Home restaurant "a casa da Leo" — Restaurant in Alberobello

These type of pop-up restaurants, in people's homes, have been very popular in London and other big cities over the past few years but I was surprised and curious when I discovered one in a small village such as Coreggia, in the heart of the Puglian countryside. Was I glad I satisfied that curiosity.

The food was exquisite and generous in portions, the various accompanying wine excellent and the hosting exemplary!!! I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening with friends in a relaxed setting while witnessing a beautiful sunset in the valleys and hills.

What we ate was typical of the region. Locally produced and, as is the hallmark of Italian cooking, simple ingredients cooked beautifully. The ox cheeks for example, tasted as delicious as I am sure the filet would have from the same animal, in fact my mouth is watering now just remembering it. From the first to the last course it was a culinary delight and Leo's passion for what he is is doing shone through like the brightest star in the darkest night sky. English not being his first language he still managed to communicate his joy at what he produced and help us understand what we had to eat.

Each course was accompanied by a selection of wines, again local and something completely different to what you would get in a large town or city restaurant. Italians are renowned world wide for their pride and passion for, and knowledge of, their food and wines and I really must say Leo exemplified that trait throughout the evening.

Grazie mille Leo,...

What a treat!!! As we are staying at a high quality Borgo D'Itria, we just looked around google maps for a nice restaurant with good reviews. 5,0 with hundreds of reviews, can not be bad. And what can I say: we are flabbergasted!! You arrive on his private terrasse (only 8-10 person fit) whilst Leonardo is spending most time in his private kitchen, preparing the food. The smell of fresh, beatiful food fills one of the senses and all other senses are triggered during the evening as well. You can come as you are and the welcome is as if you finally arrive at a distant family member you have not seen for years! Food is incredible and as he is a lover of wine, just follow his wine-suggestion; it will be awesome! Definitely was for us! There is no à la carte here. Just enjoy what the magician brings out of his kitchen. It is a dream! Me personally, I am quite picky about food, but he has ingredients I normally do not like so much, turn into the best tastes I ever had. Just one tiny problem; after having had dinner at Leo's, all other restaurants are a disappointment. It is really that good!!! Which is why we ate at Leo 3 nights in a row! Oh yes, before I forget; at a ridicously low price. We were 3 and enjoyed a 4 course meal with 3 bottles of wine and did not spend more than 70 Euro each. Leo deserves 3 michelinstars!...

Unmissable experience! Oh my gosh, how lovely EVERYTHING was. We'd originally made a dinner reservation with Leo, but had a change of schedule and he was kind enough to accommodate our change to a lunch reservation the same day. This home (also a BnB) is located just outside of Alberobello on a main street in a smaller town, with plenty of parking nearby. Be prepared for a set of stairs into the home, where you'll find a dining area in view of the kitchen and a beautiful terrace outside.

Now, the FOOD- absolutely perfect. We were blown away time and again by each dish that he made (for our party of 5 adults and 2 toddlers), and you could just tell everything was made with the freshest ingredients and lots of care. It was the one meal everyone reminisced about for the rest of the trip! Leo himself was also an incredible host, kind and patient and gentle with the children.

Really can't recommend this whole experience enough. I will say it was a bit tricky to figure out reservations, but in the end we were able to book by contacting his IG account. THANK YOU for the unforgettable food and...