A special thanks to Charlotte Baker for this Guest Post on eating in Positano!
Located on a scenic point south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast is a world-renowned tourist destination known for its picturesque views, iconic landmarks, and incredible food and drink scene. Right in the heart of it all is the intoxicating Positano, a beach resort town that has long been a top choice for both local and foreign vacationers who are in need of the ultimate escape.
While there are plenty of fun things to do in this lovely Amalfi Coast village, most of Positano’s visitors come for one main thing – its five-star dining scene. Italian food, as well as its regional cuisine, has always been considered some of the best in the world and Positano certainly lives up to this reputation. From fresh seafood dishes to mouthwatering pasta, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fine dining in the resort town.
To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together the ultimate foodie’s guide to eating in Positano. Don’t forget to look for a luggage locker where you can temporarily store your bags before heading out for a delicious meal in town.
Where to eat
Chez Black
Positano has no shortage of seafront restaurants and choosing where to eat can be difficult, especially if you’re a newcomer. However, those in the know will tell you to go to Chez Black, a nautical-themed restaurant that stands out with its wooden mermaid sculptures and sleek wood paneling. Located by the Spiaggia Garden, Chez Black is known for its regional fare made with local ingredients and fresh produce.
Open all day, Chez Black is the perfect place to get good food and enjoy a cocktail or beer in Positano. The menu is made up of simple, traditional regional fare, including a range of pasta, seafood dishes, and, of course, pizza. Some of the popular dishes at Chez Black include the octopus carpaccio and their signature spaghetti with sea urchin.
Da Adolfo
No trip to Positano would be complete without experiencing one of its most popular and most beautiful restaurants – Da Adolfo. Operating for over four decades, this family-owned restaurant can be found on the secluded and unspoiled Laurito Beach and can be reached via a free boat ride from the Positano pier. While it may seem like too much work, the food at Da Adolfo is certainly worth the trip.
Da Adolfo’s beachfront location allows diners to take in a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast while they enjoy the topnotch cuisine served in the restaurant. The main attraction of the menu is seafood made with freshly-caught ingredients such as octopus, fish and shrimp. Some of Da Adolfo’s specialties include the totani con patate (squid cooked with garlic and potatoes) and mussels prepared three ways.
La Tagliata
While a lot of the travelers in Positano like to stay close to the beach, it is well worth it to head up to the hills to visit La Tagliata, which is one of the town’s most beloved dining spots. Set in the village of Montepertuso, this rustic restaurant is a great place to enjoy hearty and homemade Italian cuisine at affordable prices. Unlike most of the dining establishments in Positano that are seafood-centered, La Tagliata focuses on farm-to-table dishes inspired by southern Italian cuisine.
Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include grilled chicken and steak with vegetables sourced from their own garden. La Tagliata offers a free shuttle service for their diners to and from the town of Positano. Given its popularity, it is best to book a reservation a month ahead and provide your preferred date and time of visit to ensure a slot.
Casa e Bottega
If you’re looking for a break from pasta, pizza and seafood and would like to have something different while in Positano, check out Casa e Bottega. This quaint and colorful restaurant is headed by Chef Tanina Vanacore and is the best option for fresh, healthy and hearty meals.
The menu is comprised of food items such as sandwiches, salads and smoothies that are all prepared using gluten-free ingredients; some popular choices include the chickpea burger, zoodles (zucchini noodles) and poached eggs. The restaurant also doubles as a homewares shop, where you can find a range of ceramics, plates, glasses and other handmade crafts.
Da Vincenzo
If you want to enjoy some classic Italian cuisine and dine with a view, head over to Da Vincenzo. The family-owned and operated restaurant, which has been serving the town of Positano since 1958, is known for its unique dining setting, friendly and highly accommodating staff, and an incredible selection of food and wine.
The menu at Da Vincenzo is mainly composed of Italian favorites as well as fresh seafood dishes; among the popular options here include the lemon tagliolini pasta with shrimp and the ravioli stuffed with tomatoes and ricotta cheese, stuffed pumpkin and grilled zucchini. To end your meal, don’t forget to try some of their most popular desserts, such as the tiramisù, lemon cake and gelato.
Next2
Widely regarded as the most stylish restaurant in Positano, Next2 is a definite must-try when in town. Far away from the buzzing crowds of Spiaggia Garden, the restaurant is located in the higher part of town, which means the view here isn’t as spectacular compared to other dining spots. However, the excellent food served here is more than enough reason to visit, regardless of the lack of stunning views.
Next2 specializes in creative and modern takes on traditional Italian dishes, served on small plates and made with locally-sourced produce and ingredients. Among the standouts from their menu include the paccheri with pesto and mozzarella, zucchini blossom with ricotta cheese, house-made gnocchi with clams, cuttlefish and pumpkin, octopus and mackerel served with cherry tomatoes and chickpea puree, and their signature dish – the conchiglioni ripieni di ragù alla Bolognese e stracciatella (pasta with ground-pork ragu and stracciatella cheese). Other than its excellent food, Next2 is also a favorite choice for aperitivo; its open-air setup makes it the perfect place to have a few glasses of wine from the restaurant’s extensive wine selection.
*****
More about Positano and the Amalfi Coast from Flavor of Italy
Positano's Casa Cosenza
Cruising the Amalfi Coast
Unusual Things to Do in Positano
Best Boutique Hotel in Capri
Weeklong Food Holiday in Magical Capri
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Charlotte Baker's Sources:
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/best-restaurants-in-positano-italy/
https://ph.hotels.com/go/italy/best-restaurants-positano
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/campania/positano/restaurants
https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/positano/restaurants
https://www.frommers.com/destinations/positano/restaurants
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