Where to Eat in Puglia

Organizing a vacation in Puglia also means choosing where to eat well without spending too much. Among the most loved destinations in the area are Bari, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and Conversano. But which city is the most economical for dining out? In this article, we analyze the average restaurant prices in these four locations in the province of Bari. The goal is to help tourists make informed choices, especially if they are traveling on a budget.

Bari, the regional capital, offers a wide range of restaurants, trattorias, and venues of all kinds. In the central area – which includes the historic center, via Sparano, and the waterfront – prices are generally higher compared to other areas of the city and some nearby towns. A lunch for one person in a trattoria can cost between 20 and 25 euros, while a complete dinner in a medium restaurant ranges from 30 to 40 euros. If you opt for a fish dish, the cost is around 20-25 euros just for the second course. Prices rise if you choose tourist restaurants or those with a sea view, making Bari a more expensive choice for tourists.

Polignano a Mare is one of the most famous destinations in Puglia, especially in summer. The beauty of the historic center and the cliffs makes it very popular with international tourists. Consequently, restaurant prices are often higher than the regional average. A lunch in a tourist venue can cost between 25 and 35 euros per person, while a dinner with appetizer, first, and second course ranges from 40 to 50 euros. A fish dish in a restaurant with a view can cost between 25 and 35 euros. In the center, it is difficult to find economical options, especially in the summer months, which makes Polignano a costly choice for those looking to save.

Monopoli has experienced a tourist boom in recent years. The historic center and the old port are filled with well-kept restaurants. Prices are slightly lower than in Polignano but still higher than in less touristy towns. A quick lunch can cost between 18 and 25 euros, while a complete dinner in a medium restaurant ranges from 30 to 45 euros. A fish dish can cost between 20 and 28 euros. In the historic center, prices increase, but there are also trattorias outside the tourist circuit with good quality/price ratios, making Monopoli an intermediate choice.

Conversano is an elegant and quiet town located inland just a few kilometers from Polignano and Monopoli. Despite being close to more expensive destinations, restaurant prices in Conversano are more affordable. A lunch in a typical trattoria can cost between 15 and 20 euros, while a dinner in a medium-range restaurant ranges from 25 to 35 euros. A fish dish can cost between 15 and 20 euros. The historic center is rich in venues offering authentic Apulian cuisine at reasonable prices, making Conversano an ideal choice for those who want to eat well without spending too much.

Conversano is an ideal choice for those who want to eat well without spending too much. Restaurants offer typical menus, local ingredients, and friendly hospitality, with prices often lower than those in Polignano or Monopoli. But one should not think that Conversano only has economical options. The town is also home to one of the most awarded restaurants in Puglia: Pasha Restaurant, a Michelin star, located in the historic center next to the castle. Pasha offers refined, innovative cuisine rooted in the territory. It is a perfect destination for a special evening or a high-level gastronomic experience.

Here is a summary of the average costs for a complete dinner: Polignano a Mare: 40-50 euros, Monopoli: 30-45 euros, Bari center: 30-40 euros, Conversano: 25-35 euros. If you are looking for a good balance between quality, tranquility, and reasonable prices, Conversano is the best choice. It is less crowded, more authentic, and allows you to enjoy Apulian cuisine without spending too much. And if you want to treat yourself to a high-end dining experience, Pasha awaits you with its starred dishes, demonstrating that even an economical town can offer the highest quality.