The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's greatest food regions. The combination of fertile volcanic soil, a mild Mediterranean climate, and centuries of fishing tradition means the ingredients here are extraordinary — and the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast know exactly what to do with them. From a family-run trattoria in a Positano side street to a Ravello terrace with views that stretch to infinity, these are the 15 restaurants you should not miss.
Positano
1. Da Vincenzo — A Positano institution on Via Pasitea, run by the same family since 1958. The menu changes daily based on what the fishermen bring in. Try the spaghetti alle vongole or the grilled catch of the day. Mains from 18 to 30 euros. Book ahead in summer.
2. Lo Guarracino — Perched on a terrace above Fornillo Beach, this is one of the most romantic spots for lunch on the entire coast. The zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta are legendary, and the house white (local Falanghina) is perfect with seafood. Mains 20 to 35 euros.
3. Chez Black — Right on Spiaggia Grande, Chez Black has been serving wood-fired pizza and seafood since 1949. The setting — tables on the sand with fishing boats pulled up beside you — is pure Positano. Pizza from 12 euros, seafood mains from 22 euros.
Amalfi
4. Trattoria Il Mulino — Tucked away in Via delle Cartiere, away from the tourist crush of the main piazza. The scialatielli ai frutti di mare (fresh pasta with mixed seafood) is outstanding. Simple decor, honest prices: mains from 14 to 24 euros.
5. Marina Grande — Sitting right on the waterfront in the old fishermen's quarter, Marina Grande serves some of the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast-level seafood at surprisingly fair prices. The mixed fried fish (fritto misto) is golden and light. Mains 16 to 28 euros.
6. La Caravella — Amalfi's only Michelin-starred restaurant, housed in a vaulted dining room steps from the cathedral. The tasting menu (from 95 euros) showcases the coast's produce with refined technique. Reserve well in advance.
Ravello
7. Rossellinis — The fine-dining restaurant at Palazzo Avino, perched 350 metres above the sea. Two Michelin stars. The multi-course tasting menu (from 150 euros) is a celebration of Campanian ingredients, and the terrace view at sunset is genuinely unforgettable.
8. Cumpa Cosimo — The antithesis of Rossellinis — a family-run trattoria on Via Roma that has been feeding locals and visitors since 1929. Nonna Netta still oversees the kitchen. The mixed pasta plate (seven different shapes, each with a different sauce) is a must. Mains from 12 to 22 euros.
Praiano
9. Kasai — A contemporary Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant in a cliff-edge setting between Positano and Amalfi. The combination of fresh local fish with Japanese technique is surprisingly effective. Tasting menu from 80 euros.
10. Il Pirata — An unpretentious seafood restaurant right on the beach at Marina di Praia. The setting — a tiny cove flanked by high cliffs — is dramatic, and the grilled octopus is perfectly charred. Mains 18 to 30 euros.
Cetara and Vietri sul Mare
11. Acqua Pazza (Cetara) — Cetara is famous for its colatura di alici, a fish sauce descended from the Roman garum. Acqua Pazza is the best place to taste it, tossed through spaghetti with garlic, chilli, and olive oil. One Michelin star. Mains from 20 to 35 euros.
12. Al Convento (Cetara) — A more casual alternative in the same village, with a terrace overlooking the harbour. The tuna tartare with Cetara anchovies is a standout. Mains 14 to 26 euros.
Sorrento and the Sorrentine Peninsula
13. Il Buco (Sorrento) — One Michelin star, set in a former monks' cellar. The wine list is extraordinary (over 2,000 labels), and the seafood-focused tasting menu (from 90 euros) is the best fine dining in Sorrento.
14. Lo Stuzzichino (Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi) — A short drive above Sorrento, this restaurant serves refined local cuisine with views over both the Bay of Naples and the Bay of Salerno. The rabbit with rosemary is a house classic. Mains 18 to 30 euros.
15. Maria Grazia (Nerano) — On the beach at Marina del Cantone, Maria Grazia is famous for one dish: spaghetti alla Nerano (pasta with fried courgettes and provolone). People travel from across the coast for this plate — many arriving by private boat charter for the ultimate lunch stop. Mains 16 to 28 euros. Cash preferred.
Want to Learn to Cook the Local Food?
If you love the food on the Amalfi Coast, consider joining a cooking class. BlueKeys offers a cooking class in Sorrento where you learn to make fresh pasta, gnocchi alla sorrentina, and other regional dishes from a local chef. Classes include a market visit, a hands-on lesson, and a long lunch with wine. It is one of the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast experiences you can take home with you.
Practical Tips for Dining on the Coast
- Book ahead: In June through September, the top restaurants fill up days or weeks in advance. Reserve as soon as your dates are confirmed.
- Lunch is often better value: Many restaurants offer a shorter, cheaper menu at lunch.
- Dress code: Smart casual is the norm. No flip-flops at dinner, especially at starred restaurants.
- Coperto: Most restaurants charge a cover (coperto) of 2 to 4 euros per person. This is standard in Italy.
- Tipping: Not expected in Italy, but rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent for exceptional service is appreciated.
Taste the Amalfi Coast
Book a cooking class in Sorrento with BlueKeys, or browse stays with kitchen access to cook your own feasts with local ingredients.
