“Campania Felix” as the Romans named, was no mistake, and this corner of Campania on the southern part of the Sorrentine peninsula has become a haven for food lovers today. The first ever Michelin star awarded to an Italian restaurant in the 1960s went to La Caravella in Amalfi; now this area boasts one of Italy’s highest concentrations of stars. But that is not all there is to it; some of the finest dining experiences can be had at unassuming trattorie which are well outside the tourist track. This culinary heritage is influenced by its proximity to both mountains and sea as well as warm weather conditions: flavors are robust and colors vibrant. Without further ado, here are the best restaurants in Amalfi Coast
Lido Azzurro
Website: ristorantelidoazzurro.it
Kasai
Amalfi Coast Villas by Haute Retreats
Hostaria di Bacco
While the dining choices are limited in the mountain heights, visiting Marisa Cuomo’s vineyard makes the journey worthwhile. Not only does one gain sustenance for the body, but nourishment for the soul as well. Her sister Ermina operates an exceptional establishment further along the road, where seafood, meat and vegetable dishes receive equal praise. Presented with a panoramic vista, these elegant options are served on an outdoor terrace. Among the signature selections, the ferrazzuoli alla nanarella stands out – pasta blended with smoked swordfish, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and sultanas. For dessert, the cicale di furore call to mind the region, marrying prickly pears with almonds in a petite cake. While the wine list highlights several notable local vintages, Cuomo’s superb white Fiorduva proves the obvious complement to the refined repast.
Address: Via Lama 9, Furore
Website: baccofurore.it
Hostaria di Bacco
La Torre, Annunziata
The northern coastline of the Amalfi peninsula holds many hidden gems worth uncovering, especially for those with an appreciation of fine food. Nestled high in the hills above Massa Lubrense is a small family-run establishment that has become a favorite of mine. Secure a table under the massive white umbrellas on the flower-adorned outdoor patio to savor the local specialties prepared by the gracious Maria Mazzola. Begin by indulging in the generous assortment of appetizers before the kitchen presents dishes like pasta tossed with sea urchins or baby octopus tenderly simmered in a rich, sweet tomato broth. Be sure to save room for Maria’s renowned tiramisù for dessert. For those seeking stunning scenery, a short stroll from the restaurant unveils spectacular views of the island of Capri spreading out across the glistening waters.
Address: Piazzetta Annunziata 7, Massa Lubrense
Website: LaTorreonefire.it
La Sponda
Dinner at La Sponda at Le Sirenuse in Positano offers a truly romantic and memorable experience. Not only is it considered one of the top restaurants in town, but its setting is quite possibly the most romantic imaginable. Dining on the terrace provides breathtaking views of the theatrically-lit village laid out below, all while being serenaded by local musicians playing the mandolin and guitar. Young chef Gennaro Russo prepares dishes that showcase the fresh, clean flavors of local ingredients in an understated yet sophisticated way. His menu features simply-prepared favorites like seared tuna served with beans and candied lemon peel, beef-stuffed pasta with aged parmesan cheese and black truffle, and baked sea bass caught off the coast. The meal concludes on a light note with the airy Neapolitan babà pastry. When you add their extensive wine list and exemplary service, the dining experience at La Sponda pushes the boundaries of what could be considered near perfection.
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo 30, Positano
Website: sirenuse.it
La Sponda
Il Grottino Azzuro
Along the beachside restaurants of Positano, Italy, most are overpriced with crowded spaces and mediocre cuisine. However, a special gem resides near the bus stop at the top of town, offering delicious local fare at fair costs. Both locals and informed travelers pack the two simple yet cheerfully decorated rooms of blue and white. Here, they feast on daily changing dishes such as linguine paired with crab or lobster. Additional options include pumpkin soup featuring seared calamari. Other popular dishes consist of octopus salad and rustic sausages with bitter greens. Any indigestion from the fulfilling meals is easily remedied by the walk back down the scenic hillside views.
Address: Via G. Marconi 302, Positano
Website: facebook.com/ilgrottinoazzurro
Il Grottino Azzuro – Positano
Lo Stuzzichino
Set high upon the hills of Sant’Agata, Mimmo De Gregorio’s contemporary trattoria offers breathtaking views of the gulfs below from its bright, open kitchen. A philosophy of seasonality guides the menu, which shines an equal light on meat, fish, seafood and vegetable dishes sourced from artisan producers. Expect exemplary versions of classics like eggplant parmesan and gnocchi alla Sorrentina, but also lesser known delights including pink prawns from Crapolla fried to delicate perfection, zesty sea bass filets, and rosemary-scented lamb chops accompanied by grilled potatoes from the earth. The award-winning wine list presents a treasure trove of local varietals, and pricing remains honest and transparent.
Address: Via Deserto 1A, Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi
Website: ristorantelostuzzichino.it
Donna Rosa
A short 20 minute drive into the cool, hilltops above the picturesque town of Positano reveals the small, quaint village of Montepertuso. Offering refreshing mountain air and beautiful scenic views, this elegant family-run restaurant makes for the perfect escape. One daughter handles front of house operations while her sister and mother work harmoniously in the open kitchen. Here they produce delectable, seasonal dishes that beautifully showcase the region’s dual coastal and mountain influences. Homemade pappardelle is expertly paired with the fresh flavors of local porcini mushrooms and plump prawns. No meal is complete without leaving room for their world famous hot chocolate soufflé – a molten delicacy not to be missed. The extensive wine list features many interesting local labels as well as selections from other top Italian regions sure to complement any dish. An insightful getaway for both body and soul.
Address: Via Montepertuso 97/99, Montepertuso
Website: drpositano.com
Il Glicine, Amalfi
The terrace of the Hotel Santa Caterina, covered with wisteria blossoms, is surely one of the most beautiful restaurant settings along the Amalfi Coast. Chef Giuseppe Stanzione’s food more than lives up to this idyllic location, making it a perfect choice for a memorable dining experience. Many dishes on the modern Mediterranean menu pay homage to Stanzione’s home region of Campania through their luxurious ingredients – truffles, oysters, foie gras, and turbot mingle with specialties like pasta from Gragnano, mozzarella from Paestum, Amalfi lemons, and tiny local shrimp in reimagined takes on classic coastal fare. While service is polished, the atmosphere remains relaxed and unpretentious, as is fitting for dining in southern Italy.
Address: SS Amalfitana 9, Amalfi
Website: hotelsantacaterina.it
Da Adolfo
While this enduring Positano favorite has certainly grown in popularity over time, becoming less off-the-beaten-path than in its early days, the laidback and seaside spirit of Adolfo Bella’s original establishment still shines through. Visitors still line up on the beach to catch the iconic boat with the red fish emblem to reach the restaurant located offshore. The menu has remained largely unchanged for decades, still handwritten on a blackboard each day; classics like grilled mozzarella topped with lemon leaves and zuppa di cozze (mussels) remain popular, as does the daily catch cooked over the grill. Guests enjoy carafes of chilled sangria and local white wines alongside their meals. Warm sun and gentle sea breezes often lull diners into a relaxing state where they can unwind and digest their food while taking in the picturesque coastal views. Though tourism has brought more crowds over the years, the atmosphere maintains its appeal and charm, perfect for soaking in the relaxed vibes of this scenic stretch of coastline.
Address: Via Laurito 40, Positano
Website: daadolfo.com
Casa Mandina, Maiori
Casa Mandina, Maiori
The Pappalardo brothers recently opened a new concept restaurant called Casa Mandina in the area of Maiori, located just east of Amalfi along the scenic Costiera coastline. Taking the reins after many years of experience cooking in some of the region’s finest kitchens, the sibling chefs sought to provide a more unique dining experience. Their Chef’s Table offers patrons front-row seats at a counter facing the bustling kitchen, where they can enjoy a five-course tasting menu directly interacting with the chefs as the food is being prepared. Diners also have the option of browsing the à la carte menu featuring locally-inspired dishes with some unconventional twists, such as beef tartare topped with black truffles, saffron risotto paired with red mullet, and tempura cod paired with pig cheek seasoned with ginger and black truffle. The meal concludes on a sweet note with a tarte tatin made from the region’s prized annurca apples.
Address: Via Casa Mandina, Maiori
Website: casamandina.it
Mimì, Ravello
This bright and cheerful Italian restaurant is located on the steps leading up to Villa Cimbrone, with an outdoor patio area and lovely garden. It serves excellent pizza along with other traditional local dishes, many using ingredients sourced from the owners’ own kitchen garden. The pizza chef is from Naples, so the wood-fired pizzas have puffy, perfectly charred crusts. A standout pizza is the “Nerano”, made with zucchini, basil and cheese from the nearby town of Agerola – it pays homage to a famous local pasta dish. The “Napoli” pizza features anchovies from the town of Cetara. Additional items include marinated tuna carpaccio, pasta with seafood, salt cod and a rum-soaked sponge cake for dessert. All are washed down with a refreshingly cold homemade lemon liqueur.
Address: Via di San Francesco 12, Ravello
Website: mimravello.it
FAQs
FAQsWhat are the popular dining spots for celebrities on the Amalfi Coast?
Celebrities often dine in Positano, the most iconic town on the Amalfi Coast, known for its picturesque multicolored houses. One of the hotspots for celebrity dining is Chez Black, which offers more than just the chance to spot famous faces.
Which town on the Amalfi Coast is renowned for its exceptional restaurants?
The town with the best culinary offerings on the Amalfi Coast is not pinpointed to just one, but several towns boast exceptional places to eat and drink. Notable mentions include Trattoria da Gemma in Amalfi, Salvatore Ravello 1958 in Ravello, Salumeria Da Aldo in Capri, Pizzeria Da Franco in Sorrento, Cuoppo di Amalfi in Amalfi, Babel Wine Bar Deli & Art in Ravello, Lo Sfizio in Capri, and La Tagliata in Positano.
What is the signature dish of the Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast is famous for a variety of traditional dishes. Some of the must-try specialties include Scialatielli all’Amalfitana, Tramonti’s Pizza, Tagliolini with lemon, Ndunderi, Squid and potatoes praianese, Mixed fried seafood, Delizia al limone, and Sfogliatella.
What culinary delights is Positano famous for?
Positano is celebrated for its traditional cuisine, particularly its fresh seafood dishes. Visitors can indulge in seafood platters, seafood pasta, and pizzas that capture the essence of coastal dining. The local wine and cocktails also complement these summer meals perfectly.
