The Best Restaurants In Positano, Italy
Oh, Italy! Is there anywhere with more delectable food than this glorious country? The pasta, the pizza, the wine… it’s a tough combo to beat and the Italians know how to do meals right. We recently returned from Italy, with part of our trip being spent on the Amalfi Coast in the charming town of Positano. We visited Positano in 2017, after which I compiled my city guide of where to stay and what to do, and having revisited I would stand by those recommendations. Having returned from this trip, I want to dive deeper into where you should eat while in Positano. After all, on vacation, where to eat is the most important decision of the day, isn’t it?! This list consists of Michelin-starred restaurants, family run establishments, terraces for delicious drinks and jaw-dropping views, and everything in between. You can’t go too far wrong at any restaurants in Positano, but the ones listed below will make your stay even more memorable.
La Sponda at Le Sirenuse
Oh, where to start with La Sponda… This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the heart of Positano at the iconic Le Sirenuse hotel, and boasts not only a delicious menu focused around fresh local ingredients, but also one of the most romantic settings on the Amalfi Coast. In the evening, four hundred candles illuminate the intimate dining room creating a magical setting for a meal to remember. While dinner here is enchanting, I’d argue lunch is just as special. An expansive outdoor terrace offering some of the best views of Positano allows you to take in all the sights by daylight over a leisurely meal. If you’re traveling with children, plan on making a lunch reservation as children are not allowed for dinner, but I promise you won’t feel cheated. While it’s more of an affair than your typical lunch, the setting and food make this a “must-do experience” while in Positano in my opinion!
The Bar at Palazzo Murat
If you’re like me and want to fully embrace the Italian lifestyle during your trip, than not only are leisurely meals a must but so is a daily afternoon break of coffee or wine. For a respite from the crowds that are inevitable during high season, head to the courtyard at Palazzo Murat for an aperol spritz or scoop of gelato. The hotel is located on Positano’s main road in the middle of great shops and the beach, meaning you’ll likely be close come midday, making it the perfect spot to stop and relax. Once you step through the gate of the palazzo, you’ll find a peaceful courtyard full of bougainvillea and lemon trees with tables and umbrellas set up and a beautiful bar as the focal point. We went around 4pm and had the place to ourselves. It was heavenly!
Trattoria La Tagliata
Our meal at La Tagliata was a highlight of the trip and I can’t recommend it enough! Situated high above Positano in the small village of Montepertuso, this casual family run restaurant welcomes you with open arms and has you feeling like a member of the family by the end of the evening. There’s no menu and the food is served family style in generous portions for a reasonable fixed price, including wine. It feels like the food never stops coming! The cuisine is farm-to-table, with vegetable gardens and a small farm on property, and of course, home-made pasta straight from the kitchen. To top it off, live music comes and goes throughout the night - with you and the other guests singing along - making it a truly memorable experience. The restaurant offers a free shuttle from Positano, which you can arrange a pick-up time and location when you call to make reservations.
Casa e Bottega
For a (little) break from all the carbs you’ll be consuming, head to Casa e Bottega for a healthy lunch. This light and airy spot is located on Viale Pasitea and is known for its fresh, organic menu which offers lots of vegan options. In fact, the restaurant’s motto is “Let the food be your medicine.” I had a great cobb salad and fruit infused water, but most enjoyed the atmosphere and beautiful shop of curated local products. I just wish I had brought a bigger suitcase!
Da Gabrisa Restaurant and Wine Bar
After two or three meals in Positano you’ll quickly realize that pretty much every menu offers the same handful of dishes, and though they’re all delicious, you start to scan menus hoping for something different. Da Gabrisa is the something different you’ll want! With a unique menu full of flavor, this beautiful restaurant is located up the hill ten minutes from the center of town and has both indoor and outdoor seating, the latter with great sea views. I recommend starting with the zucchini flowers stuffed with buffalo ricotta cheese and tomato carpaccio, and black truffle cheese fondue. Each course was great!
Ristorante Lo Guarracino
One of the best dinner views can be found at Lo Guarracino, a casual cliffside restaurant overlooking the lovely beach of Fornillo. While our pizza was some of the best we had during the trip, and the rest of the food good, you’ll leave remembering the view more than the food. Which isn’t a bad thing! Plus, the seaside path you’ll walk along the cliff from Positano is worth a visit alone.
Zass at Il San Pietro
And then there’s Zass… not only our favorite restaurant in Positano, but one of our favorites anywhere in the world! This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the fabulous Il San Pietro hotel (read about our stay here) and is the place to go if you’re looking for an experience of a lifetime while on the Amalfi Coast. With a terrace overlooking Positano’s southern neighbor, Praiano, and the sea, Zass has one of the most extraordinary views, which is accentuated at night by the glow of the lamp posts and flickering candles. It’s very romantic and, though the waiters look sharp in white tuxedo jackets and the service is flawless, the restaurant is not pretentious, creating the perfect balance. I suggest arriving an hour before your reservation to enjoy a Bellini and olives on the hotel’s iconic outdoor terrace. It’s pure magic!
