Think dinner with a view is cliché? Try dinner in a cave. Whether it’s sipping cocktails in a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb or feasting on seafood in a coral cavern lit by stars, cave restaurants are turning natural wonders into unforgettable dining destinations.
For Malaysian Gen Z and Millennial travellers looking to level up their bucket list, these unique restaurants built into natural rock formations blend food, fantasy, and a touch of the surreal. From Italy’s coastal cliffs to Thailand’s limestone grottos, these are the top five spots where dinner feels like an adventure.
💬 “Cave restaurants tap into a primal sense of awe—you’re not just dining, you’re part of a story written in stone,” says travel experience designer Nadiah Syazwan.
1. The Grotto at Rayavadee, Krabi – Best Cave Dining in Thailand
📍 Phra Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Built into a natural limestone cave right on the edge of the Andaman Sea, The Grotto at Rayavadee resort is a tropical fantasy come to life.
Why it’s worth the trip:
- Open-air seating beneath dramatic rock formations
- Sunset views over Phra Nang Beach
- Candlelit Thai dinners featuring grilled seafood and tangy salads
🎯 Insider tip: “The grilled tiger prawns with tamarind sauce are a must,” recommends Chef Anan Chaiyasit from Bangkok’s Mak Mak Restaurant.
Perfect for: Honeymooners, island hoppers, and seafood lovers
2. Topdeck Cave Restaurant, Cappadocia – Authentic Cave Dining in Turkey
📍 Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
Set inside a former cave home, Topdeck Cave Restaurant delivers homemade Turkish meals in an intimate, rustic stone chamber.
What makes it special:
- Family-run charm and cosy cave interiors
- Traditional dishes like lamb stew, lentil soup, and house-made meze
- Just 9 tables—so book early!
🍽️ “Topdeck is about real food, made with heart. There’s no ‘concept’—just authenticity,” says culinary travel blogger @TasteTheTuff.
Perfect for: Culture buffs, foodie couples, and solo travellers looking for local vibes
3. Grotta Palazzese, Italy – The Most Iconic Cave Restaurant
📍 Polignano a Mare, Italy
Probably the most Instagrammed cave restaurant in the world, Grotta Palazzese is set into a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea—and yes, it’s as dramatic as it sounds.
What you’ll experience:
- A sea-carved cavern turned luxury dining room
- Elegant Italian dishes (think lobster tagliolini and burrata starters)
- Centuries-old banquet site with modern coastal glam
📸 Travel content creator @RoamsandRavioli calls it, “The Amalfi Coast’s moodier, cooler cousin.”
Perfect for: Proposal dinners, style-conscious travellers, and anyone chasing viral moments
4. The Cave Bar, Petra – Oldest Cave Bar in the World
📍 Petra, Jordan
Built into a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb, The Cave Bar is a stone’s throw from the rose-red ruins of Petra. This isn’t just a bar—it’s part of ancient history.
Why it’s legendary:
- Housed in a sandstone tomb dating back to the 1st century
- Warm lighting, carved columns, and a terrace overlooking Petra
- Offers cocktails and mezze, perfect post-hike fuel
🏛️ Archaeologist Layla Nasser notes, “Dining here connects you directly with Petra’s mysterious past—it’s like sipping a drink in a museum.”
Perfect for: History nerds, adventurers, and night owls exploring Petra after dark
5. Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, Diani Beach – Kenya’s Best Hidden Gem
📍 Diani Beach, Kenya
Located in a coral cave that’s over 100,000 years old, Ali Barbour’s is unlike anything else on the African coast. Expect starlit ceilings, flickering candles, and a menu that celebrates land and sea.
What sets it apart:
- A fully underground dining experience
- Star-shaped skylights illuminate stone chambers
- Signature dishes include lobster risotto and filet mignon
🌌 “There’s a raw elegance to dining here—it’s luxurious without being flashy,” shares Shani Omondi, editor of Nairobi Noir.
Perfect for: Eco-travellers, romantics, and cave-exploring foodies
