A Journey into the Heart of Salento
Driving down a dirt road surrounded by ancient olive and fig trees, the Salento countryside feels like a scene from a 1960s Italian film. The rustic beauty of the landscape sets the stage for what lies ahead: Le Stanzie, a traditional Masseria that celebrates the region’s agricultural roots. This farmhouse-turned-restaurant is where a chic peasant lifestyle meets culinary excellence.
Farm-to-Table Excellence
Le Stanzie’s charm lies in its authenticity. Everything served in the restaurant comes from the land surrounding it. Imagine dishes made with tomatoes hung from the rafters, hand-milked cows, and fresh eggs laid by free-roaming chickens. The slow food philosophy reigns supreme here, with ingredients so fresh, they seem to tell their own story with each bite.
Rustic Masterpieces of Italian Cuisine
The menu at Le Stanzie reads like an ode to traditional Salento flavors. The chef’s masterpieces include homemade ricotta, mashed broad beans, grilled vegetables, and hearty chunks of horse meat. But it’s the pittule – deep-fried dough balls filled with a variety of local flavors – that truly embody the essence of rustic Italian indulgence.
Sophia Loren Would Approve
If there was ever a place where Sophia Loren could live out her idyllic farmhouse dreams, it would be Le Stanzie. This Sixteenth-century building invites guests to experience the poetry of a simpler life: the scent of freshly baked bread from the stone oven, the sight of laundry drying under the sun, and the taste of ingredients grown just outside the door.
A Relaxing Italian Escape
After a delicious meal, consider unwinding at the nearby Farmacia Balboa, a chic farm-to-bar bar run by Helen Mirren and her husband Taylor Hackford. Here, you can sip on craft cocktails made from local ingredients, offering a perfect finish to your Salento journey.
Tip #1
Embrace the rustic experience with a farm tour before dining to see where your food comes from.
Tip #2
For a unique evening, pair your meal with local wines at Farmacia Balboa, just a short drive away.
A Little Secret
Le Stanzie’s wine cellar hides rare regional wines, perfect for connoisseurs looking to explore the flavors of Salento.