The food scene in Lecce, Puglia’s baroque jewel, cuts right to the heart of southern Italian culture. This compact city serves up some of Italy’s most authentic dining experiences, from hands-on pasta-making workshops to home-cooked meals with local families. I especially love the traditional cooking classes where you’ll learn to make orecchiette – those little ear-shaped pasta that’s pure Puglia. The intimate home dining experiences are another standout, offering a genuine taste of daily life while sharing stories across the dinner table. Museum aperitifs add an elegant touch to the cultural experience. Let’s explore the best food experiences Lecce has to offer.
Key Points
- Cooking class, dinner, and wine tasting at Cooking Love offer a hands-on culinary experience with a multi-course menu and complimentary beverages.
- Aperitif at the Faggiano Archaeological Museum features regional specialties and complimentary wine in a cultural setting.
- Lunch and dinner at a local’s home in Castromediano provide an authentic dining experience with family-friendly amenities.
- Dining experience at a local’s home in Lecce offers a 2.5-hour, 3-course meal with a cooking demonstration and genuine Italian hospitality.
- Hands-on orecchiette and sagne pasta-making class in a 14th-century courtyard, followed by a dining experience with local wines and dessert.
Cooking Class, Dinner and Wine Tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
For those seeking an immersive culinary experience in Lecce, the Cooking Class, Dinner and Wine Tasting in Lecce (Corigliano) is a must-try. With 174 reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, this private tour offers a badge of excellence and a chance to learn authentic Italian cooking techniques.
The experience takes place at Cooking Love – Private Cooking Class, where guests will enjoy a starter of mixed platter, homemade bread, and prosecco, followed by orecchiette with fresh tomato and basil, and macaroni with mussels and clams. Desserts include a classic jam tart and chocolate salami.
Included beverages range from prosecco and wine to limoncello and coffee. The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available and musical instruments on-site. Guests can also use the private swimming pool.
Reviews praise the hospitality, warmth, and personal connection, as well as the excellent food quality and engaging hosts. Priced from $74.40 per person, this culinary journey is a highlight of any visit to Lecce.
Read our full review: Cooking Class, Dinner and Wine Tasting in Lecce (Corigliano) Review
Book now: Check availability
APERITIF AT THE MUSEUM…! STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE
An unparalleled culinary adventure awaits visitors at the Faggiano Archaeological Museum in Lecce. For just $40.16 per person, guests can enjoy a 1-hour aperitif experience that blends the rich history of the museum with the flavors of the local cuisine.
The experience is offered in both Italian and English, and is wheelchair accessible.
The museum’s basement showcases over 2,000 years of archaeological treasures, providing a fascinating backdrop as you savor a reinforced aperitif featuring regional specialties like orecchiette, parmigiana, pittule, and rustico.
Sip on complimentary wine and other drinks as you engage in lively conversation with fellow guests, all while immersed in the museum’s captivating atmosphere.
Reservations can be made with no upfront payment, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to indulge in Lecce’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Read our full review: APERITIF AT THE MUSEUM…! STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE Review
Book now: Check availability
Lunch and Dinner at My House With the Typical Products of Salento
Dining at a local’s home in Lecce is a unique opportunity to savor the rich flavors of Salento’s cuisine. This experience features a lunch or dinner showcasing typical regional products. Tucked away in Castromediano, just outside Lecce, the cozy home setting provides a chance to take in the local culture.
The menu highlights fresh burrata paired with local tomatoes and Capocollo, a traditional cured meat. Guests can also expect a selection of typical salumi and rucola. To complement the meal, wine is available.
Beyond the food, the home provides access to amenities like the kitchen, bathroom, and children’s games, making it family-friendly. The experience is accessible, with wheelchair and stroller access, as well as the allowance of service animals. It’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Priced from $64.70 per person, the experience offers flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Lunch and Dinner at My House With the Typical Products of Salento Review
Book now: Check availability
Lecce: Dining Experience at a Locals Home
Visitors to Lecce can enjoy the local culinary culture by booking a dining experience at a resident’s home. This 2.5-hour, 3-course affair features an exclusive cooking demonstration and is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The menu showcases authentic family recipes passed down by Italian mothers, with a starter, pasta course, and dessert, accompanied by water, wine, and coffee. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request.
Guests will enjoy genuine Italian hospitality from their local host, fostering connections with the family. After booking, participants receive detailed information about the meeting point.
The experience has received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback about the high-quality food and welcoming atmosphere, including a mention of the host’s friendly dog.
With flexible starting times, typically at 12 PM or 7 PM, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this dining experience offers an authentic taste of Lecce.
Read our full review: Lecce: Dining Experience at a Locals Home Review
Book now: Check availability
Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner Included and Wines
For those seeking an authentic taste of Apulian cuisine, the Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner Included and Wines offers a hands-on culinary experience in the heart of Lecce.
Held in a 14th-century courtyard, this class promises a memorable setting for learning and dining. Participants will enjoy a guided pasta-making session, where they’ll craft traditional orecchiette and sagne, accompanied by a simple tomato and basil sauce. The class includes all necessary materials, from flour and water to rolling pins and utensils.
After the hands-on experience, guests will savor the pasta they’ve made, accompanied by a selection of local wines and a delightful dessert.
Reviews praise the friendly atmosphere and informative hosts, though some suggest more detailed instructions and a bolder sauce.
Wheelchair accessibility, stroller access, and proximity to public transportation make this class suitable for a wide range of participants.
With free cancellation available, this Apulian cooking experience is a must-try for foodies visiting Lecce.
Read our full review: Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner Included and Wines Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Lecce offers an array of exceptional dining experiences. From intimate cooking classes to locally-sourced meals in private homes, visitors can enjoy the flavors of Salento. Whether seeking an aperitif at a museum or a hands-on orecchiette workshop, Lecce provides unparalleled opportunities to savor the region’s culinary delights. These diverse dining options cater to travelers seeking authentic, personalized experiences in this captivating corner of Italy.