Martino Ruggieri Revives the Legendary Grotta Palazzese

You may have spotted this iconic and highly photographed restaurant nestled within the cliffs of Polignano a Mare. Grotta Palazzese has been one of Italy`s most celebrated destinations since the 1960s, thanks to its breathtaking beauty and geographical location, overlooking the wild waves of the Adriatic Sea. However, like many of these restaurants, its cuisine has never reached a high level.

Yet, a new era seems to be dawning for Grotta Palazzese, which is now passing the torch to one of the rising stars of the international gastronomic scene, Martino Ruggieri. He aims to undertake an unprecedented transformation of its flavours, with a focus on gastronomy at its core.

Martino Ruggieri was initiated into the culinary world beside Yannick Alléno, and it is true that he climbed the ranks one by one in the kitchen of Pavyllon Ledoyen, culminating in his role as executive chef when the restaurant received its third Michelin star, inevitably linking his name to this triumph. He then opened Maison Ruggieri in Paris, and within less than two years, he managed to earn two stars for his kitchen, establishing himself as one of the leading figures in the gastronomic world.

I recently met him again in New York and had the opportunity to sample his dishes at a pop-up dinner he held with Mitsunobu Nagae at L’Abeille. We are talking about a chef destined for greatness, and I say this with absolute confidence. In fact, he is currently in the most fertile professional phase of his career, both entrepreneurially and creatively, having already initiated the new—spectacular—Maison Ruggieri in Paris. Additionally, in Italy, he has left his mark on two restaurants: the renowned Grotta Palazzese and the slightly more gastronomic Casanova, while very soon he will also open the first Maison Ruggieri outside France there.

Ruggieri hails from Puglia, and upon returning for such a significant project in his hometown, he is determined to give it his all, as he told me the last time we met. "The menus at Grotta Palazzese will be a festive tribute to Puglia, creatively interpreting its rich flavours while always focusing on the warmth that Italian cuisine exudes!" He has prepared three tasting menus: The Essenza menu is a celebration of the sea in its most elemental form, featuring dishes that highlight its authenticity. The Abbraccio focuses on the land, offering a gastronomic exploration aimed at showcasing the finest local products. Finally, the Verde Mare will be a fusion of land and sea, featuring more creative dishes inspired by the region`s rich biodiversity.

However, Martino Ruggieri`s tenure in Polignano a Mare began on March 1st with the gastronomic restaurant Casanova, where he will creatively blend two great classic cuisines: Italian and French. The aesthetic of Casanova is inspired by Venetian palazzi, featuring an interior bathed in white light that combines luxurious materials, glittering Saint-Louis glass chandeliers, and intricate decorative designs, creating a theatrical elegance reminiscent of the grandeur of those mansions.

Heading the kitchen is Michele Panzarini, and here too, three tasting menus will be served. "Casanova is not just a restaurant; it is an invitation to rediscover tradition through the lens of creativity. We want every dish to tell a story, and every moment to feel like a page from a timeless myth," says Martino Ruggieri.

Of course, all eyes are on Maison Ruggieri, which will be the chef`s flagship and is set to open in the third week of March. We`ll be there, so in our return luggage, we`ll be packing plenty of experiences to share with you later.

GROTTA PALAZZESE

Via Narciso, 59 - Polignano a Mare, tel. +39 080 424 06 77

Ristorante CASANOVA

Piazza San Benedetto 5 - Polignano a Mare, tel. +39 0804240677