Il Principe del Mare: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise in Puglia
There are places you visit, and then there are places you dream about long after you leave. For me, Il Principe del Mare in Contrada La Forcatella, Fasano, is firmly in the latter category. This unassuming seafood haven has earned its spot in my top three favorite places to eat in all of Italy—and trust me, that’s no small feat.
The dining room.
A Long-Awaited Discovery
Let me set the scene. It was our second trip to Puglia, and Bonnie casually mentioned this little seafood spot she had heard about on our first trip but decided not to mention at the time. Wait, what?! I couldn’t believe it. How could she have denied me this joy? I was ready to launch into a full-blown melodrama, complete with hand gestures, but then my first bite of ricci di mare (sea urchin) hit my taste buds, and all was forgiven.
Now, Il Principe del Mare is a place I can’t stop thinking about. In fact, I dream of retiring close enough to eat here three times a week for lunch. It’s that good.
Our Visits over the years….
The Star of the Show: Ricci di Mare
While the cavatelli con vongole is a dish you absolutely must order, the true star of the menu is the ricci di mare. These fresh sea urchins are served simply, as they should be, with crusty bread for scooping and a drizzle of local olive oil. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why Italian cuisine is all about letting the ingredients shine.
Fresh Ricci di Mare
Note: Ricci di mare is a seasonal delicacy, typically available from November to April. If you’re planning your trip to Puglia, consider timing your visit during these months to ensure you can savor this unforgettable dish.
John is 5 in this photo and enjoying fresh Ricci. He first tried it here when he was 8 months old.
Kitchen size does NOT matter.
You know, all the times we’ve visited, I’ve only ever seen one person working the outdoor grill and a single stainless steel table where they clean the ricci and prep the fish for the grill. I’m sure there must be a stove somewhere, but in a space that small, it’s a mystery where they’re hiding it!
It reminds me of something an executive chef I once worked for used to say: “The bigger the kitchen, the more countertops there are, the more a chef will justify putting another cook on the line.” He always kept his kitchens small and open. The logic? Less space means fewer people, less chaos, and better control over costs. With a small kitchen, you’re forced to keep the menu tight, the ingredients fresh, and you never carry excess inventory. Whether or not that’s the plan here, it just goes to show: you don’t need a massive kitchen to crank out incredible food.
To me, this little spot is the shining star of Italian cuisine—simple ingredients, skillfully prepared. Think wood-grilled, just-caught seafood, a little pasta with clams, and that unmistakable flavor of the sea. They just get it right, every time.
Over the years, they’ve made small improvements—like adding canopies to expand the outdoor dining area. The place is more popular than ever, and for good reason: the quality never slips, and the experience is always memorable
A Celebration of Simple Perfection
Another highlight of the menu is the incredible selection of crudo (raw seafood), a specialty of the Puglia region. From mussels to tuna and the delicate muscardini (tiny octopus), the offerings are as fresh as they come. Each dish showcases the region’s rich fishing traditions and is prepared with the utmost respect for the ingredients.
The seafood here is as fresh as it gets, grilled on a tiny charcoal grill that infuses everything with a smoky, rustic flavor. A squeeze of lemon is all you need to elevate the experience to perfection. Pair it with a carafe of local wine, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a love letter to Puglia.
A Cove of Culinary Bliss
Il Principe del Mare isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. This little gem is perched by a picturesque cove, perfect for a refreshing dip in the ocean. Whether you swim before, during, or after your meal (or all three!), the setting adds a magical touch to the simple yet extraordinary dining experience.
It’s a place loved by locals, which is always a good sign. The looks of surprise when they realize we’ve been here multiple times? Priceless.
Why You’ll Fall in Love
Authenticity: Honest, unpretentious dishes that celebrate the flavors of the sea.
Local Charm: A favorite among locals, this spot offers a truly authentic Italian experience.
Affordable Luxury: Reasonable prices make it accessible while delivering top-notch quality.
Breathtaking Setting: A serene cove that invites you to relax and soak in the beauty of Puglia.
An abandoned boat provided an interesting photo opportunity for Bonnie. This photo now hangs on the wall in our home.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, do yourself a favor and make Il Principe del Mare a priority. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left.
Address: Contrada La Forcatella, 72015, Fasano, Italy
Map Link: Il Principe del Mare on Google Maps
Instagram: Link
If you’re lucky enough to visit, don’t skip the ricci di mare or the incredible selection of crudo—they’re revelations, and the
This is the kind of place that makes you want to pack up your life and move to Italy, just to be closer to its magic. Until then, I’ll be counting down the days until our next visit.
Buon appetito, amici!
