Grotta Palazzese: the stunning restaurant built inside a cave on the Italian coast [Pictures]

The enchanting restaurant in Polignano a Mare in Southern Italy was built inside a cave centuries ago, allowing for one of the world's most unique dining experiences.

Carved from the cliff face's limestone, the restaurant juts out 74 feet above sea level, allowing diners to watch the waves lap the shores just beneath them.

The grotta - Italian for 'cave' - is part of the Grotta Palazzese hotel, which is located above and built from local stone. The restaurant is open from May to October.

more lovely pictures after the break