Planning a trip to Puglia and wondering where to eat in Locorotondo or what traditional food to try in the Itria Valley? This complete Locorotondo food guide will take you through authentic Apulian flavours, traditional recipes, and the best restaurants and trattorias for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is famous for its circular old town, whitewashed streets, and breathtaking views over the Itria Valley. But it’s also a paradise for food lovers, offering authentic Apulian cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients and prepared with a deep respect for tradition.
Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Locorotondo and the Itria Valley
The cuisine of Puglia is a perfect example of the Mediterranean diet: few simple ingredients, often rooted in rural tradition, transformed into unforgettable dishes. Here’s what to eat in Locorotondo during your stay:
- Orecchiette with Turnip Tops or with Ragù and Brasciola – The iconic dish of Puglia: handmade pasta served with seasonal greens, extra virgin olive oil, and chili pepper, or slow-cooked ragù with brasciola—tender veal rolls simmered in tomato sauce.
- Gnumeredde Suffuchete – A traditional Locorotondo specialty, especially enjoyed in winter. These are lamb offal rolls (liver, lung, kidney) wrapped in the animal’s casing and braised until tender—an authentic taste of Apulian heritage.
- ‘Ncapriata with Fava Beans and Chicory – A dish with ancient origins. Its name comes from Ancient Greek and refers to the first cooked food ever made. Creamy dried fava bean purée is served with sautéed wild chicory for a rustic, healthy, and flavour-packed meal.
- Bombette – Small pork rolls filled with cheese, cooked al fornello (on vertical skewers in a stone oven). Found in butchers and grill houses in Martina Franca, Cisternino, and Locorotondo, with variations like pistachio-crusted, paprika-spiced, or stuffed with mortadella and provolone, etc.
- Capocollo of Martina Franca – A Slow Food Presidium cold cut, smoked over aromatic wood. A must-have in a Puglian charcuterie board.
- Fresh Local Cheeses – Mozzarella, fior di latte, burrata, stracciatella, caciocavallo, primo sale, ricotta, cacioricotta, scamorza, giuncata… each one is pure delight!
Where to Eat in Locorotondo: Best Restaurants, Trattorias, and Food Experiences in the Itria Valley
From rustic bakeries serving hearty panzerotti to elegant gourmet restaurants with panoramic views, Locorotondo offers dining options for every taste and budget. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a traditional Apulian meal, or a refined dinner, this guide will help you find the best places to eat in Locorotondo and nearby towns.
Budget-Friendly Eats in Locorotondo
- Bar Pasticceria Rosticceria Poldo – A historic hot table, pastry shop, and rotisserie in Locorotondo. Simple, no-frills setting but excellent lasagna and panzerotti. Located near the Church of Madonna della Greca. Tripadvisor
- Tò Aperitivi e Affini – Creative aperitifs and light bites near the main square. Instagram
- Barbanera Steakhouse – Pizzeria and pub with great value for money. Tripadvisor
- Bel Sit – Pinsa (Roman-style pizza) and aperitifs on the panoramic “Lungomare” road. Instagram
- Kiatz – Modern takes on traditional Apulian appetizers with a scenic view. Perfect for aperitivo. Tripadvisor
- 20m² – Delicious customizable sandwiches on the panoramic road. Website
Mid-Range Restaurants in Locorotondo
- Macelleria e Salumeria di Semeraro Nicola – In the countryside (Contrada Lamie di Olimpia), choose your meat from the butcher’s counter and have it grilled to perfection. Rustic atmosphere, excellent meats and cured products. Just 5 minutes from Trulli Fioriti. Website
- Belvedere – Restaurant and pizzeria inside a historic palazzo in the old town. Website
- La Pignatta – Near Porta Nuova, offering gluten-free options and traditional Apulian dishes. Website
- Pizzeria Casa Pinto – Pizzeria in the historic centre with a charming terrace and excellent pizza. Instagram
- Oi Pulpit – Outside the old town (also offers delivery). Wide selection of delicious pizzas. Website
- Mandragora – Pozioni & Porzioni – Creative bistro-pub with unique cocktails, also available for delivery. Website
- Pavì Wine Restaurant – Modern twist on Apulian cuisine with panoramic views. Tripadvisor
- Agriturismo Masseria Catucci – Traditional recipes made with zero-kilometre ingredients in a welcoming farmhouse setting. Website
Fine Dining in Locorotondo
- Bina Ristorante di Puglia – Traditional dishes reimagined in a gourmet style, elegant setting. Website
- Goodo – Refined, creative cuisine in a stylish atmosphere. Website
- Osteria Il Rosone – Local traditional dishes in the heart of the old town. Website
- U Curdunn – Elegant and welcoming restaurant specialising in Apulian cuisine. Website
Where to Eat Near Locorotondo
- Cisternino – Zio Pietro – Famous for its bombette (stuffed pork rolls) in the heart of the historic centre. Tripadvisor
- Martina Franca – Il Sagittario – Excellent value for money. Tripadvisor
- Alberobello – Gli Ulivi – Restaurant and pizzeria in the countryside, surrounded by olive trees. Great value. Website
- Ceglie Messapica – Enococus Acini e Carbone – Specialises in grilled meats and tartare. Elegant setting, unique experience. Tripadvisor
- Monopoli – MiCasa – Seafood restaurant in front of Carlo V Castle. Website
- Polignano a Mare – Pescaria – Gourmet seafood sandwiches with fresh fish and creative pairings. A must-try. Website
- Selva di Fasano – Masseria Lisi – A paradise for meat lovers. Tripadvisor
Taste the Itria Valley
Locorotondo and the Itria Valley tell their story through food: from humble peasant recipes to refined gourmet creations, every bite is a meeting with authentic Apulian tradition. Staying at Trulli Fioriti, you’ll have the chance to taste the best of Puglian cuisine just steps away from top restaurants, making your trip to Puglia a truly unforgettable experience.
Disclaimer: The recommendations in this gastronomic guide are based on personal experiences and opinions. Taste is subjective, and there may be other excellent restaurants in Locorotondo and the Itria Valley not mentioned here. We have not received any payment, invitation, or other benefits from the restaurants listed.
