Is dining inside a cave while gazing into the emerald-green depths of the Adriatic Sea on your bucket list? Well, it’s definitely on mine. A few weeks ago, a friend returned from Bari, a small town in northern Italy and told me about the most amazing culinary experience she’s ever had. It went something like this: “The fine dining restaurant is built into a cliff, overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the sea reflects onto the natural limestone walls to create the most perfect ambiance…” I thought she was making it all up as it sounded too good to be true. You probably would, too. But as it turns out, you may want to weave in a visit to Grotta Palazzese on your next trip to Italy. From her pictures, it looks like an ethereal experience, so romantic and cozy. This is just another excuse for me to head back to Italy, as if I needed any more.

*Via Narciso 59, Polignano a Mare (Bari), Puglia, Italy, open from May-September

Just imagine it: a warm summer breeze, world-class dining, and stunning views of the Sea, Photo Credit: http://www.grottapalazzese.it

The limestone interiors…looks so romantic! Photo Credit: http://www.grottapalazzese.it