Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Whitewashed walls, winding cobblestone alleys, and a golden glow at sunset — Ostuni isn’t just one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns, it’s also a place where the food is as much of a draw as the views. Whether you’re after rustic Pugliese classics, refined modern plates, or a casual glass of wine with a view, the city delivers in every season.
Below, you’ll find my curated guide to the best restaurants in Ostuni — a mix of personal favorites that I dined at and others that are high on my list for future visits to the White City!
Osteria del Tempo Perso
Housed inside a centuries-old cave in the heart of the old town, Osteria del Tempo Perso feels like stepping back in time. The stone walls, candlelight, and warm service make it one of the most atmospheric spots in Ostuni. I highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you’re hoping for the cave side of the restaurant, as this is a hot spot in the city!
The menu leans into tradition, celebrating the rustic flavors Puglia is known for: handmade pastas, fresh local vegetables, and hearty slow-cooked meats. Even the simplest dishes feel special here, elevated by the authenticity of their preparation and the history of the space.
The specifics of the menu seem to change a bit depending on what’s fresh and available, but we had a truffle ravioli, meat, and a delicious Capocollo appetizer. Plus, we enjoyed a bottle of their very own Susumaniello, a wine made from an ancient variety of red grape grown in the province of Brindisi in Southern Italy!
The best part? Our phones had 0 service inside the cave. Perfect for a distraction-free dining experience where you can truly enjoy your meal and your company!
Il Posto Affianco
One of my absolute favorites in Ostuni, and the very first restaurant we had dinner at, Il Posto Affianco is all about seasonal, artfully plated dishes that take traditional Apulian flavors and present them in a refined, modern way. The setting feels intimate yet sophisticated — perfect for a date night or a celebratory dinner.
They are part Pugliese restaurant, part Neopolitan pizzeria (the first in the Itria Valley, actually), and you can order from either menu when you dine!
What to Order:
- Orecchiette with local cacioricotta, rocket and cherry tomatoes – Orecchiette with local dairy cacioricotta, rocket and fresh cherry tomatoes (so fresh and delicious)!
- Capocollo of Martina and Burratina – Capocollo from Martina Franca and burratina from the Ostunese dairy served with summer wheat salad
- DEVIL pizza – Tomato, mozzarella, spicy salami, basil, extra virgin olive oil
Note: Il Posto Affianco is a gluten-free friendly restaurant if you have dietary needs!
Borgo Antico Bistrot
If you’re chasing that quintessential Ostuni aperitivo moment, this is the spot. Just outside the historic center on the outskirts of the city walls, Borgo Antico Bistrot opens up to sweeping views of the whitewashed rooftops tumbling toward the Adriatic. As the sun begins to set, the whole town glows, and the winding pathway becomes one of the most magical places to sip and linger. We spent not one, but two evenings enjoying the magic of this Ostuni aperitivo staple!
The menu is simple but exactly what you want: spritzes, local wines, and beautifully assembled aperitivo boards piled high with cheeses, cured meats, and olives. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that in Italy, sometimes the most memorable “meal” isn’t a full dinner — it’s a glass of chilled rosato, a plate to share, and good company!
Whether you stop by before dinner or make an evening of it, Borgo Antico Bistrot delivers the laid-back environment Ostuni is known for.
Osteria CasaCiaccia
Osteria CasaCiaccia is one of those places that feels like a local secret, full of charm. The focus here is on simple, home-style cooking rooted in Pugliese tradition: think handmade pastas, fresh seasonal vegetables, and dishes that taste like they’ve been passed down through generations.
We stumbled on CasaCiaccia for our last night in Ostuni with our bridal party and the friends who were still in town, and it turned out to be the perfect setting. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with just the right balance of casual and celebratory — a place where you can share plates, pour generous glasses of wine, and linger over conversation.
The food itself was delicious! After days of wedding festivities, it was exactly what we needed: comforting, authentic, and deeply satisfying. If you’re looking for a spot to gather with friends and enjoy Ostuni into the evening, CasaCiaccia delivers.
What to Order:
- Garganelli – Garganelli pasta with 36-month Parmesan cream, toasted almonds, and lemon (heaven on earth!)
- Maccheroni = Maccheroni pasta with red beef ragout and cacio ricotta cheese
- Podolica Brasata – Podolica beef with mashed potatoes
Bar Perso
Part bar, part sandwich shop, Bar Perso is the perfect answer to that awkward window when the rest of town has shut down after lunch but you’re still craving something delicious. Tucked in a stairway with stunning views, it has a cool, laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer than planned.
We stopped in on our first afternoon and ordered sandwiches that were out of this world — fresh-baked bread, high-quality Capocollo from Martina Franca, truffle straciatella…the kind of simple pleasure that immediately makes you say O.M.G. with the first bite. To wash it down, I tried their passion fruit spritz, which was honestly one of the best cocktails of the trip (and maybe of all-time?): refreshing, lightly sweet, and delicious!
It’s not a full-service restaurant, but that’s exactly the charm — it’s casual, unfussy, and exactly where you want to be when you need a break from sightseeing or a late lunch that still feels special.
Fun Fact: Bar Perso is associated with Osteria del Tempo Perso!
Burro Café
More café than restaurant, Burro Café is one of those places I had been wanting to go since I stumbled upon it on Instagram — and it didn’t disappoint. The ambiance is lovely, with a cozy, design-forward feel that makes it just as inviting for a slow morning as it is for a quick caffeine fix before exploring Ostuni’s winding streets.
We stopped in for cappuccinos and delicious pastries, and both were just as delightful as I’d hoped. The coffee was smooth and perfectly made, and the pastries were buttery, flaky, and exactly what you want to start your day in Italy. Sometimes the simplest moments are the most memorable, and I’m so glad we carved out time for this stop. Burro lives up to the hype!
Please Note: Burro Café also has many fun community events and aperitivi! Highly recommend following them on Instagram to see if anything is going on during your time in Ostuni!
La Gilda
While many cafés in Italy stick to the classic pastry-and-espresso combo, Taverna Gelosia’s bar (café), La Gilda, offers a bit more, making it a perfect choice when you’re craving a more substantial breakfast before a day of exploring. Tucked in the heart of the old town, it’s a charming little spot with outdoor tables that are ideal for a morning in the sun!
We stopped in on our last morning in the city center, before heading out to the countryside of Polignano, and it was exactly what we needed. The espresso was strong and smooth, just the way it should be, and the breakfast selection went beyond the usual cornetti (nothing wrong with that, as it’s one of many reasons I adore Italy), offering options that felt satisfying without being heavy.
It was a sweet and simple sendoff from Ostuni, the kind of stop that reminds you how even a quick morning meal in Italy can feel special!
Restaurants on My “Next Time” List
Even with multiple days in Ostuni, there are still so many incredible restaurants left for us to discover:
- Masseria Moroseta Restaurant – Seasonal, locally sourced menus in a stunning countryside setting.
- Casa San Giacomo – Romantic, tucked-away dining in a stone-vaulted space.
- Taverna della Gelosia – Known for creative twists on traditional dishes and a beautiful garden setting.
- Cielo Restaurant – The fine dining restaurant of Relais La Sommità, perfect for a special occasion.
- ABC Apulian Bistrot – Modern Pugliese cuisine in a sleek, stylish space.
Tips for Dining in Ostuni
- Reserve in advance in peak summer months — especially for dinner.
- Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, so plan accordingly.
- Don’t skip the local wines — Primitivo, Susumaniello, Negroamaro, and crisp whites from the Valle d’Itria pair beautifully with Pugliese cuisine.
- Dress codes are generally relaxed, but a sundress or collared shirt will help you blend right in.
Final Thoughts
Ostuni’s dining scene is as varied and charming as its streets. From candlelit cave dinners to open-air aperitivi, every meal here feels like part of the magic, and is what makes this one of my favorite cities in the world. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood, handmade pasta, or just an espresso on a summer morning, you’ll find that dining and drinking in Ostuni is an experience.
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