Ostuni, La Città Bianca (The White City), is one of the most popular summer holiday places in Italy because of its proximity to the Adriatic Coast. Established around 1000 B.C. by the Messapians, a lapygian tribe in the Classic Antiquity period, it has a characteristic antique architecture of whitewashed stone houses with weaving alleys. Restaurants in Ostuni abound with offerings of local food, seafood, meat, cocktails. Undeniably, it is one of the busiest areas in Puglia during the holiday season.

Seafood might be more sought after but grilled meat and homemade pasta can win anyone’s appetite anytime as well.

In one of the quieter alleys but nonetheless central is Casa San Giacomo, a restaurant of Angelo Paperotto in one of the typical white stone houses in a maze of dining rooms.

The restaurant specializes in typical Apulian dishes, most especially grilled meat, and handmade pasta.

Wonderful smells of cooking emanate from the corner cozy kitchen that is visible to the whole restaurant. In one corner, Nonna Rosetta works tirelessly in producing the orecchiette for the day’s diners. Conceptualized with a homey atmosphere, just watching the movements in the kitchen from the table builds up appetites for home cooked Apulian food.

The menu has a lot of proposals to try. When in Puglia, it’s a must to try Orecchiette with Broccoli Raab (if in season) or simply with Fresh tomatoes, Basil and Cacioricotta Cheese. The every-healthy Fagiolini con Pomodorini Freschi e Cacioricotta (Green Beans with Fresh Tomatoes and Cacioricotta Cheese) is also a delicious vegetable dish. If you have the appetite, do try the mixed grilled meat including some local sausages with baked potatoes or any vegetable side dish that’s in season. The wine list proposes a number of very good local wines to accompany the dishes. The prices are reasonable with appetizers averaging at €8, pasta dishes at around €10, main courses at €15 and desserts at €5.

Casa San Giacomo

Via Bixio Continelli, 4
72017 Ostuni, Italy
Tel: +39 328 1388457
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casasangiacomo.ostuni/
Open for dinners only / Sundays for lunch only
Closed on Thursdays