Cielo Restaurant occupies the rooftop terrace of Relais La Sommità, a restored 17th-century palazzo hotel perched at the apex of Ostuni's hilltop old town in Apulia. On clear evenings the terrace view extends across the Murge plateau to the Adriatic — a dining backdrop that few restaurants in southern Italy can match. Michelin inspectors have commended the cooking, and the restaurant draws both hotel guests and outside visitors seeking a combination of strong local ingredients and a dramatic setting.
The menu is built around Puglia's coastal and agricultural larder. Burrata from Andria — the acknowledged capital of burrata production — appears as a starter with slow-dried Apulian tomatoes and basil-infused olive oil. Sea bass fillets arrive with a sauce of Salento capers, whose brininess cuts through the richness of the fish. The dessert selection typically includes a Primitivo wine reduction, the grape's figgy sweetness working as a natural confection. A multi-course tasting menu allows the kitchen to show full range; à la carte ordering is available for those who prefer flexibility.
The terrace seating fills quickly in July and August. Tables set along the parapet edge with the best panoramas should be requested specifically at booking time. The indoor dining room — a restored stone interior with vaulted ceilings — is used when weather prevents terrace service. Smart dress is expected: shorts and beachwear are not appropriate for the evening service. Dinner is the primary offering; lunch operates in summer months only. Reservations must be secured in advance through the hotel directly (+39 0831 305925) or via the Relais La Sommità website. The restaurant is classified as fine dining with prices in the $$$ range — expect to spend €60–90 per person for a full dinner with wine.
Signature dishes
- Burrata with Apulian tomatoes and basil oil — €16 (~$17.30)
- Sea bass with Salento caper sauce — €28 (~$30.25)
- Dessert with Primitivo wine reduction — €12 (~$13)
Good to know
- Known for
- Rooftop terrace restaurant at Relais La Sommità — panoramic White City views and Michelin-praised cooking
- Hours
- 19:30–22:30 daily (dinner only; lunch in summer)
- Reservations
- Essential; +39 0831 305925 or relaisomita.it
Location
Via Scipione Petrarolo 7, 72017 Ostuni BR, Italy
40.7278, 17.5808 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop terrace atop Ostuni's hilltop old town with panoramic views to the Adriatic
- Michelin-commended modern Apulian cooking using DOP ingredients from across Puglia
- Burrata di Andria with Apulian tomatoes — one of the region's best expressions of the dish
- Multi-course tasting menu and à la carte options both available
Tips for visiting
- Request a parapet-edge terrace table when booking — these deliver the full panoramic view and fill first
- The tasting menu is worth choosing on a first visit to understand the kitchen's range and sourcing
- Book at least one to two weeks ahead in July and August; terrace tables go even faster
- Lunch is only available in summer — dinner is the main service year-round
- Pair the sea bass with a local Verdeca or Fiano di Avellino from the wine list for best results
Accessibility
Relais La Sommità is accessed via the stepped streets of Ostuni's historic hilltop centre; the approach involves uneven cobblestones and stairways. The rooftop terrace requires elevator access within the palazzo — contact the hotel in advance to confirm current arrangements for guests with mobility requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cielo Restaurant open to non-hotel guests?
Yes. Cielo is open to outside diners as well as Relais La Sommità hotel guests, though reservations are required for both. Tables for outside guests are generally available when booked in advance.
What is the dress code at Cielo?
Smart casual is required. Shorts, flip-flops, and beachwear are not acceptable for evening service. The atmosphere is refined but not formally black-tie.
What happens if the weather is poor on the terrace?
The restaurant moves service to the indoor stone-vaulted dining room when weather prevents terrace use. The indoor room is atmospheric in its own right, though the panoramic view is obviously absent.
Is the tasting menu the only option at dinner?
No. À la carte ordering is available alongside the tasting menu. The tasting menu typically runs four to five courses and represents the kitchen's seasonal focus most clearly.