Located in Monopoli and part of the La Peschiera resort, Saleblu is an elegant, waterfront seafood restaurant housed within a site that is an icon of Puglian maritime history and architecture: the former Bourbon fishing reserve.
The Bourbon legacy
La Peschiera, a 5-star boutique hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) located in the famous Trulli Coast, along with its fine-dining restaurant Saleblu, preserves a fascinating historical legacy. This heritage is now upheld by the Fusillo family, founders of the Talea Collection group that opened the resort in 2021.
Originally, the property served as an ancient hunting and fishing reserve belonging to the Bourbons. Commissioned by the royal family of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, La Peschiera functioned as a natural hatchery for breeding and keeping the prized fish destined for noble tables.
Salt represents memory; blue signifies depth; the Mediterranean embodies exchange.
The original rock-hewn basins—once used to capture and store the fresh catch—have been transformed into magnificent pools and reflecting waters surrounding the restaurant. Inside, large windows frame the sea like natural paintings, creating an understated atmosphere with natural tones that accommodates only a few exclusive tables.
Culinary philosophy: the Mediterranean ecosystem
Led by Chef Vincenzo Montanaro—a native of Puglia with over twenty years of experience in fine dining and luxury hospitality—Saleblu interprets the Mediterranean not merely as a source of ingredients, but as a true ecosystem of cultures, trade routes, and cross-cultural influences.
Fresh Mediterranean fish, crustaceans, shellfish, seaweed, and marine flora harmonize perfectly with coastal herbs, citrus fruits, and ancient grains. Light cooking methods, marinades, controlled fermentation, and a measured use of salt enhance the essence of every dish, with plant-based ingredients taking center stage alongside the fish.
The wine list: the altitude of the vine
Perfectly aligned with the cuisine, the wine list is uniquely organized by vineyard altitude: starting at sea level (0–50 m a.s.l.) with savory coastal wines, ascending to the “Breezy Hills” (50–300 m a.s.l.), reaching the “High Altitudes” (300–800 m a.s.l.) of Etna and Irpinia, and culminating in the heroic viticulture of the “High Mountain Vineyards” (over 800 m a.s.l.) in Morgex et la Salle and the Isarco Valley.
Other experiences: from the bistro to the private beach
La Peschiera offers the chance to book other “water-side” experiences, such as a day by the sea combining authentic flavors with relaxation on the private beach—available via the “Casual Lunch & Beach Escape” package—or “Breakfast with a view” at La Peschiera Bistrot.
Saleblu is open in the evening, while during the day the magnificent terrace remains open for lunches and breakfasts by the water at the more informal Bistrot.
The Secret
On full-moon nights, looking out from the water-level terrace, one can still glimpse the stone outlines of the ancient Bourbon-era fish ponds beneath the surface. At this precise point along the coast, the salinity of the sea meets underground freshwater springs—a natural secret known since the 18th century that endowed the fish with a unique flavor and inimitable freshness, qualities that live on today in the Chef’s creations.
Useful Info
Saleblu
Contrada Capitolo SP90
70043 Monopoli, Bari
Tel. +39 080 801030
Tasting menus: from €120
À la carte selection from tasting menus: 2 courses €90, 3 courses €110
Breakfast: €50
Casual Lunch & Beach Escape: from €170 for 2 people
Bistrot: pasta courses from €25, second courses from €40.