Nature, freedom, and enchantment
in the heart of Salento
Food and Wine
Flavors, traditions, and places to discover the tasty side of Puglia
Puglian cuisine is an act of love for this enchanting land.
It is a table that needs no artifice because it focuses entirely on the genuine quality of a few ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, durum wheat flour, fresh colorful vegetables, and the freshest fish.
Here are some dishes you absolutely must try!
The Pasticciotto
Salento's sweet sunrise
A shell of fragrant shortcrust pastry enclosing a heart of velvety custard, to be eaten strictly warm, straight from the oven, to enjoy the contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft filling. Along with a Leccese coffee with ice and almond milk, it is the essential morning ritual in Salento.
The Leccese Rustico
The perfect savory break
Alongside the sweet, here is the great savory classic loved by all ages: a golden, crispy puff pastry that holds the simple goodness of béchamel, tomato, and melted mozzarella. The perfect mid-morning snack or aperitivo treat, simple yet irresistible.
The Frisa
Sunshine on a plate
A symbol of summer and simplicity, this twice-baked bread requires a small ritual: “sponzatura.” It is quickly dipped in water, then seasoned with crushed ripe tomatoes, salt, oregano, and a generous drizzle of local extra virgin olive oil. Fresh, fragrant, and quick, it tells the story of Puglian flavors and is perfect after a day at the beach or for a light dinner.
Orecchiette and Maritata
The Sunday ritual
Here, homemade pasta is the pride of every table. The famous orecchiette are often mixed with other shapes, like “minchiareddi,” creating “maritata”—a delicious mix of pastas joined together with a simple tomato sauce and a touch of strong ricotta, creamy and pungent. A dish that captures the most authentic soul of the region.
Ciceri e Tria
Where the East meets Salento
The “tria,” an eggless semolina pasta, has ancient origins dating back to the Arab world, witnessing the encounter between the East and Salento. The “cìceri,” or chickpeas, join this pasta, which is partly boiled and partly fried, creating a delicious dish with a double texture, where the golden and crispy “frizzuli” mix with the enveloping creaminess of the legumes.
Fave e Foglie
The earth's embrace
The pure essence of peasant cooking, this dish combines a velvety dried broad bean purée with slightly bitter wild chicory. The contrast is sharp yet harmonious, enhanced by a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil that binds all the flavors. A simple dish that tells the story of Salento’s most authentic tradition.
Pezzetti di Cavallo
A rustic and spicy soul
An intense and comforting horse meat stew, a staple of traditional Salento tables, where the meat cooks slowly in tomato sauce with chili, bay leaf, and spices until it becomes incredibly tender. Best enjoyed with crusty homemade bread to soak up every last drop.
Salento-style Lobster
The jewel of the sea
A refined main course from the Salento tradition. The lobster is sautéed in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and onion, deglazed with white wine, and then cooked briefly in a tomato and chili base, finished with fresh parsley.
Raw seafood and specialties
Double the flavor
Between the Adriatic and the Ionian, Salento offers one of the most varied seafood experiences in the Mediterranean. Here, fish is often enjoyed raw: purple prawns, langoustines, and freshly opened mussels speak to the absolute purity of the water. Alongside the raw selections, there are simple preparations where freshness is the absolute star and every flavor remains clear and essential.
Salento Red
Character and body from the earth
In every glass of red, you find the sun and the red earth of the region. Grapes like Negroamaro and Primitivo dominate here, producing intense and generous reds: some softer and more enveloping, others more structured and spicy, like those produced in the Manduria or Salice Salentino areas. These are full, warm wines, made to accompany the bold flavors of the local cuisine.
Whites and Rosés
Glasses of freshness and harmony
Fresher and more immediate, the whites and rosés tell the lighter side of Salento. Grapes like Malvasia Bianca produce fragrant and pleasant wines, while the rosés, often made from Negroamaro, combine freshness and character. They are versatile wines, perfect for the warm climate and a cuisine based on the sea and simplicity.
Not sure where to enjoy these specialties? Upon your arrival, you'll find a guide with suggestions for restaurants and stalls where you can try real Puglian cooking. In the meantime, you can check out the offers for your next holiday in the province of Lecce!
What to see in Lecce during a holiday in Salento?
During a holiday in Salento, Lecce is an ideal stop to discover the historic center, Baroque architecture, squares, churches, and the city’s authentic atmosphere.
Is Case fra gli Ulivi convenient for visiting Lecce and its surroundings?
Yes, Case fra gli Ulivi is located in Spongano, in a strategic position for visiting Lecce, the villages of Salento, and various seaside locations in the province.
Which places should I visit around Lecce?
Around Lecce, you can visit Salento villages, coastal towns, beaches, historic centers, and places rich in local traditions, art, and culture.
How much time do I need to visit Lecce?
A day can be enough to visit the historic center of Lecce, but spending more time allows you to discover monuments, alleys, workshops, restaurants, and cultural sites at your own pace.
Why choose Spongano for visiting Salento?
Spongano is a quiet town in Salento, ideal for those who want to stay away from the busiest tourist spots but close to villages, the sea, and the main points of interest in the province of Lecce.
