15 Fantastic Restaurants in Monopoli, Italy, with Kids

This post, featuring my top picks for the best restaurants in Monopoli, Italy, with kids, may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (see link below). 

If there's one thing we've mastered after spending a combined seven weeks in Monopoli, Italy, it's where to eat with kids. From laid-back pizzerias to seaside seafood spots that welcome families, we've taste-tested our way through this incredible seaside town in Puglia. 

This family guide to the best restaurants in Monopoli with kids includes our go-to pizza, the freshest seafood, and, of course, the best gelato in Monopoli (priorities!). These are the kid-friendly places to eat in Monopoli that we return to again and again (happily recommend to fellow foodie parents!). I've divided this article into 4 sections: breakfast, pizza, lunch and dinner, and gelato. This way, you can find exactly what you need during your visit to Monopoli with kids.

Note: Not every restaurant in Monopoli has an online presence. I've included websites where possible. I've also provided the address to help you map out your visit.

Best Restaurants in Monopoli with Kids for Breakfast

One of the best parts about mornings in Monopoli is how easy they feel. Italian breakfast is simple (coffee + pastry), which makes it surprisingly perfect with kids. Some of the most kid-friendly places to eat in Monopoli open early, have outdoor tables, and don't mind a little lingering. You can grab a flaky cornetto, fresh juice, and a cappuccino while the kids pick out their own pastry. 

Don't expect any coffee to go in Monopoli. Mornings here are meant to be slow. If you want a quick coffee, order and stand at the bar in the café.

Pepe Nero Caffè

Via Umberto, 35, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

This is our go-to café! We went to Pepe Nero Caffè almost daily during both summer visits. Vito, the owner, is incredibly warm and welcoming, and by the third morning, he remembered our order. And, always waited patiently while my daughter chose her morning cookies. He makes any espresso drink you can imagine, but don't miss a local espressino (think mini-cappuccino meets macchiato). 

The bakery case is packed with pastries and cookies-anything lemon, blueberry, or apricot is a win. In the afternoon, stop back for a crema al caffè, a churned, semi-frozen blend of cream, coffee, and sugar. It tastes just like a grown-up slushie. And, it's perfect for a hot afternoon in Monopoli. There are a few tables inside and outside. You can sit where you like.

Dolce Amaro Caffè

Via Magenta, 29, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

If you're looking for one of the best restaurants for breakfast in Monopoli with kids, Dolce Amaro Caffè is a local gem. The café has a cheerful, welcoming vibe, and the staff is genuinely kind and patient with kids. 

The bakery case is impressive. Think flaky cornetti (croissants) and other pastries filled with chocolate, pistachio, or fruit. And, they also have a menu for a hot breakfast. It feels like a "real" sit-down breakfast spot, yet still relaxed. 

Bonus: They also serve excellent gelato, so no one will judge if your morning ends with a scoop. Or, pop back in the afternoon for a little pick-me-up.

Best Restaurants in Monopoli with Kids for Pizza

Pizza nights in Monopoli are pure magic! There are few better places to enjoy pizza than Puglia. Whether you're craving a quick takeaway to enjoy on your apartment balcony or a dine-in experience, there are so many great options. The best restaurants for pizza in Monopoli are casual, welcoming, and fast (a major win with kids). Expect thin, flavorful crusts, fresh local toppings, and menus simple enough that everyone finds something they love.

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Crudo alla Barese

Via Roma, 217, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

This was hands-down our favorite spot for pizza. Crudo alla Barese serves exceptional pies made with high-quality local ingredients, and everything comes out quickly (even when it's busy). You can eat in (the space is cozy with a nice atmosphere) or order at the register for takeaway. 

The staff is fast and always kind, which always makes a difference with kids. If you're not sure what to order here, they are always happy to make recommendations. There is a pizza with eggplant on it-I recommend that one! Located just outside the city center, closer to the train station, it's perfect for quieter dinners or for those staying in this part of Monopoli. Crudo alla Barese is easily one of the best restaurants for pizza in Monopoli with kids!

Malto & Farina

Via Cialdini, 26, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

Malto & Farina is another fantastic, kid-friendly place to eat in Monopoli. The gourmet pizzas feature a tasty dough and creative flavor combinations. Even with several unique topping options, this pizzeria still feels approachable for families with picky kids. 

You can dine in or grab it to go. There are a few outdoor standing tables where you can sip a soda while waiting for your order. It's near the city center-but not right in the thick of it-so it feels lively without being overwhelming. A great choice for an easy, delicious dinner with your family.

Il Quadrifoglio

Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 11, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

Located in the historic city center, Il Quadrifoglio does get busy (reservations are smart), but there's plenty of seating once you're inside. While the menu offers many options, we recommend sticking to the pizza or simple pastas. 

Their pizza stands out thanks to over 50 hours of natural leavening and carefully selected flours. The result? A light, crispy, delicious crust. Known for high-quality Puglian ingredients and prompt, attentive service, Il Quadrifoglio is easily one of the best restaurants in Monopoli for lunch or dinner with kids.

They have outdoor and indoor seating. Be specific in your reservation request for which option you prefer. Il Quadrifoglio is one of the few restaurants that has air conditioning inside, too. If the temperature is hot, this is my recommendation for a cool dinner.

Best Restaurants in Monopoli with Kids for Lunch + Dinner

Some of our favorite restaurants in Monopoli, Italy, balance incredible food with relaxed, genuinely kind service, which makes all the difference when you're traveling with kids. From seafood feasts in the historic city center to casual neighborhood gems, these are the kid-friendly places to eat in Monopoli we wholeheartedly recommend to other families.

Spaghetti d’Italia 

Piazza S. Antonio, 23, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

Only open for lunch, this place is absolutely non-negotiable. You have to eat here! Spaghetti d'Italia is, without question, one of the best restaurants for lunch in Monopoli with kids. And, honestly, one of the best pasta spots I've ever experienced in all of my travels. Located in Piazza San Antonio with indoor and covered outdoor seating, it's charming and inviting. Make a reservation if you can. 

Family-owned and deeply welcoming, the staff is so kind (Antonio loves to chat with guests!). Plus, the portions are generous (even by American standards), and the prices are more than fair. Order the Spaghetti Ubriachi. It's easily a top-five pasta of all time for me. 

Il Guazzetto

Via dell’Erba, 39/41, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

If you're wondering where to eat a nice dinner in Monopoli with kids, Il Guazzetto is a standout choice. In fact, it's my favorite restaurant in Monopoli! Tucked in the heart of the historic city center (but a little off the beaten path), it's one of the loveliest places in town for an unhurried family meal. Reservations are a must. 

The seafood pastas, tuna tartare, fish soups, crab, and lobster are exceptional. And, the wine list is beautifully curated. That said, I always recommend going with the house wine (vino della casa). Sit outside if possible-it's truly magical! And if Gli Strigoli "Affumchet" is available, order it. You can thank me later! It's another one of my top five pasta dishes ever. We've been to Il Guazzetto several times, and I've ordered it every single time.

Bavarotti da Francesco

Piazza S. Antonio, 11, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

One of the best restaurants near the train station and Piazza San Antonio in Monopoli with kids, Bavarotti da Francesco. This eatery offers something wonderfully different: Italian and German favorites under one roof. If your kids need a break from pasta and pizza (Yes, it happens-at least it did for us!), this is your spot. My daughter loved the schnitzel here. 

The soft lighting and relaxed atmosphere make it feel special but comfortable. Francesco often greets guests personally, sometimes even serving appetizers himself. If you have a chance to speak with him, I'm sure you'll find him just as kind and wonderful as I did. His warmth and attention to detail make every visit memorable. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners.

Trattoria Il Brigante

Via Cavaliere, 17, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

This was our very first meal in Monopoli, and Trattoria Il Brigante still stands out! When my daughter asked for juice that wasn't on the menu, our server ran to a nearby shop to buy some just to make her happy. That kindness set the tone for dinner and our entire trip!

Located in the historic city center near the sea, it's one of my favorite kid-friendly places to eat in Monopoli. The seafood and homemade pasta, especially the pistachio spaghettoni or anything with langostines, are exceptional. Sit outside if you can. You'll get a wonderful view of this part of the historic city center and a cool breeze from the sea.

Trattoria San Domenico

Via S. Domenico, ⅗, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

For a truly unhurried meal, Trattoria San Domenico is one of the best restaurants in Monopoli with kids. This small, family-run spot in the historic city center specializes in traditional Puglian seafood. Reservations are recommended because tables are limited and it fills quickly. 

The atmosphere is intimate and rustic, the portions generous, and the service warm and relaxed. The owner genuinely cares about every guest's experience. I recommend ordering grilled fish or fresh pasta. After that, let the evening unfold slowly. Indoor and outdoor seating are available. Both are wonderful, and you really can't go wrong with where you sit here.

Lo Squalo

Via Fiume, 37, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

Lo Squalo holds a very special place in my heart. It's one of our most visited restaurants in town-and my husband's favorite one. The owners are incredibly sweet once you get to know them. And, even my "Italian parents" approved when we brought them here. 

Seaside dining, generous portions, and outstanding seafood pasta dishes make it one of the best restaurants for seafood in Monopoli with kids. My daughter loved ordering pasta in bianco here because the orecchiette looked like little fish scales. 

One note about this spot: expect slow, Puglian-style service. This place is unhurried, even by Italian standards. Tuck in and expect to spend the evening here. A rushed experience at Lo Squalo will be a ruined experience. 

Osteria Perricci

Via Orazio Comes, 1, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

Ask a local where to eat seafood in Monopoli with kids, and they'll likely send you to Osteria Perricci. Established in 1910, this family-run gem in the historic city center serves beautifully fresh seafood in a cozy blue-and-white dining room. Everything here feels timeless. Don't miss the cavatelli ai frutti di mare or anything with squid. The service is warm, proud, and wonderfully Italian.

While outdoor seating is available, this is one place that I suggest sitting inside. The street gets busy in the evenings, which can be distracting from the great meal you're about to have. Reservations are recommended. 

Best Restaurants in Monopoli with Kids for Gelato

No day in Monopoli is complete without gelato! An after-dinner cone while strolling the historic city center quickly became our family tradition (and likely will for you, too!). 

During our multiple visits to Monopoli, we also had gelato at Dolce Amaro Caffè, Frizz Cafè Monopoli, Cafè Des Amis, and Michelangelo – L’arte del gusto. All of these gelaterias are just fine and offer convenient locations. 

• Dolce Amaro Caffè is wonderful if you're in that part of Monopoli (closer to the train station and Piazza San Antonio). I've already mentioned them for breakfast, so I'm going to skip them here. 
• Frizz Cafè Monopoli is located in the historic city center and is ideal for gelato and other food. They also have coffee, a bakery case, etc. 
• Michelangelo – L’arte del gusto is great if you're craving a scoop or two while hanging out at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. 
• Cafè Des Amis is particularly great after a beach day on the northwestern side of Monopoli (Cala Susca, for example). This one will likely be a favorite for kids because they have the more beloved flavors in bright blues and pinks. 

The best gelato in Monopoli isn't hard to find, but a few spots truly stand out for flavor and quality. Whether you're craving classic pistachio, something chocolatey, or a wildly creative topping, I'm focusing more on the 3 places we kept going back to. What follows are my favorite places for the best gelato in Monopoli. I would go out of my way to get gelato at any of them, especially Gelateria Gasperini dal 1936.

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Gelateria Gasperini dal 1936

Largo Plebiscito, 9, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

Gelateria Gasperini dal 1936 is my favorite place for gelato in Monopoli-full stop. Nearly always busy, the line moves quickly, and it is absolutely worth it. You'll choose your cone size and pay first, then hand your receipt to the scooper and give your flavors. This can be confusing at first, especially when it's busy. Enter the door on the left, and you'll get the hang of it.

Established in 1936 and family-owned, it's known for ultra-creamy classics like pistachio plus fun options like dark chocolate orange and mango. I highly recommend the croccante del pistacchio. It is DIVINE! They also offer pastries, brioche, and vegan sorbets. If you're dairy-free, this is the best spot to go in town. It undoubtedly has the most options. Gelateria Gasperini is easily the best gelato in Monopoli.

Mokka che Mukka

Corso Pintor Mameli, 21, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

Right along the sea at the edge of the historic city center, Mokka che Mukka feels whimsical and fun (especially with kids who love toppings!). Known for frozen yogurt piled high with toppings (we even spotted Cheerios!), it's a creative, colorful stop that feels a little different from traditional gelaterias. They also serve crepes and classic gelato flavors, so everyone wins. The atmosphere is lively, and the service is cheerful. It's one of the best restaurants in Monopoli for a quick gelato or sweet treat with kids.

Frescolatte Monopoli Gelaterie di Puglia

Via Giovanni Barnaba, 4/6, 70043 Monopoli BA, Italy

A bit pricier than other spots, but absolutely lovely. Frescolatte is known for intensely flavored, artisanal gelato. The quality of ingredients here is unmatched, and flavors like hazelnut and their vegan options are standout choices. The shop has a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. If you're serious about finding the best gelato in Monopoli, this one deserves a stop. It's really close to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II if you want to head there after ordering.

A Note on Grocery Stores in Monopoli with Kids

C'è Frutta per Te (fruit and veggies) and Delizie e Sapori | Salumi e formaggi da Vincenzo (meats, cheese, snacks) are my favorite grocery stores in Monopoli. Both have fantastic owners who are extremely helpful in making sure you buy what you need and can cook in your apartment.

Grocery stores are commonly closed on Thursdays. 

Tips for Eating at Restaurants in Monopoli with Kids

If you're visiting from the US or Canada (or another non-European country), let's talk about a few tips for eating in Monopoli and Puglia with kids:

• Remember that Google reviews can be deceiving. English reviews are usually left by tourists who may not understand the local culture around dining, services, etc.
• Most restaurants open for dinner starting around 7:00 or 8:00 pm. I recommend making dinner reservations for restaurants inside the historic city center. They can usually be made the day before or the morning of. You can easily make them by texting via WhatsApp or stopping by the restaurant the day before.
• Kids are allowed in ANY restaurant that adults are (including the fancy ones).
• Typical foods in Monopoli include fresh fish and seafood, orecchiette pasta, local cheeses (such as caciocavallo and burrata), and taralli (small crackers). 
• Dining in Italy is meant to be an experience. Families should not expect fast-paced, American-style service. Or, servers who stop by frequently. You can always flag down your server if you need something or want to ask for the bill.
• Picky eaters can almost always order pasta in bianco (plain pasta with a bit of butter or olive oil). That said, you won't find it listed on the menu. Just ask your server for it. Foods like French fries, seasonal fresh fruit, and pizza are also widely available. Do not expect a kids’ menu in Italy.
• Don't be offended if you are told a restaurant is full and see tons of empty tables. Generally, restaurants only make one reservation per table per night. They may be empty now, but they are already spoken for.
• You can easily make reservations at many restaurants in Puglia via WhatsApp. If you're in town for a few days, you can also make them in person by popping by the day before or a few days before.
• Expect a coperto any time you sit down at a restaurant and receive table service. This is a small table service charge per person (it is not a tip). The rate is always listed on the menu. It's usually 1-3 euros/person.
• Tipping in Italy is not necessary for counter service (like when you order an espresso and drink it at the bar, or when you order a pizza to go). A couple of euros in cash is perfect for sit-down meals (you can always leave more for an expensive meal or exceptional service). Tipping is (almost) never possible with your credit card. 

Have Fun Eating in Monopoli with Your Kids

One of the greatest joys of spending time in Monopoli, Italy, is gathering around the table at a local restaurant with your family (and, trying something new together!). The best restaurants in Monopoli with kids aren't just about great food (though there's plenty of that). They're also about friendly locals and patient service. From seafood dinners to casual pizza spots and nightly gelato walks, these kid-friendly places to eat in Monopoli promise to become family favorites. They did for us! So linger. Get an extra scoop of gelato. And, have fun eating in Monopoli with your kids.

Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.