Coquus

The story

Coquus: Bib Gourmand Apulian Cuisine in Lucera, Italy

A Contemporary Kitchen in a Historic Setting

In the heart of Lucera, inside a former bishop’s palace dating to 1759, Coquus brings a modern sensibility to Apulian cuisine. The dining room holds just eight tables, creating an intimate atmosphere that lets the food and the warm, professional service take center stage. During the warmer months, the outdoor seating on a pedestrian square offers a pleasant alternative, steps from the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Chef Mirko Esposito and His Philosophy

Young chef Mirko Esposito, shaped by experience in his family’s restaurant and beyond, leads the kitchen. His approach is direct: few ingredients, three or four at most, placed together so their individual characters shine. The result is a cuisine that feels fresh, seasonal, and unfussy. Handmade pasta, made with Senatore Capelli wheat, is a recurring highlight.

Dishes That Speak Clearly

The menu changes with the seasons, but examples from the current lineup show the style. Mambricoli with duck ragù and caciocavallo fonduta is a hearty first course. A risotto mantecato with cuttlefish ink and blue goat cheese fonduta (the “Black and white”) balances richness with restraint. Among secondi, a lamb stew (U’ Spezzatin Pasqual) comes with chicory, brown stock, and a pecorino zabaglione. Desserts include a house selection for just €7.

Wine and Recognition

The wine list is a careful selection of about 200 labels, mostly Italian, chosen to match the kitchen’s precision. Coquus earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its “good quality, good value cooking” – a fitting nod to a restaurant where the quality-to-price ratio is notably high. Whether you come for a full tasting menu or a la carte, the experience is grounded in the flavors of Puglia, presented with contemporary elegance.