Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Whitewashed walls, winding cobblestone alleys, a golden glow at sunset: Ostuni isn’t just one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns, it’s a place where the food is as much a draw as the views. Rustic Pugliese classics, refined modern plates, or a casual glass of wine with a view, the White City delivers.
We spent our wedding week in and around Ostuni in June 2025, with dinners in town before and after the celebrations and two nights in an old-town apartment. Below are the places we ate and loved, plus a few that are high on my list for next time.
My Ostuni Favorites
Best Dinner
Tempo Perso
Inside a centuries-old cave
Best Modern Plates
Il Posto Affianco
Order the orecchiette
Best Aperitivo
Borgo Antico
Sunset over the rooftops
Best Lunch
Bar Perso
Sandwiches + a passion fruit spritz
If you only have a few nights, book Osteria del Tempo Perso for the most atmospheric dinner in town (it’s inside a centuries-old cave), Il Posto Affianco for refined, modern Apulian cooking, Borgo Antico Bistrot for aperitivo at sunset, and Bar Perso for a casual lunch on the steps of the old town.
Osteria del Tempo Perso – Old Town
Set inside a centuries-old cave in the heart of the old town, Osteria del Tempo Perso feels like stepping back in time: stone walls, candlelight, and warm service make it one of Ostuni’s most atmospheric tables. Reserve ahead, especially if you want the cave side; it’s a hot spot.
The menu leans into tradition: handmade pastas, local vegetables, and hearty slow-cooked meats, where even the simplest dishes feel special for the history of the room and the care of the cooking. It changes with what’s fresh, but we had truffle ravioli, a meat course, and a delicious capocollo starter, with a bottle of their own Susumaniello, a wine from an ancient red grape grown in the province of Brindisi.
The best part? Zero phone service inside the cave. A distraction-free dinner where you actually enjoy your company.
Where We Stayed
Le Dimore del Tempo Perso Terrae Globus
We rented this old-town apartment directly across the alley from the osteria for two nights, so dinner was only a few steps from our door.
For more old-town apartments and countryside stays like it, see my guide to the best Airbnbs in Ostuni.
Il Posto Affianco – Old Town
One of my absolute favorites, and the first restaurant we had dinner at in Ostuni. Il Posto Affianco serves seasonal, artfully plated dishes that take traditional Apulian flavors and present them in a refined, modern way. Intimate yet sophisticated, it’s perfect for a date night or a celebration.
It’s part Pugliese restaurant, part Neapolitan 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
Good to know: Il Posto Affianco is gluten-free friendly.
The orecchiette I still think about.
Il Posto Affianco
Borgo Antico Bistrot – Below the Old Town Walls
For the quintessential Ostuni aperitivo, this is the spot. Just outside the historic center, Borgo Antico Bistrot looks out over whitewashed rooftops and the olive groves beyond. As the sun sets, the whole town glows, and the winding stairway of tables becomes one of the most magical places to linger. We came back two evenings in a row.
The menu is simple and exactly right: spritzes, local wines, and generous aperitivo boards of cheese, cured meats, and olives. A reminder that in Italy, the most memorable “meal” can be a glass of chilled rosato, a plate to share, and good company.
Osteria CasaCiaccia – Old Town
Osteria CasaCiaccia feels like a local secret: simple, home-style Pugliese cooking with handmade pastas, seasonal vegetables, and dishes that taste passed down through generations.
We found it for our last night in Ostuni with our bridal party and the friends still in town, and it was perfect: warm, a little celebratory, made for sharing plates, pouring generous glasses, and lingering over conversation. After days of wedding festivities, it was exactly what we needed.
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 – Old Town Stairway
Part bar, part sandwich shop, Bar Perso is the answer to that awkward window when town shuts down after lunch but you’re still hungry. It’s tucked on a stairway with stunning views and a laid-back feel that makes you stay longer than planned.
Our first-afternoon sandwiches were out of this world: fresh bread, capocollo from Martina Franca, truffle stracciatella. O.M.G. at first bite. Their passion fruit spritz was one of the best cocktails of the trip, maybe of all time. It’s not a full-service restaurant, and that’s the charm. (Fun fact: it’s associated with Osteria del Tempo Perso.)
Burro Café – Old Town
More café than restaurant, Burro Café had been on my list since I found it on Instagram, and it lived up to the hype. Cozy and design-forward, it’s equally good for a slow morning or a quick coffee before exploring. Smooth cappuccinos, buttery pastries, the kind of simple moment that sticks.
They also host community events and aperitivi, so follow them on Instagram before your trip.
La Gilda – Old Town
Taverna della Gelosia’s café, La Gilda, goes beyond the classic pastry and espresso, so it’s perfect when you want a more substantial breakfast. Tucked into the old town with outdoor tables in the sun, it was our last stop on our final morning in the city center before heading out to the Polignano countryside. The espresso was strong and smooth, and the breakfast felt satisfying without being heavy. A sweet, simple send-off.
On My List for Next Time
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 under stone vaults.
- Taverna della Gelosia: creative twists on tradition in a beautiful garden.
- Cielo Restaurant: the fine-dining restaurant at Relais La Sommità, for a special occasion. Want to stay where you dine? Check rates at Relais La Sommità.
- ABC Apulian Bistrot: modern Pugliese cooking in a sleek space.
Tips for Dining in Ostuni
Reserve in summer: Especially for dinner, when the best tables fill fast.
Mind the afternoon break: Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner. (Bar Perso is your friend.)
Drink local: Primitivo, Susumaniello, Negroamaro, and crisp Valle d’Itria whites.
Dress relaxed but polished: A sundress or collared shirt fits right in.
Start with a guide: A Puglia food tour or cooking class is a lovely first-day introduction before you go exploring on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Ostuni?
For atmosphere, Osteria del Tempo Perso, set inside a centuries-old cave in the old town. For refined, modern Apulian food, Il Posto Affianco. Reserve both ahead in summer.
Where is the best aperitivo in Ostuni?
Borgo Antico Bistrot, with tables tumbling down a stairway just below the old town and views over the whitewashed rooftops at sunset. We went two evenings in a row.
What should you eat in Ostuni?
Orecchiette, capocollo from Martina Franca, burrata and burratina, and local wines like Susumaniello and Primitivo.
Are restaurants in Ostuni expensive?
Generally less than in Rome or Florence. Casual trattorias and sandwich spots like Bar Perso are affordable, while a place like Cielo is a special-occasion splurge.
Ostuni’s dining scene is as varied and charming as its streets. Candlelit cave dinners, open-air aperitivo, an espresso on a summer morning: every meal feels like part of the magic, and it’s a big reason this is one of my favorite towns in the world.
Still choosing where to stay? See the best hotels in Ostuni and the best vacation rentals in Ostuni. My Ostuni travel guide covers everything from getting there to the best viewpoints, and my Puglia hotel guide has every stay worth knowing.