Martinucci
Martinucci is well known in Salento and across Puglia as a chain of good quality pasticcerias with large sites in all the main tourist hotspots, and even an outpost in Rome.
Their new site in Lecce has revitalised the former McDonald’s, smack bang in the middle of Piazza Sant’oronzo and it’s backed up by their reliable pasticcerie, which are always outstanding across all their sites. It’s hard to argue the selection of pasticciotti aren’t some of the best, if not the best in all of Lecce.
An excellent range of gelato is on offer here too (as if the 3 other massive gelaterias within a stone’s throw weren’t ample selection enough). It’s also a good place to pick up a top-quality sandwich (panino) or sit down for a little aperitivo/snack.
Natale
Natale has some really fancy pants chocolates in it’s window and some extremely elegant pastries. Peering through the glass, you see lovely tall ceilings matched with an early twentieth century vibe (a tad deco), which help to bring life to a building that would otherwise probably be quite insignificant in that area.
And life they do bring, and lots of it. Natale is usually rammed, and with good reason. They do by far the most tasteful range of sweets/chocolates/cakes and ice cream in the old city of Lecce, and they are all very delicious too.
Tentazioni (Piazza Sant’Oronzo)
On the wide paved path that joins the smaller Piazza Castromediano Sigismondo onto the grand Piazza Sant’oronzo, you’ll find the smart outdoor seating area of Tentazioni. It’s a fantastic spot to stop for a quick coffee/drink or ice cream, and watch the comings and goings of the locals & tourists through the heart of the old city.
Caffè Alvino
Caffè Alvino sits in the middle of Piazza Sant'oronzo, right opposite the Roman Amphitheatre, in the heart of the old city of Lecce. You'd of thought it hard for any Cafe to feel historic amongst the Roman ruins and the baroque glory of Lecce. But Alvino has been there so long (I've no idea how old it is but I wouldn't be surprised if it dates back to BC) and is such a fixture of Lecce that, nothing can touch this place in terms of Leccese old school vibes.