Our port of call is Brindisi. Can't decide on which city to visit. Looking to eat delicious food. Can you recommend a guide that would take us from Brindisi to either town. Any restaurant recommendations?
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1524 posts
If food is the focus, you can't go wrong with either place. Some of the best restaurants we've eaten at ever. The historic center of Lecce is much larger, with Baroque church exteriors like that of the Basilica di Santa Croce, and much else to see just wandering around inside the old walls. Ostuni 's old center is very, very small and the fun is just the narrow lanes themselves and the stairs and lack of cars, plus some nice views. People live in Lecce's center, not so much in Ostuni's if that matters to you.
Our most recent trip to Puglia was six years ago, so I kind of hesitate to recommend specific restaurants, but I can.
Posted by
Boston
1773 posts
Lecce for sure. We had trouble finding any interesting place to eat Ostuni. On the other hand, Lecce is worth a couple of days.
https://www.thefork.com/restaurants/lecce-c307703
Posted by
North Italy
371 posts
Lecce is a city famous for its baroque architecture. Ostuni is a small white town at the top of a hill. The first time we visited Ostuni was in November and we loved it. When we returned in May it was packed with tourists which spoilt its charm for us
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2167 posts
You say your port of call is Brindisi. Does that mean you're on a cruise, stopping for a day in Brindisi? If so, what time can you get off the ship, and when do you have to be back?
The reason this matters is because the further south you get in Italy, the more you run into the tradition of riposa, when shops & offices & restaurants close in early afternoon and don't reopen until 4 or 5 pm or even later.
When we were in Lecce, restaurants closed after the midday meal (around 1:30 or 2) and didn't reopen until 8 pm. Nothing -- not a gelato or a pizza or a sandwich -- was available during that time. It looked like a ghost town. Only churches were open to visit, and while the baroque churches in Lecce are lovely, it's easy to get burned out on churches.
So if I were you, and looking for a restaurant in Puglia, arrange your transport to make sure you can get there before noon.
Posted by
46 posts
Ciao..not knowing your schedule..I agree with all the above. Ostuni is lovely..small. I spent 6 nights in Lecce..solo..the architecture is stunning..walking easy..food wonderful..pastries amazing.. wonderful outdoor cafes w views..you will have plenty to keep you busy. I spent the day at Ostuni..but I had more time than you do apparently. So I vote Lecce..enjoy! Ps. I'm sorry I do not know of guides...but I have worked with Flaminia many times in Italy. I will PM you her info..need to find it..
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you all for your comments. Really insightful. Think we'll take the train to Lecce!