Seafood restaurants

Santa Monaca

4.6 1,333 reviews 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM Riviera Nazario Sauro, 41, 73014 Gallipoli LE, Italy

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Santa Monaca, nestled along the breathtaking Riviera Nazario Sauro in Gallipoli, Italy, offers an unforgettable seafood dining experience. The reviews from patrons highlight the essence of this gem, painting a vivid picture of culinary delight. Nur İrez praises the exceptional food and inviting atmosphere, expressing a desire to return for more dishes. Jessica Grisolia’s enchanting description of a sunset meal emphasizes the freshness of the fish and the unique taste of the pasta, making it a must-visit destination.

Dejan Milovanovic commends the outstanding service, particularly singling out waiter Simone and the talented chef, which reflects the restaurant's commitment to hospitality. Huanjia Yang notes the beautifully crafted daily specials derived from the catch of the day, a testament to the restaurant's dedication to quality. While it may lean towards the pricier side, guests affirm that every euro spent is justified by the exquisite flavors and cozy ambiance.

Naru Meienberg encapsulates the warmth in service with an emphasis on the ocean view from the patio, enhancing the overall dining experience. Gathered reviews suggest that Santa Monaca is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey by the sea, inviting seafood enthusiasts to indulge in its delectable offerings.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd

Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Santa Monaca before visiting.

Reviews for Santa Monaca

4.6

1,333 reviews

100%

18%

Review highlights

Based on 1,333 reviews

Santa Monaca is widely praised for its exceptional seafood offerings and charming seaside ambiance, often highlighted by patrons as a memorable part of their Gallipoli experience. Reviewers frequently commend the freshness of the fish and unique flavors of the pasta, emphasizing the quality and creativity of the dishes. The restaurant’s outdoor setting with views of the ocean enhances the dining atmosphere, especially at sunset. Service is noted for being warm, attentive, and personable, with particular appreciation for staff going above and beyond. While some mention that the pricing is on the higher side, the overall consensus is that the experience and food quality justify the cost, making Santa Monaca a recommended destination for seafood enthusiasts visiting the area.

Nur İrez

Aug 30, 2025

We’ve been there two nights in a row. I must say that they made my day in Gallipoli. Food is amazing as well as the atmosphere. There are still some other dishes that i would like to try. Good job guys!

Jessica Grisolia

Aug 17, 2025

This restaurant was a highlight of our stay. The atmosphere by the sea at sunset was magical, the fish absolutely fresh and the pasta had a very unique taste. A must visit.

Dejan Milovanovic

Aug 10, 2025

Everything was amazing. Special thanks to Simone, the waiter. Thanks to Chef as well for great tasting.

Huanjia Yang

Jul 06, 2025

Great service and beautiful food. Ask for daily specials outside of the menu based on the catch of the day. Not the cheapest but worth the price. The outdoor setting has lovely sea view.

Naru Meienberg

Jun 18, 2025

You just must try!!!! The warmth , the hospitality the smile and the service is exceptional . The menu & food just super delicious. If you sit on the patio, you can see the ocean aswell…

May 22, 2025

I was recommended this restaurant by the hotel front desk. I found the waiters to be very polite, and while the quality of the seafood wasn’t outstanding, it was okay. Honestly, I didn’t really feel that the seafood here was significantly better than elsewhere... Maybe I had unrealistic expectations… Throughout the meal, the two young servers were very friendly and enthusiastic, which made my dining experience enjoyable. The only downside was the cashier at the end—an older lady with a poker face and a rather unfriendly attitude. Overall, I wouldn’t strongly recommend this place, but if you’re staying on the island and don’t have many other options, it’s an okay choice.

Hedieh YS

May 18, 2025

This restaurant is beautifully located with amazing sunset views - beach town vibes. We had reservations, and our table was ready upon arrival. The service was prompt and very friendly. They bring around the fresh catch of the day so you know what you're ordering. The calamari was great. The red snapper (grilled) was very dry. The seabream was deboned and easier to eat. Overall a good experience and would recommend.

Chelsya Costa Da Ponte

May 10, 2025

Amazing seafood and waterfront restaurant. Our group and myself loved the tartare, calamari and burrata as appetizers and as a main dish we all loved the fresh fish of the day. It was one our favorites restaurants while in Gallipoli and returned two nights during our four night stay.