Apulia is a land rich in culinary traditions and authentic flavors, where the sea, the earth, and a passion for food come together to create unforgettable gastronomic experiences. In this article, you will discover the 20 best restaurants to visit within 20 km of Villa Agapanthus, your private pool villa in Monopoli and a benchmark for those seeking a complete immersion in Apulian enogastronomy. From innovative seafood cuisine to traditional dishes and historic farmhouses that celebrate local heritage, each stop on this culinary journey offers unique plates paired with local wines that enhance Mediterranean flavors. If you’re passionate about authentic culinary experiences, exquisite wine tastings, and recipes passed down through generations, get ready to embark on an itinerary designed to satisfy even the most discerning palates and turn your stay in Apulia into a true journey of taste.
The 20 Best Restaurants
1. Ristorante Saleblu - Capitolo
Description: Located directly on the Adriatic Sea, Ristorante Saleblu is renowned for its exclusive ambiance and dishes that highlight the flavors of the Mediterranean. Under the guidance of chef Vincenzo Montanaro, Saleblu offers refined cuisine that merges innovation with tradition.
Main Dishes: Sea urchin spaghetti with red prawns and thyme, and coffee-marinated amberjack with sea urchin mayonnaise and almond milk.
Wine List: Excellent Apulian wines such as Primitivo and Fiano.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 5 km.
2. Ristorante Grotta Palazzese - Polignano a Mare
Description: Located inside a natural cave overlooking the sea, Grotta Palazzese offers a unique and romantic culinary experience, celebrated worldwide for its spectacular setting and refined cuisine.
Main Dishes: Red prawn carpaccio, served with a citrus emulsion, and black ink risotto with fresh squid.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 10 km.
3. La Locanda di Don Ferrante - Monopoli
Description: Nestled in the heart of Monopoli’s historic center, La Locanda di Don Ferrante is an elegant restaurant with a sea view, ideal for a romantic dinner.
Main Dishes: Orecchiette with turnip tops, served with anchovies and a crispy sprinkle of breadcrumbs, and freshly grilled fish.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 6 km.
4. Da Tuccino - Polignano a Mare
Da Tuccino – Polignano a Mare
Description: Since 1968, Da Tuccino has been an institution in Apulian seafood cuisine, renowned for the quality of its dishes and the meticulous preparation of raw seafood.
Main Dishes: Seafood crudo featuring purple prawns from Gallipoli and oysters, and black ink orecchiette with prawns and zucchini blossoms.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 9 km.
5. Lido Bianco - Capitolo
Description: With a breathtaking view of Capitolo beach, Lido Bianco is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, ideal for an aperitif or a sunset meal.
Main Dishes: Grilled fish platter prepared with the catch of the day, and lobster linguine.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 4 km.
6. Il Guazzetto - Monopoli
Description: A small restaurant in the center of Monopoli, Il Guazzetto is renowned for its creative cuisine made with the freshest ingredients in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Main Dishes: Fish stew, a mixed Adriatic fry, and tuna tartare.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 5 km.
7. Osteria del Porto - Monopoli
Description: Situated near the port, this restaurant is appreciated for the freshness of its seafood and its convivial atmosphere, making it ideal for enjoying authentic Apulian dishes.
Main Dishes: Mixed fried fish, stuffed mussels, and grilled octopus.
Website: (currently under verification)
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 6 km.
8. Ristorante L'Ancora - Monopoli
Description: Located near the coast, L’Ancora offers fresh seafood cuisine in a relaxing environment, perfect for those who cherish the authentic flavors of Apulian cooking.
Main Dishes: Paccheri with shellfish, lobster linguine, and a delightful assortment of fried fish.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 7 km.
9. Ristorante L'Orto - Monopoli
Description: Set within the Nina Trulli Resort, L’Orto distinguishes itself by using fresh, directly grown ingredients, offering an immersive experience in Apulian cuisine.
Main Dishes: Orecchiette with turnip tops, grilled meat dishes, and fresh salads.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 10 km.
10. Apluvia Restaurant - Monopoli
Description: Apluvia combines traditional Apulian dishes with an elegant, modern atmosphere in the historic center of Monopoli.
Main Dishes: Spaghetti with clams, fresh fish, and a rich selection of seafood appetizers.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 5 km.
11. Osteria di Chichibio - Polignano a Mare
Description: In the heart of Polignano a Mare, Osteria di Chichibio is famed for the freshness of its seafood and the quality of its Apulian cuisine, with a terrace that offers an enchanting sea view.
Main Dishes: Seafood crudo with scampi, oysters, and red prawns, and grilled octopus served on a bed of potatoes.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 9 km.
12. Jamantè | Experience Restaurant - Polignano a Mare
Jamantè | Experience Restaurant – Polignano a Mare
Description: This luxury restaurant, boasting a breathtaking sea view, merges Apulian tradition with innovative cuisine, offering a gourmet and refined dining experience.
Main Dishes: Red tuna in a pistachio crust, raw red prawn, and Luciana-style octopus grilled with seasonal vegetables.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 8 km.
13. Ristorante Il Covo dei Saraceni - Polignano a Mare
Description: One of the most picturesque restaurants in Polignano, Il Covo dei Saraceni offers a spectacular cliffside view and a cuisine that reinterprets Apulian tradition with a modern twist.
Main Dishes: Baked sea bass fillet with crispy potatoes and grilled octopus marinated with local herbs.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 9 km.
14. Masseria Spina - Monopoli
Description: Set in the Apulian countryside, Masseria Spina is the ideal destination for an authentic enogastronomic experience in a rustic and charming setting.
Main Dishes: Orecchiette with turnip tops, a board of local cheeses, and meat dishes such as grilled lamb.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 8 km.
15. Masseria il Melograno - Monopoli
Description: This luxury farmhouse offers a refined experience in the Apulian countryside, with dishes that highlight local tradition with a modern touch.
Main Dishes: Truffle risotto, Apulian burrata with extra virgin olive oil, and grilled beef fillet.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 12 km.
16. Masseria Paretano - Monopoli
Description: Nestled in nature, Masseria Paretano combines tradition with modern comfort, offering typical Apulian cuisine prepared with local, seasonal ingredients.
Main Dishes: Risotto with porcini mushrooms, grilled beef slices, and Martina Franca capocollo served with homemade bread croutons and olive oil.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 15 km.
17. Antica Masseria - Monopoli
Description: Surrounded by ancient olive groves and almond trees, Antica Masseria offers an authentic experience in the heart of the Apulian countryside, ideal for savoring the true flavors of the region.
Main Dishes: Slow-roasted suckling pig with roasted potatoes and Apulian burrata drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.
Wine List: A selection of Apulian labels such as Salice Salentino and Rosato del Salento.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 8 km.
18. Masseria Garrappa - Monopoli
Description: Situated between olive groves and the sea, Masseria Garrappa is the symbol of Apulian enogastronomy, offering dishes that celebrate the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean.
Main Dishes: Seafood risotto, grilled octopus served with roasted potatoes and local burrata.
Wine List: Includes labels such as Fiano di Puglia and Bombino Bianco.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 2 km.
19. Masseria del Crocifisso - Polignano a Mare
Description: Located between Polignano and Castellana, this historic residence offers a refined experience in the Apulian countryside, with cuisine that reinterprets local traditions using fresh ingredients from its own farm.
Main Dishes: Porcini mushroom risotto, grilled octopus, and homemade orecchiette.
Wine List: Includes local labels such as Primitivo di Manduria.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 10 km.
20. Masseria Le Torri - Polignano a Mare
Description: Nestled among ancient olive groves, Masseria Le Torri is an elegant country residence offering a relaxing atmosphere and traditional Apulian dishes prepared with care and passion.
Main Dishes: A selection of local cured meats and cheeses, and grilled beef slices with fresh seasonal vegetables.
Wine List: A selection of Apulian labels, including Negroamaro and Salice Salentino.
Distance from Villa Agapanthus: Approximately 12 km.
With this journey, you will fully immerse yourself in the flavors and culinary traditions of Apulia, discovering restaurants and farmhouses that tell the story and enogastronomic excellence of one of Italy’s most fascinating regions. Enjoy your journey and bon appétit!
