When choosing where to eat in Brindisi, Italy, a few savvy tips go a long way, so stick around!
When in Brindisi in Puglia, our personal advice is simple: prioritize seafood near the port or waterfront – that’s where the freshest catch lands! If you’re just visiting, opt for local dishes rather than international fare. Also keep in mind that pizza is often an evening thing, so don’t expect a slice at lunch.
Food in Brindisi is fresh and simple – featuring seafood straight from the Adriatic, rustic Apulian dishes, and simple ingredients (but done really well!). Plates of mussels, clams, and octopus sit alongside classics like orecchiette and eggplant parmigiana. These can be found practically everywhere in the city – from casual trattorias and bakeries with focaccia and panzerotti to more polished spots putting a modern spin on tradition. And guess what? Even the fancier places keep it real, focusing on great ingredients over flashy presentation.
Alright, let’s get into the best restaurants in Brindisi, Italy.
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10 Best Restaurants in Brindisi, Italy
Ready to eat your way through the city? Here are the best restaurants in Brindisi, Italy.
1. La Locanda del Porto
La Locanda del Porto sits in the historic center of Brindisi, just steps from the beautiful harbor.
Enjoy a seaside escape – and take inspiration from what one satisfied guest did: start with raw cuttlefish and raw crayfish, served cold with lemon, paired with a glass of white wine. Continue with spaghetti with pepper and shrimp, then finish on a sweet note with crema catalana and an espresso.
Beautifully plated dishes, quick and friendly service, and a laid-back seaside vibe – what more could you ask for? If you’re in Brindisi, this place is a must. Great value, too!
2. Màma – Trattoria di Mare
A true hidden gem in Brindisi, Màma – Trattoria di Mare is a cozy little restaurant serving seafood with a creative edge. The cooking is refined yet unfussy, letting the flavors take center stage.
Dishes to try include the tuna meatballs with eggplant to start, followed by a rich risotto or options like eggplant with tuna and stracciatella, calamari, and a rigatoni carbonara with guanciale and prawns. Everything is fresh, well cooked, and bursting with flavor.
There’s a good wine selection and a simple, relaxed setting that feels easy to enjoy. It’s also kid-friendly, with staff happy to sort out something for the little ones if needed.
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3. La Cantina ti l’Artisti
A classic Apulian trattoria right in the heart of Brindisi, just off the main street – easy to find and full of local charm. Expect a warm welcome at La Cantina ti l’Artisti, often with free bruschetta to start.
For the table, try the crab sticks, mussels with puréed fava beans, or an Italian ham and cheese selection as appetizers, then go for a seafood pasta for your main. The food is tasty, generous, and packed with local flavors – simple dishes that feel like home cooking.
Service is friendly, prices are reasonable, and portions are satisfying. It’s the kind of honest, traditional food you’ll want to experience in Italy.
Bonus: they stay open longer than most, even outside the usual siesta hours.
4. Cascipò
Set in a beautiful historic space with a stunning stone star vault, Cascipò has that instantly charming, old-school feel. It’s run by a lovely family, and you’ll feel the warm welcome right away.
The food is classic Pugliese: fresh, well cooked, and full of taste. Enjoy Fiorentina steak, homemade pasta, and desserts you’ll actually remember – and don’t skip the limoncello!
Cascipò is more than just a seafood stop – it’s the kind of place you go for the whole experience. Definitely one to add to your Brindisi list.
5. Il Porticciolo
Whether you’re after a quick bite or a long, relaxed meal, Il Porticciolo is an easy choice.
This family-run restaurant has a terrace right by the water, making it just as nice for solo diners as it is for groups.
The tableware nicely matches the care put into the food, and the menu is wide-ranging – from local imperial oysters and Gillardeau oysters to tuna tartare, fresh fish, and excellent pasta dishes with both seafood and vegetarian options. There’s also local beer to round things out. Highly recommended!
6. Secca 48 Ristorante
Tucked away from the busy main street, Secca 48 Ristorante is one of those restaurants you’ll be glad you found.
Here, the seafood is fresh and tasty. We recommend you start with antipasti, then go for seafood pasta or grilled salmon with burrata, best with a glass of wine.
Secca 48 Ristorante also has a fabulous terrace overlooking the town fountain, perfect for a relaxed meal. Friendly service, great food, and fair prices make it an easy pick. It’s definitely worth a stop while you’re in Brindisi.
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7. Taschino Lab
Taschino Lab is a small, easygoing spot serving tasty, affordable food that feels homemade in the best way. It’s perfectly placed for a quick stop while wandering around town, and there’s even a nice glass of wine to go with it.
Go for the taschino meatballs, lemon chicken, shrimp pasta, or salsiccia – simple dishes packed with flavor, like something straight from a home kitchen. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly the point: just good, honest food served fast in a relaxed setting.
The staff are super friendly and welcoming, always smiling, and the prices make it even easier to drop in. Plenty of options as well, so there’s something for everyone.
8. Don Angus
If you’re ready for a break from seafood, Don Angus is the place to head. It offers quality meat, great variety, and a relaxed, no-fuss experience.
You choose your cut downstairs, where the chef or owner is happy to explain the different options and help you decide. Then you head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy your meal.
Try the Angus steak, “messicani,” polpette, Argentinian tagliata, and especially the sausage with lemon – it’s a favorite.
Friendly service, a laid-back vibe, and a rooftop setting make Don Angus a really enjoyable dinner spot in Brindisi.
9. Antica Osteria La Sciabica
For a truly memorable meal in Brindisi, Antica Osteria La Sciabica delivers. It’s a small, quaint restaurant right on the waterfront – simple, cozy, and full of character. Once you’re seated, you’re welcomed with warm bread and slices of carved meat, setting the tone right away.
The food doesn’t disappoint! The rich lobster pasta, fresh beef tartare, crisp salads, and pizza… chef’s kiss! You can taste the quality of the ingredients in every dish.
To top it off, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with friendly, attentive service that makes you want to linger a little longer.
10. Rendez-Vous Bistrot
Discover traditional Apulian flavors at Rendez-Vous Bistrot, a cozy hangout right in the heart of Brindisi. Here, the service is friendly and professional, with staff happy to guide you through the menu – and communication is easy thanks to their excellent English.
The atmosphere at Rendez-Vous Bistrot is lively, the food and drinks are delicious, and prices are reasonable. But the real highlight is the live entertainment – waiters joining in the dancing, singers getting the crowd involved, and even passersby stopping to sing along.
Don’t miss their duck cooked sous vide with a honey glaze, and finish with their amazing cannoli – you won’t be disappointed!