Where to eat typical cuisine in Taranto: orecchiette, bombette, parmigiana and the land-and-sea flavours of the Ionian tradition.
History
Tarantine cooking is not just fish: it is a meeting of sea and land, between the city's maritime tradition and the peasant flavours of the hinterland and the Itria Valley. The typical trattorias and restaurants tell of this double soul, with simple, generous dishes rooted in the territory.
What to see
Queen of the first courses is homemade pasta: the chiancaredde (Taranto's orecchiette), served with tomato sauce and cacioricotta or with turnip tops, and cavatelli. Among the meat dishes stand out the bombette — meat rolls that "explode" with flavour — and the uccelletti (rolls of scamorza and pancetta), a legacy of the nearby Itria Valley.
There is no shortage of parmigiana di melanzane, vegetables from the Ionian land, Puglian dairy (mozzarella, burrata, cacioricotta) and cured meats such as Martina Franca capocollo, enhanced by the excellent local extra virgin olive oil and paired with Primitivo.
Many trattorias offer a warm, family atmosphere, where tradition is handed down from generation to generation.
Did you know…
- Chiancaredde are Taranto's orecchiette, shaped by hand with a flick of the thumb.
- Bombette are meat rolls that 'explode' with flavour in your mouth.
- Uccelletti are rolls of scamorza and pancetta, typical of the area.
Practical information
| Hours | Vary by venue; many trattorias open for lunch and dinner. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Generally affordable in the typical trattorias; higher in refined restaurants. |
| Accessibility | Varies by venue; check if you have specific needs. |
| Getting there | Typical trattorias and restaurants are found across the city and in the villages of the province. |
Not to miss
★ PremiumLa Locanda dei Briganti
📍 Via Duomo, 262, Taranto
A butcher's shop with its own kitchen in the Old Town: grilled meat and homemade orecchiette.
★ PremiumTrattoria da Zia Franca Cucina Tipica Tarantina
📍 Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 118, Taranto
Small family trattoria in the Old Town, short and genuine menu.
★ PremiumIl Simposio - Città Vecchia
📍 Piazza Castello, 4, Taranto
Next to the Aragonese Castle, with zero-kilometre ingredients.
★ PremiumRistorante le Due Fontane
📍 Salita S. Nicola, 5, Taranto
In the heart of the Old Town, Tarantine cuisine in a refined style.
Addresses for guidance: names, management and hours may change. Always check before visiting.
Full listing
Indicative list compiled from public sources. To be featured among our partners, contact us.
Tips for your visit
- Try the homemade chiancaredde: the flagship of the land-based cuisine.
- Pair the dishes with a glass of local Primitivo.
- In the family-run trattorias you'll breathe the true hospitality of the South.