Monopoli offers numerous options for enjoying fresh fish, grilled meat, panzerotti and typical local products from the Apulian tradition in characteristic settings such as hostarias, trattorias and butchers with kitchens. Below is a selection of clear and varied places, perfect for those visiting the city for the first time.
Seafood Restaurants and Local Cuisine
- The Guazzetto – Rustic and welcoming atmosphere, specialising in fresh fish dishes, raw fish, soup and seafood pasta. Recommended for its atmosphere and the quality of its typical Apulian cuisine.
- Pierino the Englishman's Trattoria – Historic trattoria serving traditional home cooking, many seafood dishes, intimate setting with characteristic vaulted ceilings; ideal for sampling local specialities.
- Piazza Palmieri Restaurant – Fish from the Adriatic Sea and creative reinterpretations of regional dishes, elegant and central location; perfect for those seeking tradition with a modern twist.
- Lido Bianco Restaurant – Excellent seafood cuisine, sea view, refined atmosphere, also suitable for special occasions; typical dishes and fresh raw seafood.
- The Inn on the Harbour – Classic Apulian seafood dishes, relaxed and informal atmosphere with outdoor seating overlooking the harbour. (Open until 2:45 pm)
Barbecued meat and butchers with kitchen
- Garibaldi Steakhouse Monopoli – American-style grilled meat specialities, selected cuts and burgers, craft beers; modern and informal venue.
- Antonio Brescia Butcher's Shop – A historic butcher's shop where you can buy quality meat and also find prepared dishes or typical local grilled specialities.
- Colagrande Butcher's Shop – Trusted local butcher's shop with barbecue products, offering the opportunity to purchase and consume meat directly, with a focus on customer service.
Panzerotti and Street Food, Local Products
- Da Zi Ottavio Restaurant and Pizzeria – Traditional restaurant serving pizza, fried panzerotti, and authentic Apulian cuisine; ideal for a casual evening and to sample local specialities.
- The King's street food – An informal venue that is very popular with young people, offering a wide selection of panzerotti, pizzas, craft beers and quick meals; perfect for a quick and tasty break in the city centre.
For your first visit, head to the restaurants in the historic centre (Via dell'Erba, Largo Palmieri, Via Amalfitana), which offer both seafood and meat dishes in authentic settings. Butchers, often located outside the centre, are ideal for those looking for grilled meat and ‘local’ experiences for true connoisseurs. Panzerotti and street food are easily found at historic pizzerias and modern establishments.
Always book at weekends or on public holidays, try the dishes of the day and ask for typical products such as burrata cheese, friselle bread, local wine and Apulian olive oil; restaurateurs are generally happy to recommend the best of the area according to the season.
Street food in Monopoli
In Monopoli, Apulian street food is very lively and offers traditional specialities such as panzerotti, pucce, focaccia barese, friselle and other local delicacies. A very famous place is The King Street Food (Via Orazio Comes, 31), which offers a wide selection of panzerotti, pucce and typical dishes made with local ingredients, located in the heart of the historic centre. It also offers delivery and takeaway service, with a pleasant outdoor area in the summer months.
Other typical street food specialities worth trying include hot panzerottini and focaccia barese, often served during guided tours dedicated to Monopoli's street food, which allow you to discover hidden corners of the city and enjoy authentic flavours accompanied by local wine and taralli.
For those seeking an authentic and quick experience, another important place to try panzerotti is Madià Morsi Di Felicità, known for the quality of its dough and the variety of fillings offered, including a dough made with cannabis flour.
In summary, for those who are in Monopoli and want to taste authentic street food:
- The King Street Food – known for its wide range of Apulian street food, including panzerotti, it is perfect for a quick meal after a stroll through the historic centre.
- Madià Morsi Of Happiness – very famous for their light dough, crispy but not greasy frying and various fillings; the classic tomato and mozzarella is also praised for its price and quality. There are also special versions with different flours and numerous seasonal fillings.
These places are perfect for enjoying traditional Apulian cuisine in a quick and informal way, with authentic quality and flavours.
Best panzerotti to try in Monopoli
In Monopoli, panzerotti are a real institution, and you can try some excellent ones in many traditional restaurants and street food outlets.
Here are the most recommended according to recent reviews and local guides:
- King Umberto I Panzerotteria Pizzeria – Described by many visitors as “the best panzerotto ever”, crispy on the outside and generously filled on the inside, with dough made from three different types of flour and great attention to local ingredients. Highly recommended for those seeking authenticity and a true Apulian experience.
- Big Mama – Popular street food with freshly fried panzerotti and many variations, a young and informal atmosphere perfect for trying traditional specialities, also available to take away.
- Sant’Anna Bakery – Here, panzerotti are both baked and fried. According to those who have tried them, the quality of the filling and the fragrance of the dough are strong points. They are also ideal for focaccia and other baked goods.
Many of these establishments are located in the centre of Monopoli and are ideal for sampling while strolling or stopping for a casual lunch or quick dinner. The most popular flavours are the classic tomato and mozzarella, turnip greens and sausage, and seasonal variations. All also offer vegetarian options and innovative variations on the dough or filling.
Where to find focaccia from Bari in the city centre
In the centre of Monopoli, you can find authentic Bari-style focaccia in various bakeries and artisan focaccia shops. Here are the most popular places to try it:
- The Barese Focacceria – An open workshop dedicated to authentic Bari-style focaccia, with a highly hydrated dough and high-quality ingredients selected according to the season. It offers the classic version with cherry tomatoes and olives, but also gourmet and stuffed versions often inspired by Bari family traditions.
- The Oven of Wonders – Artisan bakery in the heart of the historic centre, famous for its focaccia from Bari, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, but also for the softer version from Monopoli. Ideal for a quick break or to take away during a stroll through the town centre.
- Baking & Eating – Here, the focaccia from Bari is among the most popular in Monopoli, with the classic topping of cherry tomatoes and olives, available every day from morning to evening in a convenient location just a few steps from the historic centre.
- L’Assunta Bakery – Established in Monopoli for bread, taralli and traditional focaccia. According to many reviews, the focaccia here is a must-try, prepared fresh every day.
In all these bakeries, you can find both the classic Bari-style focaccia and other variations, perfect for a savoury breakfast or a snack while visiting the city. The locations are central and ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in Apulian tradition without straying far from the heart of Monopoli.