5 amazing cave restaurants across the globe

A look across the cave restaurant at Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote. Image credit: Etitenne Girot/Creative Commons

Food is a staple part of any good trip, and while there are thousands of amazing restaurants out there, some kill two birds with one stone – providing an amazing experience alongside their menus. Read on for a round-up of the world’s best cave restaurants, showcasing some jaw-dropping destinations from an incredible niche.

Grotta Palazzese (Puglia, Italy)

Grotta Palazzese by night. Image credit: Claudio/Creative Commons

Carved out of limestone rock overlooking a sumptuous stretch of the Adriatic Sea, Grotta Palazzese is one of Italy’s most renowned and exclusive eateries, only opening between May and October each year.

A rich history has seen the restaurant host elegant dinners at the behest of Italian nobility since the 18th century, but it’s now enjoyed mostly by locals and tourists who dine on a choice of flavoursome tasting menus as they soak up views over glistening waters.

Fangweng (Hubei, China)

Hanging high above the Yangtze river near Yichang in China’s Hubei province, Fangweng restaurant provides one of the world’s most breathtaking dining experiences. Although its entrance is an uninspiring grey brick building, what lies behind it is an eatery caved into a cliff face.

Most of the seating is inside a natural cave, decked out with Chinese-style furnishings, while two terraces overlook the river below and surrounding areas, affording diners awesome views.

Jameos del Agua (Tenerife, Spain)

Clear water inside the Tunnel of Atlantis at Jameos del Agua. Image credit: perlaroques/Creative Commons

One of Tenerife’s biggest tourist attractions, Jameos del Agua is a series of open-air lava caves that were created by a volcanic eruption over 4,000 years ago. Today, it is one of the island’s cultural centres and top attractions with a natural lake and beautiful, lush gardens. It is also home to the albino crab.

In Jameos del Agua’s first cave you’ll find a concert auditorium and restaurant. This is where Jameos Nights takes place, with food served to the backdrop of various musical acts in a fun and romantic setting.

Rayavadee Dining Grotto (Krabi, Thailand)

The Grotto at Rayavadee mixes incredible dining against a world-class backdrop. Image credit: Rayavadee/Fair Use

Nestled under an ancient limestone cliff on the edge of Phranang Beach and serving up delicious western and Asian cuisine, guests at the Rayvadee resort on the island of Krabi can enjoy a first-class meal at its Grotto.

Whether it’s lunch, dinner or a cocktail as the sun goes down, revel in the enchanting ambiance of this restaurant with soft white sand underfoot and the sound of waves lapping up on the shore. Barbecues are also arranged each evening, although advanced reservations are necessary in order to attend.

Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant (Mombasa, Kenya)

Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant ready to welcome guests. Image credit: chococliff/Creative Commons

Romantic and quirky, this beachside restaurant has a magical atmosphere and is lit by candlelight, with the flames flickering amongst the cave’s stalactites. Their menu includes tasty treats such as Indian Ocean oysters and Madagascan steak, which can be paired with something from an extensive wine list.

If you’re there in the evening and want to see the stars illuminate the night sky, make sure to book a table at the mouth of the cave, which also has views over Diani Beach.