Amalfi is a resort town in Italy on the coast of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Known for their local products like fresh caught seafood, hand picked lemons, and Mozzarella di Bufala, Amalfi is a foodie’s paradise. Skip the tourist spots and make every meal count at these ten great restaurants.
Il Teatro
If you’re looking for something more low-key yet still impressive, try this atmospheric little trattoria located in the maze-like backstreets of the centro storico. Il Teatro, which translates to ‘theater,’ is hidden in a cluster of white houses and has a rustic, old-fashioned charm. Local, traditional seafood dishes are available at an affordable price. Try the scialatelli with seafood, a specialty pasta of Amalfi that Il Teatro serves with a fantastic savory sauce. The interior is spacious and bright with large arches, and the servers are extremely friendly and helpful.
Enjoy stunning views while you dine at Ristorante Lido Azzurro. Eat al fresco on the terrace for the best views of the harbor and of the nearby city’s houses perched on the mountains. The setting makes for a relaxing end to a long day exploring the Amalfi Coast’s beaches and shops. Watch the boats sail in the harbor and feel the sea breeze while you dine on the finest fresh seafood dishes. Indulge your taste buds with a dish of freshly made pasta or the catch of the day prepared with a zesty lemon sauce.
Marina Grande first opened in 1918 as a seaside bar before moving to its current location and becoming a full restaurant. The family-owned restaurant is well known as one of the best in Amalfi and offers one of the greatest views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy traditional, simple meals made with ingredients sourced from local, organic fishermen and farmers. The result is an incredible, guilt-free meal that brings you the real flavors of Amalfi. Watch the sunset on the outdoor dining area as the crashing waves soothe you into relaxation (or you can leave that to the tasty cocktails).
Ristorante La Caravella is a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in regional dishes with a modern twist. Some dishes lean toward simplicity (grilled catch of the day served on lemon leaves) while others get experimental (homemade cuttlefish-ink-pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and lobster). The small restaurant doesn’t offer any picturesque sea views from its location in the heart of Amalfi, but the food is some of the best you’ll find in the area and the interior is beautifully decorated. Reserve a spot so you don’t miss out on this fabulous Italian restaurant.
Visit Da Maria Trattoria Pizzeria for classic Neapolitan-style pizza. Located just steps away from the Cathedral, this family owned restaurant is easy to access in the heart of the city. The interior has a pleasant, homey décor and is always filled with the undeniably great smell of cooking pizzas. The food is freshly made from local, seasonal ingredients, and a full wine cellar means you’ll have plenty to choose from. Try the diavola, or ‘devil’ pizza, which is topped with spicy salami and peperoncino.
Sit underneath a canopy of lemon trees at Pizzeria Donna Stella, an excellent restaurant located on Amalfi’s winding city streets. Although it’s known for serving ‘fast food,’ many call it the best pizza in the city. The cozy restaurant serves huge portions of crispy pizza topped with nearly any ingredient imaginable. This spot is great for families looking for a quick, filling, and delicious meal squeezed into a busy day of sightseeing around Amalfi. The menu is full of cheap eats, so you can sample some of the local beers with no regrets.
For something a little classier, try Lo Smeraldino, an excellent seafood restaurant on the west side of the city that was founded in 1949. The picturesque, seaside restaurant embraces the flavors of traditional dishes and serves authentic pizza, fresh pasta, and seafood and shellfish dishes. Choose one of the fine Campania wines and try a simple grilled or poached local fish or the smoked salmon and caviar risotto, followed by a lemon cake made with local Amalfi lemons for dessert.
Established in 1987, Silver Moon is located in a red and white striped building with a blue roof, a design that was inspired by the American flag. Locals and travelers love Silver Moon for its fresh cuisine made from ingredients found along the Amalfi Coast and its excellent harbor views. Diners can choose between sitting inside, which is covered by a lovely gazebo-like ceiling and glass walls to maximize the panoramic view, or a platform directly on the beach. Try the linguine alla Silver Moon, grilled prawns, or the catch of the day.
Taverna Buonvicino is a welcoming restaurant tucked away on one of the oldest squares in the heart of the city’s historical center. Your meal at Taverna Buonvicino will be easy to enjoy in the beautiful historic building’s warmly decorated interior. The chefs here use the influences of traditional Neapolitan and Mediterranean cooking combined with local, seasonal ingredients to make unforgettable meals. Try any of the fresh fish options, like the grilled octopus or fresh clams with pasta.
Eolo is an elegant restaurant that serves exceptional Italian fare in one of the most beautiful areas of the city. Take a seat on the terrace, a great spot for romantic dinners or special occasions, and enjoy the modernized versions of classic Amalfi cuisine. The same people who own the restaurant also own a beautiful hotel in the city that offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The restaurant is open seasonally and reservations are recommended.
