Eat Puglia | Cicinedda Fruit Bistrot, Ostuni

Located on the quieter side of Piazza della Libertà along from the Sant’Oronzo column, this little bistrot is more than a smoothie and juice bar it describes itself as.

Traditional Pugliese ingredients are served up in less usual ways. We loved their “bagel Pugliese” (using bagel shaped bread, rather than traditional bagel) topped with cime di rapa and smothered with stracciatella and then a generous glug of Puglia’s finest olive oil (6€).

We very rarely have baked potatoes, and only as a side when visiting a Braceria. But here they have a small selection. We tried the stracchino - a light and creamy soft, young cheese made from cow’s milk - with fabulously scented tomatoes and basil (5€).

Eating tomatoes in Puglia is always such a joy. The scent of fresh tomatoes under the sun at the daily market stall is as distinctive as is our morning coffee.

Far and away the best bread that we have ever eaten is made in Puglia. The exceptional Altamura bread. Cicinedda have a delicious sharing platter of mixed bruschette made with toasted Altamura bread and a selection of local cheeses and seasonal vegetables (9€ for 8 pieces 5€ for 4).

Small with a cozy interior and outside seating front and rear, it’s a nice place to be.

Expect friendly service. As with most venues in this location, it will get busy, so have patience and as always, be polite. We see many visitors come to Puglia and expect fast food and a quick turnaround. But that’s not our way. Food is something to be enjoyed, so profit from the chance when you visit.