Journalist Fabio Mollica knows Brindisi like the back of his hand. And no wonder: The town of 90,000 inhabitants on the southern Adriatic Sea is the place he calls home. His book “Puglia” detailing the region’s gastronomy is already in its sixth edition, and he is also the editor of the well-known and successful magazine “Amazing Puglia”. “Brindisi’s Old Town has been refurbished and beautified over recent years,” he says. “Now I am hoping to organise a summer cultural festival with the city council.” He revealed his ten favourite addresses to SWISS Magazine. 

amazingpuglia.com

#1 Mercato

Piazza Mercato

Like every Italian city, Brindisi has its own market. Each morning merchants set up their tables in the Old Town’s market square to sell fruit and vegetables, flowers and olives between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Right next door is the old fish hall, where the local fishermen spread their daily catch on cool slabs of marble.

# 2 Acquapazza

Piazza Dante 5
It’s not just insiders who love this family-run restaurant with terrace and the maritime delights served up on brightly set tables – including seafood risotto, paccheri with squid, and sea bream in salt crust. The establishment also features superb wines, and for guests who’d like to stay overnight, a lovely three-room B&B in the same building. https://www.facebook.com/ristoranteacquapazzabrindisi/

# 3 Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna

Via Duomo 20
+39 08 31 52 30 72

This elegant 16th-century palace bears the names of the two families who once lived there. After decades of neglect, it was carefully restored and reopened in 2008 as a municipal art gallery with a bookstore and café. With a little luck, you may also catch a glimpse of a southern Italian wedding here.

# 4 Bar Design

Via Marche 25
+39 08 31 58 29 27

This elegant 16th-century palace bears the names of the two families who once lived there. After decades of neglect, it was carefully restored and reopened in 2008 as a municipal art gallery with a bookstore and café. With a little luck, you may also catch a glimpse of a southern Italian wedding here.

# 5 L’artigiano

Panettiere Piazza Raffaello 16/17

Known all over Italy, multi-award-winning pizzaiolo Christian Romano hails from a baker’s family. His best-selling pizza, named after his parents Adele and Mario, is topped with cherry tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, and provolone. 
facebook.com/LaBottegadiBaccoBr

# 6 Iaccato

Via Lenio Flacco 32

Opened in 1950, the restaurant is located right on the harbour, and though one of the oldest in the city, it gives a distinctly modern impression. This is thanks to Annalisa Romanelli, who rebuilt her grandparents’ traditional restaurant and turned it into a casual and elegant gourmet destination featuring innovative, creatively interpreted fish dishes.

# 7 Oktagona

Via di Torre Testa 6

In summer, the fine sandy beach is dotted with beach chairs and parasols, but the beach bar is also a popular destination outside the swimming season – during the daytime and particularly in the evenings. At sunset or later, a cheerful crowd gathers to enjoy the expertly mixed cocktails, delicious finger food, and good-mood music. oktagona.it

# 8 Rouge et Noir

Via Santi 15
+39 08 31 52 19 39

Fiftythree years ago, Romolo Specchia opened a small old-fashioned bar; today, he is 87 and still stands behind the pale green marble counter every day. His pride and joy is the ice cream, which he prepares himself three times a week. The best-tasting varieties are crema, nocciola, and giandujotto with hand-whipped cream.

# 9 Sandali Erredibi

Corso Umberto I 46

Teodoro Del Beato was just 21 and without any previous experience when he made the first pair of sandals for his wife. Now, over 40 years later, his leather sandals, belts, and bags – all handmade in Brindisi – are sold in his own shops in Puglia and even abroad. Shimmering copper rosé is the colour is his special creation. erredibisandali.it

# 10 Colonne Romane

Via Colonne 53

Originally they were twin pillars – a rarity in the architectural repertoire of antiquity. However, one of the columns collapsed during an earthquake, while the second marble column, nearly 20 metres high, was dismantled several times for safety reasons. Today, it stands on the Scalinata di Virgiglio by the harbour and is regarded as the symbol of the city.