Bari - Eating
Pugliese cuisine is usually associated with orecchiette (little-ear shaped) pasta accompanied by cime di rapa (turnip-tops), but there is much more to this region than that one dish. The fresh vegetables found here are often prepared with oil and garlic and other specialities include fish, homemade pasta and vegetable and cereal-based soups. Most dishes are served with very good bread or taralli (similar to breadsticks). The burrata (mozzarella cheese with a cream centre) should not be missed. Pugliese cuisine with its delicate flavours is generally considered to be amongst the best in Italy.
Ristorante Ai Due Ghiottoni
You can try a variety of vegetables and fish cooked according to the best pugliese cuisine. Recommended choices: the “risotto ai due ghiottoni’ with spinach, cream, ham and parmesan cheese and oven-cooked salted bass fish. Good selection of local, national and international wines.
Ristorante Perbacco
Ristorante Perbacco is an elegant place where you can eat typical cuisine as well as more creative dishes. Good selection of wine and excellent service.
Al Sorso Preferito
This place is to be found in an old building in the city centre. Here you’ll find typical pugliese cuisine such as “orecchiette alle fave” (typical homemade pasta with broad beans) or with cicoria (chicory) or cime di rape and cavatelli (another kind of pugliese homemade pasta) with seafood sauce.
Pizzeria Enzo E Ciro
This is the most celebrated pizzeria in Bari. The furniture is a bit shabby, but the pizza is great and other typical dishes are of the same high standard. Don’t forget to book, it’s always packed.
Pizzeria La Veronique
This pizzeria has moved from the city centre to the suburbs. This is a good choice because of the availability of parking and the place is huge - with a number of tables outside. Good hors d’oeuvre (Barese ham, olives and bruschetta) and delicious pizzas. Very good service.
Ristorante Bacco
If you like fresh fish and shellfish, then head over to this Italian restaurant. Ristorante Bacco is highly recommended due to its impeccable service and of course for the tasty food which are prepared with great love and care. Everything looks smells and tastes divine.
Braceria Signorile
This special restaurant should not be missed; here you will definitely have a memorable meal. First, you get to choose your own meat from the butcher next to the restaurant, and while you wait for the food by your table inside the restaurant, you can order an appetizer and a drink. With the great service and perfectly cooked fresh meat, it can't get better than this!
Shodai
Shodai is the first Japanese restaurant in Bari and very popular. Here you can indulge yourself in Asian classics like sushi, vegetable tempura, salmon sashimi and noodle dishes. All dishes are prepared with professionalism and fantasy and served by friendly staff. The restaurant has a modern interior with black-and-red colour scheme.
Opera
The young and talented chefs prepare traditional Bari cuisine with a modern twist at this nice small restaurant. On the menu you will find a variety of pasta, flawless fish dishes and perfectly cooked meat. The atmosphere is more casual during lunch and fancier during dinner, but you can always expect an impeccable service!
Terranima
Terranima is a restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere and offers an enjoyable meal with good selection of authentic flavors of Puglia. On the menu you will find freshly prepared dishes like antipasto, grilled fish, fresh pasta and vegetarian food. The price is also reasonable for the quality. All you need to do is to enjoy a good wine with your delicious food.
Ristorante Casablanca
This restaurant is beautifully located by the sea and offers an amazing view. Here you can have a romantic dinner in a unique atmosphere and at the same time admire the fascinating coastline. On the summer time you can enjoy your tasty food on the outside terrace and watch the lovely sunset.
Ristorante Giannino
Ristorante Giannino is an upscale restaurant with great service and where the food is always fresh and cooked at the moment. Their true speciality is fish and prepared according to your wishes. This restaurant might be little more expensive but the high quality food cannot be disputed.
La uascezze
La uascezze is located in the heart of the old town, it can be hard to find but really worth the search. Here you can enjoy authentic local food in a nice atmosphere and for a good price. With your food you can have a fine glass of wine or a beer. You will not be disappointed!
Helix
This is a cool restaurant with Italian contemporary kitchen where the chef knows his quality products and brings those classic Italian recipes on a plate with a modern twist. The waitress is attentive and knows her wines, serving wines from Puglia but also other Italian regions.
Hostaria Al Gambero
Situated only a few steps from the sea, near the harbor of Bari, the restaurant serves a variety of Pugliese cuisine and specializes in seafood dishes, all accompanied by a selection of fine wines from the best wineries. Good quality, the devoted staff and friendly family atmosphere makes this a popular restaurant for locals and tourists alike.
