Ristorante Grotta Ardito
Dine with stunning cliff and sea views at Ristorante Grotta Ardito, offering beautifully presented seafood and a romantic ambiance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Ristorante Grotta Ardito
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine with stunning cliff and sea views at Ristorante Grotta Ardito, offering beautifully presented seafood and a romantic ambiance.
Reserve in Advance
Book your table ahead of time, especially for a spot with a view.
Consider Degustation Menu
Try the degustazione menu for a variety of seafood options.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
+39 080 424 7210
Address
L.go Grotta Ardito, 11, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy
Website
ristorantegrottardito.it/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Sea Views
Dine on a terrace with breathtaking views of the Polignano cliff and the sea, especially magical at sunset.
Beautifully Presented Seafood
Savor delicious and artfully presented seafood dishes, a true feast for the eyes and the palate.
Romantic Ambiance
The restaurant offers a romantic setting, perfect for special occasions and enjoying a serene evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Book your table ahead of time, especially for a spot with a view.
Consider Degustation Menu
Try the degustazione menu for a variety of seafood options.
Visit for Sunset
Arrive early to enjoy the beautiful lighting and catch the sunset.
Order Appetizers & Wine
Some suggest this is the best way to enjoy the restaurant's offerings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Book your table ahead of time, especially for a spot with a view.
Consider Degustation Menu
Try the degustazione menu for a variety of seafood options.
Visit for Sunset
Arrive early to enjoy the beautiful lighting and catch the sunset.
Order Appetizers & Wine
Some suggest this is the best way to enjoy the restaurant's offerings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This restaurant is lauded for its stunning sea views and romantic ambiance, making it a popular choice for special occasions. While many praise the delicious and beautifully presented seafood, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food preparation and found the grilled seafood lacking seasoning. Service quality can also vary, with some guests experiencing attentive staff and others reporting issues with inexperience or inattentiveness. Prices are considered high, but many feel the view and overall experience justify the cost.
"We had a beautiful lunch here on our first day in Polignano. Sat on the balcony we enjoyed a beautiful view with incredible food and wine, recommended by our waiter who was friendly and attentive. We couldn’t believe how cheap the prices were for what we got, delicious fresh seafood. I would definitely dine here again."
Shelley Stark
"I have to respond to your reply. There were 35 of us there and everyone had reservations about the quality of the food on offer! Considering previous reviews from other clients, the quality of the food was poor. The fish was greasy and without any taste. Given the way you responded to all the criticisms, I didn't even hope you had any self-reflection. By the way, I saw the behavior of you and our delegate, and I do not think she behaved inappropriately.
We had dinner here. First course of pasta and seafood, absolutely average in terms of taste and portion size. The second course of fish, when it was a completely badly prepared fish and mainly a different species. A piece of fish placed on pieces of green salad. The fish was not salted and horribly fatty. The third course was absolutely melted sorbet. If I forget how we were placed in a place where we had no space around us. We had agreed in advance to reserve 35 places. I can't recommend the restaurant, you can get better food at a stall on the street!"
Jan Kunkela
"Grilled fish was raw. Undercooked. Service was OK. Everything is super overpriced! Interior is romantic. Very good ambient music, deep sound. Portions are big but taste is 3 of 5. Balcony coperta 10 euros. This place is good for ordering appetizers and wine only. We paid 140 euros for two persons and we've been unsatisfied"
Memphis Parsley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially if you want a table with a view. It's advised to book in advance.
Visiting early can help you catch optimal lighting for great views, and sunset is particularly magical.
The degustazione menu is recommended for a variety of seafood options. Fresh seafood dishes are a highlight.
Yes, the restaurant is known for its romantic ambiance, making it a perfect spot for couples.
Some reviews mention that grilled seafood might lack seasoning, and portions or taste can be inconsistent.
Prices are on the higher side, with some guests noting it's expensive, but many find it worth it for the view.
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Polignano a Mare and sea caves boat tour
Grotta Ardito, on the other hand, is especially well known for the fabulous plays of light that is possible to admire inside it by the beautiful natural white column, located at the entrance of the cave, called Colonna d’Ercole (Pillar of Hercules). The mystery and the history surround all the places of Polignano a Mare as the Grotta del Pianto, where you can retrace the history of the Saracen raids, the Grotta delle Monache, chosen for its structure by discreet bathers, Grotta delle Rondinelle, with the legend of ill-fate that hovers around it and the Grotta dell’Arcivescovado that seems to hide secret passages.
the caves of Polignano a Mare
With clifftour.com we organize dream excursions inside the most beautiful and important caves of the Polignano coast: Cala Ponte, Grotta Santa Caterina, Grotta Chiari di Luna, Grotta delle Rondinelle, Cala Paura / Grottone, Grotta Azzurra, Statue “Domenico Modugno”, Grotta Piana, Lama Monachile, Bastione Santo Stefano, Grotta Arcivescovado, Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Favale, Grotta S. Pietro e Paolo, Grotta Ardito, Colonna d’ Ercole, Grotta delle monache, Grotta San Gennaro, Grotta della Colonna, Scoglio dell’eremita, Portalga, Caverna dei Colombi, Grotta cappella di Cristo and Grotta di Sella.
What to do and see in Polignano a Mare: beaches, historic center, surrounding areas
From the historic center you can easily reach Lama Monachile, Polignano's most famous little beach (which access is free of charge), the statue of Domenico Modugno and the boardwalk dedicated to him, Cala Paura and - in the other direction - the Grotta Ardito panoramic point (where most of the scenes of "La ragazza con la pistola" were filmed) and therefore the Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, at the end of which you will find the Pino Pascali Museum and - further on - the Scoglio dell'Eremita.
Eat in Polignano a Mare. Restaurants and Trattorias, where you can eat by the sea or in the historic centre
Grotta Ardito Restaurant - It is located on the sea and the summer terrace overlooking the sea is truly something incredibly beautiful to look at while eating. The fish is always fresh. I suggest Arso wheat Orecchiette with pistachio cream, prawns and speck or the great classic Cavatelli with mussels and clams
boat excursion to sea caves visitable only by sea
Among all the "Grotta Ardito" stands out for its exceptional beauty. The most impressive, considered the "queen", is the Palazzese cave. There are about forty sea caves, many of which can be visited by boat.
The BIG Guide to Polignano a Mare
Many of these caves—Grotta di Ardito, Grotta delle Rondini, Grotta dei Colombi, and Grotta delle Monache—can only be accessed by boat, making a boat tour an unmissable experience for visitors.
Polignano a Mare
Your little craft will take you to explore Grotta Ardito, Grotta delle Rondinelle, and Grotta dell’Arcivescovado, to name only a few.
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