MastroCiccio

When you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Bari, you’re going to want to dive into the local street food scene, and MastroCiccio is the perfect place to do it. This popular spot is fantastic for a casual lunch or an afternoon snack, especially since it serves drinks and has a great patio where you can hang out and soak up the atmosphere. MastroCiccio is a master of traditional Puglia food and flavors, and the menu can be a little overwhelming in the best way possible. From crazy stacked octopus sandwiches to bowls of fresh orecchiette and even fried burrata balls, there is so much deliciousness going on.

We went with a specific mission in mind: to try their famous Panzerotti. But it was so hard not to order a bunch of other things! For those who don’t know, Panzerotti is basically like a fried calzone, a pocket of dough stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings. MastroCiccio takes it to another level with their options, offering everything from spicy tomato and mussels to ragu and even octopus. We decided to grab the “local” option, which came stuffed with tomatoes, creamy burrata, and parmesan. It was so incredibly delicious. The outside was perfectly fried—crispy but still soft—while the inside was a creamy, molten center just bursting with flavor.

A word of advice: definitely eat these with caution! They come out fresh and piping hot, and you’ll be tempted to dive right in. If you’re looking for a fun, casual, and delicious taste of Bari’s street food culture, MastroCiccio is an absolute must-visit.