Best Italian Restaurants in Bari

Best Italian Restaurants in Bari

Curated guide featuring 8 outstanding restaurants, all rated 4.5+ stars

Bari isn't just another Italian coastal city with good food—it's where Pugliese grandmothers still roll orecchiette by hand on their doorsteps and the smell of wood-fired ovens mingles with sea salt in the air. This is the capital of Italy's heel, where dining out means experiencing centuries of tradition shaped by Greek, Roman, and Norman influences, all while sitting close enough to the Adriatic to hear the waves. The restaurants here don't just serve Italian food; they serve the soul of southern Italy, where every dish tells a story of sun-drenched tomatoes, local olive groves, and fishing boats that docked that very morning.

We've gathered ten exceptional restaurants that capture what makes eating in Bari so special, each one rated 4.5 stars or higher by thousands of diners who've experienced them firsthand. From cozy trattorias tucked into the winding streets of Bari Vecchia to innovative spots reimagining Pugliese classics, this guide covers the establishments that both locals and visitors return to again and again. Whether you're craving perfectly charred pizza, fresh seafood, or traditional regional specialties, these are the places where Bari's culinary heart beats strongest.

Featured Restaurants

La Cantina dello Zio
$$

La Cantina dello Zio

★★★★☆
4.7
(13,545 reviews)

Tucked away on Strada Palazzo di Città in Bari's historic center, La Cantina dello Zio has won over thousands of diners with its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu offerings that showcase the best of local flavors. With nearly 14,000 glowing reviews and a stellar 4.7-star rating, travelers consistently praise this spot for delivering authentic Italian dining without breaking the bank. Book ahead if possible, as this popular gem fills up quickly, especially during evening service when locals and visitors alike gather for a memorable meal.

Strada Palazzo di Città, 51, 70122 Bari BA, Italy
329 229 9403
Mastro Ciccio
$$

Mastro Ciccio

★★★★☆
4.5
(11,754 reviews)

Located on Bari's main thoroughfare, Mastro Ciccio has won over nearly 12,000 diners with its welcoming bar atmosphere and quality takeaway options, making it a reliable choice whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a casual meal. The impressive 4.5-star rating suggests consistently good food and service at reasonable prices, which explains why both locals and travelers keep coming back. Swing by during off-peak hours to snag a spot at the bar, or take advantage of their takeaway service if you're exploring the historic center nearby.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 15, 70122 Bari BA, Italy
Antò Ristorante -- Cucina tipica pugliese -- Bari
$$

Antò Ristorante -- Cucina tipica pugliese -- Bari

★★★★☆
4.6
(11,380 reviews)

Located in the heart of Bari's historic center on Strada Palazzo di Città, Antò Ristorante has won over thousands of diners with its authentic Puglian cuisine, earning an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 11,000 reviews. Travelers consistently praise this spot for delivering genuine regional flavors in a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of southern Italian dining. Given its prime location near the old town's main attractions and its popularity with both locals and visitors, booking ahead or arriving early is highly recommended to secure a table.

Strada Palazzo di Città, 14, 70122 Bari BA, Italy
Pizzeria de Michele
$$

Pizzeria de Michele

★★★★☆
4.6
(9,224 reviews)

This beloved pizzeria in the heart of Bari has won over nearly 10,000 diners with its authentic approach to Italian cuisine, earning an impressive 4.6-star rating that speaks to consistently excellent food and service. Located on the bustling Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, it offers great value for money while delivering the kind of genuine flavors that keep both locals and travelers coming back. Given its popularity and central location, try to arrive early or outside peak dining hours to snag a table without a long wait.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 85, 70122 Bari BA, Italy
Le Nicchie
$$

Le Nicchie

★★★★☆
4.7
(2,834 reviews)

Tucked away on a charming side street in Bari's old town, Le Nicchie has earned its stellar reputation with nearly 3,000 glowing reviews for serving quality dishes that span multiple cuisines in an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Travelers consistently praise this mid-priced gem for its authentic local vibe and attentive service that makes you feel like a regular from your first visit. Book ahead if possible, as its small size and popularity mean tables fill up quickly, especially during dinner service.

Vico Corsioli, 11b, 70122 Bari BA, Italy
La Moderna Brace
$$

La Moderna Brace

★★★★☆
4.8
(466 reviews)

La Moderna Brace has earned its stellar 4.8-star reputation from nearly 500 diners who appreciate its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu that caters to various tastes. This mid-range gem in Bari's Principe Amedeo neighborhood consistently delivers quality dishes that keep both locals and travelers coming back for more. With such high ratings across hundreds of reviews, you can confidently walk in knowing you're in for a satisfying meal, though arriving early or booking ahead is wise given its popularity.

Via Principe Amedeo, 488, 70123 Bari BA, Italy
Radicale Restaurant
$$

Radicale Restaurant

★★★★☆
4.8
(461 reviews)

Tucked along Via Nicolò Putignani in Bari's historic center, Radicale Restaurant has earned its impressive 4.8-star rating from over 460 diners who rave about its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu options. This locally beloved spot strikes the perfect balance between quality and value at moderate prices, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic dining experience without breaking the bank. Book ahead during peak dinner hours, as this popular gem fills up quickly with both locals and visitors in the know.

Via Nicolò Putignani, 71, 70121 Bari BA, Italy
Samuele Pastanella - Ristorante
$$

Samuele Pastanella - Ristorante

★★★★☆
4.7
(356 reviews)

This beloved Bari eatery has won over hundreds of diners with its welcoming atmosphere and quality Italian fare, earning an impressive 4.7-star rating from a loyal following. Travelers consistently praise the authentic flavors and warm hospitality that make dining here feel like visiting a local friend's table. Book ahead if possible, as the combination of reasonable prices and outstanding reputation means this gem fills up quickly, especially during peak dinner hours.

Via Niccolò Piccinni, 110, 70122 Bari BA, Italy
080 236 8402

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