Il Salumaio La Massaia — Restaurant in Lecce

Wow! First time in Lecce and we did a google search for sandwiches near our AirBnB and this small shop was close by and highly recommended. The good reviews were spot on. The shop is small and inviting and the two owners were very friendly. Sandwich options are posted on the wall and counter, but my advice is to ask the owners for a recommendation of what sandwich to try. Coincidentally, one of the owners and I used Google Translate to communicate and order our meal and drinks. She was tickled! The sandwiches were outstanding, fresh crunchy bread amply filled with delicious meat, cheese, and veggies. The surprise was fresh orange slices on the sandwich which wonderfully elevated the flavor. Wine and soft drinks are offered. While we waited for our order, we were offered an appetizer of fresh mozzarella, olives, and small local bread pastries. At the end of our meal the owners also brought out small spiced cake pastries. Really a super experience and very reasonably priced. My favorite part was a hug from one of the owners as we paid the bill. This shop is right outside the old walled city of Lecce and close to the train station. You would be wise to...

Aperitivo, snack, or dinner. No matter what you come here for, you will leave beaming ear to ear.

Upon entering you are absorbed by the traditional interior. The walls are laden with old photographs and empty wine bottles from memorable evenings. This reminds you of the rich culture, tradition, and history that goes into every bite of food you are served here. Underneath protective glass lays a tremendous spread of meats and cheeses that could overwhelm even the most knowledgeable of foodies. Not to worry though if you ask for a classic spread (like we did) you will send to aperitivo heaven.

La Massaia serves up the best tagliere in town - a spread of meats and cheeses, accompanied by black fig spread which leaves my taste buds begging me for more and focaccia cubes that would have your mouth watering at just the sight of them.

The care that the owner pours into this establishment is clearly insurmountable, making it a local staple of local patrons and visitors alike.

I would write more but honestly word don't begin to serve justice to the experiance I just had dining here. So go yourself and thank me later.

P.S. the Mozzarella is...

Il peggior panino mai mangiato. Sono entrato chiedendo un panino tradizionale ma la salumiera insisteva che prendessi il panino con prosciutto cotto e mango: un crimine. Non uccidere il gusto tradizionale dei prodotti freschi locali. E non insistere con i clienti che vogliono dei panini semplici. Chi lascia 5 stelle ai panini di questo posto non ha mai viaggiato e non sa che cosa vuol dire cucina fusion. Per questo gli dedico una poesia.

Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication

In the shop, a simple wish in mind, A sandwich, Italian, fresh, refined. The atmosphere whispered tales of care, Cheese and meats, local, beyond compare.

In Italy, where the soil is rich and kind, Ingredients grow, pure and unrefined. Tomatoes, basil, cheese so pure, Each bite a testament to nature’s allure.

The menu, though, a curious affair, The lady's words, a tempting snare. “Innovative,” she said with pride, Mango and ham, side by side.

Organic, fresh, they need no flair, Their essence perfect, beyond compare. But trusting her, I took the bite, And what I tasted wasn’t right.

A clash of flavors, harsh, unkind, A mix that jarred both tongue and mind. Tourists might cheer the blend, But to me, it was a bitter end.

A step too far, and what was whole, Was lost in pursuit of a different goal. Oh, the horror to that basil, sweet, Tomato, cheese, in the heat.

The balance tips, the flavors stray, And simplicity, the heart, fades away. All I sought was a sandwich plain, But left with regret, a strange disdain.

Seeing my plight, she kindly agreed, To make another, for my need. I asked for provola, tomato’s delight, But what arrived wasn’t quite right.

Tomato and parmesan, she brought instead, Another twist, I quietly dread. A lesson learned, next time I’ll be, True to the taste that’s right for me.

Traduzione:

Titolo: La Semplicità è la Massima Complessità

Nel negozio, con un desiderio nel cuore, Un panino italiano, semplice, un vero sapore. L'atmosfera parlava di cura e passione, Formaggi e salumi, freschi, senza eccezione.

In Italia, dove la terra è fertile e generosa, Gli ingredienti crescono puri, di una qualità preziosa. Pomodori, basilico, formaggi genuini, Ogni boccone, un inno ai sapori divini.

Ma il menu, strano, mi colpì d'improvviso, Le parole della signora, un dolce sorriso. “Innovativo,” disse, con un certo orgoglio, Mango e prosciutto, un abbinamento in sogno.

Gli ingredienti organici, non serve altro, La loro essenza è perfetta, senza il bisogno di tanto. Ma mi fidai, provai quel morso, E il sapore non fu un grande risorso.

Un conflitto di gusti, aspro e confuso, Un miscuglio che il palato ha deluso. I turisti forse lo adoreranno, Ma per me, fu un errore, un grande danno.

Un passo di troppo, e il tutto si perde, Inseguendo un gusto che il semplice disperde. Oh, quel basilico dolce, così maltrattato, Il pomodoro e il formaggio, in un piatto sbagliato.

L'equilibrio si spezza, i sapori si confondono, E la semplicità, il cuore, svanisce tra i mondi. Chiedevo solo un panino sincero, Ma rimasi con un rimpianto amaro e vero.

Vedendo il mio scontento, lei con gentilezza, Offrì di rifare il panino, con una certa dolcezza. Chiesi provola e pomodoro, un abbinamento perfetto, Ma arrivò con parmigiano e pomodoro, un altro difetto.

Un'altra lezione, che non dimenticherò, La prossima volta sarò più cauto, lo so. Perché alla fine, è facile da comprendere, La semplicità è la massima complessità...