15 Best Bari Foods To Try in 2025
Some of your favorite Italian classics are likely Bari food! Beloved for tradition, simplicity and quintessential Mediterranean flavors, Bari dishes will transport you to the bustling streets of Bari Vecchia or the cozy corner of a trattoria, no matter where in the world you are.
Never tried Bari food before? Think irresistible fresh seafood, handmade pasta and rustic baked goods amongst fresh, seasonal ingredients and plenty of extra-virgin olive oil.
With time-honored recipes passed down through generations and the perfect balance of land and sea on every plate, it’s clear to see why foodies flock to this Italian port city all year round. From crispy focaccia to slow-cooked octopus, Bari, Italy food tells the story of a city shaped by centuries of culinary exchange and a love for great dishes.
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What Food Is Bari Known For?
Bari is the capital of Puglia in Italy. With an Adriatic coastline and agricultural heritage, Bari food reflects its port city history and the nuanced culture of Puglia. Shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Arab influences, Bari dishes are a testament to centuries of culinary evolution.
Fresh, local ingredients take center stage, with seafood, olive oil, vegetables and aromatic herbs forming the foundation of many dishes. Among the most iconic elements of Bari food is orecchiette pasta, often served with simple yet flavorful sauces that highlight the beauty of the region’s produce. A Barese version of focaccia is also popular and will be found in many local bakeries and restaurants.
The city’s coastal location ensures that seafood is a staple as well, and dishes are crafted with simplicity in mind to let the high-quality ingredients shine. To recreate Bari’s flavors at home, stock your pantry with Terra di Bari PDO olive oil, caciocavallo cheese, orecchiette pasta and plenty of jars of high-quality anchovies — staples that form the backbone of many regional recipes.
The 15 Best Bari, Italy Foods To Eat
1. Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa
Orecchiette con cime di rapa is one of Bari’s most famous pasta dishes. As a staple of Bari food, this dish features orecchiette — meaning "little ears" — a pasta shape perfect for capturing velvety sauces.
In this specific dish, the pasta is paired with broccoli rabe (cime di rapa), which is sautéed in olive oil with garlic, chile (often crushed peperoncino flakes) and anchovies, creating a slightly spicy and earthy flavor.
In some versions, crispy breadcrumbs or sausage are added for extra texture. Whether served at home or in a trattoria, this staple of Bari, Italy food is often finished with a sprinkling of grated pecorino and a generous drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
2. Focaccia Barese
This next dish is an unmistakable emblem of Bari food and a must-try for anyone putting together their foodie bucket list for the Puglia region. Unlike its thicker, oil-drenched cousin from Genoa, focaccia Barese is light, airy and irresistibly crisp.
Made from a blend of durum wheat flour, olive oil and yeast, the dough is left to rise until it achieves a pillowy texture. Before baking, toppings are generously sprinkled over. These can include cherry tomatoes, olives and fragrant rosemary or oregano, which all caramelize in the oven to create a balance of sweetness and saltiness.
You’ll find this focaccia sold in bakeries throughout the city, like the famed Mastro Ciccio. Whether enjoyed while relaxing on a patio or taken on the go as a quick street snack, focaccia Barese is an integral part of daily life in Bari food culture.
3. Tiella Barese
Tiella Barese is the epitome of comfort food. It’s essentially a layered casserole that brings together the land and sea in a single dish, and this specialty is a prime example of how Bari food uses the best ingredients the region has to offer.
Featuring rice, potatoes and mussels, all baked in an earthenware dish, Tiella Barese was originally a humble farmer’s dish, crafted using whatever vegetables were on hand.
Today, variations may include zucchini or artichokes. No matter what vegetables are added, each layer is seasoned with garlic, parsley and pecorino cheese before being baked to golden perfection.
This classic Bari food is a sought-after specialty at family-run osterias and local food festivals and pairs beautifully with a glass of negroamaro wine.
4. Braciole di Cavallo
Steeped in tradition and, at times, controversy, braciole di cavallo remains an integral part of the Bari food scene. These tender rolls of horsemeat are stuffed with caciocavallo cheese and lard, then slowly simmered in a silky tomato ragù until they become irresistibly tender.
While horsemeat may be uncommon in some parts of the world, in Bari, it is a time-honored ingredient, particularly in Sunday family lunches. For those who might prefer an alternative, a beef version — known as braciole al sugo — offers a similar experience with a slightly different flavor profile.
Regardless of the meat used, this staple of Bari food is always served with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, meaty sauce.
5. Polpo all'Acqua Sua
Polpo all'acqua sua, meaning "octopus in its own water," is a dish that highlights Bari’s deep connection to the sea and is a prime example of how Bari foods highlight fresh, local seafood. This slow-cooked stew allows the octopus to release its natural juices, which blend with tomatoes, garlic, parsley and chile to create a deep and flavorful broth.
The result is a tender, succulent seafood dish infused with the essence of the Mediterranean. Found in seaside trattorias, polpo all'acqua sua is a favorite among seafood lovers. This highlight of Bari food is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine, allowing the simplicity of the ingredients to shine.
6. Panzerotti
A Bari street food favorite, with crispy, golden dough and gooey, molten fillings, trying panzerotti is a must when visiting the area. These half-moon-shaped pastries resemble small calzones but are deep-fried to achieve a satisfying crunch.
The classic fillings for this Bari food include mozzarella and tomato sauce but you may also find variations with ham and cheese — which is particularly popular among late-night crowds.
Panzerotti are an essential part of the Bari food scene and street vendors along Via Napoli serve them fresh and piping hot. They’re the perfect indulgent treat, whether eaten as a mid-day or midnight snack.
7. Taralli
Taralli are the quintessential snack of Puglia and an iconic part of Bari food. These small, ring-shaped crackers are made from a dough enriched with white wine and olive oil, giving them a distinctive aroma and light, flaky texture.
Traditionally flavored with seasonings like fennel seeds or black pepper — or simply served plain — they provide a perfect balance of subtle spice and savory goodness.
Taralli pair wonderfully with a glass of local wine or may be served alongside cured meats and cheese. You’ll often be given these snacks as an aperitivo before a meal or with a beverage but watch out, as they can be very addictive!
8. Sgagliozze
Golden-fried polenta squares, known as sgagliozze, have become a Bari street food institution, representing the heart of Bari food culture. Prepared by cutting cooked polenta into thick slices and frying them until they achieve a crisp, golden exterior, these humble yet delicious bites are dusted with salt and served piping hot.
Sgagliozze are most famously sold by Maria delle Sgagliozze, where they have been a local specialty since 1950. Some enjoy them plain, while others add a squeeze of lemon for a hint of brightness. As one of the most beloved Bari foods, sgagliozze captures the essence of the city's unpretentious, flavor-packed cuisine.
9. Popizze
Another bite-sized delight, popizze are a Bari food that encapsulate the joy of simple, well-executed street food. These airy, golden-fried dough balls are often enjoyed piping hot from street vendors near Bari Vecchia.
When bitten into, their crisp exterior gives way to a tender, cloud-like center and they’re an irresistible snack for locals and visitors alike. Traditionally, they are served plain but some prefer to dust them with sugar for a subtle sweetness.
The best way to enjoy popizze is fresh from the fryer when they are lightest and most flavorful. Affordable and satisfying, they are a must-try snack for anyone wandering the historic streets of Bari.
10. Canestrato Pugliese
Primarily produced in Bari and Foggia, canestrato Pugliese is a hard cheese made from sheep’s milk. This Bari food is formed in basket (canestro) molds which give it a characteristic ridged wheel appearance.
The resulting cheese is flavorful and slightly nutty and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a glass of wine. You may also find it grated over dishes, with the more matured versions being best for grating as the flavors intensify and the less matured versions being better for eating as it comes.
11. Spaghetti all’Assassina
Spaghetti all’assassina is not for the faint of heart! Known as "killer spaghetti" for its fiery flavors and cooking technique, this spaghetti isn’t boiled before being added to a sauce. Instead, the pasta is toasted directly in a pan with chile-infused oil, creating irresistibly crispy edges.
It is then gradually cooked through in a highly concentrated tomato broth, intensifying its smoky, slightly charred flavor. This method gives the dish a distinctive texture — while some strands remain crisp, others soften in the sauce. Simple yet flavorful dishes like this are one of many reasons why Bari is considered one of the best foodie cities in Italy.
12. Fave e Cicoria
Fave e cicoria is a humble yet deeply satisfying dish that embodies the essence of Bari food and Puglia’s cucina povera. A creamy purée of fava beans forms the foundation of this meal, offering a nutty, slightly sweet contrast to the bitter chicory greens that top it.
Despite its simplicity, the dish is rich in texture and full of flavor, especially when drizzled with high-quality olive oil. It is often served with crusty bread, which helps scoop up every last bite.
The dish is naturally vegan and some versions incorporate fried onions or chile flakes for added complexity. Found in both home kitchens and local eateries, this dish is a true testament to how Bari food celebrates rustic flavors in a way that feels both comforting and refined.
13. Caciocavallo
Caciocavallo is one of Puglia’s most distinctive cheeses and it is instantly recognizable by its teardrop shape. Made from aged cow’s milk, this cheese has a slightly sharp and nutty flavor that deepens as it matures.
Its name, which translates to "horse cheese," comes from the traditional practice of tying the cheese in pairs and suspending them over wooden beams, often likened to saddlebags draped over a horse’s back.
This versatile cheese is enjoyed in many ways: grated over pasta, melted over grilled bread or paired with cured meats for a simple yet satisfying snack. In some restaurants, it is even fire-roasted tableside. As an essential part of Bari food culture, caciocavallo showcases the region's dedication to artisanal cheese-making.
14. Burrata
Often referred to as the "queen of Puglian cheeses," burrata is a true indulgence. At first glance, it resembles a ball of fresh mozzarella but inside, it holds a luscious surprise: stracciatella, a rich and creamy filling that oozes out when cut open.
The delicate nature of burrata makes it best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing its flavors to fully develop and the stracciatella to be properly softened. Burrata is commonly served alongside heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of Terre di Bari olive oil, highlighting its luxurious texture.
While often eaten as an antipasto, burrata can also uplift pasta dishes or be spread on warm bread with pesto for an irresistibly creamy bite. As a standout cheese in Bari food culture, burrata is beloved for its delicate yet indulgent nature.
15. Raw Seafood
High-quality seafood is an integral part of many Bari food dishes, and while cooked recipes are delicious, trying some of this seafood raw is the best way to appreciate the fresh flavors.
With harbor kiosks like Pescheria La Muraglia di Morgese Andrea offering some of the freshest catches, seafood lovers can sample an array of delicacies, from mussels and clams to sea urchins (ricci di mare), all served raw with just a squeeze of lemon.
The briny, oceanic flavors of freshly shucked shellfish offer a taste of the Adriatic in every bite. Ricci di mare, in particular, is highly prized for its rich, creamy roe, which is sometimes enjoyed spread on bread or tossed with pasta for a luxurious seafood experience.
Deeply rooted in Bari's food heritage, the tradition of raw seafood continues to be a cherished part of the city’s gastronomic culture. There’s truly no better way to experience the flavors of Bari food than by reveling in its seafood offerings!
Learn To Cook Bari Foods
If you’re inspired by the exciting flavors and simple elegance of Bari food, why not try making it yourself? While holidaying in Italy, consider trying some cooking classes in Bari that offer hands-on experiences like shaping orecchiette by hand or perfecting the crisp texture of focaccia Barese.
For those unable to travel, online cooking classes bring the expertise of Italian chefs right into your home kitchen. You can also explore cooking classes near you to find local instructors who specialize in Italian cuisine, helping you refine your skills and bring the flavors of Bari to your own table.
Each bite of Bari food — from crispy panzerotti to creamy burrata — tells a story of a region that embraces both simplicity and bold flavors with equal passion. Whether you’ve successfully attempted a plate of spaghetti all’assassina or found yourself enjoying freshly caught seafood in a quaint trattoria, Bari food offers a unique and unforgettable experience for any food lover.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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