Casamatta opens like a promise: a Michelin-starred dining room a few kilometres outside Manduria where Modern Apulian technique meets clear, seasonal flavors. The restaurant occupies a corner of the Vinilia Wine Resort’s early-20th-century castle and serves tasting menus that highlight produce from the estate garden and nearby fishermen and growers. In the first hundred words the emphasis is clear: garden-to-table Modern Apulian cuisine, sustainable practices, and a curated Apulian wine program shape the experience. Manduria’s primitive-wine heritage frames every course and the food arrives with direct, appetite-first intent.

Chef Pietro Penna returned to his native region after training and cooking in leading kitchens, and he leads Casamatta with a focused philosophy that prizes local sourcing, seasonality, and careful technique. The kitchen earned a Green Michelin Star in 2021 for its sustainability initiatives and holds one Michelin star for its culinary quality. Penna sources vegetables directly from the restaurant’s kitchen garden and builds relationships with local fishers and producers in Puglia. The result is cooking that honors regional products while incorporating refined French methods and light Asian touches. Casamatta stands out for this precise fusion, its clear commitment to renewable energy at the resort, and an attentive service style that matches the menu’s pace.

The culinary journey at Casamatta unfolds through three tasting menus: a Chef’s Tasting Menu, a Seafood Tasting Menu, and a fully Vegetarian Tasting Menu. Dishes often start with bright, olive-oil-slicked starters and progress to seafood finished with delicate Asian-inflected sauces and land courses seasoned with local herbs. Expect techniques such as slow confit, light reductions, and precise searing; textures move from crisp garden vegetables to silky purées and firm, perfectly cooked fish. Seasonal highlights include late-summer tomatoes and eggplant from the garden, autumn prawn and cuttlefish preparations, and winter root-vegetable courses elevated by French-style sauces. Wine pairings favor Primitivo di Manduria and other regional expressions, many selected from Vinilia’s biodynamic-friendly cellar to complement each tasting progression.

Dining at Casamatta is meant to be noticed as much for its flavors as for its setting. The interior is modern and airy, with large windows framing the outdoor terrace and olive groves beyond. Furnishings are contemporary and lighting is arranged to keep tables well defined without harsh glare. In warm months the terrace is recommended for dining among mature olive trees; in cooler months the indoor room provides a cozy yet elegant alternative. Service is professional and attentive, guided by trained staff and sommelier suggestions that lend context to pairings. The pace respects tasting menus and allows time between courses for conversation and wine appreciation.

For practical planning, Casamatta operates daily during June to September for dinner service at 19:30–22:00, and October to May it serves dinner Monday to Saturday 19:30–22:00 with Sunday lunch from 12:30–14:00. The restaurant is part of Vinilia Wine Resort, and advance reservations are recommended year-round — summer outdoor seating books early. Dress code leans toward smart casual to elegant; guests often choose elevated casual wear that suits a castle setting. Reservations can be made by phone at +39 3518303537 or through the Vinilia Wine Resort contacts when available.

Casamatta in Manduria delivers a focused, memorable dining itinerary for travelers seeking refined Apulian gastronomy and sustainability-minded cuisine. Whether you choose the seafood progression, the vegetarian tasting, or the full chef’s menu, expect clear flavors, precise technique, and thoughtful wine matches. Book a table at Casamatta to experience contemporary Apulian dishes that celebrate local terroir and disciplined craftsmanship.