Grotta Palazzese
Dine inside a magical sea cave perched above the Adriatic Sea in Polignano a Mare, Puglia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for views
Grotta Palazzese
Best Time
Magical light for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine inside a magical sea cave perched above the Adriatic Sea in Polignano a Mare, Puglia.
"The most romantic restaurant in Italy, dining inside a natural cave with waves crashing below."
🎯 Book Months Ahead!
Reservations are crucial, often weeks or months in advance. Don't miss out on this unique dining spot!
💰 It's Pricey, Be Prepared
Expect high prices. You're paying for the incredible view and unique experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dining in a Sea Cave
The main restaurant area
Experience an unforgettable meal inside a natural limestone cave, with waves crashing below.
Adriatic Sea Views
Restaurant terraces
Spectacular panoramic views of the turquoise Adriatic Sea, especially magical at sunset.
Romantic Ambiance
Restaurant
The unique setting, often accompanied by live music, creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Well in Advance
Consider the Cost
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Months Ahead!
Reservations are crucial, often weeks or months in advance. Don't miss out on this unique dining spot!
💰 It's Pricey, Be Prepared
Expect high prices. You're paying for the incredible view and unique experience.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
Dine around sunset for the most magical views, but book early for this prime time.
📸 Capture the Moment
This is one of the most Instagrammable spots! Get ready for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Months Ahead!
Reservations are crucial, often weeks or months in advance. Don't miss out on this unique dining spot!
💰 It's Pricey, Be Prepared
Expect high prices. You're paying for the incredible view and unique experience.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
Dine around sunset for the most magical views, but book early for this prime time.
📸 Capture the Moment
This is one of the most Instagrammable spots! Get ready for stunning photos.
👗 Dress Code Check
While not overly formal, smart casual is recommended to match the upscale ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grotta Palazzese offers an unparalleled dining experience due to its breathtaking location within a natural sea cave. While the magical ambiance and spectacular views are universally praised, reviews on food quality and service are mixed, with some finding them not commensurate with the high price point. It's an unforgettable experience, but visitors should manage expectations regarding the culinary aspects.
"This review is only for the restaurant.
We did not stay in the hotel.
I am going to be very honest as we have just visited the same level of restaurant (Michelin guide, fine dining) in another place (Moscow, Russia) and I must admit that the difference is very clear (not only in price).
1. Location. 5/5
The restaurant itself is located in one of the most beautiful caves with astonishing views. The place is at least must see (maybe must visit if the restaurants gets better anytime) because of its cave and very nice location. This is why this place gets 2 stars instead of just 1 star.
2. Food. 2/5
We tried the vegetarian set (me and my wife).
I cannot say that these were dishes for 500 EUR for two. You get 1 small tartlet with raw zucchini (nothing special), one green salad (the taste was good), one beetroot salad (it’s just boiled beetroot with some cheese and mushrooms. The beetroot flavor is so strong you don’t taste anything else), pasta (it was nice), some desserts (nothing special, nice simple flavor of vanilla and cream).
Overall the food was 2/5, more like a disappointment, because you expect very different level of taste, of experience and emotions.
3. Service 0/5
Come on guys! You need to fire your senior administrator who arranged this circus service.
We did not get our menu for 7-9 minutes after we sat to the table, we did not even know who our waiter was for all that time.
After that when I asked about the ingredients in the dish (sea sand) the waiter could not answer the question for 3 times! He would always go away, ask for help or answer different question before his colleague came up to me and finally explained the meaning! Not knowing what you serve for 500 EUR is incredibly not professional.
Table service was just stupid. We get our bread but we don’t get any plates for the bread. So when we want to try it we have to eat it without plates so all breadcrumbs go everywhere on the table and the waiter did not bother to clean them up.
Finally the waiter did not bother to ask how was the dishes and overall stay. Nothing about this restaurant speaks Michelin.
Overall rating is 2/5, do not advise visiting only for the view
Unless these guys step up food and service."
Артем Сарапульцев
"We didn't stay in the hotel so this review is just for the restaurant. We had some reservations about this place because of some of the reviews. However, my wife and I decided we would give it a try anyway. Where else in the world can you have dinner in a sea cave! It probably goes without saying that the atmosphere was absolutely magical. Some of the reviews we read made it sound as though the food wasn't great but I have to say we both felt their Abraccio menu was top notch. Live music was a nice added touch. Service was okay, but not the best we've had. At a different price point them forgetting to bring a beverage for my wife would have been forgivable but not for what they're charging. They did get to it with a couple of asks though. Even so, it was a minor hiccup in what was otherwise a magical evening. We have no regrets."
Eric Bumgardner
"The review is for the restaurant.
My partner and I made a considerable financial effort to dine here and it is was an unforgettable experience. The location and the view are amazing, we booked dinner for 8 pm and it was already dark, I would have preferred to go a little earlier because we couldn’t really see the sea in the dark. Being able to go when it’s still light and stay until it gets dark would be perfect. Anyway, the atmosphere was great: live jazz music, delicious food, intimate and unique vibe. However, the service is not worth the price. When we arrived nobody was at the reception, we didn’t know whether we should wait or sit somewhere and the table cloth had a stain which is uncomfortable for the price they charge.
I don’t regret going though and I feel lucky I got to see this place."
Anais Iusco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Bari or Lecce, take a train to Polignano a Mare. Grotta Palazzese is about a 9-10 minute walk from the station.
Parking can be challenging in Polignano a Mare. It's best to research public parking options in town and walk to the restaurant.
Generally, access to the restaurant area is for diners only. Some cafes on top of the cliff might offer similar views at a lower cost.
Polignano a Mare is easily accessible by train from major cities in Puglia, including Bari and Lecce. Driving is also an option, but parking can be difficult.
Given its location within a natural cave and cliffside setting, accessibility might be limited. It's advisable to contact the restaurant directly to inquire about specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking is absolutely essential. Reservations are highly recommended weeks, or even months, in advance due to its popularity.
The restaurant typically serves dinner. It's best to check their official website for the most current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Dining at Grotta Palazzese is a significant expense. Expect prices to be high, with tasting menus often costing several hundred euros per person.
While not strictly formal, a smart casual dress code is generally expected to match the elegant ambiance of the restaurant.
Yes, reservations can typically be made through the official Grotta Palazzese website or by contacting them directly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers fine dining, often with tasting menus featuring local Puglian ingredients. Reviews suggest the food is good but may not always match the high price point.
While it's often mentioned in Michelin guides for its unique location, reviews indicate it may not consistently meet Michelin-level culinary standards.
The Abraccio menu is a tasting menu offered at Grotta Palazzese, designed to provide a comprehensive culinary experience of the restaurant's offerings. Some diners found it top-notch.
Vegetarian tasting menus are available, but reviews suggest the options might be limited or not as innovative as expected for the price. It's best to inquire about vegan options when booking.
The restaurant likely offers a curated wine list to complement its fine dining experience, including wine pairing options with tasting menus.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is encouraged due to the stunning setting. It's one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in the world!
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photos, casting a beautiful glow over the cave and sea. However, it's also the busiest time.
The entire restaurant is a photo opportunity! The terraces overlooking the sea and the interior of the cave are particularly popular.
Access to the restaurant area is generally reserved for diners. You might be able to get some exterior shots from the cliffs above.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a mirrorless camera would be ideal for capturing the ambiance and views, especially during sunset or evening dining.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Setting of Grotta Palazzese
This spectacular location has a history of being a place for banquets and gatherings, with mentions of aristocratic events dating back to the 18th century. The modern iteration of Grotta Palazzese leverages this historical mystique with its breathtaking setting. It's important to note that while the view is the primary draw, the restaurant is part of an upscale hotel, offering a complete luxury experience for those who choose to stay. The proximity to the sea means that during rougher weather, the waves can splash quite high, adding an element of raw nature to the dining experience.
Visitors often describe the ambiance as magical and surreal, especially during sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant colors. The combination of the cave's acoustics, the sea breeze, and the stunning visuals creates a memorable dining occasion. While the food and service receive mixed reviews, the sheer uniqueness of dining within a sea cave remains a powerful draw for travelers seeking extraordinary experiences.
Dining Experience: Food, Service, and Value
Service reviews are particularly varied. Some guests have experienced attentive and friendly staff, while others have noted issues such as slow service, lack of menu knowledge from waiters, and minor oversights like not providing bread plates. This inconsistency in service, especially at such a high price level, is a common point of critique. The restaurant often features live music, such as jazz, which contributes positively to the romantic ambiance and overall experience.
Ultimately, many visitors feel that the primary value of Grotta Palazzese lies in its unique and unforgettable setting. While the food and service may not always reach the pinnacle of fine dining, the opportunity to dine inside a natural sea cave overlooking the Adriatic is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. It's often recommended to go with the expectation of enjoying the view and atmosphere, with the food and service being secondary, albeit important, components of the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit