
Grotta Palazzese
Dine in a breathtaking natural sea cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea, offering a magical ambiance and an unforgettable experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Grotta Palazzese
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in a breathtaking natural sea cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea, offering a magical ambiance and an unforgettable experience.
"Dining inside a sea cave is unforgettable; the ocean waves echo softly through the stone walls."

Book for Sunset
Reserve your table for sunset to experience the most romantic ambiance and breathtaking views.
Consider Tasting Menus
Opt for tasting menus to savor standout dishes like seafood specialties and delicious brioche.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
+39 080 424 0677
Address
Via Narciso, 59, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy
Website
grottapalazzese.it/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dining in a Sea Cave
Experience an unforgettable meal inside a natural sea cave, carved into the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Magical Sunset Ambiance
Enjoy a romantic atmosphere as the sun sets over the Adriatic, casting a magical glow on the cave setting.

Exquisite Seafood Tasting Menus
Indulge in meticulously prepared seafood tasting menus, showcasing the finest local flavors with artistic presentation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book for Sunset
Reserve your table for sunset to experience the most romantic ambiance and breathtaking views.
Consider Tasting Menus
Opt for tasting menus to savor standout dishes like seafood specialties and delicious brioche.
Price vs. Experience
Be prepared for high prices; you're paying for the unique setting and experience as much as the food.
Go Early for Best Spots
Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a prime spot and enjoy the transition from day to night.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book for Sunset
Reserve your table for sunset to experience the most romantic ambiance and breathtaking views.
Consider Tasting Menus
Opt for tasting menus to savor standout dishes like seafood specialties and delicious brioche.
Price vs. Experience
Be prepared for high prices; you're paying for the unique setting and experience as much as the food.
Go Early for Best Spots
Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a prime spot and enjoy the transition from day to night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grotta Palazzese offers an unparalleled dining experience with its breathtaking setting inside a natural sea cave overlooking the Adriatic. While the ambiance and views are universally praised as magical and unforgettable, reviews are mixed regarding the food quality and service relative to the very high price point. It's considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the spectacular location, though some find it overpriced for the culinary offerings.
"Wow, what an amazing experience! We knew the view would be special from the photos online but they really don’t do it justice. Sitting in an open cave setting with the sea in front was truly picturesque. The ambience gets a perfect 10. They had live music playing which also added to the experience. We were worried after reading some reviews if we would be paying for the beautiful scenic setting and settling for subpar food, but we enjoyed every bite. The food was presented very artistically and it tasted as delicious as it looked. We both enjoyed the Abbraccio tasting (with wine pairing) and we loved every course. And lastly, the team serving us were also very friendly and engaging. Amazing place to celebrate a special occasion. And they have their own free parking lot which they shuttle you to and from the restaurant. This was so convenient . We went early and enjoyed walking through the town before enjoying an amazing dinner. It was ama 10 out of 10 experience for us"
Keyla Serrano
"Grotta Palazzese is truly iconic — dining inside a natural cave perched above the Adriatic is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The view is absolutely breathtaking and without a doubt the star of the show. It’s not every day you get to enjoy a meal in such a spectacular setting.
The food is good, and the overall experience is memorable. However, the service falls short of the high-end fine dining standards they aim to project, especially considering the very steep prices. The restaurant aspires to deliver a sophisticated tasting menu with wine pairings, but unfortunately, the staff lacks the training and finesse required to match that ambition. There are many places in Italy that offer better food at a fraction of the cost.
That said, no regrets — it’s one of those experiences you simply have to try once in your life. Just go for the view and the moment, and you won’t be disappointed."
Alex Leitao
"This review is only for the restaurant. Didn’t stay at the hotel.
This is one of the most epic restaurants in the world for its setting. Incredible view. In a cave in a cliff on the ocean. Spectacular. One of the most instagramable places I’ve ever seen.
The food was good too. I had the tasting menu with wine pairing. Service was patchy. The staff were friendly but they are a bit understaffed.
The three star review comes from the price. At nearly €500 Euro a person this is one of the most expensive meals I’ve ever had. And it’s not Michelin level food. You are paying for decent food and an incredible view and setting.
If the price was half of what it was I’d give it 5 stars. But it’s not.
I have hundreds of reviews here. Many of them Michelin 3 star places. This is one of the most overpriced meals I’ve ever had.
Was it worth it? I’m glad I went to see the place. But wouldn’t recommend it unless you truly can afford it."
Eddy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Grotta Palazzese is famous for its unique dining location within a natural sea cave carved into the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Yes, reservations are essential, especially for sunset to ensure you get a table during the most popular times.
While the food is generally considered good and artfully presented, many find the experience and ambiance to be the main draw, justifying the high cost.
Yes, you do not need to be a guest of the Hotel Grotta Palazzese to dine at the restaurant.
Visiting around sunset offers a magical ambiance, but some recommend going earlier in the evening to experience both daylight and nighttime views.
Yes, there is a vegan tasting menu available, and you can often mix and match dishes to accommodate dietary needs.
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Nel centro storico di Polignano potete anche visitare la caratteristica Piazza San Benedetto (poco distante da qui potrete accedere alla celebre Grotta Palazzese), la via più conosciuta, via Roma (qui da qualche anno sono state installate le “luminarie parlanti”, addobbi luminosi realizzati con il testo di Volare di Domenico Modugno). Dal centro storico potete raggiungere facilmente Lama Monachile, la spiaggetta più famosa di Polignano (il cui accesso è gratuito e libero), la statua di Domenico Modugno e il Lungomare a lui dedicato, Cala Paura e - nell’altra direzione - il Punto panoramico Grotta Ardito (dove sono state girate gran parte delle scene del film “La ragazza con la Pistola”) e dunque il Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, al termine del quale troverete il Museo Pino Pascali e - più avanti - lo Scoglio dell’Eremita.
Grotta Palazzese Cave Restaurant: A Unique Dining Experience
Nestled along the picturesque Adriatic coast, Grotta Palazzese (once called Grotta di Palazzo) is a majestic natural cave, renowned for hosting elegant parties and banquets since the 18th century. Part of the luxurious Hotel Grotta Palazzese, this unique setting invites guests to a dining experience that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern sophistication, offering an unforgettable backdrop within the hotel’s enchanting ambiance. As you plan your visit to one of the most renowned restaurants in the world, consider various aspects—from understanding the menu and pricing to adhering to the dress code and securing a reservation.
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Centrally located, it is close to the famous Piazza San Benedetto and near one of the ten most famous restaurants in the world, the Grotta Palazzese. The house is a 5-minute walk from Piazza dellâOrologio with its lively bars and restaurants, a 2-minute walk from the townâs famous panoramic sea-view terraces and a 5-minute walk from Polignanoâs lovely beach. Just renovated, Casa Reina is comfortably fitted and perfect for a couple, a family, or a four-person holiday.Casa Reina has a charming exterior stone staircase leading to an open-plan living-dining area, a modern kitchen and a stone fireplace.
What It’s Like Dining at the Famous Italy Cave Restaurant (Is Grotta Palazzese Really Worth It?)
The famous Italy cave restaurant is actually part of the Grotta Palazzese Hotel, but you don’t need to be a guest of the hotel in order to eat at the restaurant. Hotel Grotta Palazzese is a 5-star luxury hotel on the same gorgeous Apulian cliffside overlooking those impossibly turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. (Apulia, or Puglia, is the name of this region of Italy.) The name Grotta Palazzese actually comes from its former distinction as the Grotta di Palazzo – the “Palace Grotto.” Rates here start at just over $1,000 per night and work their way up.
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De Grotta Palazzese in Polignano a Mare werd in de 18de eeuw in opdracht van een landheer uitgehouwen uit de kalkstenen kliffen omdat de man een origineel feestje wilde geven. Nu is het een restaurant dat zeker als extra toeristische trekpleister van het toch al zo leuke oude plaatsje doet dienen. Met de deun van Dominico Modugno´s wereldhit ´Volare´ in je hoofd terwijl je door straatjes van het pittoreske centrum slentert en langs de steile klifwanden is Grotta Palazzese een perfect einde van een dag aan de kust van Puglia.
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Polignano a Mare, in Puglia, is famous for its iconic and romantic restaurant inside a cave, the Grotta Palazzese, but the city offers unmissable charms, breathtaking panoramas and incredible attractions. The ideal is to spend at least one night in the city to make the most of what it has to offer, so today I bring you some tips on where to sleep in Polignano a Mare. Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams !!!.
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Se volete provare un’esperienza indimenticabile, in una location ricca di fascino e unica al mondo, sappiate che il ristorante dell’ hotel Grotta Palazzese propone anche un menu degustazione vegano (al momento della redazione di questo articolo, da €195, ma potete controllare i menu qui). Indispensabile la prenotazione. Info: Grotta Palazzese – Via Narciso 59, Polignano a mare – Tel: 080 424 0677
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Although I haven’t stayed at the Grotta Palazzese myself, it’s known for its spectacular setting, perched on the cliffs overlooking the beach in Polignano a Mare. The hotel’s 25 rooms and suites are cut into the tufa stone and are decorated with traditional furniture. Rooms have a balcony with view of either the sea or old town and the hotel has a terrace on the cliffs for sunbathing.
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Located in the historical centre of Polignano a Mare, the Grotta Palazzese Hotel, situated on a scenic cliff overlooking the sea, rests on the famous Grotta Palazzese, a cave that hosts the homonymous restaurant considered among the 10 most exclusive outdoor restaurants in the world. ABOUT US. Call ahead to place your pick up order . Opi, Alfadena and Scanno are three of .
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The charm of the sea and, if you are lucky, a romantic full moon are the perfect elements to complete the setting for a candlelit gourmet dinner at Grotta Palazzese Restaurant, one of the most spectacular restaurants worldwide. You have probably already seen this picture-perfect cave restaurant on Pinterest or Instagram whose location almost seems unreal.
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For a romantic dinner, you can’t go far wrong with the quirky Grotta Palazzese Restaurant. Located in Polignano A Mare, the restaurant epitomises romance thanks to its atmospheric candlelight and unique cave setting. Balancing on the edge of the coastline, the restaurant serves up traditional Italian food that will satisfy even the biggest of appetites.
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The food is excellent, and the ambience is even better – Ristorante Grotta Palazzese is located in a cave. Guests enjoy a view onto the blue of the Adriatic Sea directly from their table. Especially at sunset, there is probably no more beautiful place in Polignano a Mare to have a stylish sundowner, followed by a romantic dinner.
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For a dining experience with a difference, look no further than Grotta Palazzese, the best restaurant of Polignano a Mere. The restaurant is nestled within an ancient cave, and has an amazing terrace overlooking the ocean. They have a couple of tasting menus to choose from, as well as an A La Carte menu for smaller groups.
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Via Narciso, 59, 70044 Nestled in a natural cellar, the restaurant at Grotta Palazzese is in an exceptional setting. This place where time seems to stand still has seen many banquets and parties since the 18th century. Open to the sea, the atmosphere changes throughout the day according to the shades of the sky.
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If you feel like splurging on an, admittedly, unique experience, then you should consider dining at Grotta Palazzese, a high-end restaurant situated inside a beautiful cave. Keep in mind that you can’t sit at your table for more than 2 hours and there is a strict-ish dress code.
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Situated in Polignano a Mare, Hotel Grotta Palazzese is set on a cliff overlooking the sea. It offers 5-star accommodation with a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
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The most famous hotel in Polignano a Mare 💵 Price: $$$$ 📍Location: Via Narciso, 70044 (Google Maps)📷 Instagram: @ristorantegrottapalazzese. Hotel Grotta Palazzese is the most famous hotel in Puglia, Italy. It is perched within the limestone cliff of Polignano a Mare.
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You might know Polignano a Mare even for its famous restaurant Grotta Palazzese. For a real and unique experience, you should consider staying at Grotta Palazzese’s Hotel. With its premium service and gorgeous amenities, you will love Polignano even more.
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Discover the beauty of Grotta Palazzese, the charm of a restaurant overlooking the sea, in the unique atmosphere of the cave. The price is $154 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2. restaurant The modern style breakfast room offers guests a buffet service.
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Chi invece proprio non intende rinunciare al panorama mozzafiato da manuale non può che scegliere fra Il covo dei saraceni (via Conversano 1) e Grotta palazzese (via Narciso 59), in quest’ultimo caso non prima d’avere lucidato la carta di credito.
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Hotel Grotta Palazzese is the famous restaurant in Polignano a Mare and probably in all of Puglia!. The restaurant is located inside the cliff grotto and is very unique. We didn’t eat here but have heard that the experience is worth the cost.
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Hotel Grotta Palazzese: This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Polignano a Mare and features elegant rooms, a spa, and an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves traditional Apulian cuisine.
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The 5-star Hotel Grotta Palazzese sits where the Adriatic’s waves crash against the cliff. It’s a breathtaking place for a vacation in southern Italy. One of the hotel’s claims to fame is its exclusive restaurant.
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Situated in Polignano a Mare, Hotel Grotta Palazzese is set on a cliff overlooking the sea. It offers 5-star… See more. Situated in Polignano a Mare, Hotel Grotta Palazzese is set on a cliff overlooking the sea.
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The restaurant is one of the top 10 most exotic restaurants in the world!. It is housed inside a cave and you can see the spectacular views of the Adriatic. The spot looks like heaven when the sun rises & sets.
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The town’s stunning coastal scenery, including the Grotta Palazzese, a natural cave restaurant carved into the cliffs, is a highlight for many visitors, offering a breathtaking backdrop for their explorations.
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Eat / Have a meal you won’t forget at Grotta Palazzese, excellent pizza at Il Quadrifoglio, fantastic focaccia at Focacceria di Delle Noci Marco or a healthy & delicious meal at MINT Cucina Fresca
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A visit at Grotta Palazzese is definitely an once-in-a-lifetime experience and the perfect place to celebrate anniversaries, a sophisticated birthday dinner or even to propose to your loved ones.
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Located in the historical centre of Polignano a Mare, the Grotta Palazzese Hotel, situated on a scenic cliff overlooking the sea, rests on the famous Grotta Palazzese, a cave that…
Location matrimoni Polignano a Mare
Udite il vento che suona le grotte, provate a toccare l'orizzonte, siete nell'Hotel Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, nel posto più esclusivo e affascinante al mondo, dove il giorno...
Why you should visit Polignano a Mare in Puglia
At the moment there are no five star hotels but Grotta Palazzese is opening one soon. The Airbnb we stayed in was pretty luxurious and reasonably priced at around £120 per night.
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Among the best known, don't miss Grotta della Rondinella, Grotta Palazzese, the exclusive cave restaurant in Polignano a Mare, Grotta dell'Arcivescovado and Grotta delle Monache.
Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant in Polignano a Mare
Grotta Palazzese is a restaurant built inside a natural cave. Here it is pleasant to get lost among the wonders of Polignano a Mare and the excellent carefully prepared food.
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This particular grotta was used for royal banquets dating back to the 1700s and now it is a unique cave restaurant that is part of the Grotta Palazzese hotel.
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Treat yourself to a meal you won’t forget at Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant nestled inside a cave, right over the sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit