On the beach or on the rocks, on a trebuchet or on a romantic pier in the middle of the boats, from Vieste to Peschici there is no shortage of perfect views for an aperitif or a dinner with sunset over the sea
The perfect Instagram photo? That of a good fish dish and a sunset over the sea as a background. Those who have frequented the Gargano, between Vieste and Peschici, know that this is possible in many places, for two reasons: here the cuisine is mainly based on fish and the views are always breathtaking. The combination of the blue of the sea, the red of the sunsets, the white of the rock that also turns orange when the sun goes down and the green of the Mediterranean scrub is a unique feature of the Gargano. And then the beaches, long, of very fine, light-colored sand (pantone sand, in fact) that perhaps culminate with a trebuchet at the tip. And here the magic of the views that have made poets and singers fall in love is realized and also becomes a tasty parenthesis, if you rely on the skilled hands of those who know how to work fish as a true connoisseur of the subject.
The Trabucco of Mimì (Peschici)
Let's start with Peschici, where you can't not go to Trabucco da Mimì at least for an aperitif. At sunset, the right time to indulge in a glass of champagne or, even better, local sparkling wine, such as the excellent brut of D'Araprì di San Severo, accompanied by raw fish, a must in Puglia. Reservation required, even in advance, but it is worthwhile not to risk missing the spectacle of this sunset, one of the most beautiful in the Gargano. The trebuchets are ancient fishing machines and Mimì's is still operational, even if it is difficult to cover the restaurant's needs, at least in August. For that, rely on paper anyway and maybe ask if there are any off the menu.
Camavitè (Peschici)
A few kilometers further on, on the coastal road leading to Vieste, there is a place that has recently gained fame and appreciation from the population and tourists. It is the Camavitè, with its climbing position on the cliff, perfect for admiring the magnificence of the Gargano and experiencing a truly immersive experience. Here too you can choose whether to stop for an aperitif (there are also good cocktails) or a longer stop for lunch or dinner. And here too it is a must to arrive on time at least once to enjoy the sunset, which is an extra something that fills the eyes. Meanwhile, the belly is filled with dishes strictly based on local fish, cooked with skill and with a few touches of creativity, which does not hurt at all.
Il Capriccio (Vieste)
The most creative in the area is chef Leonardo Vescera, who has been a regular presence on the Vieste pier for several years. You eat in the middle of the boats, with the lapping of the waves that gently fills your ears. You can arrive at aperitif time for sunset, which in this case is behind the mountain, but equally suggestive, or you can arrive a little later and see the town behind it starting to light up. The dishes of Vescera are a certainty in the Gargano landscape, the hand is of those who have experience and know well the richness of the sea products, not without a recognition that has made some dishes its strong points.
Seafood sandwiches (Vieste)
Simpler, but equally tasty, the proposal of Panini di mare, a place on the beach that starts from Mimì's Trabucco, reworking its principles in a modern key. We always eat based on fish and the workhorse are precisely the seafood sandwiches, as the name suggests. We are in the middle of Spiaggialunga, always in the Vieste area, behind what is a full-blown campsite. Transparent bulkheads allow you to enjoy the view of the beach during the day. Here you can eat for lunch, dinner and have an aperitif with a guaranteed seafood side dish.
Eden (Peschici)
Let's go back to Peschici for another spot with your feet practically in the sea, always on the beach. Arriving at sunset, you can admire the sun from below as it rests in the sea water, with boats in the foreground, because we are in front of the Peschici pier, which is more like a bay where the boats go to rest. The aperitif, perhaps with oysters or a fried fish as an accompaniment, opens the stomach to the real workhorse of the place, the grilled, obviously fish. And as a bonus, since in the program 4 Restaurants it was precisely this that deserved the 5 points awarded by Borghese.
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