The Romans were right when they called it “Campania Felix”, and today, this blessed little corner of Campania on the southern strip of the Sorrentine peninsula is a paradise for gourmets. Back in the 1960s, the first Italian Michelin star was bagged by La Caravella in Amalfi, and now the area has one of the highest concentrations of stars in Italy. However, that’s not the whole story – some of the best dining experiences are to be found in authentic trattorie that are well off the tourist radar. The culinary traditions here are influenced by the dual existence of sea and mountains and the warm, sunny climate: flavors are bold and colors are bright. So without further ado, here are the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast.
Hostaria di Bacco
Eating options are limited this high up in the mountains, but it’s worth the trek first to visit Marisa Cuomo’s winery and second to eat at her sister Ermina’s exceptional restaurant just up the road. The menu gives equal billing to elegant seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes served on a terrace with dizzying views; the signature ferrazzuoli alla nanarella (pasta with smoked swordfish, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and sultanas) is a must and dessert includes cicale di furore’ little cakes made with prickly pears and almonds. The wine list features many interesting local labels, but the obvious choice is a bottle of Cuomo’s superb white Fiorduva.
Address: Via Lama 9, Furore
Lido Azzurro
Ask the locals about their favorite Amalfi Coast restaurants for seafood, and many will mention Lido Azzurro, a busy restaurant with a terrace overlooking Amalfi’s port. Chef Antonio Pisani (aka ‘Bijoux’) has been serving unfussy fish and seafood dishes based on the catch of the day landed by local boats for decades. Classic dishes include warm seafood salad, spaghetti alle vongole, risotto alla pescatora, and whole fish baked in a salt crust – all expertly executed. A bottle of Giuseppe Apicella’s chilled rosé from Tramonti up the hill makes a perfect wine pairing.
Address: Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri 5, Amalfi
Armandino
Although this place has been well and truly discovered and is often packed, the tables laid under the towering cliffs of the tiny fishing village La Praia still make a fine setting for a simple meal and a good bottle of local wine. Jovial host Armandino serves traditional fish and seafood dishes (plus the odd banal meat choice) according to what the fishermen bring in that day: that could mean golden-crisp, deep-fried alici (anchovies), risotto alla pescatora, and grilled swordfish steaks drizzled with the local minty dressing.
Address: Via Marina di Praia, 84010 Praiano SA
Pasticceria Sal De Riso
Minori is a delightful town just east of Amalfi, known for its lovely beach and this famous pastry shop. The De Riso family has been creating sweet treats since 1908, and today, Salvatore (Sal) is the maestro pasticciere producing heavenly cakes and pastries displayed in glass cabinets. Don’t miss the pear and ricotta tart, the melting ricotta-filled sfogliatelle, and the babà doused with either rum or limoncello. The homemade gelato is superb too.
Address: Via Roma 70, Minori
La Torre, Annunziata
The northern stretch of the Amalfi peninsula is worth exploring, especially for its excellent restaurants. This family-run place, high up in the hills above Massa Lubrense, is a favorite. Grab a table under giant white umbrellas on the flower-festooned terrace to enjoy local dishes prepared by Maria Mazzola, starting with generous house antipasto before moving on to pasta with sea urchins and polipetto affogato, baby octopus ‘drowning’ in rich, sweet tomato sauce, capped off with Maria’s much-lauded tiramisù. Don’t miss the fabulous views of Capri.
Address: Piazzetta Annunziata 7, Massa Lubrense
La Sponda
La Sponda at Le Sirenuse is one of the top tables in Positano and arguably the most romantic. Dinner on the terrace with the beautifully lit town in the background, accompanied by music, is unique. Young chef Gennaro Russo delivers local flavors with unfussy yet sophisticated modern cuisine; dishes include seared tuna with beans and candied lemon peel, beef-stuffed fagotelli pasta with aged parmesan cheese, and baked sea bass. For dessert, enjoy a light Neapolitan babà, complemented by a superb wine list and exquisite service.
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo 30, Positano
Il Grottino Azzuro
Many restaurants on the beach in Positano are overpriced, crowded, and mediocre, but this little gem located by the bus stop at the top of the town is beloved by locals and in-the-know tourists. Dine in cheerful blue and white interiors while feasting on delicious local specialties from the daily menu, such as linguine with crab or lobster, pumpkin soup with seared calamari, and rustic local sausages with bitter greens. The walk back down the hill will help with any indulgence.
Address: Via G. Marconi 302, Positano
Lo Scoglio
Hire a boat from Positano to reach this beachside restaurant emphasizing fresh, local vegetables from the De Simone family’s garden and freshly caught fish. The summer dining room offers a beautiful space to sample the famous spaghetti alle zucchini. Catch of the day poached “all’acqua pazza” (in a tomato and herb-flavored stock) makes for a delightful secondo. For dessert, consider the curious local specialty, melanzane al cioccolato (aubergine and chocolate pudding).
Address: Piazza delle Sirene 15, Marina di Cantone
Acquapazza, Cetara
Acquapazza in the small fishing village of Cetara stands out for its modern vibe. Here, you can sample the local specialty of colatura di alici, made in-house. The restaurant focuses on dishes made with just-landed fish and seafood. Enjoy spaghetti dressed with garlic, parsley, and salty colatura, or linguini paired with sea urchins. Mains may include oven-roasted pezzogna (local bream) with potatoes and pomodorini. The wine list features excellent local whites.
Address: Corso Garibaldi 36, Cetara
Lo Stuzzichino
In the small town of Sant’Agata, this contemporary trattoria features an open kitchen and a Slow Food ethos, with a strictly seasonal menu offering equally balanced meat, fish, seafood, and vegetable dishes. Enjoy exemplary aubergine parmigiana, gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and local specialties cooked using artisan-sourced ingredients. The award-winning wine list showcases regional gems, all at honest mark-ups.
Address: Via Deserto 1A, Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi
Maria Grazia
This charming restaurant, located at the other end of a pebbly beach, offers a laid-back atmosphere and delicious dishes. Maria Grazia claims to have invented the widely loved spaghetti con zucchine alla Nerano, and her version is a highlight. Antipasti like stuffed peppers and tiny pink local prawns are simply top-notch. A refreshing jug of white wine with peach slices makes it even better. Visit during lunch for a relaxing time on the beach.
Address: Via Marina del Cantone 65, Marina di Cantone
Casa e Bottega
If you’re in Positano looking for something fresh and light, Tanina Vanacore’s bright, modern café-restaurant is a top choice. Breakfast features avocado toast, savory muffins, and homemade pastries, while lunch offers delightful options like hummus, rice bowls with seared tuna, or interesting salads. While you wait, browse locally made textiles, glassware, and ceramics for sale.
Address: Via Pasitea 100, Positano
A’ Paranza
This informal trattoria is an excellent place for a traditional seafood meal that won’t break the bank. Starters often feature a fantastic array of fishy antipasti, such as deep-fried courgette flowers stuffed with smoked mozzarella. Follow this with a simply grilled local pezzogna and indulge in homemade ricotta and pear flan for dessert, complemented by a refreshing local white wine.
Address: Traversa Dragoni 2, Atrani
Kasai
This lively risto-shop above Praiano’s main street boasts a roadside terrace overlooking the coast. The menu focuses on local fish, seafood, and meat dishes prepared with creative flair. Daily specials may include pasta with fresh tuna and aubergine or pizza topped with shrimp and citrus pesto. Don’t miss out on the chocolate and almond torta caprese for dessert, a Capri specialty.
Address: Corso Umberto I 85, Praiano
Donna Rosa
Just a 20-minute drive into the hills above Positano brings you to Montepertuso, where fresh air and beautiful views await at this elegant family-run restaurant. With an open kitchen, seasonal dishes reflect both the sea and mountains, like homemade pappardelle with porcini mushrooms and prawns. Be sure to leave room for the famous hot chocolate soufflé, and explore the extensive wine list featuring local labels.
Address: Via Montepertuso 97/99, Montepertuso
Cumpa Cosimo
This rustic establishment, run by the Bottone family for over 80 years, remains a great choice for a simple, authentic meal. The classic starter is a quintet of homemade pasta dishes that changes daily, followed by a refreshing salad and house dessert, which can be accompanied by delectable meat options sourced from their butcher shop next door.
Address: Via Roma 44/46, Ravello
Il Glicine, Amalfi
The wisteria-draped terrace of Hotel Santa Caterina offers a beautiful dining setting, with chef Giuseppe Stanzione’s exceptional Mediterranean dishes. Local ingredients like truffles, oysters, and Amalfi lemons are used in innovative interpretations of culinary traditions. The formal service is friendly, embodying the warmth of Southern Italy.
Address: SS Amalfitana 9, Amalfi
Volta del Fuenti, Vietri-sul-Mare
This gourmet restaurant is part of a beach club, showcasing a creative and technical approach to traditional Campanian fish and meat dishes. Chef Michele De Blasio offers palate-teasing options that surprise and delight. The views of the sea complement the dining experience with dishes like ‘caesar di mare’ and dark chocolate mousse.
Address: SS 163 Amalfitana km 47 + 300, Vietri-sul-mare
La Tagliata
La Tagliata sits in the village of Montepertuso, above Positano, offering a vast panoramic terrace and hearty homemade meat and vegetable-focused dishes at reasonable prices. Ingredients are sourced from the restaurant’s kitchen garden, ranging from pasta e fagioli to grilled meats, including their famous ‘bistecca alla fiorentina’. Transport is available from Positano on request – just be sure to book ahead.
Address: Via Tagliata 32B, Montepertuso, Positano
Bar Bruno
This family-run restaurant, located along the high coastal road leading out of Positano, features a terrace that offers fantastic views. The all-day menu boasts local favorites like marinated anchovies and spaghetti with mixed seafood. Finish with delizie al limone (sponge cake with lemon cream) paired with a refreshing local white.
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo 157, Positano
Da Adolfo
This enduring favorite in Positano retains its casual, toes-in-the-sand vibe. You queue on the beach for the boat with the red fish on its mast to reach it. The menu remains unchanged with classics like grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves. Enjoy a whole grilled catch of the day, served with a side of iced sangria.
Address: Via Laurito 40, Positano
Armatore, Cetara
In Cetara, Armatore offers enjoyable dining with a sea-facing terrace. The menu focuses on local offerings like deep-fried anchovies and paccheri pasta with monkfish ragù. Casual yet delicious, the three-course tasting menu is a great value at €35, making it a perfect spot for an aperitivo or a meal.
Address: Via Galea 1, Massa Lubrense
Casa Mandina, Maiori
One of the new generation of restaurants in the area, Casa Mandina offers a relaxed setting and a Chef’s Table experience where diners can watch the chefs at work and enjoy a five-course tasting menu. Dishes reflect local traditions with modern twists like beef tartare with black truffles and risotto with red mullet.
Address: Via Casa Mandina, Maiori
Mimì, Ravello
This cheerful ‘Pizzeria-Cucina’ located on the stepped lane leading to Villa Cimbrone serves excellent pizza alongside traditional local dishes, incorporating produce from the Mansi family’s kitchen garden. The wood-fired pizzas are exceptional, with unique creations like ‘Nerano’, featuring courgettes and local cheeses.
Address: Via di San Francesco 12, Ravello
Da Lorenzo, Scala
Near the quaint village of Scala, Da Lorenzo is an enduring favorite known for its fresh, seasonal food. The terrace serves up beautiful views along with unfussy regional cooking featuring local fish and seafood. Popular dishes include melanzane alla parmigiana and grilled calamari.
Address: Via Frà Gerardo Sasso 8, Scala
