The evolution of the menu
A journey between tradition and innovation
The Antico Monastero menu is a journey through time and flavors, a path that starts from the Salento tradition to explore new horizons of taste.
Antonella, with eyes full of joy and the shyness that distinguishes her, talks about her journey in the kitchen with a smile: “My relationship with cooking was terrible, as soon as I got married I went into crisis because I didn’t know how to cook. Grandma Linda, patiently, taught me the basics and little by little I became passionate about it.“
Since then, her curiosity and passion have led her to experiment and innovate, without ever forgetting the roots of Salento cuisine.
“If a product tells me something, I buy it without knowing how and when I will use it,” confesses Antonella. “Suddenly inspiration arrives!“
Seasonality is a fundamental element in her cuisine. Fruit, vegetables and fish are chosen at the right time, when they reach full ripeness, they release all their aromas and organoleptic properties.
Attention to the quality and provenance of the ingredients is another pillar of the Antico Monastero philosophy. “Our products are 0 km“, explains Antonella. “For us it means buying a sustainable product for the environment and for the local economy.”
But Antonella’s real strength is her creativity. She manages to transform simple ingredients into unique and surprising dishes, such as a delicious first course consisting of candles filled with mixed mushrooms and smoked bacon, served on a bed of veal reduction.
“For me, a good dish doesn’t have to have many ingredients“, Antonella emphasizes. “The search for balance and harmony of flavors is fundamental.“
And to always keep up with the times, Antonella never stops studying and comparing herself with other culinary realities. Her passion for cooking is an endless journey, discovering new flavors and new emotions.
Our Pizza
Fragrant and Light
Our pizza are the result of extensive research and experimentation. The dough, light and digestible, is carefully prepared and left to rise slowly, to obtain a perfect consistency and pronounced alveolation.
The “Madre Terra” is one of our most popular pizza: yellow cherry tomatoes, yellow and red semi-dried tomatoes, dried tomatoes, sponzale cream, black olives and dehydrated onion blend together in a riot of flavors.
Our desserts
An irresistible sin of gluttony
To end on a sweet note, we offer a selection of homemade desserts, prepared with top-quality ingredients and lots of passion. Semifreddo, ice cream, tarts, tartlets: flavor, freshness and sweetness blend together in an unforgettable taste experience. Let yourself be tempted by our sins of gluttony.
Sunday lunch at Antico Monastero is an experience that awakens the senses and warms the heart. Imagine the intense aroma of Salento ragù wafting through the air, while the pan simmers gently on the stove. The lasagna, with its layers of fresh pasta and succulent filling, will catapult you into a distant time, when grandmothers reigned supreme at the table, surrounded by the affection of their loved ones. Take a seat at our table, and let yourself be pampered by the authentic flavors of tradition, in a familiar and welcoming atmosphere. Book your Sunday lunch and relive the magic of a special moment.
