Apulia

I have been here on two occasions and I’m sure to go back again. It’s great for work lunches with large groups and even my Italian colleagues approve of it’s authenticity.
I admit, my meals have been hit and miss. On the first visit I ordered pasta fresca al branzino (Pasta with Seabass) but was given branzino al forno (Seabass with potatoes). I really enjoyed the meal and didn’t feel any need to send it away, but did query it with the waiter who agreed it was a mistake and offered to charge the lower price of what I ordered.
On the second visit I ordered a special from the board — orecchiette with asparagus sauce and mushrooms. This dish was not so good because while the food in the centre of the plate was warm, anything around the edges was cold, likely due to the asparagus sauce which added nothing to the flavour.
The décor on a whole is rustic and quite pleasant and the staff are very helpful and clearly used to managing large tables. It might be worth them investing in contactless payments but that’s just me being picky.

The atmosphere and decoration is very nice with a Mediterranean freshness and a touch of vintage feel with the grocers bicycle and recycled bottles as a light. Apulia is by far my favourite Italian restaurant around smithfield market, it used to be my plan B when was leaving around and had nothing in the fridge.
Now I have moved to Oval butI am still a loyal customer at Apulia. Because it is sometimes difficult to get a table (without a booking) at night, I always go at lunch time now when I am in the area.
They have nice fresh products, the food is fantastic and pizzas are very good. Waiters and waitresses are always nice and welcoming. It always feels like being at home when I dine there.
It is for sure my favourite place to have a two course lunch for £10 around smithfield market. Quick service perfect for a hour lunch break and food is fantastic.

Went here for a work lunch, they accommodated a table of 10-​ish on a Friday lunchtime quite easily and I loved the chilled Mediterranean atmosphere. We had the drink and a main for £10 lunch deal, and it was great value, the pizza was crisp and tasty. Some in our party wished that the ‘drink’ you got with your meal included beer as a choice — instead of wine being the only alcoholic option. Overall though, great value, nice surroundings and good food will always be a winner.

Really good little Italian place with great pasta and even better desserts. Good service and lively atmosphere — an enjoyable evening with friends.

Apulia is a consistently very good southern Italian restaurant overlooking Smithfield market.
The restaurant itself is an intimate and well-​designed vintage space and the traditional menu has a little something for everyone. On our various visits we have sampled their pizzas (truffle pizza excellent), pastas (Paccheri e Brasciole) and salads (Insalata di polpo) which all come highly recommended!
Service is also fantastic. Well worth a visit if your in the area.

Apulia is Latin for Puglia, the region of Italy where the chef/​owner apparently hails from. I’m not from round these parts but we were renting a place near here for a week, and I was struck by how busy it was, day after day after day. We finally got in to try it, and it was great. Portions were a bit small in some cases (orichette and brasciole) and larger in others (risotto). Specials did not disappoint and the wine list seemed reasonable and quite competent.
Only possible complaints were noise level (a bit high) and the difficulty in getting a table. That, plus we have to leave tomorrow so I will not get to eat here again unless I return to London!
Apulia has only been open since December. I would not be surprised if this restaurant earns a Michelin star in the next year.
To be clear — there are restaurants that are ok for their neighborhood, there are others worth the journey from anywhere. Apulia falls into the latter category. One block from the Barbican tube stop and very close to the Barbican center.