GemmaIf you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying a meal while gazing out at turquoise waters, Polignano a Mare in Puglia should be at the top of your list. This stunning town perched on cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea is not just about breathtaking views—it’s about savoring local flavors while letting the scenery do half the work. From fresh seafood to traditional Italian fare, these coastal restaurants offer experiences that go beyond eating—they invite you to slow down, savor, and soak in every moment. Based on my overall experience, few places manage to combine food and scenery as perfectly as Polignano does.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, or a memorable stop during your coastal exploration, here are 14 must-visit restaurants where the view is as remarkable as the food.
1. Grotta Palazzese
Grotta Palazzese is legendary. Set inside a natural cave carved into limestone cliffs, this restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. Imagine tucking into fresh Adriatic seafood while the waves lap just below you. It’s the kind of place where you pause mid-bite to take in the view—and maybe snap a few photos, even if you usually avoid clichés. The menu is focused on local fish and shellfish, perfectly paired with crisp Puglian wines. Reservations are essential, and from my own personal experience, it’s worth every effort.
2. Ristorante La Fonte
Nestled near the historic center, La Fonte is known for its charming terrace overlooking the cliffs. The menu balances classic Italian dishes with inventive seafood options. The risotto ai frutti di mare is a standout—creamy, flavorful, and perfectly timed with a sunset view that makes it unforgettable. This spot is casual enough for a midday meal but magical enough for a romantic evening.
3. Osteria dei Mulini
If you’re seeking authenticity, Osteria dei Mulini delivers. This small, intimate restaurant is tucked away along winding streets, yet its terrace offers sweeping views of the Adriatic. The dishes are traditional Puglian fare: orecchiette pasta, fresh vegetables, and daily catches of the sea. From my overall experience, the warmth of the staff adds a touch that makes every visit feel like a local secret shared just with you.
4. Ristorante Il Pescatore
Il Pescatore is a celebration of seafood with a view. Its outdoor seating is perfect for lunch, allowing you to watch the boats drift along the coastline. Don’t miss the grilled fish or seafood platters—they arrive fresh from the sea, prepared with simple ingredients that let the flavors shine. Pair your meal with a chilled white wine and you’ve captured the essence of Polignano dining.
5. Cibus
Cibus offers a modern twist on traditional dishes. While the interior is stylish, the terrace is where you want to sit, especially at sunset. The menu features both seafood and meat options, but the star is always the daily catch. From my own personal experience, the combination of inventive dishes and ocean views makes it hard to leave without promising to come back.
6. Ristorante Grotta San Francesco
A quieter alternative to Grotta Palazzese, Grotta San Francesco provides an equally stunning cliffside view with a slightly more intimate atmosphere. Seafood pasta, grilled calamari, and locally caught fish dominate the menu, but it’s the view that will linger in your memory. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful, scenic dining experience without the crowds.
7. Lido Cala Paura
For a beachside experience, Lido Cala Paura is ideal. The restaurant sits right on the small pebble beach, offering unobstructed views of the turquoise water. Fresh seafood, simple pasta dishes, and a laid-back vibe make this a perfect choice for a casual lunch. Bring a hat and sunscreen, because you’ll want to linger here all afternoon.
8. Ristorante Grotta Ardito
This lesser-known gem is perched atop the cliffs, giving diners sweeping panoramas of Polignano’s coastline. The menu focuses on fresh seafood with some creative twists, like octopus carpaccio or linguine with clams and cherry tomatoes. From my overall experience, this is a spot where the view alone justifies a stop, and the food keeps you coming back.
9. Terrazza Polignano
True to its name, Terrazza Polignano specializes in terrace dining. It’s perfect for watching the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying classic Italian dishes. The seafood risotto here is a highlight, and their local wines complement the ocean breeze perfectly. The staff is friendly, and the relaxed pace encourages lingering over every bite.
10. Ristorante Il Bastione
Il Bastione is located near one of Polignano’s famous cliff viewpoints, offering both fantastic food and panoramic vistas. The menu leans heavily on seafood, but they also offer fresh pasta and traditional meat dishes. From my own personal experience, timing your visit around sunset enhances the already unforgettable scenery.
11. La Piazza
A cozy, family-run restaurant, La Piazza offers a unique combination of cliffside charm and culinary delight. Fresh pasta, seafood, and locally sourced ingredients dominate the menu. The terrace is small but intimate, giving diners a sense of exclusivity while overlooking the sparkling Adriatic.
12. Ristorante Il Monastero
For history lovers, Il Monastero offers a unique dining experience within ancient architecture. Perched on a cliff, its terrace lets you enjoy both history and stunning sea views. The menu includes traditional Puglian dishes with a seafood emphasis, and the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying modern comforts.
13. Il Terrazzino
Small, inviting, and packed with charm, Il Terrazzino gives you a true local experience. The terrace isn’t huge, but the view is breathtaking. Expect fresh fish, pasta, and local wines, all served with warmth and a sense of hospitality. From my overall experience, it’s these smaller spots that often leave the most lasting impressions.
14. Ristorante Grotta Palazzese Beach Bar
While technically part of the iconic Grotta Palazzese complex, the beach bar offers a more casual alternative for those who want stunning views without a formal dinner. Grab a drink, enjoy fresh seafood bites, and take in the cliffs from a relaxed, sunlit perspective. It’s perfect for a midday break during your coastal exploration.
Making the Most of Your Polignano Dining Experience
Dining in Polignano is about more than just food—it’s about integrating your meal with the landscape, the rhythm of the waves, and the sunset sky. Based on my overall experience, here are a few tips to elevate your visit:
- Timing Matters: For the best views, aim for early evening. Sunsets here are spectacular, and restaurants are prepared to make the moment special.
- Reservations: Many of these places are popular, especially Grotta Palazzese and Terrazza Polignano. Booking in advance avoids disappointment.
- Try Local Specialties: Don’t just order seafood because it’s fresh—explore Puglian specialties like orecchiette pasta, burrata, and regional wines.
- Take Your Time: These meals aren’t just about eating—they’re about experiencing. Pause, sip your wine, and let the views soak in.
- Pack Your Camera: You’ll want to capture the cliffs, the sea, and those perfect dishes.
Polignano a Mare offers a rare combination: meals that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful. From my own personal experience, every restaurant on this list provides a chance to slow down, enjoy exceptional cuisine, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a local discovering your own backyard or a visitor planning your Italian adventure, these coastal restaurants are destinations in themselves.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.