The Salento Finest bars selection
Sagrestia bar, Martano
Salento is land of wine, and there’s a lot to try. But some local cocktail bars are pushing the boundaries of fine mixology and are giving life to a thrilling a bar scene. Attention to quality, creativity, location and good sense of hospitality make of those in this list the ultimate benchmarks in the Pugliese bar scenario. Salute!
LAURUS | Lecce town
The ultimate cocktail bar in town, Laurus serves ourstanding drinks in a warm, romantic, welcoming ambience. They know what they are doing. Designed with a nice vintage feel, the space looks really good: I like to hang at the desk but I don’t mind the cozy (and elegant) back-room with sofas, even though the outside area in the neo-classic piazzetta is lovely too. I’m not myself big fan of cocktails, but frankly when I visit Laurus I always end up digging more and more into their outstanding seasonal menu.
ANAM TERRACE | Andrano
This one is a winner! A beautifully designed sea-view terrace, the Anam bar is a place of magic where to spend beautiful summer days by indulging in excellent (mostly seafood) platters (lunch only) and a very well assorted Italo-French list of wine and champagne. No, it’s not cheap, however the quality on offer, the service, and the breath taking location make it an ultimate destination for those in search of a proper bar experience by the sea. And no, it is not posh either. Proper are the aperitivos at sunset, with some good dj’s keeping the stylish crowd up and funky
FARMACIA DEI CONTENTI | Ruffano
Ruffano is really deep down south, but no matters where you are this bar deserves a dedicated trip. The newborn from the founders of the nearby, glorious restaurant Farmacia Dei Sani, thisplace has gained a reputation for the top notch cocktails and their “entropic liqueurs”, which they create in-house strictly out of natural ingredients into terracotta bowls. Fine service and good vibe
ROGER 65 | Galatina
The best bar in the area – and definitely one of Puglia’s-, Roger 65 is simply amazing. Most spirits here come from the adiacent in-house laboratory, a magical place where alcohol comes elevated to the state of a divinity. Truly an experience, also thanks to the nice interiors and the alfresco space in one of old-town Galatina’s romantic streets
BIRREGHE | San Foca
One of my very favorite bars. Since 2015 the young owners Marta and Filippo keep the otherwise boring village San Foca alive and groovy all year around. The recipe here is simple: friendly ambience, state of art drinks and quality funky music from the best local dj’s until 3 am every night. All the way by the harbor. Yo!
BLANC | Gallipoli
Hip design store in old town Gallipoli serving quality drinks in a classy environment of art and design. I like the cocktail list, which is essential but creative… assorted with an immense choice of premium spirits for cocktals of the highest quality that they are happy to customize for you. Stay in or hang in the large patio outside for a serious yet relaxing bar experience in “the pretty town’s” very heart
MAESTRALE | Otranto
Located by the beach in the town centre, sunset to after dinner Maestrale is the ultimate quality bar in Otranto. Slightly glamorous yet still casual and fun, it gives its best at sunset time. After dinner the beats go up and you can dance till late to some accessible music along with a stylish trendy crowd.
FARMACIA BALBOA | Tricase
Experience the authentic “piazzetta vibe” at this landmark bar co-owned by the mighty Helen Mirren: a perfect mixture of world class mixology, good design and classy vibe in Tricase’s charming main square. Meet celebrities and the local jet set here, all in a very relaxed but stylish mood
SAGRESTIA | Martano
Two Milan based photographers had set their dream bar here, within a sacristy in the town of Martano. Their ultimate mission is that of pushing the boundaries of mixology in a charming atmoshere where their thrilling visual art meets their passion for good drinks
