Grotta Palazzese (sea cave) - Image 1
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Grotta Palazzese

4
·4k reviews·Polignano a Mare, Italy

Dine inside a magical sea cave perched above the Adriatic Sea in Polignano a Mare, Puglia.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset hours

Magical light for views

CrowdHigh
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Grotta Palazzese (sea cave) - Image 1

Grotta Palazzese

Best Time

Sunset hours

Magical light for views

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dine inside a magical sea cave perched above the Adriatic Sea in Polignano a Mare, Puglia.

4
(4k reviews)

"The most romantic restaurant in Italy, dining inside a natural cave with waves crashing below."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dining in a Sea Cave

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

Adriatic Sea Views

Restaurant terraces

Spectacular panoramic views of the turquoise Adriatic Sea, especially magical at sunset.

Romantic Ambiance

Romantic Ambiance

Restaurant

The unique setting, often accompanied by live music, creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Well in Advance

Grotta Palazzese is incredibly popular, especially for romantic dinners. Reservations are essential and often need to be made weeks, if not months, ahead of time. Don't expect to walk in!

Consider the Cost

This is a high-end dining experience with prices to match. While the view is unparalleled, reviews suggest you're paying a premium for the location. Decide if the unique setting justifies the expense for your budget.

Best Times

When
Sunset hours
Why
Magical light for views
Crowd
High
When
Early evening
Why
Still light to see sea
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The most romantic restaurant in Italy ✨ Tag someone you’d go there with 💛 📍Grotta Palazzese, Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italia - check out my story highlights for my honest review
@aureliestoryy
395.2K likes • 4.2M views

🎯 Book Months Ahead!

Reservations are crucial, often weeks or months in advance. Don't miss out on this unique dining spot! TikTokInstagram

💰 It's Pricey, Be Prepared

Expect high prices. You're paying for the incredible view and unique experience. TikTokInstagram

Most Instagrammable Restaurants in the World - Part 1! #italy #grottapalazzese #italian #restaurant #luxury #luxurylife #travel #luxurytravel
@the_luxury_goddess
156.3K likes • 2M views
- follow @aureliestory for more travel inspo & tips 🫶 - Finally had the chance to go to this restaurant that I had in my Pinterest for more than 10 years 🥹 📍Grotta Palazzese, Polignano e Mare, Italy ⚠️ Remember to make your reservation several weeks in advance
aureliestory
266.3K likes • 5.8M views

🌅 Aim for Sunset

Dine around sunset for the most magical views, but book early for this prime time. Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Moment

This is one of the most Instagrammable spots! Get ready for stunning photos. TikTokInstagram

@aureliestory The most romantic restaurant in Italy ✨ Tag someone you’d go there with 💛 📍Grotta Palazzese, Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italia - check out my story highlights for my honest review
aureliestory
234.6K likes • 4.3M views

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! TikTokInstagram

💰 It's Pricey, Be Prepared

Expect high prices. You're paying for the incredible view and unique experience. TikTokInstagram

🌅 Aim for Sunset

Dine around sunset for the most magical views, but book early for this prime time. Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Moment

This is one of the most Instagrammable spots! Get ready for stunning photos. TikTokInstagram

👗 Dress Code Check

While not overly formal, smart casual is recommended to match the upscale ambiance. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4
(4k reviews)

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

Incredible cave setting
Spectacular sea views
Romantic atmosphere

What People Dislike

High prices
Inconsistent service
Food not Michelin-level

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. Instagram

Parking can be challenging in Polignano a Mare. It's best to research public parking options in town and walk to the restaurant. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagramReddit

While not strictly formal, a smart casual dress code is generally expected to match the elegant ambiance of the restaurant. TikTok

Yes, reservations can typically be made through the official Grotta Palazzese website or by contacting them directly. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

While it's often mentioned in Michelin guides for its unique location, reviews indicate it may not consistently meet Michelin-level culinary standards. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The restaurant likely offers a curated wine list to complement its fine dining experience, including wine pairing options with tasting menus. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is encouraged due to the stunning setting. It's one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in the world! TikTokInstagram

Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photos, casting a beautiful glow over the cave and sea. However, it's also the busiest time. Instagram+1

The entire restaurant is a photo opportunity! The terraces overlooking the sea and the interior of the cave are particularly popular. TikTok

Access to the restaurant area is generally reserved for diners. You might be able to get some exterior shots from the cliffs above. Reddit

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

Grotta Palazzese is primarily geared towards romantic dining and may not be the most ideal setting for families with young children. The intimate atmosphere, high price point, and potential for waves splashing can make it less suitable for a family outing. TikTok While children are likely permitted, the experience might be more enjoyable for older children who can appreciate the unique setting and remain seated for extended periods. Consider the restaurant's suitability based on your children's ages and temperaments. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Grotta Palazzese is definitively not a budget-friendly destination. The cost of dining here is significant, with tasting menus running into hundreds of euros per person. TikTokInstagramReddit Budget travelers might consider visiting Polignano a Mare and enjoying the town's beauty and other dining options. Some Reddit users suggest finding cafes on top of the cliff that offer similar views at a much lower cost for drinks. Reddit

💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is the ultimate destination for couples seeking a romantic experience. The setting inside a sea cave, with stunning views of the Adriatic, especially at sunset, creates an incredibly intimate and memorable atmosphere. TikTokInstagram+1 Live music often enhances the romantic ambiance, making it perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or special celebrations. Booking well in advance is crucial to secure a table for a romantic evening. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Setting of Grotta Palazzese

Grotta Palazzese is not just a restaurant; it's an experience carved into nature. Nestled within a natural limestone cave, approximately 23 meters above the Adriatic Sea, the dining area offers an unparalleled connection to the elements. TikTok The cave's natural formations create a dramatic backdrop, with the sound of waves often audible, adding to the sensory immersion. This unique geological feature is what draws visitors from around the globe, seeking a meal in a truly extraordinary environment. Instagram The restaurant's design aims to complement this natural wonder, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Instagram

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. TikTok 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. TikTok 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. TikTok

Visitors often describe the ambiance as magical and surreal, especially during sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant colors. Instagram 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. Reddit

Dining Experience: Food, Service, and Value

The dining experience at Grotta Palazzese is a subject of much discussion, with reviews often highlighting a contrast between the exceptional location and the culinary and service aspects. While many guests find the atmosphere and views to be absolutely magical and worth the visit, the food quality and service can be inconsistent. Reddit Some diners report that the tasting menus, while good, do not always meet the high expectations set by the price point, which can be several hundred euros per person. Reddit Dishes are described as pleasant but not necessarily groundbreaking, with some feeling that the focus is more on the setting than on culinary innovation. Reddit

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. Reddit This inconsistency in service, especially at such a high price level, is a common point of critique. Reddit The restaurant often features live music, such as jazz, which contributes positively to the romantic ambiance and overall experience. Reddit

Ultimately, many visitors feel that the primary value of Grotta Palazzese lies in its unique and unforgettable setting. Reddit 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. Reddit

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