You may have heard where and what to eat in Naples, but have you ever wondered where to eat in Positano? Beyond stunning shores and salty air, Positano has much more in store, especially in the culinary department.
In Positano, tourists enjoy some of Italy’s greatest gastronomical delights among an astounding beachfront and twisting, pebbled streets. Positano’s typical cuisine includes varied dishes such as cheesy pasta, meat plates, and seafood soups. In this article, I will delve into the ten best restaurants in Positano and provide insights on how to reach this iconic corner of the coast. I will also answer some frequently asked questions about dining in this palate paradise.
So, are you hungry? If so, this village’s unique blend of tradition and innovation will be worth experiencing. No matter how many days it takes to explore the Amalfi Coast, Positano’s cuisine will always draw you back. Keep reading to learn about Positano’s inviting flavor profile and discover all of my favorite restaurants in this seaside haven.
To find out more about Positano, read about Amalfi’s luxurious and charming coastal towns.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Positano
To find the best of the best, you must know where to eat in Positano. With so much to try in such a small town, we have compiled a list of the very best restaurants in the area.
1. Ristorante Da Costantino
Nestled on the outskirts of Positano, Ristorante Da Costantino offers a spectacular dining experience through entrancing ocean views and outstanding dishes. This spot is particularly revered for its seafood plates. With friendly staff and a warm ambiance, the meals almost feel home-cooked.
2. Il Grottino Azzurro
Also off the beaten path, Il Grottino Azzurro is known for its delectable seafood. With its coastal blue furniture and stunning seascape, it’s an ideal spot for an intimate dinner. The menu additionally features some traditional Italian dishes with a twist.
3. Da Vincenzo Positano 1958
Have you decided where to eat in Positano yet? If not, try Da Vincenzo Positano. Since 1958, the family-run establishment has been setting a romantic scene for its guests. The restaurant’s walls resemble a coastal cavern, creating the perfect seaside ambiance. Its mostly fish-focused dishes have earned the restaurant a Michelin star.
4. Mirage
Mirage is nestled into a popular Positano hotel and received the 2022 Traveler’s Choice Award on Tripadvisor. With a chic and stylish ambiance, this restaurant is perfect for special occasions. Diners can savor their meal on the rooftop terrace while enjoying panoramic views.
5. La Scalinatella
La Scalinatella exudes luxury and elegance. This restaurant earned a Michelin star for its impeccable service and refined Mediterranean cuisine. Although on the pricier side, this venue is the epitome of a lavish Italian holiday.
6. Il Tridente Positano
The rooftop terrace of Il Tridente is a highly-rated restaurant and cocktail bar. The menu emphasizes fresh seafood and local specialties. Its casual yet sophisticated atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely brunch.
7. Lo Guarracino
If someone asks you where to eat in Positano, Lo Guarracino should be your first response. Both a lunch and dinner spot,it boasts a prime location overlooking the lovely beach of Fornillo. Built within a large garden, the menu features a wide range of dishes, including pasta, seafood, and delicate desserts.
8. Casa Mele
Also a receiver of the 2022 Traveler’s Choice Award, Casa Mele offers an extremely homely atmosphere, making it feel like diners are visiting a friend’s kitchen. The seafood pasta and steaks are highly recommended. This is also a great place for gluten-free folks!
9. Casa e Bottega
Are you an interior design lover that’s wondering where to eat in Positano? If so, hit the Casa e Bottega. This unique dining experience combines a café, restaurant, and artisanal shop. It’s known for its emphasis on healthy and organic options, including creative salads, freshly prepared juices, and wholesome breakfast choices.
10. La Sponda
Located in the opulent Le Sirenuse Hotel, La Sponda serves fresh seafood and homemade pasta paired with an extensive selection of wines and cocktails. The dining area features candlelit dinners on a serene patio. The menu changes according to the seasons and reflects the harvest of local farms.
The Typical Dishes of Positano
These five traditional dishes of the Positano region are sure to satisfy your appetite. Let’s dive into the components of each course and how they stand out within Italy’s culinary scene.
Lemon Spaghetti
For a refreshingly zesty dinner, your best bet is a warm plate of lemon spaghetti. Italian pasta is traditionally cooked al dente, only this one is drizzled with a vibrant lemon sauce. This sauce is composed of olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of Parmesan cheese. Sometimes, black pepper or red pepper flakes are also added in. Positano restaurants are known for their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, making this plate’s citrusy tang all the more pleasurable.
Carriage Buffalo Mozzarella
After the lemon spaghetti, I’m sure you’re wondering where to eat in Positano, but this next dish is something you must try regardless of where you dine. If you’re craving a less traditional, creamy delicacy, go for a bite of Positano’s carriage buffalo mozzarella. Made from the milk of a water buffalo, this rich cheese melts in your mouth effortlessly. Back when cheeses could not be cooled as easily, the shelf life of the mozzarella was limited. However, to conceal the acidity of the aging cheeses, the Italians sandwiched the mozzarella between two slices of bread and fried it. A bite into this oozing treat will undoubtedly leave you asking for more.
Vermicelli di Positano
For a light summer lunch, the Vermicelli di Positano is an undeniable delight. The thin Vermicelli strands are tossed in the town’s seasonal harvest. This includes cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, celery, parsley, basil, and oregano. The pasta is also sprinkled with black pepper and extra virgin olive oil. The simplicity of this dish is a testament to the natural beauty of the Mediterranean itself.
Positano Mussel Soup
Seafood junkies will appreciate the Positano mussel soup as it boasts the area’s freshest catch of the day. Its comforting base is made of tomato, garlic, parsley, and fragrant white wine. The mussels are additionally served alongside crisp bread for dipping, and sometimes with pasta. This soup’s combination of textures and flavors emphasizes the region’s deep-rooted culinary traditions.
Delizie al Limone
To round off your culinary adventures in Positano, taste some delizie al limone, the ultimate dessert. This treat consists of a sponge cake infused with lemon cream. The cake is then brushed with Limoncello syrup and covered in a lemon and whipped cream glaze. It is sometimes also topped with candied lemon peel, perfectly balancing its sweetness and acidity. With such a tantalizing citrus aroma and light and fluffy nature, it’s no doubt that this is Positano’s most decadent dessert.
How to Get to Positano
After discovering where to eat in Positano, you may be asking yourself how to get there. Although there is no direct airport in Positano, I recommend flying into Rome or Naples if possible. Below is a list of ways to make your way to the village.
By Train: There is no direct train to Positano, but you can take the train from either Naples Airport or Rome Airport to a closer city on the Amalfi Coast like Sorrento or Salerno. Then, you will need to rent a car or take a taxi to Positano.
By Bus: The cheapest way to get to Positano is by taking the SITA bus. For €2 you can take the 45-minute bus from Sorrento to Positano. Be sure to sit on the right side of the bus to witness the most spectacular scenery!
By Car: If you’re driving, take the A3 highway. The drive along the Amalfi Coast is breathtaking, but keep in mind that it can be narrow and winding. Taking a taxi is definitely the easiest way to reach Positano, but it is also the most expensive. It can cost you more than €100 from the Naples Airport.
By Ferry: Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, and Amalfi all have ferry services to Positano during the day. You can view the ferry schedules on FerryHopper.com. Just note that luggage will most likely cost extra on top of your ticket price.
For more information, discover how to reach the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast.
FAQs about Where to Eat in Positano
After discovering the many culinary specialties that await you Positano, it’s only natural to have a few lingering questions in the back of your mind. You may be asking yourself about takeout options or meal pricing, for example. Luckily, we’re here to answer all of the frequently asked questions about the area.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Positano That Provide Takeout?
While Positano is mainly known for its dine-in experiences, there are some restaurants within the area that offer takeout options. Places like Ristorante Da Costantino, Il Grottino Azzurro, and Casa e Bottega provide a takeout option for those hoping to indulge in Positano’s flavors on the go.
Is It Expensive to Eat in Positano?
Positano may have a luxurious reputation, but its dining costs still vary. You can enjoy fine dining at establishments such as La Sponda and La Scalinatella. However, smaller cafes and trattorias offer more budget-friendly options. On average, a fresh pasta meal will cost you about €12 – €15 here. I personally believe that the local specialties are worth the investment, as this is the only way to taste the authentic flavors of the region.
Does Positano Have Good Food?
Yes! Positano’s food is actually extremely underrated among most Italian holiday destinations. With an abundance of seafood and pasta that makes you salivate, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fine dining in the resort town. Positano’s cuisine takes from its coastal influences to create one of the most artistic forms of culinary craftsmanship in the world.
