Have you ever had a meal that you got so swept up in that you forgot that perhaps pictures for your blog might have been a good idea? Well that is exactly what happened to be when we went to Masseria Il Frantoio. We had travelled to Ostuni, Puglia with my in-laws for their Ruby wedding anniversary. As with all holidays I take, the first thing I do once we have booked is look for amazing foodie options nearby. As this was such a special anniversary this made this finding somewhere nice even more important and that is how I came to stumble on the website of the Masseria Il Frantoio.
Puglian Cuisine
Now in my opinion, Puglia is perhaps the most underrated part of Italy and this extends to people’s knowledge of its food and drink. One of the best ways, in my opinion to get to know a place is through its cuisine. Puglian cuisine is wonderful, if perhaps somewhat unknown. People may have tried the signature local pasta called Orchiette but even then its not that common a fixture on menus in the UK and the rest of Italy. Also, it is quite a difficult pasta to cook so I bet most of those who have had it, weren’t that keen.
Masseria Il Frantoio
Now the Masseria specialises in local Puglian cuisine using fresh local ingredients. The Masseria also manufactures several varieties of olive oil, which is the only oil used in the cooking here. Olive oil production is a big part of the history of the region. Before dinner we were given a tour of the olive press and grounds of the Masseria (also a hotel) which were absolutely stunning and got you salivating for dinner and added to the theatre of the evening.
The Beautiful On Site Chapel
The historic olive oil press
The beautiful terrace where you eat when the weather is nice at Masseria Il Frantoio
Wine
The dinner was also paired with three wines from the local area which were all lovely. The best however was the Rose, which is unusual for me to say as I am not usually a Rose fan. I mentioned this to our waitress and suddenly more of it appeared on a table. Maybe the wine also had something to do with the lack of pictures of the food!
Did I mention that there was wine?! Lots of wine at Masseria Il Frantoio
The Details
The dinner cost 60 Euros for I forget how many courses and wine which in my opinion was a steal! It was definitely the most authentic Italian foodie experience I have ever had and I can’t wait to go back and actually get some pictures of the food this time!
To find out more about our time in Puglia why not check out our 48 hours in Puglia photo itinerary
Masseria il Frantoio my perfect Italian foodie experience
nice post!I’ve visited a lot of places in Italy but not Puglia!:)
Author
It is one of my favourite places as it is still largely undiscovered by tourists. Ostuni is an absolute gem of a town!
This sounds like utter heaven!
Author
It was – looking for an excuse to go back – though this time we would need a babysitter
Sounds like a great meal, I think locally sourced Italian food is hard to beat. The best seafood I’ve ever eaten was in Puglia! #citytripping
Author
The food there is fab isn’t it
Forgetting to take pictures of either my food or me and my husband often happens when I get so excited about something I’m too busy snapping other pictures or just soaking it all in. And I think that’s ok sometimes, because I think as travel bloggers, we sometimes forget to live without looking through the camera lens! #CityTripping
Author
I completely agree it is so important to experience a place rather than just take constant pics
I couldn’t agree with you more – you can really experience the heart and soul of a community through its food!
Author
Exactly
I really love Puglia -and its food – so it doesn’t surprise me that you had such an amazing meal there. Great value too! Take me back! #citytripping
Author
Yes – I’m scared people will start discovering it soon!