range, offering excellent value for money.

Osteria Le Arpie' is another gem on the culinary map of Bari. This traditional osteria combines classic recipes with modern touches. Their orecchiette with tomato sauce, basil and ricotta is a true poetry of taste. The place impresses with its authentic atmosphere - you can feel the true spirit of Puglia here. The owners passionately talk about each dish, and the staff provides expert advice on how to choose a wine to go with the meal. The restaurant also offers tastings of local wines, a perfect complement to the culinary experience. Prices are slightly higher than at other places, but the quality fully justifies the difference.

La Cantina dello Zio' is a place that charms with its authenticity and simplicity. This family-run restaurant serves orecchiette according to a recipe passed down from generation to generation. Their specialty is a version with small meatballs and tomato sauce - a dish that warms the heart and soul. The interior of the restaurant is modest, but full of character - old photographs on the walls tell the story of the family and the region. The owner often personally greets guests and advises on dish choices. Prices are affordable, which, combined with generous portions, makes this place ideal for families and groups of friends.

La Cecchina Bari Vecchia' offers a slightly more refined take on traditional Apulian cuisine. Their seafood orecchiette is an interesting fusion of mountain traditions (pasta) with the gifts of the sea. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored building with stone arches and elegant decor. Service is professional and unobtrusive, and the sommelier is on hand to help select wines from an impressive menu. Prices are higher than in typical trattorias, but the quality and presentation of the dishes fully compensate for this. This is an ideal place for special occasions or a business lunch.

Cala Tin Puglia' is a restaurant that combines tradition with modernity. Their orecchiette with pistachio pesto and shrimp is a creative interpretation of a classic dish. The interior impresses with a contemporary design with subtle references to Apulian heritage. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal under the shade of olive trees. The chef regularly introduces seasonal specialties, so each visit can bring new culinary discoveries. Prices are moderate to high, but the quality and creativity of the dishes make this a place worth visiting.

Tuccio - Cucina Caffè' is not only a restaurant, but also a cafe and wine bar. Their orecchiette with nduja (spicy, soft sausage from Calabria) and stracciatella (cream cheese) is a bold combination of flavors that surprises and delights. The restaurant has a modern, minimalist decor with industrial elements. It also offers an extensive selection of wines from all over Puglia, allowing you to pair your drink perfectly with your chosen dish. Prices are moderate and the atmosphere is conducive to long, relaxed meals with friends.

No culinary tour of Puglia would be complete without discovering local wines that pair perfectly with traditional orecchiette. The Puglia region, also known as Puglia, is one of Italy's largest wine producers, with vineyards stretching from the northern hills to the southern plains of the Salento peninsula. The richness of the terroir and the variety of grape varieties make Apulian wines a fascinating subject for any culinary enthusiast.

At the 'Antò - Cucina tipica pugliese' restaurant, the sommelier recommends a dry white wine from Fiano di Puglia for the classic orecchiette with rapini. This elegant beverage with notes of apple, pear and almond perfectly balances the bitter taste of wild broccoli. The restaurant also offers tastings of different vintages of this wine, allowing you to appreciate its evolution and complexity. Prices per glass are moderate, and the bottle represents good value for money. It is worth noting that 'Antò' works with small, family-owned vineyards that are often not available on the wider market, making the experience even more special.

ORECCHIETTERIA SAN NICOLA' is famous for its excellent selection of wines for its dishes. Their flagship orecchiette alle cime di rapa is a perfect match for Verdeca, a local white wine with a fresh, mineral character. Its citrus notes and delicate acidity wonderfully complement the intense flavor of the dish. The restaurant also offers the option of ordering a glass of Primitivo di Manduria if you prefer red wine - its fruity intensity and velvety tannins create an interesting contrast with the bitter notes of rapini. The wine list is carefully selected and includes brief descriptions of each liquor, making it easy to choose even for those less familiar with Apulian wines.

At 'Osteria Le Arpie', for orecchiette with tomato sauce, the sommelier recommends Negroamaro - a red wine with a deep ruby color and aromas of dark fruits, with notes of spice and licorice. Its medium body and balanced acidity blend perfectly with the acidity of tomatoes and creaminess of ricotta. The restaurant also organizes tasting evenings, where you can learn about the history of Apulian winemaking and learn the basics of pairing wines with local foods. Prices for such events are affordable, and the knowledge to be gained is invaluable to any culinary enthusiast.

La Cantina dello Zio', as the name suggests ('cantina' means wine cellar), pays special attention to wine selection. For their orecchiette with pulps, Primitivo di Gioia del Colle - a red wine with intense aromas of ripe cherries, plums and spices - is the perfect match. Its full-bodied structure and velvety tannins perfectly balance the meaty, filling character of the dish. The owner often personally advises on wine selection and speaks passionately about local producers. The restaurant also offers the opportunity to purchase bottles to take away, a perfect souvenir of your culinary journey in Bari.

La Cecchina Bari Vecchia' stands out for its impressive wine list, which includes local gems as well as acclaimed labels from all over Italy. For their refined seafood orecchiette, the sommelier recommends Minutolo, a rare indigenous white wine with intense floral and fruity aromas, with distinct notes of peach and jasmine. Its freshness and elegance perfectly accentuate the delicate flavors of seafood. The restaurant also offers the option of ordering wine by the glass using the Coravin system, which allows you to taste more expensive labels without ordering a whole bottle.

At 'Cala Tin Puglia', the creative orecchiette with pistachio pesto and shrimp is perfectly matched with Rosato del Salento - a rosé wine with intense color and aromas of red fruits, with a delicate hint of herbs. Its freshness and fruitiness blend wonderfully with the nutty character of the pistachios and the sweetness of the shrimp. The restaurant regularly updates its wine list, introducing seasonal offerings and limited editions from local producers. The staff is highly trained and able to advise on wine selection for even the most unusual flavor combinations.

Tuccio - Cucina Caffè' offers not only excellent food, but also an extensive selection of wines from all over Puglia. For their bold orecchiette with nduja and stracciatella, the sommelier recommends Susumaniello - a lesser-known red wine with intense color and complex aromas of dark fruits, with notes of spice and chocolate. Its full-bodied structure and expressive character perfectly balance the spiciness of the nduja and creaminess of the cheese. The restaurant also organizes themed wine evenings, where you can learn about lesser-known grape varietals and small producers from the region.

It is worth noting that most restaurants in Bari also offer local craft beers, which are an interesting alternative to wine. Particularly popular are light lagers and wheat ales, which with their lightness and refreshing character pair perfectly with orecchiette, especially on hot summer days. Some establishments, such as 'Antò - Cucina tipica pugliese' and 'Tuccio - Cucina Caffè', also offer traditional Apulian liqueurs, such as nocino (walnut liqueur) and limoncello, which make the perfect ending to a culinary feast.