The best Apulian focaccia in Bari: three bakeries where you can try it in the city and surrounding areas
The best Apulian focaccia in Bari. Puglia is a feeling; immersing yourself in its beauty is pure poetry. It's a land distinguished by its delicious flavors at every turn, and by that distinctive white and ivory color that makes it unique.
Fiore Bakery – Bari
Near the Basilica of San Nicola, the Panificio Fiore has been handing down its recipe for over a century. The place has no seating, but tradition dictates that it be enjoyed while strolling through the city streets, perhaps accompanied by a Peroni "sweaty" (or "sweaty" in Italian). Don't let the line scare you; instead, let the aroma draw you in. The secret? High-quality ingredients and a passion for their work. In addition to the classic focaccia with tomatoes and olives (€1.50/€2 each), soft yet crumbly and, most importantly, not greasy, we also offer focaccias filled with sun-dried tomatoes and burrata or zucchini and cheese. The onion calzone is a must-try, made with raisins, pancetta, cheese, mozzarella, eggs, olives, and tomato. The bakery also stocks taralli and orecchiette.
Panificio Fiore, Str. Palazzo di Città, 38, Bari. Tel: 080 523 6290 – Hours: Monday 9:00–1:30 PM, 6:00–8:30 PM; Tuesday–Saturday 8:00–1:30 PM, 6:00–8:30 PM; Sunday 9:00–1:15 PM.
S. Francesco La Scarpa Bakery – Bitonto
A few kilometres from Bari, lies this beautiful village with a very characteristic historic centre. Getting lost among the alleys is inevitable, especially if you find yourself in front of the historic Carlucci Cesare bakery, known as Forno S. Francesco, which has been open since 1260 according to the plaque hanging outside. Upon entering, your eye immediately falls on an enormous stone oven where on Sundays they bake around 200 focaccias. In addition to the traditional focaccia from Bari (5 euros “a wheel”), we can find thick potato focaccia, simple savoury taralli, cereal taralli, onion taralli and even sweet taralli with cooked wine and almonds (2). Bread, simple and oil-based rolls, biscuits and much more are also available. An experience worth trying, especially if you love the crunchiness and softness of a freshly baked warm focaccia dough.
Panificio San Francesco La Scarpa, Piazza Minerva, 5, Bitonto (BA). Tel: 080 374 8923 – Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday 8:00 am–2:00 pm, 5:30 pm–9:00 pm; Thursday 8:00 am–2:00 pm; closed on Sundays.
S. Francesco Bakery and Delicatessen – S. Spirito
On the seafront of this charming seaside town called Santo Spirito, stands the Panificio Salumeria S. Francesco, a family-run business established in June 1967 and handed down for three generations its version of focaccia barese (6.50 per kg). The classic version, with tomatoes and olives, is very fragrant, soft on the inside and crispy on the sides. It's neither thick nor thin. The combination of oil and tomato is striking, resulting in a pulpy and unmistakable flavor. In addition to focaccia, they bake bread daily, including bread with legumes and ginger (6.50 per kg). The panzerotti (12.50 per kg) are also excellent.
Panificio Salumeria S. Francesco, Lung. C. Colombo 98 a/b S. Spirito (BA). Tel: 080 533 6242 – Hours: Monday to Sunday 6:00–2:00 PM, 5:00–9:00 PM.
