Grotta Palazzese

If there’s a place in Puglia that leaves you speechless at first sight, it’s undoubtedly Grotta Palazzese in Polignano a Mare. It’s not just a restaurant or a luxury hotel, but a true sensory experience, nestled in a natural cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Arriving in the historic center of Polignano, it’s hard to imagine that behind the elegant facades of the buildings overlooking the cliff lies one of the most evocative restaurants in the world. Yet, it’s precisely here that Grotta Palazzese is located: a unique place, suspended between sky, rock, and sea.

A restaurant inside a natural cave

The beating heart of the establishment is the famous Grotta Palazzese restaurant, created within a natural cave used since the 18th century for aristocratic parties and receptions. A 1783 watercolor by Jean Louis Desprez also bears witness to this, demonstrating how this space was already synonymous with exclusivity.

Today, the restaurant’s terrace extends inside the cave, with elegantly set tables that seem to float above the sea. Eating here isn’t just about dining, but about experiencing a timeless moment, accompanied by the sound of the waves crashing beneath your feet.

The limited capacity, about 150 seats, helps maintain an intimate and refined atmosphere, ideal for special occasions, romantic getaways, or memorable dining experiences.

The food offering

The cuisine lives up to the setting. The menu offers various tasting menus, designed to showcase the highest-quality ingredients. Seafood takes center stage, with dishes featuring sea bass, scallops, lobster, and caviar, but there are also meat and vegetarian options, such as revisited cacio e pepe ravioli or dishes inspired by Puglian tradition.

Prices are high, as expected for a restaurant of this caliber: tasting menus range approximately between €195 and €350 per person, excluding drinks. This isn’t a “passage” dinner, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or a way to celebrate a special occasion.

A history of sea and high society

Originally, access to the cave was only possible via a narrow, steep staircase carved into the rock from Via San Benedetto. Over the course of the 20th century, the area underwent several transformations: first a beach resort, then a social gathering place, until it became the luxury icon we know today.

In the 1960s, with the construction of the hotel and a new, easier staircase, Grotta Palazzese finally opened to the public, transforming into a sought-after destination for travelers from around the world.

From a natural perspective, the cave is impressive: two entrances from the sea lead to a large central cavity, approximately 15 meters high and 30 meters wide, connected to a smaller area with a pebble beach.

The hotel: sleep suspended above the sea

Above the restaurant is the Hotel Grotta Palazzese, a luxury property renovated with great attention to detail. The 18 rooms, all overlooking the sea, are immersed in Mediterranean scrub and furnished in an elegant, contemporary style.

Here, true luxury is the silence, interrupted only by the sound of the sea, and the chance to wake up to a breathtaking view of the Polignano coast. Every detail is designed to offer comfort and privacy, making your stay an exclusive and relaxing experience.

The private beach

Completing the offerings is a private beach, located in a particularly picturesque cove in Polignano a Mare. This fine-sand beach, awarded the Blue Flag, offers guests the chance to relax amidst the crystal-clear water, reserved sun loungers, and private cabanas.

The beach can be reached via a shuttle service provided by the hotel, a detail that makes the experience even more convenient and enjoyable.

Why it’s worth experiencing

Grotta Palazzese isn’t simply a place to visit, but an experience to be enjoyed at leisure. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, an exclusive stay, or a special stop on a trip to Puglia, this corner of Polignano a Mare represents one of the most iconic expressions of Italian luxury overlooking the sea.