La Pocina - LIZZANELLO

This was the best dinner we have had in Italy! The owner is extremely welcoming and helpful. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful meal (whic... read more This was the best dinner we have had in Italy! The owner is extremely welcoming and helpful. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful meal (which was reasonably priced!! . He chose a number of appetizers for us (all amazing fried fish, seafood salad, eggplant lasagna, frittata . Then he cooked a delicious pork sausage pasta which was followed by icecream. Everything was from local ingredients and simply fantastic. The venue has a wonderful vibe.

I’ve been several times in italy, but never had better dinner. The owner/host was really really friendly. This is the best reastaurant to taste local cuisine. W... read more I’ve been several times in italy, but never had better dinner. The owner/host was really really friendly. This is the best reastaurant to taste local cuisine. We didnt tell Him nothing, just to wanna try something local. He born to do this, happily fill the whole table in 5 minutes with real “salento” dishes. Totally recommended!!! 5* service!

Very friendly helpful owner introduced us to some of the local Salento foods which were expertly prepared by his wife in the kitchen The antipasti was like have... read more Very friendly helpful owner introduced us to some of the local Salento foods which were expertly prepared by his wife in the kitchen The antipasti was like have a mini Greek/Cypriot Meze Salento style The first course was a pasta well seasoned with bursts cheese and local tomatoes which also very tasty Second course was some grilled beef served with rocket and parmigiana Finally a local Italian ice cream Some wine and water to accompany the meal Very reasonable and highly recommended if you are in the Lecce area

We came across La Pocina through The Fork and weren't really sure what to expect. It's hidden at the end of a small, pot-holed street on the outskirts of Lizzan... read more We came across La Pocina through The Fork and weren't really sure what to expect. It's hidden at the end of a small, pot-holed street on the outskirts of Lizzanello, and we were a little wary when we arrived. However, we were pleasantly surprised on all counts by our delightful host/chef and by the surprisingly different food! The best way to describe the dishes is classic Italian with an exotic twist. They have great meat-lover options but also vegan friendly fare--I highly recommend the chickpea patties--absolutely divine! They make their own garam masala mix that gets thrown into the patties, and it's a delicious touch. I also recommend the house appetizer for a wonderful sampling of the breadth of delicious foods they offer. And the porcini gnocchi is hands-down the most delicious porcini dish I've tried--fresh porcini mushrooms in the fall!!

The atmosphere when you enter is home dining room. The food is local mediterranean with north African touch, spicy and tasty. read more The atmosphere when you enter is home dining room. The food is local mediterranean with north African touch, spicy and tasty.