Bon Appetit

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• Felix Paninoteca read more ›
  (Castellana Grotte, 3 Piazza Garibaldi. )
  After a tour around the stunning cave complex of Castellana Grotte, this is a great spot for a light meal or snack. Located on one of the town's main squares, Piazza Garibaldi, Felix's specialises in panini and offers good value for money.
• Maccheroni Pizzerie a Metro read more ›
  (90 Via Abate Gimma. Tel. 080 521 3356)
  Delicious fast food, served by the metre: the whole table's order is made into one continuous pizza. Moneywise, €10 is ample for food and drink at this no-nonsense place.
• La Taverna del Maltese read more ›
  (67 Via Nicola Domenico. )
  Sandwiches, salads and snack plates, as well as some main courses, are on offer at this relaxed café-bar. Free WiFi is also available.
• Terra Terra read more ›
  (86 Via Cairoli. Tel. 080 914 7339)
  Enjoy super-fresh salads, sandwiches and smoothies at this bright and airy lunch spot. Hot dishes are also available. Eat your fill for €10.
• Maccheroni Pizzerie a Metro read more ›
  (90 Via Abate Gimma. Tel. 080 521 3356)
  Delicious pizza served by the metre-the whole table's order is made into one continuous dish. Moneywise, €10 is ample for food and drink at this no-nonsense place.
• Big Ben read more ›
  (4 Via Oberdan, Martina Franca . )
  This convivial fast-food joint serves simple, affordable dishes, making it ideal for a quick lunchtime stop.

• Trattoria del Porto read more ›
  (17 Via Porto, Monopoli. Tel. 080 410 7431)
  Nestled in the heart of the atmospheric old town of Monopoli, this charming trattoria serves delicious local specialities. Stone-vaulted ceilings and friendly service guarantee a memorable night out.
• Pizzeria Santa Lucia read more ›
  (9A Lungomare Starita. Tel. 080 534 4860)
  Eat your fill at this north Bari pizzeria. The unpretentious atmosphere keeps regulars returning again and again.
• La Cecchina read more ›
  (31 Piazza Mercantile. Tel. 080 522 0182)
  This classy restaurant costs less than you'd expect and the staff are charming. The mixed antipasto platter offers a few fantastic twists on typical Pugliese cuisine.
• Osteria delle Travi read more ›
  (12 Largo Chiurlia. )
  This traditional osteria's menu changes according to what's on offer at the market. Fresh orecchiette (small ear-shaped pasta) is the local favourite.
• Antica Osteria Vini e Cucina read more ›
  (23 Via Vallisa. Tel. 338 212 0391)
  The blackboard menu changes daily, offering simple Bari cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood. Run by the same family for more than a century, the place has real character.
• Bella Montalbano read more ›
  (78 XXIV Maggio. Tel. 080 481 9886)
  Delicious antipasti and succulent, meaty mains. Save room for something from the dessert trolley-but you'll find it tricky to just choose one.

• Trattoria Antichi Sapori read more ›
  (Piazza San Isidoro, 9-10 Localia Montegrosso. Tel. 0883 569 529)
  Rated in the top five restaurants in Bari, the menu is large and diverse. Best visited in larger groups to take full advantage of the stunning antipasti selection.
• Donna Gina read more ›
  (7-9 Via Cala Porto, Polignano a Mare. Tel. 080 424 3399)
  With its beautiful terrace overlooking the town's natural bay, Donna Gina is perfect for a romantic dinner. The restaurant's fish dishes are particularly recommended.
• Osteria Varamingo read more ›
  (4 Via Garibaldi, Torre a Mare. Tel. 080 543 3658)
  Dine in the shade of the olive tree in the courtyard and indulge in fresh fish. The ricci (sea urchins) aren't always available, but if they are on the menu, they're definitely worth a try for their delicate flavour.
• Ristorante Il Pepe Finto read more ›
  (33 Via Vito Nicola de Nicolo. Tel. 080 524 2892)
  Local dishes are presented with a twist at this stylish, modern restaurant. The mixed antipasto platter offers some unusual flavours and one portion is usually sufficient for two.
• Ristorante Al Pescatore read more ›
  (6-8 Piazza Federico II di Svevia. Tel. 080 523 7039)
  Discreet service and fantastic seafood make this buzzing restaurant a must. Be brave and try the Pugliese speciality, frutti di mare crude (mixed raw seafood) as a starter. Outdoor seating offers a great view of the castle.
• Il Poeta Contadino read more ›
  (21 Via Indipendenza. Tel. 080 432 1917)
  In a revamped, rustic hall, this restaurant gets a well-deserved mention in the Michelin guide. Owner Leonardo is a master in the kitchen and whips up sensational Puglian cuisine. The John Dory with artichoke and fennel is well worth trying.

• Da Tuccino read more ›
  (Polignano a Mare, 69 Via Santa Caterina. )
  Locals will tell you this is one the best restaurants in Italy and they're not far wrong. It serves some of the finest regional seafood dishes in Puglia that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Try the orrechiette pasta with clams.
• Ristorante Alberosole read more ›
  (13 Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II. Tel. 080 523 5446)
  The deceptively simple décor emphasises the excellence of the food at Bari's most exclusive eatery. The linguine con gamberi di Gallipoli, pesto di fave fresche e zenzero (linguini with prawns and fava bean pesto) is worth the trip alone.
• Lo Sprofondo read more ›
  (109 Corso Vittorio Emmanuele. Tel. 080 521 3697)
  This is the place where Bari's smart set dine. The staff may be snooty and the lighting a bit bright but the food is fantastic. Try the braciolette of veal.
• Ristorante Ai 2 Ghiottoni read more ›
  (11 Via Putignani. Tel. 080 523 2240)
  Ghiottoni is the Italian word for gluttons and this immaculate restaurant is true to its name. Order the seabass carpaccio as part of the enormous mixed starter and try to save room for a delicious dessert.
• Ristorante Alberosole read more ›
  (13 Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II. Tel. 080 523 5446)
  Deceptively simple décor emphasises the excellence of the offering at Bari's most exclusive eatery. The linguine con gamberi di Gallipoli, pesto di fave fresche e zenzero (linguini with prawns and fava bean pesto) is worth the trip alone.
• Il Melograno read more ›
  (345 Contrada Torricella, Monopoli. Tel. 080 690 9030)
  Set in a Relais & Chateaux hotel, this prestigious restaurant is recommended for a special occasion. Offering exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, many of the ingredients are produced on the estate, including vegetables and olive oil.

After Dark

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• New Cellar Club read more ›
  (154A Via Principe Amedeo. Tel. 080 528 9393)
  This cavernous little bar/club usually can be found playing soothing chill-out music and old jazz records. It makes a nice change from the livelier places that surround it.
• Vinagre read more ›
  (47 Via Rosalba Camillo. Tel. 080 504 2844)
  Although it's not in a central location, this wine bar is an excellent, chilled-out place to kick off the evening. It also serves great food.
• Matisse read more ›
  (10 Piazza del Ferrarese. Tel. 080 524 9962)
  Make yourself comfortable on one of the many sofas or sit outside in nice weather and watch the world go by on the bustling Piazza del Ferrarese.
• Champagnerie read more ›
  (99 Via Roberto da Bari. Tel. 080 524 0687)
  Tickle your taste buds before dinner with a decadent Champagne cocktail in the refined surroundings of this tiny bar.
• Tavli Caffè read more ›
  (23 Via Angiola. Tel. 329 473 7847)
  A laid-back bar with a monthly changing art exhibition and good wine by the glass. Platters of snack-food are served.
• Babo read more ›
  (23 Piazza G Cesare. )
  A fun bar that's well worth stopping by for a pre-dinner drink. Closed on Sunday.

• Nessun Dorma read more ›
  (3 Via Fiume. Tel. 080 522 8825)
  Located in central Bari, this classy restaurant bar has live music or DJs playing three nights a week. Relax with a cocktail after an excellent meal and soak up the Brindisi nightlife in style.
• Uèffilo read more ›
  (21 Via Donato Boscia, Gioia del Colle. Tel. 080 343 0946 )
  Jazz and wine bar, in a building dating back to the 16th century, regularly hosting major Italian and international names.
• La Dolce Vita read more ›
  (41 Via Giuseppe Albanese. Tel. 080 557 6204)
  A mature crowd gathers here on Thursday to Sunday evenings to enjoy jazz, cabaret, and 70s and 80s soul music. Arrive early to get a table.
• Nordwind Disco Pub read more ›
  (18 Via Pietro Giannone. Tel. 080 558 0028)
  Come for the drag cabaret on Tuesday, battle of the bands on Wednesday, metal music night on Thursday, and visiting rock bands and DJs the rest of the time at this huge venue.
• Gargà read more ›
  (58 Via Palazzo di Città. Tel. 333 277 13 77)
  Rock and indie bands play this stylish Old Town venue at the weekend. Great cocktails and a varied clientèle make it a popular hang-out.
• Nox Ristorante read more ›
  (26 Via Vecchia Monopoli. Tel. 080 4957882)
  This place is a real gem, with live music and a relaxed bar for a drink or two.

• Mavù Club read more ›
  (Strada Provinciale Da Locorotondo, Verso Cisternino. )
  Probably the best summer club in Puglia. It has three separate dance floors and can often be found hosting some big names and international DJs.
• Autodrom Club read more ›
  (Contrada Lamandia, Monopoli. )
  Located metres from the sea, Autodrom Club is the perfect place to head after a day lounging on the sand. Dance to enlivening house music, or chill in the gardens.
• Gorgeous read more ›
  (82 Via Constituente. Tel. 080 542 3399)
  This club is on a small scale, but it's got plenty of style - just like the revellers it attracts. Commercial house plays from midnight till the morning.
• Smaila's Bari read more ›
  (154 Via Principe Amedeo. )
  Open from 12.30am-4am most nights of the week, with a disco featuring 80s, 90s and house music. Entrance is usually free but on Saturday the club hosts a pre-disco gig (entry €25).
• Matitti Brown read more ›
  (17 Piazza del Ferrarese. )
  DJs play everything from funky house to old-school Italian peasant music at this tiny, but very lively bar.
• El Gato Borracho read more ›
  (42 Via Molini, Monopoli. )
  This Spanish-themed bar gets very lively late at night and serves decent food as well as a good selection of Belgian beers and tasty cocktails.

This month...

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Tips

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