Hotel Grotta Palazzese in Polignano a Mare

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.

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.

Overall it was good, but there was no kettle in the room so I couldn't drink the tea!

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

Beautiful view from our room. Staff were friendly and helpful. Made our visit to Poligliano a Mare special.

The hotel gave us an amazing welcome and had a fruit platter waiting in our room for our honeymoon, as well as rose petals on our bed forming a heart. The staff is extremely helpful and kind!