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Visiting the southern coast of Italy is sort of an Italy lover’s right of passage. After hitting the major Italian cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice, the seasoned Italy traveler usually wants to check out Italy’s impressive coast.
And one of the first places people want to go is to the famous swatch of coastline south of Naples, in the region of Campania, called The Amalfi Coast. Despite its name, this coastline comprises much more than just the namesake town of Amalfi.
What To Eat In Positano
One of the most famous of these towns is Positano, known for its stunning beaches, clear water, quaint, picturesque center, and outstanding food. Food may not be the first thing you consider when considering what to do on the Amalfi coast, but trust us, it should be, as this town has many of the Campania’s region’s famous foods.
In particular, in Positano, you can find some of the most amazing restaurants in Italy, with the bonus of breathtaking views due to Positano’s unique geographical location (i.e., hillside perch).
Positano cuisine combines Neapolitan traditional dishes with the fresh seafood readily available in this area. The Amalfi Coast is also famous for its lemons since lemons have been cultivated here since the 1600s. You’ll find lemons in everything from salted antipasti to sweet desserts, so be sure to try this unique flavor combination while you’re in the area.
Best Restaurants In Positano Italy 2023
Here we have compiled our top five choices for places to eat Italian food in Positano for every budget that will delight more than just your palate thanks to their sweeping views. Note that we are not including Chez Black or La Tagliata because, despite what you may see on social media or mass review sites frequented by Americans, they are pricier than we feel they should be and are particularly touristy experiences.
La Serra
If you’re after absolute dining luxury, look no further than La Serra. The chef, Luigi Tramontano, brought La Serra to the top of everyone’s list in 2023 when it became a Michelin Star restaurant and, undoubtedly, one of the best restaurants in Positano. His sea-inspired menu will enthrall your palate, whether you order the 3-, 5-, or 6-course tasting menu. Wine pairing is encouraged for the full effect, so be sure to come hungry and thirsty.
The restaurant has a beautiful view of the sprawling sea, and the minimalist decor really allows you to focus on taking in the views all around. True fine dining and conveniently located along the main road that travels around the entire Amalfi coast, this delightful spot is easy to access by car; however, it can also be reached by foot. From the Fornillo beach, it’s about 25 minutes of walking or just a 12-minute car ride from the town center. This restaurant is loved by Italians and tourists alike, so be sure to make a reservation, as they book up months in advance.
La Serra, Via G. Marconi, 169, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
La Sponda (Le Sirenuse)
If you’re interested in one of Positano’s most picturesque and romantic restaurants, look no further than Le Sirenuse. Also called La Sponda, it’s known for the many marriage proposals that happen here every year.
With a view overlooking not just the Mediterranean Sea below but also the idyllic colorful cliffside homes Positano is known for, this place is truly breathtaking. Conveniently located along the Viale Pasitea, in the heart of Positano, you will be amazed at the beauty of this place.
Whether you sit inside or outside, know that your experience will be just as nice either way. The gorgeous restaurant boasts large windows, creeping vines climbing the inner walls, stunning centerpieces of candles, and turquoise floors that reflect the glistening sea. The chef prepares specialties using only the freshest seasonal, local ingredients. Don’t miss his lemon risotto or spaghetti with clams. Sometimes the simple dishes are the best, and La Sponda knows this well.
La Sponda, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 30, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Ristorante Bruno
Ristorante Bruno has you covered if you want a killer view but are also searching for decent prices while still getting all that delicious local flavor. Located along one of the main roads in Positano, they offer outside terraces right along the edge of the road with a view of the town and the sea below. Cars and scooters pass by here, coming very close to where the patrons eat, but it’s an authentic experience at a moderate price tag.
For an appetizer, don’t miss their amazing fiori di zucca, fried zucchini flowers, which is only available sometimes, if the flowers are in season. Their lemon pasta is also not to miss, especially if served with the fish of the day carefully added to the tangy sauce. Try any of their homemade specialties for dessert, using recipes passed down for generations.
Ristorante Bruno, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 157, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Pizzeria Lo Guarracino
Not all places with a view have to cost an arm and a leg or be super fancy. This pizzeria offers rustic, traditional foods of the Amalfi coast, pizza, pasta, fresh seafood, and more. The restaurant overlooks the Fornillo beach, offering a lovely panorama in a quiet, intimate setting. This place has no bad views as all three restaurant rooms overlook different vantage points. Depending on where you’re seated, you can see the islands of Li Galli, the coastal village of Praiano, or the Tower of Clavel. It is also home to a piano bar at night where you can dance the night away under the twinkling stars and shining sea after you’ve devoured your dinner “al aperto” or outside.
Pizzeria Lo Guarracino, Via Positanesi d’America, 12, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Arienzo Beach Club
For the most casual option while still eating seaside, consider the beach club, Arienzo. This beach club is a private beach with umbrellas and chair service daily, becoming a fun bar and hopping restaurant by evening. It is a bit off the beaten path and serves traditional pasta dishes and Italian cuisine, but you can arrive easily by foot or by boat.
The beach club has a free shuttle boat that departs from the Spiaggia Grande in the middle of the main beach in Positano. The boat departs every 20 minutes, and the journey is usually only 5 to 10 minutes. We highly recommend the shuttle boat, as it’s fast, convenient, and easy. If you plan on staying for dinner or aperitivo, be sure to reserve in advance because, as one of the best restaurants in Positano, it fills up. Located right in front of the beach, you will eat with the sea at your feet and a sea breeze that will make even the hottest days feel cool.
Arienzo Beach Club, Via Arienzo, 16, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Are you ready for fantastic dining at one of these best Positano restaurants? This list is just the beginning. If you’re looking for more options, a specific request, or want to eat with a view for every meal of every day of your trip, consider contacting us for customized trip planning. We can help you plan everything from the best gelato to the most delicious ravioli or whatever your heart (and taste buds) demands.
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Photo Credit: Photo of restaurant by Jose R Garcia Cuevas; Restaurant sign by Boris-B; Aerial photo of Positano by Frederick Millett
