I went to Polignano A Mare specifically to eat in the Grotta (Cave) Restaurant. Unfortunately, due to bad weather the restaurant was closed for the season. The hotel itself was nice. The room I stayed in was great, it had a sea view. If you don't have a sea view I would say the cost wouldn't be worth it.
The Sea lounge restaurant was terrible. They were still serving the same menu for the Grotta and the same prices (90 euro per person) which was ridiculous because the restaurant itself was mediocre and the food was terrible in comparison the the price, not the mention how poor the service was. A birthday note was on the reservation and we did not get treated very well in the restaurant. They served raw shrimp for the first course... I could do that myself, and that's not very safe in my opinion. The served a mediocre ravioli stuffed with crab for the 2nd course. The 3rd course was seared Tuna, and 1/2 of the plate was spoiled and tasted like old, fishy, tuna. Fresh tuna should NEVER taste fishy especially at 90 euro per person. The dessert was a disgusting custard with melted cream on top.
My husband was furious and complained to the manager so they brought a plate of desserts with a candle and a bottle of prosecco to the room. That was a the only plus to that dinner experience.
My recommendation, see the cave, it's great but don't waste your money eating at the restaurants. If I ever get the chance I'd like to go back during lunch in the summer. I've heard the lunch is a better experience and when the cave is open for seating, the view is like not other. read more