We had a travel day tired and hungry, we couldn't wait until everything opened at 7:30, found this…read moreplace opened at 6 pm. Very friendly service, helpful with menu, small plates, the parmigiana, lasagna and meatballs all delicious with a great local wine. The spritz made with local bitters.

The Service on Saturday night was great! Get a bottle of…read moregood red, order the meatballs and lasagna... you're in for a real treat! Delicious! Don't skip dessert

Best meal we have ever had anywhere in Italy! Staff was exceptional, patient and knowledgeable…read more They provided a menu in English too. Such a romantic setting with vineyards all around. If you're in the south of Italy you must have this on your itinerary!

This is an Osteria in a local town just west of Otranto, owned and operated by Cantine Menhir, a…read moresizable local producer of Puglian wine. They use their osteria menu in part to showcase their own wines; they were recommended to us by a Leccese who knew we wanted an interesting wine experience. Regardless of whether you're there for their wines, it's also just a great osteria, producing typical Puglian dishes with flair and a lot of flavor....delicious! And (if you are focused on their wines), the staff does a good job pairing each of your dishes with a (refillable) glass of a different varietal. It was both elegant and easygoing, and (on December 30th) was filled with local families having a celebratory Pranzo. We really enjoyed this. Minervino itelf is hardly a destination, but it's easy in and out and if you're traveling around the Salento or in Otranto, the town is easily accessible.

AMAZING food!! Alright so this restaurant is located very…read moreclose to the water in a very quaint neighborhood. You turn the corner to find other neat eateries and gelato spots - we didn't know that when we arrived to this spot. All we knew was how hungry we were and how difficult it was to find a restaurant open for lunch. Since it's so close the the water, they have incredible and intricate seafood dishes, which are a bit pricey, but you pay for the experience and the artistry. My husband and I shared our meal to try a little bit of everything. To start of, our server (the owner) is really nice and he's quite a cool guy. His wife is the chef. We ordered mackerel with sun dried tomatoes, and cheese which I didn't care too much about but to be honest I'm not a fan of mackerel- my husband ordered it. I loved my appetizer! Highly recommend the seared octopus over ginger potato soup. What an ingenious combination! My husband ordered the octopus infused gnocchi which was very different because it was cheesy and seafood(y)? at the same time. I really enjoyed our fish. I forgot what type it was but we were given the option to select it and it was deboned and plated beautifully by the owner. Oh, also their limoncello was the best we've had on our trip.

This restaurant is hidden gem in Castro. It's easy to get distracted by the eateries along the…read morelungo mare, but this one is up at the centro storico down a small street. We walked by and were immediately drawn to the garden you could see through the entry. It's a beautiful restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. We dined on the patio which is lush with plants and twinkle lights. Our meal was excellent. Our group of 6 enjoyed pasta with fresh sea urchin, the catch of the day with capers and tomatoes, seafood pasta and the crudo. The service was on the slow side but the food was worth the wait. If you find yourself in Castro, definitely dine here!

We drive out of our way to go to this restaurant every time we go to Puglia. Restaurant and garden…read moreare beautiful. We are BIG FANS of his seafood appetizer plate- beautiful fresh from the sea with the most interesting twists with each selection.

The food was incredible, the service was perfect. Everyone is very caring, helpful and sweet!!!!!!!…read moreWe will be happy to come back again.

We ate here twice during our 10-day stay in the Otranto area. The food is outstanding -…read moreflavor-full, excellent quality seafood dishes. Service is excellent. It's located on a quiet street, just a short walk from the main tourist street.... worth looking out for.