The timeless flavors of Salento, told by the Locanda at Patria Palace

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The timeless flavors of Salento, told by the Locanda at Patria Palace

The classics of Salento cuisine to discover at the Locanda of Patria Palace

In the heart of Salento, cuisine is an act of love that blends tradition, creativity, and a deep connection to the land. At the Locanda of Patria Palace, every dish is crafted to tell a story, one of a generous region, skilled hands, and flavors that endure through time. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Cristiano Stamerra, the culinary offering strikes a perfect balance between deep-rooted heritage and contemporary flair. In an elegant yet welcoming setting, overlooking the majestic baroque façade of Santa Croce, dining becomes a sensorial journey between memory and modernity.

A menu that speaks the language of the land

The culinary proposal of Atenze Restaurant is born from a constant dialogue with the surrounding Salento landscape. Seasonal produce, selected ingredients, and refined techniques shape dishes that elevate local identity through a contemporary lens. The risotto with cardoncelli mushroom cream, Negroamaro reduction, and pecorino perfectly embodies this approach: earthy and aromatic notes meet the depth of Salento’s signature red wine, creating a harmonious and enveloping flavor. Equally refined is the cod quenelle with liquid lettuce sauce and black olive powder, a tribute to the region’s dual soul of land and sea.

The great classics of Salento’s culinary tradition

Among the pillars of Salento’s culinary heritage, some dishes continue to embody its most authentic soul. Handmade orecchiette, often paired with turnip tops or simple tomato sauces, reflect time-honored gestures and honest simplicity. Wild chicory with fava bean purée, balancing bitterness and sweetness, pays homage to rustic cuisine. And frise, twice-baked bread softened with water and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano, capture the essence of summer in a single bite.

These iconic flavors, often featured on the Locanda’s menu, inspire many of its seasonal creations. The fregola with lobster, 'nduja, and stracciatella is a shining example, combining the richness of the sea with southern spice and creamy local cheese in a dish full of personality.

Tradition and surprise: pasticciotto and caffè leccese reimagined

At the Locanda, tradition is embraced with both respect and a touch of playful elegance. Take the savory pasticciotto, a creative reinterpretation of Lecce’s beloved pastry, here filled with burrata, prawns, and salted English cream. This delicate entrée is both an homage and a surprise. To end on a sweet note, the spiral of Leccese coffee transforms the region’s iconic iced coffee with almond milk into a sophisticated dessert, evoking warm mornings and long southern afternoons.

A culinary experience in the heart of Lecce

Having lunch at the Locanda of Patria Palace is more than a meal, it is an invitation to feel, discover, and connect with Salento through flavor. With a refined dining room, intimate atmosphere, and thoughtful service, it offers the perfect setting to explore the culinary richness of a land where food is culture, memory, and emotion. Because here, even a single dish can be the beginning of the most beautiful journey.