Gimmi — Restaurant in Lecce

Dining at Gimmi in Lecce was an unforgettable experience that not only met but exceeded all expectations, truly deserving of a Michelin star. From the moment we arrived, hosts Alessandro and Ilaria made us feel incredibly welcome, greeting us warmly and leading us to a cozy lounge area for our dinner party. The evening began with a chilled glass of Prosecco, setting the tone for the remarkable hospitality and attention to detail that characterized the entire meal.

The service was impeccable, with the staff's professionalism shining through in every interaction. One of the many highlights was the innovative presentation of natural and frizzante water, each served in distinctively marked glasses. This thoughtful touch was followed by the arrival of warm wheat bread paired with homemade salted butter, a simple yet delightful introduction to the culinary creativity of Gimmi.

The presentation of an art piece that held eight miniature plates was a showstopper. Each plate, featuring delicacies such as duck and sea orchids, was not only a feast for the palate but also a nod to historical culinary practices, with the art piece itself being a former tool in stone making. This blend of history and haute cuisine, delivered without the need for photographic evidence, left an indelible mark on our memories.

Our gastronomical journey was beautifully complemented by a selection of Licurti wine, carefully chosen to enhance the flavors of each dish. The evening was filled with engaging conversation, laughter, and an appreciation for the exquisite food that was thoughtfully prepared and presented.

The experience was rounded off with a fascinating history lesson about the building itself, including its former church, crypt, and the art fresco on the wall. Alessandro's passion for sharing the heritage of the venue added an extra layer of depth to an already extraordinary evening.

In conclusion, Gimmi is not just a restaurant; it's a destination where culinary excellence meets history and hospitality in a seamless blend. The dedication of Alessandro, Ilaria, and their team to creating an unparalleled dining experience is evident in every detail, from the ambience to the innovative dishes and beyond. Gimmi is a jewel in Lecce's culinary crown, truly deserving of the highest accolades and a must-visit for anyone seeking a meal...

As someone with multiple food intolerances, dining at Gimmi Restaurant in Lecce was a pleasant surprise. I contacted them in advance with my dietary restrictions, and their preparedness was evident from the moment I arrived.

The staff, fluent in Italian, English, and French, handled my needs attentively without making me feel self-conscious. This approach turned what could have been an awkward experience into an enjoyable one.

Gimmi's menu cleverly incorporates local culture and ingredients with innovative, modern cuisine. The presentation is thoughtful, with serving platters inspired by the building's architectural features and a bread basket designed like a tambourine – small touches that add interest to the meal.

Despite my dietary limitations, the chef provided well-adapted dishes that didn't compromise on taste or creativity. The wine list is impressive, balancing local and international options. I particularly enjoyed a chilled Beaujolais paired with my fillet steak – a great choice for a summer evening.

Set in a renovated 15th-century Dominican monastery, Gimmi blends historical charm with contemporary dining. The restaurant delivers more than just a meal; it offers a taste of Puglian culture through its food and ambiance.

For diners with food intolerances, Gimmi stands out by offering both accommodating service and high-quality cuisine. It's refreshing to find a restaurant that takes dietary needs seriously while still providing an authentic local...

The restaurant is beautiful, and service is excellent as were the small bites & takes on traditional Puglian classics served throughout the meal. Unfortunately, while our first courses were very good, but our second courses were simply off. To us it seemed like too much was going on on the plate, whereas out first courses were more simple in terms of ingredients. That said, everything was well prepared even though we did not enjoy our second courses at all. It was also hard to understand what the tasting menu options included, so we opted for a la carte. I would recommend that the tasting menu options be made more clear as to what is going to be served. We say that as a couple that has eaten in multiple 1, 2 & 3 star Michelin restaurants in 8 or so countries. I only mention that because in all those restaurants the one common theme was attention to detail in both preparation and allowing simple, seasonal ingredients to be the star in terms of flavor. Based on the service and preparation, Gimmi is very close, just not quite there. It was sort of a bittersweet meal in that it started strong but ended on a very unenjoyable note. When you factor in a cost of almost 200 euros we did not think it...