Updated in 2026
TheForkUserWe’re OG Italians living in the US, foodies and lived and travelled the world, we know food. This is one of the best experiences we’ve had so far ever in the world. Worth a star for food, ambience and service. We came back twice in 5 days! There’s no shortage of good food in and around Gallipoli but the location, ambience and service at Lazzaro makes it exceptional. We starter with a wonderful aperitivo on the rooftop (strikingly beautiful and well decorated), followed by dinner in the stylish dining room on the ground floor. Chef knows what he’s doing. Everything on the menu is fresh and worth a try. From crudo di mare (elevated by presentation and subtle dressings), to amazing yet light pasta dishes, to a sublime stuffed calamaro. The gem is their pizza. We tried Ambra the first time and one with nduja and spicy sausage the second time. The well crafted dish description cannot make justice to what you are going to eat once presented with the dishes. Pizza is light, not loaded, yet so flavoursome. Michelin-level everything! Well done to the staff and chef. We can’t wait to be back.
TheForkUserThis restaurant was just outside the city walls so felt more like a lovely neighbourhood restaurant than a touristy one. The staff were lovely, strong English and explained various dishes on a menu that was varied and more inventive than alot of the restaurants we have been to in the old city. The food was superb, reasonably priced and special mention to the lemon and raspberry tirimisu....delicious!
TheForkUserDeliciously interesting food offered in a perfectly situated spot in Nardò’s main square in its historic center. The staff and kitchen were very accommodating of my dietary needs, gluten free, dairy free, and allergic to crustaceans. Yikes! At first glance, their menu did not seem as if it would work for me, however our server quickly sorted out some slight alterations to a few dishes that worked out perfectly for me. Very happy and would happily return again should we ever find ourselves in Nardó again. Grazie Rintocco!
TheForkUserGreat service, beautiful atmosphere and delicious food! Highly recommend this sushi restaurant for when you need a break from pasta and pizza.
TheForkUserSeven of us went to celebrate my 50th birthday and the restaurant staff was so friendly and accommodating. We called to let them know that we were running around 15 minutes late from our reservation time and they said that was okay. They offer a variety of pizzas, as well as seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. Everything was delicious, especially the Nutella tart they brought out at the end of dinner with a candle. The local white wine was excellent too. I have always dreamed of coming to Italy and my dream came true for my 50th birthday. Thank you to Da Gianni Ristorante for being a part of my dream coming true with a wonderful birthday dinner and celebration!
TheForkUserHighly recommend to try the gamberi tartar and the tiramisu.Amazing, we came two years ago the quality of the food did not change !
TheForkUserBeautiful place , food is very good and not too expensive.
TheForkUserWe loved the food and wine! There were many good options but we had the snapper and the sirloin, after we had an appertivo (the club sandwich). Such great flavors. Service was a little slow but was great up until the end. We were trying to pay the bill and asked if we could tip since we enjoyed everything, and our waiter responded “we don’t do that in Italy, you just pay the bill” which we found fairly rude. I’ve been to Rome, Milan, and Florence where I’ve always been able to tip. So just a note to not assume that guests haven’t been elsewhere in Italy/around the world or be standoffish when they’re trying to compliment the restaurant.. definitely hurt the vibe a bit.
TheForkUserWe had a wonderful meal tonight. Started with Capres salad. Then we shared the swordfish and linguine with seafood. All delicious. Seafood is extremely fresh and well prepared. Great meal and great wine.
TheForkUserThe staff at Barbecue in Lecce were incredibly accommodating from the moment we arrived. Friendly and attentive, they made us feel welcome straight away, happy to guide us through the menu and answer any questions. Their genuine enthusiasm really elevated the experience.We started with chilli and tortilla chips—absolutely excellent. The chilli was rich, full of flavour, with just the right amount of heat, and the tortilla chips were perfectly crisp. It was a great introduction to what turned out to be a memorable meal.The real highlight was when I tried Canadian bison for the first time, and it was an experience I won’t forget. Cooked to perfection, tender and deeply flavourful.Overall, the combination of warm, helpful service and outstanding food made Barbecue a pleasant discovery.
TheForkUserHad a delightful and delicious meal in a small room adjacent to the terrace. The decor was pleasant and the food was excellent. With a waitress who wanted to make sure we had a great time, we were sure to remember and return to this restaurant. Delightful.
TheForkUserVery chic hotel, slightly on the outskirts of Lecce, but that made for easy parking. Extremely attentive and knowledgeable waiter, wonderful food (light but tasty) and sophisticated surrounds. Definitely somewhere to come back to.
_TI***erHighly recommend trying the Martina Franca pizza with hemp dough; it was amazing! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
TheForkUserWe have eaten here several times and we always get excellent food and service. It is run by a lovely local family and I would highly recommend itElizabeth Jessop
_TI***foThe food here is exceptional, especially the grilled meats and pizzas. The service is attentive, and the outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying a meal in the summer.
TheForkUserReally poor, some of the food was obviously reheated Nd the pasta my partner ordered was overcooked. Would recommend just staying in Lecce as much better
TheForkUser36th wedding anniversary. This is our go-to special occasion restaurant. Although not billed as a sushi restaurant, their sushi menu is extensive and among the best in the city.
TheForkUserThis restaurant is exceptional. The menu is varied and creative. The variety of flavors were delicious and the presentation different. The wine list very complete. The service was efficient and appreciated that they use personnel with special needs!!! They were all friendly and diligent. We consider alimenta to be the best restaurant in Lecce, Italy. You should not miss it!!!
TheForkUserReally good food with a special flair and twist from the chef. Service was excellent, very professional and warm. The location is perfect for a small borgo in Lecce. Highly recommend it. We will be returning!!!
_TI***p1This place is a hidden gem! The combination of delicious food and a beautiful outdoor dining area creates a lovely ambiance for any occasion.
TheForkUserThe food was very good, sushi amazing but also everything else. The place is really nice and clean.People are kind.We took a mix between sushi and other dishes and we enjoyed very much, the service was quick. Small note sushi arrived later than the rest.Highly recommended!GrazieEnrico
TheForkUserThis is a really tasteful agriturismo, with amazing location, food, wine and service. Fresh local ingredients marvellously prepared and the price is honest. We tried different antipasti and 2 primi piatti and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is peaceful and this is a plus for me. A gem in Salento!
TheForkUserI arrived at an evening where I had the restaurant for myself (Monday). The food was enjoyable and highly creative done at a presentation worth its money. You should visit this place before the Michelin inspectors will do it resulting in a climb in the ranks and the prices. Highly recommended but a bit difficult to find (I used the navigation app of my smartphone)
TheForkUserThe best experience I have had in Lecce.Super friendly staff with wonderful and careful service, tailored to a romantic birthday upon request and with a fantastic gastronomic journey surrounded by charming pietre leccese.Highly recommended
TheForkUserDanilo is the perfect host for a creative osteria experience. Fantastic pugliese food combined with creative new ideas.The homemade fermented, seasoned and matured Swordfish and Tuna filets and salami, were a extra worthwhile experience.All combined with Danilo‘s warmhearted Service, made it a true delight.