Chef Maurizio Vergara

Chef A Casa A Lecce

I learned to cook because it is something that gives me joy.

I started as a self-taught chef, later perfecting myself with basic courses and master classes.

The ultimate accolade is a compliment from a diner.

An Apulian chef, I bring to the table the authentic flavors of my homeland, Salento, and thanks to my experience in different kitchens, I create exquisite dishes that celebrate both tradition and innovation. Experience the best of Italian cuisine with fresh, quality ingredients.

In addition, it is possible to participate in my hands-on cooking classes.

The classes are informal and aim to include a large component of fun as well as learning.

I will teach you all the culinary secrets of Puglia and you can prepare your own menu.

Per saperne di più

Per me la cucina è....

love, passion and respect for raw materials

Ho imparato a cucinare a...

From my mom and working with chefs alongside them enriching my experiences.

Un segreto in cucina...

Top quality raw materials and km 0 of my land

I miei menu

Il sole e il mare tutta salute - The sun and the sea all health

ANTIPASTO

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Crostone salsiccia e rape - Sausage and turnip crostone

Pitta di patate rustica (patate, cipolle, capperi, passata, olive nere, pecorino) - Rustic potato pitta (potatoes, onions, capers, passata, black olives, pecorino cheese)

Insalata di mare agrumata (arancia, lime, carota e sedano) - Citrusy seafood salad (orange, lime, carrot and celery)

PRIMO PIATTO

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Lasagna bianca con verdure - White lasagne with vegetables

Pacchero tonno, pomodoro secco e capperi - Pacchero tuna, sun-dried tomato and capers

Maccheroncini di orzo con melanzane, pomodorini, copocollo e basilico - Barley macaroncini with eggplant, cherry tomatoes, copocollo and basil

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

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Cosciotto di tacchino alla birra artigianale marinato con erbe mediterranee - Craft beer turkey leg marinated with Mediterranean herbs

Involtini alla leccese al sugo di pomodoro ciliegino - Leccese-style roulades with cherry tomato sauce

Calamari in insalata di sedano e scorza di limone - Squid in celery salad and lemon zest-

DESSERT

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Piccola selezione di mignon (3 pz. per ospite) - Small selection of mignons (3 pcs per guest)

Piccola selezione di mignon alla pasta di mandorle (3 pz. per ospite) - Small selection of almond paste mignons (3 pcs. per guest)

Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Salute e benessere - Health and Wellness

ANTIPASTO

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Burratina D'Andria con pomodorini e basilico - Burratina D'Andria with cherry tomatoes and basil

Pepata di cozze e pane croccate - Pepata of mussels and crispy bread

Cozze al burro salato e prosecco - Mussels with salted butter and prosecco

PRIMO PIATTO

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Risotto agrumato, succo di limone, succo di arancia e tartare di scampi - Citrus risotto, lemon juice, orange juice and langoustine tartare

Spaghetto alle cozze (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti with mussels (also gluten free)

Orecchiette pomodoro scattarisciato e cacio ricotta - Orecchiette with tomato scattarisciato and cacio ricotta cheese

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

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Calamari in insalata di sedano e scorza di limone - Squid in celery salad and lemon zest-

Parmigiana di melanzane - Eggplant parmigiana

Bombette di Martina Franca con caciocavallo podolico e patate a forno - Bombette di Martina Franca with caciocavallo podolico cheese and baked potatoes

DESSERT

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Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Freschezza e Tradizione - Freshness and Tradition

ANTIPASTO

All inclusive

Pittule salentine - Salento Pittule

Caponata pugliese (melanzane, zucchine, peperoni, ciliegino e olive) - Apulian caponata (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, cherry and olives)

Verdure grigliate, formaggio primosale e olio Evo - Grilled vegetables, primosale cheese and Evo oil

Melanzane con menta, aglio e olio Evo - Eggplant with mint, garlic and Evo oil

PRIMO PIATTO

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Orecchiette pomodoro scattarisciato e cacio ricotta - Orecchiette with tomato scattarisciato and cacio ricotta cheese

Spaghetto alle cozze (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti with mussels (also gluten free)

Sagne n’cannulate alla ricotta forte - Sagne n'cannulate with strong ricotta cheese

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

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Involtini alla leccese al sugo di pomodoro ciliegino - Leccese-style roulades with cherry tomato sauce

Polpette al sugo - Meatballs with sauce

Parmigiana di melanzane - Eggplant parmigiana

DESSERT

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Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Il Tesoro del Mare - The Treasure of the Sea

ANTIPASTO

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Cozze gratinate - Mussels gratin

Crema di fave, bottarga e crumble di olive - Cream of fava beans, roe and olive crumble

Sashimi di salmone marinato con insalatina di cavolo viola - Marinated salmon sashimi with purple cabbage salad

PRIMO PIATTO

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Spaghetti, tocchetti di pesce spada e melanzane (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti tocchetti swordfish and eggplant (also gluten free)

Spaghettone in salsa di datterino giallo, mouse di stracciatella e gambero - Spaghettone in yellow date sauce, stracciatella mouse and shrimp

Spaghetto alle cozze (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti with mussels (also gluten free)

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

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Seppia scottata su humus di ceci alla paprika - Seared cuttlefish on paprika chickpea humus

Trancio di baccala, salsa di patate al rosmarino e cipolla caramellata - Codfish slice, rosemary potato sauce and caramelized onion

Filetto di orata alla salentina (cipolla, ciliegino, basilico, origano, pinoli) - Salento-style fillet of sea bream (onion, cherry, basil, oregano, pine nuts)

DESSERT

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Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Il Gusto della Pizzica - The Taste of Pizzica

ANTIPASTO

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Fave e cicorie - Broad beans and chicory

Pittule - Salento's Pittule

Crostone di formaggio fresco e capocollo di Martina Franca - Crostone of fresh cheese and capocollo di Martina Franca

PRIMO PIATTO

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Orecchiette al sugo e cacio ricotta - Orecchiette with sauce and cacio ricotta cheese

Parmigiana di melanzane, mozzarella e basilico (anche per vegetariano) - Eggplant, mozzarella and basil parmigiana (also for vegetarian)

Sagne n’cannulate alla ricotta forte - Sagne n'cannulate with strong ricotta cheese

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

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Involtini alla leccese al sugo di pomodoro ciliegino - Leccese-style roulades with cherry tomato sauce

Polpette al sugo - Meatballs with sauce

Pezzetti di manzo al sugo - Chunks of beef in gravy

DESSERT

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Piccola selezione di mignon alla pasta di mandorle (3 pz. per ospite) - Small selection of almond paste mignons (3 pcs. per guest)

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Sole, Vento e Sapori - Sun, Wind and Tastes

ANTIPASTO

All inclusive

Cozze gratinate - Mussels gratin

Melanzane con menta, aglio e olio Evo - Eggplant with mint, garlic and Evo oil

Pittule - Salento's Pittule

PRIMO PIATTO

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Pizza Margherita - Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita e salame piccante - Pizza Margherita and pepperoni

Pizza Prosciutto e carciofi - Pizza Ham and Artichokes

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

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Pizza Quattro formaggi - Four cheese pizza

Pizza Salsiccia e funghi - Pizza Sausage and Mushroom

Pizza Tonno e cipolla bianca - Tuna and white onion pizza

DESSERT

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Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

ANTIPASTO

All inclusive

Burratina D'Andria con pomodorini e basilico - Burratina D'Andria with cherry tomatoes and basil

Melanzane con menta, aglio e olio Evo - Eggplant with mint, garlic and Evo oil

PRIMO PIATTO

All inclusive

Risotto agrumato, zest di limone e zest di arancia - Citrus risotto, lemon zest and orange zest

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

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Polpette al sugo - Meatballs with sauce

Cosciotto di tacchino alla birra artigianale marinato con erbe mediterranee - Craft beer turkey leg marinated with Mediterranean herbs

Bombette di Martina Franca con caciocavallo podolico e patate a forno - Bombette di Martina Franca with caciocavallo podolico cheese and baked potatoes

DESSERT

Scegli 1 piatto

Piccola selezione di mignon alla pasta di mandorle (3 pz. per ospite) - Small selection of almond paste mignons (3 pcs. per guest)

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Quello che non ti aspetti - What you don't expect

ANTIPASTO

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Tartare di gambero rosso, burratina e tartare di pomodorini - Red prawn, burratina and cherry tomato tartare

Insalata di mare agrumata (arancia, lime, carota e sedano) - Citrusy seafood salad (orange, lime, carrot and celery)

Tartare di manzo, sale Maldon, olio Evo e pepe - Beef tartare, Maldon salt, Evo oil and pepper

PRIMO PIATTO

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Pacchero tonno, pomodoro secco e capperi - Pacchero tuna, sun-dried tomato and capers

Risotto asparago, guanciale e menta - Risotto asparagus, guanciale and mint

Linguine cozze e vongole (anche gluten free) - Linguine mussels and clams (also gluten free)

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

All inclusive

Filetto di tonno alla salentina (cipolla, ciliegino, basilico, origano, pinoli) - Salento-style tuna fillet (onion, cherry, basil, oregano, pine nuts)

Trancio di baccalà in olio cottura, erbe mediterranee, salsa di patate al rosmarino, cipolla caramellata - Cod slice in cooking oil, Mediterranean herbs, rosemary potato sauce caramelized onion

Tagliata di manzo con patate al forno - Beef tagliata with baked potatoes

DESSERT

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Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Il sole e il mare tutta salute - The sun and the sea all health

ANTIPASTO

Scegli 1 piatto

Crostone salsiccia e rape - Sausage and turnip crostone

Pitta di patate rustica (patate, cipolle, capperi, passata, olive nere, pecorino) - Rustic potato pitta (potatoes, onions, capers, passata, black olives, pecorino cheese)

Insalata di mare agrumata (arancia, lime, carota e sedano) - Citrusy seafood salad (orange, lime, carrot and celery)

PRIMO PIATTO

Scegli 1 piatto

Lasagna bianca con verdure - White lasagne with vegetables

Pacchero tonno, pomodoro secco e capperi - Pacchero tuna, sun-dried tomato and capers

Maccheroncini di orzo con melanzane, pomodorini, copocollo e basilico - Barley macaroncini with eggplant, cherry tomatoes, copocollo and basil

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

Scegli 1 piatto

Cosciotto di tacchino alla birra artigianale marinato con erbe mediterranee - Craft beer turkey leg marinated with Mediterranean herbs

Involtini alla leccese al sugo di pomodoro ciliegino - Leccese-style roulades with cherry tomato sauce

Calamari in insalata di sedano e scorza di limone - Squid in celery salad and lemon zest-

DESSERT

Scegli 1 piatto

Piccola selezione di mignon (3 pz. per ospite) - Small selection of mignons (3 pcs per guest)

Piccola selezione di mignon alla pasta di mandorle (3 pz. per ospite) - Small selection of almond paste mignons (3 pcs. per guest)

Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Salute e benessere - Health and Wellness

ANTIPASTO

Scegli 1 piatto

Burratina D'Andria con pomodorini e basilico - Burratina D'Andria with cherry tomatoes and basil

Pepata di cozze e pane croccate - Pepata of mussels and crispy bread

Cozze al burro salato e prosecco - Mussels with salted butter and prosecco

PRIMO PIATTO

Scegli 1 piatto

Risotto agrumato, succo di limone, succo di arancia e tartare di scampi - Citrus risotto, lemon juice, orange juice and langoustine tartare

Spaghetto alle cozze (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti with mussels (also gluten free)

Orecchiette pomodoro scattarisciato e cacio ricotta - Orecchiette with tomato scattarisciato and cacio ricotta cheese

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

Scegli 1 piatto

Calamari in insalata di sedano e scorza di limone - Squid in celery salad and lemon zest-

Parmigiana di melanzane - Eggplant parmigiana

Bombette di Martina Franca con caciocavallo podolico e patate a forno - Bombette di Martina Franca with caciocavallo podolico cheese and baked potatoes

DESSERT

Scegli 1 piatto

Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Freschezza e Tradizione - Freshness and Tradition

ANTIPASTO

All inclusive

Pittule salentine - Salento Pittule

Caponata pugliese (melanzane, zucchine, peperoni, ciliegino e olive) - Apulian caponata (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, cherry and olives)

Verdure grigliate, formaggio primosale e olio Evo - Grilled vegetables, primosale cheese and Evo oil

Melanzane con menta, aglio e olio Evo - Eggplant with mint, garlic and Evo oil

PRIMO PIATTO

Scegli 1 piatto

Orecchiette pomodoro scattarisciato e cacio ricotta - Orecchiette with tomato scattarisciato and cacio ricotta cheese

Spaghetto alle cozze (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti with mussels (also gluten free)

Sagne n’cannulate alla ricotta forte - Sagne n'cannulate with strong ricotta cheese

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

Scegli 1 piatto

Involtini alla leccese al sugo di pomodoro ciliegino - Leccese-style roulades with cherry tomato sauce

Polpette al sugo - Meatballs with sauce

Parmigiana di melanzane - Eggplant parmigiana

DESSERT

Scegli 1 piatto

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Il Tesoro del Mare - The Treasure of the Sea

ANTIPASTO

Scegli 1 piatto

Cozze gratinate - Mussels gratin

Crema di fave, bottarga e crumble di olive - Cream of fava beans, roe and olive crumble

Sashimi di salmone marinato con insalatina di cavolo viola - Marinated salmon sashimi with purple cabbage salad

PRIMO PIATTO

Scegli 1 piatto

Spaghetti, tocchetti di pesce spada e melanzane (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti tocchetti swordfish and eggplant (also gluten free)

Spaghettone in salsa di datterino giallo, mouse di stracciatella e gambero - Spaghettone in yellow date sauce, stracciatella mouse and shrimp

Spaghetto alle cozze (anche gluten free) - Spaghetti with mussels (also gluten free)

PIATTO PRINCIPALE

Scegli 1 piatto

Seppia scottata su humus di ceci alla paprika - Seared cuttlefish on paprika chickpea humus

Trancio di baccala, salsa di patate al rosmarino e cipolla caramellata - Codfish slice, rosemary potato sauce and caramelized onion

Filetto di orata alla salentina (cipolla, ciliegino, basilico, origano, pinoli) - Salento-style fillet of sea bream (onion, cherry, basil, oregano, pine nuts)

DESSERT

Scegli 1 piatto

Spumoncino artigianale - Homemade Spumoncino

Tiramisù artigianale - Homemade Tiramisu

Torta Pasticciotto - Pasticciotto Cake

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Opinioni su Maurizio

4.69

•

39 servizi

We had a fantastic meal cooked for us by Chef Maurizio while we stayed in Lecce. Chef was very punctual and was at ease in the kitchen while we put kids to bed. His wife assisted and spoke excellent English - we chatted for a long time about things to see and do around Lecce. The food itself was delicious, well cooked and well presented with descriptions of each dish. We really loved that the tiramisu was an old family recipe! We would certainly recommend Chef Maurizio if you in the salento!

Chef Maurizio was absolutely amazing! We had such a special experience and the food was incredible. Authentic and delicious and exceeded all of our expectations. The wine he brought was also a great compliment to the dinner and we enjoyed everything. He and his wife Nadia, who helped to prepare and assist, were a delight to have cook for us and would absolutely recommend him again. We hope to come to Puglia to visit again. Thanks again Chef! Grazie mille.

Maurizio and his wife Nadya were fantastic. They arrived on time, were eager to show off their quality ingredients and prepared the meal according to our schedule. Even better - they were kind, engaging and fun to hang with when the meal was done! Highly recommend.

we had a great time!

Maurizio and his wife Nadia were delightful. Excellent meal with exceptional service. Definitely would recommend. They created a special evening for us which was much appreciated and enjoyed by all.

Chef Maurizio and his partner, Nadia, cooked and presented an amazing local dinner for our group of 8 visiting Nardó. He named his “Mother’s DNA” in the menu, so we knew we’re in for a deep local treat, and he did not disappoint. He was very accommodating with the menu, suggesting several alternatives to meet dietary preferences from some of our guests. Preparation, presentation and clean-up were all included and professionally done, and the food was delicious. We would highly recommend Chef Maurizio.

Wow. We were so impressed! Maurizio’s food made for a truly special night. He made us an authentic Apuglia seafood menu - mussels, pasta with shrimp and sea bream. Each dish was better than the next. He takes such pride in his food and the ingredients he uses. In the pasta dish, he used one of the biggest shrimp we’d ever seen! Everything was so fresh. He even ventured off course and made my dad crème brûlée for dessert, which he made for the first time because of our request, and executed it perfectly. We were so grateful to have Maurizio and his wife Nadia with us to celebrate my dad’s 70th birthday. Simple, elegant cooking. That is Maurizio’s trademark. You can’t go wrong entrusting him and Nadia with your dining experience.

Chef Maurizio was outstanding. He was prepared, brought a friendly staff and the food was outstanding. The quality of everything he did was exquisite. We had a family party of 40 and he pulled it off beautifully. I highly recommend Maurizio. He will not disappoint. Great value, flexible menu and outstanding food!!

Maurizio and Nadia can only be described as a dream team. Absolutely amazing and unforgettable experience. It is very hard to explain how amazing this night was. I did this as a surprise for my girlfriend and she was completely blown away. They were very discrete, they accommodated all my needs, and they very professional. They made sure we didn’t worry about a single thing and that we just enjoyed the dinner with no stress about setup, eating, cleanup etc. The Tiramisu Chef Maurizio made was also the best one we have ever tried. I can’t wait for Chef Maurizio to cook for us again when we next visit Lecce/Puglia.

Maurizio and his wife have prepared 2 perfect meals for us and our friends, adapting perfectly to complicated dietary restrictions. They were super friendly patient and the food (and service) was delicious!!.

We hired chef Maurizio for three dinners at our villa. We had three very different menus and enjoyed each one. Portions were very generous. We really enjoyed Maurizio's reliability and autonomy. And most of all, he and Barbara left our kitchen squeeky clean every day. Overall outstanding experience both for the food itself and for the time we gained with our guests as Maurizio was cooking.

Maurizio and his wife cooked an excellent 4 course meal for myself and 9 friends while we were holidaying in Puglia. The service and food was all excellent, and it was a pleasure having them visit our airbnb and cook for us. I highly recommend this!

Chef Maurizio was amazing. He was accomodating, communicated well, and delivered a truely memorable experience for our families. The menu was outstanding and the food served was delicious and to our brief of a seafood experience. The octopus main was a stand out. Kitchen was left spotless, and our stomached fully satisfied. Thank you Chef!

We hired Maurizio Vergara to cook one main daily meal for us over a whole week at a villa we rented in Puglia, Italy. This was a special family celebration week for my wife's "big" birthday & we had all our family there (8 adults & 2 small children). Maurizio was brilliant, such a nice guy & a superb chef. He fitted in perfectly with the atmosphere of the holiday & everyone loved him, especially the 2 little 'uns. He brought an assistant with him each time he cooked, including his lovely wife, & all of them were charming too. He cooked 6 evening meals & one lunch, all delicious. The evening meals consisted of canapes, an appetiser, a pasta course, a main & a dessert, whilst the lunch was a BBQ with salads, followed by dessert. He cooked us a wide variety of seafood, meat & vegetable dishes, all beautifully presented & seriously yummy. My only complaint is that I ate too much & put on a lot of weight - but that's my fault not his! He even mixed us early evening cocktails to go with the canapes & supplied lovely wines on request to save us extra trips to the shops. He carefully itemised every item of food on a spreadsheet so that I could easily pay him for the ingredients. I found him totally trustworthy, he always arrived in plenty of time & stayed beyond what we'd have expected, doing all the washing up - a bonus! The whole family agreed that his service was one of the highlights of our holiday & I would highly recommend him.

Maurizio and his lovely wife are a great team. Food was delicious, catering to vegetarian, non vegetarian, and all culinary requirements. Fabulous food and service. Could not have asked for a better experience.

we had a great time!

Maurizio and his wife Nadia were delightful. Excellent meal with exceptional service. Definitely would recommend. They created a special evening for us which was much appreciated and enjoyed by all.