Nestled in the heart of Ostuni at Vicolo Tommaso Andriola, Taverna della Gelosia is a captivating Mediterranean restaurant that offers a sublime blend of traditional Italian flavors with a delicate, contemporary touch. The charm of this hidden gem is immediately felt upon arrival—its tranquil terrace with sweeping views of the whitewashed town and surrounding olive groves sets a mood of serene elegance that perfectly complements its culinary offerings.
The menu is a celebration of Mediterranean gastronomy, showcasing dishes that are thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented. Guests rave about the delicate fried zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, a harmonious balance of crispiness and creamy richness that melts in your mouth. The signature grilled polpo (octopus) stands out as a perfect example of culinary precision—tender, flavor-packed, and expertly cooked. Another highlight not to be missed is the chickpea and mussels pasta, a comforting dish bursting with robust, savory layers that transport you to the Italian coast with every bite.
Dining at Taverna della Gelosia is as much about the experience as it is about the food. The ambiance is undeniably romantic, with stone walls covered in lush greenery, and an intimate garden area that invites languid, memorable dinners. It’s clear this is a place designed for connection—whether celebrating a special moment or savoring a quiet evening away from the hustle of the streets below. While some guests note the stairs leading to the venue may be a challenge for those with limited mobility, the reward is an oasis of calm and charm that is well worth the climb.
Service strikes a mostly professional and attentive tone, moving swiftly without feeling rushed. Some patrons have experienced moments where a few staff members seemed less warm, yet the overall hospitality remains courteous and knowledgeable. The wine selection expertly complements the menu, with staff readily guiding guests to the perfect pairing for their meal, enriching the entire dining adventure.
Taverna della Gelosia is positioned just slightly off the beaten path, providing a peaceful retreat from busier tourist thoroughfares. This seclusion adds to its allure, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the culinary and sensory delights without distraction. From the elegant ceramic plates to the impeccable dish presentations, every detail speaks of care and passion.
While the pricing is on the higher side compared to other Puglian eateries, the quality of ingredients, the artistry of preparation, and the enveloping atmosphere more than justify the splurge. If you crave an authentic Mediterranean dining experience steeped in romance and flavor, Taverna della Gelosia will not disappoint—it’s truly a treasure in Ostuni’s vibrant culinary landscape.
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Tracy Bonghanya
30/10/2025
The food is really good. The place is really beautiful, perfect for a romantic date. The service is fast and they're professional but some waiters were not really friendly. A bit more pricy than an average restaurant in Puglia but it's worth it.
Matt Graves
27/10/2025
Very nice restaurant, with high quality Italian dishes, good wine and amazing views and atmosphere. We had a lovely meal here and enjoyed the atmosphere and quality of the place. It's off the street so you don't get all the people passing by as with many other restaurants in the town. Highly recommend.
Vicky Lüthi
27/10/2025
Love the ambience and food! It’s so romantic and it’s even better than the food is great! Everything we ordered was great! Especially the fried zucchini flowers with ricotta! It has lots of stairs, so may be a challenge for people with mobility issues.
Darrell Rubens
16/10/2025
The restaurant was a little hard to find using Google maps but totally worth it. Such a cute restaurant. Service was great. Had a fantastic dinner with a beautiful garden area really cute. Great food totally worth it going.
Caterina
07/10/2025
We had an unforgettable lunch at this charming restaurant in Ostuni, made even more special by the stunning terrace view overlooking the whitewashed town and surrounding countryside. The atmosphere was serene and elegant, striking the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. Every detail felt thoughtfully curated—from the beautifully crafted ceramic plates to the impeccable presentation of each dish. The food was absolutely delicious: fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The wines were equally impressive and paired wonderfully with our meal. Service, attentive, and professional without being overbearing. We felt truly welcomed and cared for throughout the entire experience. Highly recommended if you're in Ostuni and looking for a memorable pranzo with great food, wine, views, and vibes. We'll definitely be back!
Angelika LATTANZIO
23/09/2025
Amazing food, only let down was the pasta con cime di rapa - their version really doesn’t work. Hopefully they can go back to a more traditional style and add a couple tomatoes too (and god no bread crumbs). Amazing food all round for the rest, parmigiana was my highlight. 100% worth it
Alexa Reimer
06/09/2025
My sister and I came to Taverna della Gelosia last minute and were so lucky to get the most beautiful spot on the patio, overlooking the ocean and olive groves — absolutely stunning. The staff picked out the perfect glass of wine for us, and we were blown away by the food. I had the chickpea and mussels pasta (so flavorful!) and my sister loved her ragu. We finished with their homemade tiramisu, which was truly one of the best we’ve ever had. What really made the night special was how the family went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and cared for — they even called us a taxi at the end of the night. You can really tell this is a family-run place, full of warmth and hospitality. Such a special, memorable meal — highly recommend!
Christopher Kalff
27/08/2025
Taverna della Gelosia is a gem tucked away in the beautiful old town of Ostuni. The setting is absolutely stunning – atmospheric, romantic, and full of charm, with stone walls and lush greenery that transport you to another time. We started with the grilled polpo and the restaurant’s signature favourite purée – both outstanding. The polpo was perfectly cooked: soft, tender, and full of flavor. The purée, creamy and well-seasoned, complemented it wonderfully. For mains, we had the risotto with shrimp tartare and the orecchiette with ragu. Both dishes were simple yet packed with the rich, comforting flavors of Puglia. The grilled eggplant (melanzane-style) was a delightful side, pairing seamlessly with the mains and adding a smoky depth. Service was impeccable – attentive, warm, and professional. And the setting? Truly divine. Dining here felt like a special occasion. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Ostuni who wants a memorable dining experience rooted in regional authenticity.