Dall'antiquario - Merine Apulia

We visited this place two days ago, intrigued by chef Borghese's broadcast. The place is very eye-catching with all these objects, photos and lights. I must say that I really liked it, after which the very kind waiter approached us and immediately served us some water, taralli and bread. Dinner continued with the inevitable meatballs and potato croquettes, I had some orecchiette with turnip greens and my wife a stew and finally the tiramisu. I must say that I was really very happy and I will return when I can. Applause to Gianni and his wife!

Vintage objects crowd the old antique dealer's premises, bicycles loom from above and graffiti takes up every space on the walls. The innkeeper is friendly and sits at the tables chatting with the customers. He says that fried meatballs are his specialty, but in truth they arrive a little burnt. The Ciceri e tria, on the other hand, are phenomenal, pasta and chickpeas yes, but with a secret touch that makes it appear unique. Taieddra, a rice flan with courgettes and potatoes, is interesting but perhaps a little oily; tasty, with a strong and decisive flavour, turcineddi, rolls of lamb offal. The house wine is also good, I think a Negramaro. You pay the right amount. In short, an excellent address for those who want to try traditional local dishes.

Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: €30–40 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Fave E Cicoria, Fried Meatballs, Rucola Straccetti and Grana

Excellent cuisine, relaxing and friendly environment, quality service Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: €20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Fave E Cicoria

If you want to taste real Salento home cooking in Lecce, this is the right place. I say this as a native of Puglia who knows the flavors of those dishes made at home by mothers and grandmothers. Location in the heart of the city. The environment is very nice, full of interesting objects and trinkets. Good service, with friendly and helpful owner. Why is my rating 3 stars? Simple, the costs are high in proportion to what you eat, after all it is a tavern with typical dishes. And unfortunately it follows the absurd Apulian trend of increasing prices which is starting to scare both tourists and locals. From my point of view, this osteria, with more accessible prices, would be the perfect place to go every time you want to eat in Lecce, but not everyone can afford to spend 18 euros for a plate of cavatelli with octopus sauce .