Located inside a stunning seaside cave, the dining hall of Grotta Palazzese offers a unique experience, providing both shelter and a breathtaking view of the abyss. Explore this extraordinary restaurant in Puglia.
The characteristic white houses, the romantic historic center, the crystal-clear water, and the hospitality of its inhabitants have earned Polignano a Mare the title of "the most welcoming city in the world" at the Booking Traveller Review Awards this year. Modesto Scagliusi, the owner of the iconic Grotta Palazzese restaurant, nestled in the cliffs overlooking the sea, wanted to add the icing on the cake. The renowned establishment, which Scagliusi had already enhanced in 2019 with 18 breathtaking suites, will now complete its hospitality offering with "Suono del mare," a large reception hall adjacent to the restaurant, between the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. But let's take a step back: this aspect deserves a separate investigation, solely due to its positioning on a spacious terrace carved into the rock of the ancient marine cave.
It's remarkable to think that since the 1700s, extravagant banquets have been hosted at the location by the feudal family of Polignano, just like the one depicted in Jean Louis Desprez's 1783 watercolor. Today, the scene remains unchanged; however, there are 150 covers, with impeccable taste reigning supreme, and an area featuring more secluded panoramic tables. In any case, guests dine while enjoying a unique landscape within the sheltered environment of the cave, which extends about eighty meters inside the cliff. The menu offers five different courses ranging from seafood dishes (featuring sea bass, scallops, lobster, and caviar) to land-based first courses such as Ravioli cacio e pepe or Fava beans and chicory with tofu and caramelized onions. Lamb and beef fillet are also available for meat lovers. Prices range from 195 to 350 euros per individual menu, excluding beverages, and guests can choose a smaller number of dishes if desired.
Grotta Palazzese has always been loved and regularly attended by celebrities, tourists, and food enthusiasts from around the world. It is also regarded as one of the most exclusive outdoor restaurants globally. In the future, it will be able to host large-scale events in its exclusive location. As early as 2019, during the hotel's grand opening, Scagliusi had mentioned the plans to create a reception area within 18 months; although the project took longer than expected, it is now reaching its final stages.
"Suono del Mare" will span 5,000 square meters across two levels, with a "One Thousand and One Nights" suite planned on the roof, which, like the hotel rooms, will be a treasure trove of elegance and technology. The total investment for the restaurant, hotel, and reception hall is estimated to be around 10 million euros. Given that John Mariani, a renowned food and wine critic from across the ocean, described Polignano a Mare as a "A hidden coastal gem in Puglia, cherished for its superb seafood offerings" the "Suono del mare" will be the pearl in the oyster.
