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.
Pinti
Pinti is not strictly Leccese, its actually a Neapolitan Pasticceria, and has a dangerous selection of Neapolitan cakes and sweets which, if you wanna max your daily calorie limit in about 15 minutes, will blow your mind.
The interior is a simple bar/counter (cassa left / sweets & cakes middle / coffee bar right), tastefully littered with neo-antique Italian furniture (Pinti is not actually old, I think it opened in 2017). The team are generally helpful and speak plenty of languages between them.
Outside, Pinti comes into its own as it spills out onto the large paved space in front of Porta San Biagio. Here I have whiled away many many MANY mornings with a coffee & pasticciotto, reading my book or relaxing in the sun.