This is #DishingIt – where we give you the inside scoop on what’s new and downright finger lickin’ good on the culinary scene. As tricky as it can be to achieve, we like to believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is all about balance. And though we like to top you up with tips and tricks that’ll help you achieve optimal wellness, we love sharing about one of our favourite hobbies: eating all the things. If you like trying different cuisines and discovering the next best hole in the wall as well as gourmet meals, then let’s get to talkin’.Â
While on vacation in Italy, we were thankful to experience a beautiful Italian lunch at Masseria Montenapoleone located in the heavenly region of Puglia. Read all about our experience below.
Photo via Masseria Montenapoleone
The Vibe
Nestled in the rolling countryside of Puglia, Italy, Masseria Montenapoleone feels like it was plucked straight from a dream. Rustic yet refined, wild yet wonderfully curated—this centuries-old farmhouse turned boutique offers a slice of southern Italian magic. And while its lavender fields, sun-drenched suites, and serene views could steal the spotlight, it was lunch—yes, lunch—that delivered the most unforgettable experience of all.
Lunch, enjoyed overlooking the pool and lush, flourishing gardens—framed by trailing grapevines and lovely linen curtains—was nothing short of breathtaking. Long wooden tables, perfectly mismatched chairs, linen napkins, and wildflowers in terracotta pots set the tone: simple elegance with soul. Even with the rain pouring on the outside, we still felt that warm cozy vibe with the only soundtrack needed coming from birdsong, laughter, and the occasional clink of wine glasses.
The Service
From the moment we arrived, the service was warm and effortless—like being welcomed into a friend’s home. No rush, no rigid formality. Just genuine hospitality and an unspoken understanding that this was a meal to savour slowly. The staff moved with grace, describing each dish with pride, often mentioning the family recipe or the garden where the ingredients had been grown just hours earlier. As we explored the property on a tour with the Masseria Montenapoleone team, we felt the geniune love of the team and may have inquired one or two times about joining this slow-paced lifestyle…
Photo via Masseria Montenapoleone
The Food
Let’s just say you’ve never tasted tomatoes like this before. Everything—from the freshly baked focaccia served with olive oil pressed on-site (we totally purchased a couple of bottles of their 100-year old olive oil!), to the sun-drenched vegetables and handmade orecchiette—tasted like the very essence of Puglia. There was the traditional eggplant parmigiana, fave e cicoria (fava bean puree with wild chicory) and simple homemade pasta dishes that were simply out of this world. Every bite felt honest, rich with flavour, and deeply satisfying. With a menu that changes with the seasons, the chefs at Masseria Montenapoleone serve up a true farm-to-table experience—pulling straight from their own backyard; where sun-soaked veggies, orchard-fresh fruit, and golden olive oil grow in abundance and make their way deliciously onto every plate.
Photo via Masseria Montenapoleone
The Drinks
What elevated the experience even further were the drinks. A chilled glass of their homemade red wine paired perfectly with the leisurely afternoon. For those who preferred something non-alcoholic, there were botanical spritzes infused with citrus and herbs from the garden—refreshing, aromatic, and beautifully served in vintage glassware. It felt thoughtful, elevated, and wholly unpretentious.
The Verdict
Lunch at Masseria Montenapoleone isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Puglia special: good people, good food, and the quiet beauty of a long afternoon spent exactly where you are. It’s the kind of lunch that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and promise yourself you’ll never settle for average again, and we can’t wait to visit again!
