Ostuni Food and Wine

Ostuni, a gem in the Puglia region, is a culinary haven where the authentic flavors of Italy shine. Renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, Ostuni invites visitors to indulge in a gastronomic journey that celebrates the finest produce from its fertile land and nearby Adriatic waters. From the iconic orecchiette pasta to the freshest seafood, each dish reflects a deep-rooted tradition and passion for quality. Paired with the region’s exceptional wines, such as the bold Primitivo and the aromatic Negroamaro, every meal in Ostuni is a celebration of taste and culture. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or an adventurous traveler, Ostuni’s food and wine scene offers an unforgettable experience that will linger in your memory long after your visit.

APPETIZERS:

In Ostuni, the culinary journey begins with a delightful array of appetizers that set the stage for the region’s rich and flavorful cuisine. These starters are a celebration of local ingredients and traditional recipes, offering a taste of Puglia’s vibrant culinary heritage. A beloved street food in Puglia, panzerotto is a must-try when visiting Ostuni. These delicious, crescent-shaped pastries are typically filled with tomato, mozzarella, and sometimes other ingredients like ham or olives. Fried to golden perfection, panzerotti are crispy on the outside and oozy on the inside, making them an irresistible start to any meal. Another staple is the frisa ostunese, a simple yet flavorful appetizer that showcases the quality of local produce. This dish features toasted bread rings, often soaked in water to soften, then topped with ripe tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s a refreshing and satisfying way to savor the taste of Ostuni’s sun-kissed ingredients. Ostuni’s appetizer offerings wouldn’t be complete without a selection of marinated olives, fresh cheeses like caciocavallo, and seasonal vegetables grilled or pickled to perfection. These dishes reflect the abundance of the region’s agricultural bounty and the simplicity of Puglian cooking, where fresh flavors take center stage.

FIRST COURSE:

Ostuni’s first courses are a delightful introduction to the hearty and flavorful world of Puglian cuisine. Known for their simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients, these dishes are a testament to the region’s rich culinary traditions. Orecchiette, meaning “little ears” in Italian, is perhaps the most iconic pasta of the Puglia region. This uniquely shaped pasta is traditionally served with a variety of sauces, but the classic preparation involves sautéed broccoli rabe, garlic, and chili flakes, all tossed in extra virgin olive oil. The dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, capturing the essence of Puglian cooking. Another staple first course is cavatelli e ceci, a comforting dish that combines small, shell-like pasta with chickpeas. The pasta is often cooked in a savory broth with garlic, rosemary, and sometimes a hint of tomato, creating a rich and satisfying meal. This dish is a favorite among locals for its hearty and nourishing qualities. In addition to these classics, Ostuni offers a variety of other pasta dishes that highlight the region’s fresh produce and seafood. Linguine with clams, risotto with seasonal vegetables, and fava bean purée with chicory are just a few examples of the diverse and delicious first courses you can enjoy in this culinary haven.

SECOND COURSE:

The second courses in Ostuni offer a rich array of flavors, showcasing the region’s love for both land and sea. These dishes are hearty and satisfying, reflecting the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Fave e cicorie is a classic Puglian dish that combines creamy fava bean purée with bitter chicory greens. This humble yet flavorful combination is a staple in Ostuni, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The dish is often drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and served with crusty bread, making it a comforting and nutritious choice. A must-try meat dish in Ostuni is bombette, small rolls of pork filled with cheese, herbs, and sometimes cured meats. These succulent bites are typically grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, savory flavor that is both rich and satisfying. Bombette are a popular choice for meat lovers seeking a taste of traditional Puglian cuisine. For seafood enthusiasts, calamari ripieni (stuffed calamari) is a delightful option. The calamari are filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and sometimes cheese or sausage, then baked or grilled. This dish highlights the freshness of the local seafood and the creativity of Puglian cooking. Ostuni’s culinary scene also features a variety of other second courses, such as lamb stews, roasted rabbit, and seafood platters featuring the catch of the day. Each dish is prepared with care, showcasing the region’s finest ingredients and culinary expertise.

SIDE DISHES AND STREET FOODS:

Ostuni’s vibrant street food scene offers a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s culinary diversity, perfect for those who enjoy exploring flavors on the go. Among the street food delights, you can find focaccia with Apulian onions, a local favorite with its golden crust, sweet caramelized onions, and a drizzle of the finest extra virgin olive oil, adding a rich depth of flavor. As for side dishes, Ostuni’s tables often feature simple yet flavorful accompaniments like grilled vegetables, marinated artichokes, and mixed olives, each seasoned with local herbs and, of course, the region’s celebrated olive oil. Olive oil is not just a staple but a cornerstone of Ostuni’s gastronomy, enhancing the flavor of every dish and reflecting the town’s deep agricultural heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a quick bite from a street vendor or savoring a leisurely meal, Ostuni’s street food and side dishes provide a delicious taste of local life.

DESSERTS:

Ostuni’s dessert offerings are a sweet finale to its rich culinary experience, featuring traditional flavors that delight the senses. Among the standout treats are dried almond figs, a beloved local specialty. These figs are carefully dried and stuffed with almonds, creating a delightful combination of chewy and crunchy textures. The natural sweetness of the figs pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of the almonds, making them a perfect end to any meal.

In addition to dried almond figs, Ostuni boasts a variety of other traditional desserts. Indulge in pasticciotto, a pastry filled with rich custard cream, or savor the delicate layers of sfogliatelle, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta and candied fruit. Each dessert reflects the region’s dedication to using quality ingredients and time-honored recipes, ensuring a memorable culinary journey through the sweet side of Ostuni.

WINES:

Ostuni, nestled in the heart of Puglia, is a haven for wine enthusiasts, offering a rich selection of local wines that capture the essence of the region’s terroir. Among the standout offerings are the Ostuni White DOC and Ottavianello, both of which showcase the unique winemaking heritage of this picturesque area.

OSTUNI WHITE DOC

The Ostuni White DOC is a refreshing and elegant wine, crafted primarily from the Impigno and Francavilla grape varieties native to the region. Known for its bright, straw-yellow hue and delicate floral aromas, this wine offers crisp notes of citrus and green apple, making it a perfect complement to fresh seafood, light pastas, and traditional Apulian appetizers. Its vibrant acidity and clean finish reflect the coastal breezes and mineral-rich soils of Ostuni, making it a delightful choice for warm Mediterranean evenings.

OTTAVIANELLO OF OSTUNI

Ottavianello, a lesser-known gem of the region, is a red wine with a soft and approachable character. Made from the Ottavianello grape (known as Cinsault in France), this wine features aromas of red berries, wildflowers, and a subtle hint of spice. Its light to medium body and smooth tannins make it a versatile pairing for a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to Puglian cheeses and charcuterie. Ottavianello offers a taste of Ostuni’s winemaking tradition, appealing to those who appreciate nuanced and elegant reds.

Together, the Ostuni White DOC and Ottavianello provide a captivating introduction to the wines of Ostuni, each offering a distinctive expression of the region’s rich viticulture. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveler, these wines promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Puglia’s vibrant wine culture.