
Trattoria Il Grottone
A historic seafood restaurant in Polignano a Mare offering breathtaking sea views and fresh, authentic Italian cuisine.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Trattoria Il Grottone

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic seafood restaurant in Polignano a Mare offering breathtaking sea views and fresh, authentic Italian cuisine.
"Enjoy a meal with a view that will steal your breath away, coupled with delicious seafood."
Book in advance
Secure a table, especially one with a nice view, by booking your reservation ahead of time.
Try local favorites
Ask for recommendations, like Bepe's favorite Spaghetti alle Cozze, for an authentic taste.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
$$$
Phone
+39 080 424 8938
Address
Lungomare Domenico Modugno, 2, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Sea Views
Dine with stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea from this historic spot in Polignano a Mare.

Fresh Seafood Delights
Savor incredibly fresh seafood, from grilled octopus to succulent prawns and flavorful seafood pastas.

Authentic Italian Flavors
Experience genuine Italian cuisine, with local recommendations for dishes like Spaghetti alle Cozze.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in advance
Secure a table, especially one with a nice view, by booking your reservation ahead of time.
Try local favorites
Ask for recommendations, like Bepe's favorite Spaghetti alle Cozze, for an authentic taste.
Dress code & etiquette
Opt for smart casual attire and respect dining hours; it's a restaurant, not a cafe.
Dine during off-peak
Visiting during less busy times may lead to a better dining experience and service.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in advance
Secure a table, especially one with a nice view, by booking your reservation ahead of time.
Try local favorites
Ask for recommendations, like Bepe's favorite Spaghetti alle Cozze, for an authentic taste.
Dress code & etiquette
Opt for smart casual attire and respect dining hours; it's a restaurant, not a cafe.
Dine during off-peak
Visiting during less busy times may lead to a better dining experience and service.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trattoria Il Grottone offers a truly stunning dining experience with its breathtaking sea views and exceptionally fresh seafood. Diners rave about dishes like grilled octopus and seafood pastas, praising the authentic Italian flavors. However, some reviews mention inconsistent service, occasional issues with portion size, and a few negative experiences with food quality or staff rudeness, suggesting that consistency might be a challenge.
"The view is stunning! Food is also delicious, especially the grilled octopus (not pictured). We also got the anchovies, seafood pasta and a prawn pasta, all very tasty."
Bryony C
"We had a wonderful lunch — tagliolini ai frutti di mare, perfectly cooked pasta and seafood, followed by a shared frittura that was incredibly fresh, tender, and delicious. All paired with a crisp white wine and a view to die for. Consigliatissimo!
While we were there, several tourists were politely turned away — and rightly so. A note for visitors:
TOURISTS, PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
1. At any respectable restaurant in Puglia, dress appropriately. Smart casual, dress modestly, no swimwear or flip flops — if it’s too hot, stay at the beach.
2. It’s a restaurant, not a café. Don’t expect to sit down just for dessert, drinks or coffee — that’s what bars are for.
3. Use cutlery. Yes, even for seafood. This isn’t a picnic - respect the local etiquette.
4. Respect the kitchen and its schedule. Lunch is from 12:30 to 2:00pm, dinner from 8:00 to 9:30pm. If you’re allowed to sit outside of these hours, treat it as a massive courtesy — especially at dinner.
5. Ideally, book your table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Disclaimer: This review and the opinions expressed are entirely personal and written by someone with no affiliation to the restaurant or its staff."
Patrizio Saliani
"Great place(seaview!!!!), great food - we ate grilled whole fish and oysters and seafood pasta - all was fantastic!!!!!!!! The dessert Semifredo was also super tasty!!!!!😋 Have been 2 times in 1 week here, once for a lunch a d once for a dinner 🥰 Saved it in my „favourites“ and recommend with whole heart!!!"
Natalia Bulatova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Highly recommended dishes include the grilled octopus, seafood pasta (like Spaghetti alle Cozze), fritto misto, and any of the fresh grilled fish.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure a table, especially if you desire a spot with a good view.
Smart casual attire is recommended. Avoid swimwear or flip-flops; dress modestly.
Lunch is typically served from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, and dinner from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Respecting these times is appreciated.
Yes, the restaurant features an open-air terrace with stunning sea views.
No, it is a restaurant and not a cafe; it's intended for full meals rather than just drinks or dessert.
Mentioned in
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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Polignano a Mare
A local restaurant with an emphasis on seafood, the menu has an extensive option of grilled fish and octopus, and seafood pastas. Built on the seafront, you can enjoy views across the Adriatic while dining on the open-air terrace for lunch or dinner.
10 must-do things in Polignano a Mare
I suggest you go and try it in the very central café in front of the arch of Polignano where precisely it was invented Il Super Mago del Gelo
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