11/01/2026: Entering Anima & Cuore means crossing the threshold of a place whose name embodies its most authentic promise: a cuisine that doesn't simply nourish, but also tells a story, welcomes, and restores its identity. Located in the heart of Galatina, in a historic building adorned with mosaics and a warm, refined atmosphere, this trattoria-restaurant has become a go-to place for those seeking contemporary Salento cuisine, respectful of tradition yet never lacking in creativity. The fresh pasta dishes—from spaghetti alla Grika to orecchiette with burnt wheat—show a confident hand, showcasing the raw ingredients without overpowering them. The wine list is extensive, with a keen eye on Apulian wineries and a selection of national and international wines that balance the seafood and meat dishes. The staff is attentive, quick, and friendly: a welcome that contributes to a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, unpretentious yet professional. The ambiance, with its indoor dining rooms and panoramic terraces, offers a different experience depending on the season: intimate in the winter, bright and airy in the summer. Prices are in line with the quality of the offerings.
04/01/2026: In the ancient heart of Galatina, where the stones whisper centuries-old stories beneath star-shaped vaults, stands Anima&Cuore: a name that isn't merely a label, but a whispered promise, a confirmation that becomes reality in every dish.
The exquisite blend of the soul of Salento fuses with the heart of those who cook and those who serve, in an embrace of care that envelops you from the first smile upon entry to the final greeting. Every detail is a poem: the delicacy of the gestures, the attention to every detail, the quality of the flavors that dance on the palate like the notes of a revisited ancient taranta.
I've dined twice at this enchanted refuge, and each time I've felt the region come to life in authentic, fresh creations, steeped in sea and land. Now all I have to do is try their pizzas, and if this is their calling card, my mouth is already watering.
Anima & Cuore is not just a restaurant: it's an emotion to be experienced, shared, and recommended.