Lecce is a city that’s famous for its baroque architecture and lively street life, but it’s also a fantastic place to indulge in authentic Italian lunch experiences. Unlike many tourist hotspots, Lecce offers a genuine taste of Salento’s cuisine, whether through home-cooked meals, regional wine tastings, or seaside sailing adventures. We especially love the opportunity to share a home-cooked lunch with locals — the kind of experience that immerses you in the real life of the region. For a truly authentic taste, check out the Lunch and dinner at my house with the typical products of Salento, where you’ll not only sample regional dishes but also learn about Salento’s food and wine traditions from your host.
Lecce’s best lunch experiences span from intimate home dinners and cooking demos to leisurely wine tours and scenic sailing trips. This diverse list showcases the different flavors of the region and caters to varied interests, budgets, and schedules. Below, you’ll find six of the top options, each with insights into what makes them special.
1. Lunch and dinner at my house with the typical products of Salento
This experience is a standout because it offers a hands-on, authentic taste of Salento cuisine with a local host. For around $71, per person, you’ll spend about two hours sharing a meal made from regional products while learning about the region’s food and wine culture. The host, Stefano, creates a warm, convivial atmosphere — guests praise his storytelling and enthusiasm, saying, “La convivialité, les petites anecdotes et histoires autour des poui, des plats et du vin, la gentillesse et l’enthousiasme de stefano.” You’ll enjoy a meal that reflects the true flavors of Salento, with wines that pair perfectly with the dishes.
What makes this tour unique is the personal connection — you’re not just eating, but actively participating in the preparation and learning about regional ingredients. It’s ideal for travelers who want an intimate, educational, and delicious experience. At just over $70, it offers great value given the personal attention and authenticity. This experience is perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, or those seeking a cozy, memorable afternoon.
Bottom Line: Authentic, intimate, and educational — this is the perfect way to truly taste Salento in a convivial setting.
2. Primitivo and Negroamaro wine tour: a visit to two wineries and typical lunch. From Lecce
At number 2 we have a comprehensive wine tasting tour that explores Salento’s most famous grapes, Primitivo and Negroamaro. For about $230, this 8-hour tour departs from Lecce and offers a deep dive into the region’s wine-making traditions. It includes visits to two wineries, an in-depth tasting session with an expert sommelier, and a delicious regional lunch buffet.
You’ll start your day with a visit to a winery where you’ll learn about the grape transformation process and the methods behind Salento wines. As one traveler noted, “The tour was enjoyable and informative,” and the host Stefano is praised for his enthusiasm and knowledge. The tour also offers a chance to walk through an underground museum, adding a layer of historical context to your tasting experience. Minors are treated to soft drinks, making it family-friendly.
This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting to understand local wine culture while enjoying some of the best regional wines. The value here is excellent, given the comprehensive itinerary and high-quality tastings. It’s also a good choice for couples or small groups seeking a leisurely, educational experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, immersive wine day that pairs tastings with regional cuisine, ideal for wine fans and curious learners alike.
3. Sailing boat tour with lunch and swimming stops
If you’re after a scenic, relaxing lunch experience, this sailing adventure is hard to beat. For around $139, you get about six hours aboard Morgana Sailing, exploring the coast of Santa Maria di Leuca with plenty of opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters. This tour combines natural beauty with a delicious fish-based onboard lunch.
You’ll sail along the Adriatic and Ionian sides, visiting caves like the Grotta Tre Porte and the Grotta del Presepe, famed for their biblical-like landscapes. Guests have raved, “Caves and places we visited were so beautiful and we could stop there for as long as we want,” highlighting the flexibility and stunning scenery. Stops for swimming happen at caves like the Lovers’ Cave and Dragon Cave, making it ideal for families or water lovers.
This tour is unique because it balances adventure, scenery, and excellent food. The on-board lunch, which features fresh seafood, is a highlight, offering a break from the typical land-based lunch options. The relaxed pace and personalized stops make it suitable for those who want a memorable day at sea without long boat rides.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sun-seekers and water lovers, this sailing trip combines stunning coastlines with a tasty onboard meal.
4. Lunch or Dinner and Cooking Demo at a Local Home in Otranto
For those craving an authentic culinary experience, this private cooking demo in Otranto is a wonderful choice. At about $98, per person, you’ll spend roughly two and a half hours learning regional recipes directly from a local host, Cesarine, who’s connected to Italy’s oldest cooking tradition.
You’ll participate in preparing a 4-course menu, including starters, pasta, mains, and dessert, with drinks included. The host’s approach is warm and personal, making guests feel like family. You also get a souvenir apron and shopping bag, which adds a nice touch to the experience. The emphasis on family recipes passed down by local Mammas** makes this immersive and genuine.
Ideal for foodies who want hands-on fun and a chance to recreate regional dishes at home, this experience blends education with conviviality. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the included wines and desserts make it a well-rounded meal.
Bottom Line: Great for culinary travelers who want to learn regional recipes firsthand in a cozy home setting.
5. Visit to a Winery in Salento with Wine tasting and light lunch
If you’re interested in learning about Salento wines in a shorter, more relaxed format, this 3-hour winery visit is a good pick. Priced at around $114, it includes a wine tasting plus a light regional lunch.
The tour begins in Lecce with a visit to a local winery where you’ll learn about wine production techniques and sample excellent varietals like Negroamaro and Primitivo. The experience is designed for wine lovers who want to expand their knowledge without a full-day commitment. Many reviews mention the expert guidance and smooth organization, with one noting, “The wine tour was perfectly organized as a whole.”
This tour is suited for travelers who prefer a shorter, more focused experience, perhaps fitting into a busy schedule. The inclusion of a light lunch adds value, making it a good choice for a midday activity.
Bottom Line: A concise, informative wine experience that pairs tastings with regional snacks, perfect for a quick but meaningful introduction to Salento wine.
6. Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Otranto
Finally, for an intimate culinary adventure, this private cooking class offers a deep dive into Otranto’s regional dishes. At around $174, it lasts approximately three hours, with you cooking alongside a local host and then enjoying your creations with regional wines.
You’ll learn to prepare regional dishes from start to finish in a personalized setting. Each participant receives a souvenir apron and shopping bag, making it a memorable keepsake. This experience is ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to master authentic Italian cooking while enjoying meaningful conversation.
The focus on regional cuisine and personalized attention makes it stand out. Guests rave about the quality, and the experience suits foodies wanting a hands-on, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn regional recipes in a private, relaxed setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Lecce
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interest level, and available time. If you want an authentic, hands-on meal with a local host, the Lunch and dinner at my house is hard to beat. For wine lovers, the Salento wine tour offers a full day of tastings and cultural insight.
If you prefer a relaxing day on the water, the sailing boat tour provides stunning scenery and a delicious seafood lunch. For those eager to learn regional recipes, the private cooking class in Otranto offers an intimate, educational experience. Meanwhile, the shorter wine and light lunch is best for those with limited time but a curiosity for local wines.
Always book early, especially in high season, and check availability for specific dates. Whether you’re a foodie, wine enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable experience, Lecce’s lunch options won’t disappoint.
Lecce offers a diverse range of lunch experiences that go beyond typical restaurant fare — from intimate home dinners to scenic sailing trips. Whether you want to learn to cook regional dishes, sip Salento’s best wines, or enjoy a day on the sea, there’s something here for every traveler eager to taste the real Italy. Consider your interests and schedule, then pick the experience that will make your trip truly memorable. And don’t forget to book early — these authentic experiences fill up fast!
