Undiscovered Path Home Undiscovered Path Home
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Travel Blog
    • Europe
      • Czech Republic
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Germany
    • Africa
      • Seychelles
    • USA
      • New York City
    • Oceania
      • Cook Islands
  • Explore Czech Republic
    • Prague
    • Benesov
  • Get In Touch
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Travel Blog
    • Europe
      • Czech Republic
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Germany
    • Africa
      • Seychelles
    • USA
      • New York City
    • Oceania
      • Cook Islands
  • Explore Czech Republic
    • Prague
    • Benesov
  • Get In Touch

Categories

  • Africa
  • Benesov
  • Cook Islands
  • Czech Republic
  • Destinations
  • Europe
  • Fear of Flying
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • My Story
  • New York City
  • Oceania
  • Personal Stories
  • Prague
  • Seychelles
  • Spain
  • Theater
  • USA

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
Undiscovered Path Home Undiscovered Path Home
Undiscovered Path Home Undiscovered Path Home
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Travel Blog
    • Europe
      • Czech Republic
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • Germany
    • Africa
      • Seychelles
    • USA
      • New York City
    • Oceania
      • Cook Islands
  • Explore Czech Republic
    • Prague
    • Benesov
  • Get In Touch
One of the seafood dishes at Ristorante Borgo Antico with mussels and clams, one of the best restaurants in Bari
Home Travel Blog 7 Delicious and Authentic Restaurants in Bari, Italy

7 Delicious and Authentic Restaurants in Bari, Italy

  • October 3, 2022
  • 5 minute read
Total
52
Shares
8
0
44

Medieval castles. Whitewashed towns. Pristine waters stretching down the Puglia coastline. Centuries-old farmland. The port city of Bari in Italy’s Puglia region is truly one of the most beautiful and untouched places in Italy; in my opinion, it’s one of the last truly authentic parts of Italy. The city, located on the Adriatic Sea coast, is the capital of the Puglia region in Southern Italy (think of it as the “boot” of the heel). The cuisine in Bari is a reflection of the vibrant city:  homemade pasta, fresh baked bread, local olives, and the catch of the day fill the menus at some of the best restaurants in Bari. 

If you know me, you know that I absolutely love Italy! I’ve been down to Bari and the Puglia region twice (including an extended vacation scoping out the best beaches in Puglia!). I’ve explored many different parts of Italy, but Puglia remains one of my favorites. There’s just something magical about this part of Italy, and I will never stop recommending it to everyone. After visiting Bari, Italy a number of times, I’ve put together this list of my absolute favorite authentic, cannot-miss restaurants in Bari! 

Don’t have time to read this post right now? Pin it for later.

Is Bari worth visiting? 

The colorful streets of Bari, Italy

When you’re planning a trip to Italy, it can be difficult to pick just a few places you want to visit. Trust me: I’ve been there. But with its stunning old town, bustling harbour and access to some of Italy’s best beaches, the Italian city of Bari is well worth a visit. 

What food is Bari known for? 

The winding streets of Old Town in Bari, Italy

When you drive through the Puglia region of Italy, you’ll notice centuries-old farmland and ancient olive trees (though they are in trouble!). The Bari region – and Puglia as a whole – are best known for their olive oil, garlic, and fresh vegetables like beans, chickpeas, fennel and eggplant. Bari is also known for its fresh seafood, which fisherman catch each day off the coast. The food in Bari is truly some of the most unique – and most delicious – food in Italy. 

7 Incredible Restaurants in Bari (for Authentic Italian Food!)

Some of the best restaurants in Bari, Puglia, include delicious local pizza spots, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta…among other dishes! My list includes the best pasta in Bari, the best pizza in Bari, and the best seafood restaurants in Bari, Italy. Let’s dive in!

1. Osteria Le Arpie

One of the best restaurants in Bari, Osteria le Arpie
A prawn pasta at Osteria Le Arpie

Osteria Le Arpie takes home the award for one of my absolute personal favorite restaurants in Bari! This local spot sits in a winding alley in Bari’s Old Town and diners are seated at small tables scattered throughout the alley. There are many fantastic restaurants in Bari Old Town, but this small restaurant stands out because of the fresh food and the vibe. 

Their simple-yet-delicious homemade pasta comes at a fair price, and many dishes include fresh seafood as well. The small menu will change depending on what’s in season. You can also try out typical Bari food at this place, including one of the region’s most traditional dishes: orecchiette with cime di rapa. Quite simply: the food is divine, and this was easily the best pasta we had in Bari. 

A word of warning: if you do plan to visit, you need a reservation at least a day in advance! 

2. Pizzeria Princess

The exterior of Pizzeria Princess, one of the best restaurants in Bari, Italy
The exterior of Pizzeria Princess

This unassuming pizzeria is located at the start of Bari’s Old Town, tucked away around the corner from the Archdiocese of Bari – Bitonto. Blink and you’ll miss it. 

Pizzeria Princess remains some of the best pizza I’ve had in Italy. Look, it’s nothing fancy. The pizza comes in a cardboard box – but in my experience, all the best pizzas in Italy do. Expect a thin, tasty crust and juicy toppings. It’s also really cheap: when we went, we paid 4 Euros for an entire pizza (which we shared). This was the best pizza Bari! 

This pizza spot is famous with the locals, and on a Friday and Saturday night, you will find crowds of these locals gathered as they wait for their pizza or sitting on the plastic chairs, sharing a slice with their friends and chatting. On a late night, there’s nothing better than their fresh and simple pizzas surrounded by happy people enjoying the same; it’s the Italian experience you can’t miss. 

Just be warned: the wait can take up to an hour around dinner and into the night, as Italians eat quite late, especially during the summer in Puglia. It’s also cash only. 

3. Ristorante Borgo Antico “R45”

One of the seafood dishes at Ristorante Borgo Antico with mussels and clams, one of the best restaurants in Bari
Photo courtesy of Ristorante Borgo Antico

For an upscale dinner, stop by Ristorante Borgo Antico. The restaurant itself feels like a museum, with paintings on the walls inside (by the owner’s mother!). Expect local, fresh food with lots of seafood. You can try a number of specialty dishes here, including orecchiette (which is local to Puglia!). Just a heads up: this place usually has a wait throughout the week for dinner, so keep that in mind. 

4. La Uascezze

Clams in a bowl at La Uescezze, one of the best restaurants in Bari
Photo courtesy of La Uascezze

Expect traditional Bari cuisine and traditional Apulian cuisine at La Uascezze, which is located by the water in Bari’s Old Town. Like many traditional Bari restaurants, this restaurant offers juicy and tender meat and seafood as well as locally sourced veggies. Their specialties include eggplant parmigiana and salento puccia. 

A seafood dish at La Uascezze, one of the best restaurants in Bari
Photo courtesy of La Uascezze

5. Il Rustico

Experience a slice of the Puglian atmosphere (and cuisine!) at Il Rustico, located close to Bari’s train station. Il Rustico is known for their pizza as well as their awesome appetizers, which include bruschetta, olives, and more. 

You can get a pizza and appetizers for under 10 Euros, which makes it an excellent place to eat cheap in Bari, as well! The food is fresh, the pizza is delicious, and the service is fast. It’s also one of those locals-only spots, which makes it all the more fun to eat here. This is no doubt one of the best restaurants in Bari. 

Heads up: This place tends to see a bit of a line later in the evening, so come early to avoid waiting! 

6. La Tana del Polpo

A mixture of seafood from La Tana Del Polpo, one of the best restaurants in Bari
Photo courtesy of La Tana del Polpo

La Tana del Polpo is a small restaurant in Bari’s Old Town that serves up fresh fish and fresh pasta each day. This family-run spot prides themselves on their large variety of fresh-caught seafood. 

What really sets this place apart, though, is their personal touch: their servers helped recommend dishes and we felt so welcome! We stopped here on our first night in Bari and loved the local sea bream (baked and tender) as well as their pasta dishes. Don’t leave without trying their octopus! 

Everyone agrees: this place is fantastic!

7. Ristorante Ai Due Ghiottoni 

Clams at Ristorante Ai Due Ghiottoni, one of the best restaurants in Bari
Photo courtesy of Ristorante Ai Due Ghiottoni

Located right by the harbor, Ristorante Ai Due Ghiottoni serves a variety of vegetables and fish in the style of Pugliese cuisine. This family-owned spot has been in business for more than 40 years. The owners pride themselves on using high-quality local produce and fish to bring that authentic taste of Puglia to each plate. The highlights include the risotto ai du ghiottoni and salted bass fish. 

Liked this post? Pin it!

Samantha Tatro in Czech Republic
Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.

Total
52
Shares
Share 8
Tweet 0
Pin it 44
Previous Article
A rocky beach with crystal blue water on the Seychelles Island of La Digue

The Absolute Best Time to Visit the Seychelles 

  • September 26, 2022
Read
Next Article
The town center of Benesov, Czech Republic, features a square with a fountain and surrounding buildings

6 Unique Things to Do in Benešov, Czech Republic

  • October 11, 2022
Read
You May Also Like
One of the best restaurants in Positano, Italy, Zass, shows off their Signature dish Insalata di verdure cotte e crude
Read
  • Europe
  • Italy

Best Restaurants in Positano, Italy for Authentic Italian Food

  • Samantha Tatro
  • March 16, 2023
A photo of Prague and the Charles Bridge
Read
  • Czech Republic
  • Europe
  • Prague

How to Move to Czech Republic EASILY (Expat Advice!)

  • Samantha Tatro
  • February 20, 2023
A meal from Eska, one of the best restaurants in Prague.
Read
  • Czech Republic
  • Destinations
  • Europe
  • Prague

17 Best Restaurants in Prague, According to a Local

  • Samantha Tatro
  • February 15, 2023
Charles Bridge, one of the best things to do in Prague
Read
  • Czech Republic
  • Europe
  • Prague

15 Essential Things to Do in Prague, According to a Local

  • Samantha Tatro
  • January 16, 2023
Pastries at Kro Bakery, one of the best bakeries in Prague
Read
  • Czech Republic
  • Europe
  • Prague

9 Best Bakeries in Prague, According to a Local

  • Samantha Tatro
  • November 21, 2022
Read
  • Benesov
  • Czech Republic
  • Europe

9 Unbelievably Beautiful Czech Castles, According to a Local

  • Samantha Tatro
  • November 1, 2022
The town center of Benesov, Czech Republic, features a square with a fountain and surrounding buildings
Read
  • Benesov
  • Czech Republic

6 Unique Things to Do in Benešov, Czech Republic

  • Samantha Tatro
  • October 11, 2022
The view from Ravello on the Amalfi Coast
Read
  • Europe
  • Italy

Planning an Unforgettable Trip to the Amalfi Coast

  • Samantha Tatro
  • September 15, 2022
17 comments
  1. Renee says:
    October 4, 2022 at 9:25 am

    You won me over, I would go to Osteria Le Arpie! How can you say no to rustic homemade pasta and love the vibe of sitting in a winding alley in Bari’s Old Town.

    Reply
    1. Samantha Tatro says:
      October 4, 2022 at 11:11 am

      That is my FAVORITE! It is so charming too!

      Reply
  2. Linda Jane says:
    October 4, 2022 at 9:35 am

    Wow! Bari sounds amazing & I’d love to try the seafood. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    Reply
    1. Samantha Tatro says:
      October 4, 2022 at 11:11 am

      It’s such a great area!

      Reply
  3. Kristina says:
    October 4, 2022 at 3:32 pm

    Bari’s food scene looks incredible!

    Reply
    1. Samantha Tatro says:
      October 5, 2022 at 9:45 am

      IT IS!!

      Reply
  4. Anja | Anja On Adventure says:
    October 4, 2022 at 4:16 pm

    Bari sounds amazing! And the food looks delicious too! Pasta and seafood are just yum! Especially if everything is made fresh

    Reply
    1. Samantha Tatro says:
      October 5, 2022 at 9:47 am

      Fresh everything is the dream!

      Reply
  5. Natalie says:
    October 4, 2022 at 5:52 pm

    I’ve always wanted to go to Bari because it looked so beautiful, now I want to go to try some of these delicious restaurants!!

    Reply
    1. Samantha Tatro says:
      October 5, 2022 at 9:45 am

      It’s such a nice part of the country. Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  6. Elyse says:
    October 4, 2022 at 11:39 pm

    This is such a great guide. I miss Italy so much, the food there is next level

    Reply
    1. Samantha Tatro says:
      October 5, 2022 at 9:46 am

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  7. Anja says:
    October 5, 2022 at 12:33 pm

    Never had a bad meal in Southern Italy. Your suggestions sound great, and ypur photos are very appetizing!

    Reply
  8. Chelsea Messina says:
    October 5, 2022 at 8:33 pm

    I love the name Pizzaria Princess 👸🏾 All these foods you suggested look incredible and just looking at them made me hungry haha great post!

    Reply
  9. Jill says:
    October 5, 2022 at 11:11 pm

    I think I would want to get some homemade pizza from your favorite first – Osteria Le Arpie! Thanks for the recommendations 🙂

    Reply
  10. Melissa says:
    November 10, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    I love Bari! Ive been to most of these restaurants and agree with all your picks!

    Reply
  11. Pingback: 31 Hidden Gems in Europe: Mesmerizing Secret Spots to Visit

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Travel Blog
  • Explore Czech Republic
  • Get In Touch
Helping couples and female travellers explore all the authentic spots off the well-worn path

Input your search keywords and press Enter.