Where to eat Neapolitan Pizza in Salento: the 6 best spots selected by Gambero Rosso

by Tommaso Esposito

Indeed, even in Salento, whether after a day at the beach or before heading to the well-known nightlife spots, or as an alternative to dining in one of the many trattorias, the craving for pizza arises. Here’s where to find a good pizzeria and discover, among the new offerings this summer, a bit of Naples alongside Salento roots, fresh from the oven.

Where to eat Neapolitan Pizza in Salento

400 Gradi

Andrea Godi, the pizzaiolo, started working with dough early on and now, still very young, is reaping the rewards of his passion and dedication. His heart is trained in the Neapolitan style with Attilio Bachetti (dedicating the Attilio and Stella Partenopea pizzas to him with their uniquely topped sections) and then with Renato Bosco. He now runs a lovely place just outside the centre of Lecce, spacious with quick and attentive service. The menu offers a wide selection, including seven varieties of Margherita, and watch out for his new Salento Fusion with caramelised onion cream, Spilinga nduja, crispy onion, and coffee powder.

400 Gradi - Lecce - v.le Porta d'Europa, 65 - 3913318359 - pizzeria400gradi.it

Gusti Giusti

Gianmarco Manni began his career as a cook but became a pizzaiolo out of curiosity and then passion. He realised his dream by opening this spot, slightly off the centre of Nociglia, where a beautiful baronial palace dominates the square, and he has become a champion of Neapolitan pizza in Puglia. The toppings are inspired by local tradition mixed with Neapolitan influences, as seen in Echinodea, the new pizza with Agerola fior di latte, sea urchin pulp, black sea urchin mayo, coffee powder, crispy bread, Provolone del Monaco Dop fondue, sprouts, and extra virgin olive oil.

Gusti Giusti - Nociglia (LE) - via Trento, 32 - 3898865029 - gustigiusti.com

Tipozero

In the centre of Galatina, between the Cathedral, the chapel of San Paolo, and the Basilica of Santa Caterina, a rare must-see example of Gothic architecture with its frescoed naves and vaults, you'll find this charming pizzeria housed in a renovated historic palace that still retains its old-world charm. Here, Samuel Facecchia, who trains with regular stays in Campania for inspiration, offers excellent fried appetizers while you wait for the pizzas. Among the classics and specials now appears Ragù, with dough made from type 1 and type 0 flour, topped with slow-cooked beef ragù, 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil, pepper, and basil. Tipozero also has a location at Lido Conchiglie for summer evenings.

Tipozero - Galatina (LE) - via Robertini, 3 - 0836234401 - tipozero.it

La Corte del Pettolino

You can reach the pizzeria by strolling through the historic centre of Gallipoli or along the seafront, where you can enjoy the sunset. Davide Cavalera, the pizzaiolo, while contemplating his new projects which may soon come to fruition, has meanwhile bet everything on his ability to work with dough and focus on the deliciousness of the toppings. The menu features his new Parmigiana with Montrone fior di latte, cubed fried aubergines, smoked Prague ham, semi-dry cherry tomatoes, Grana Padano Dop, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.

La Corte del Pettolino - Gallipoli (LE) - riviera Nazario Sauro, 57 - 3791171120 - gallipolipettolino.it

Lievito 72 Neapolita Pizza

On the main street of new Gallipoli, this venue boasts a large terrace that extends over two floors and has a private room. Michel Greco renovated and beautified it with his own hands, assisted by his father who is always by his side. He feels a bit like a chef and, driven by curiosity, is constantly seeking new ideas by exploring the kitchens and tables of the most famous restaurants. Gusto, solid Salento roots, and a lot of Vesuvio can be found among the toppings, like the new Stocco with a fior di latte base, ash-cooked potatoes, Taggiasca olives and powder, wild garlic pesto, and stockfish meatballs.

Lievito 72 Neapolitan Pizza - Gallipoli (LE) - c.so Roma, 82 - 3472265994 - lievita72.it

Luppolo & Farina

Latiano, at the Brindisi tip of Salento, where the influence of Magna Graecia is felt more than elsewhere. In the historic centre, there is a noble palace where exhibitions and events are continuously held. Nearby is the new pizzeria that Cristiano Taurisano opened a few years ago. The interior spaces are beautiful, and the outdoor area is spacious. The fried foods are excellent, and there are many pizzas on the menu. The Marinara with mussels is a must-try, as is the new Flower Power, a contemporary Neapolitan pizza with fior di latte, courgette flowers, saffron ricotta, Cantabrian anchovies, and basil pearls.

Luppolo & Farina - Latiano (BR) - via F. D'Ippolito, 98 - 3924955782 - luppoloefarina.it

cover photo pizza Margherita di Michel Greco