Brian Nagele
Positano is one of Italy’s most picturesque holiday destinations. It’s a well-known summer destination but beautiful all year round. Set into the cliffside of the Amalfi coast, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world entirely. The colorful oceanside town has winding streets, cute boutiques, pebble beaches, and world-class restaurants. Food-wise, the Amalfi coast is well known for its fresh seafood. You can practically fish it out of your window. You’ll find many restaurants in Positano boasting fresh seasonal ingredients and elevated classic Italian dishes. Check out my list of the best restaurants in Positano below!
Zass
Via Laurito, 2, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 812080
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Helmed by Chef Alois Vanlangenaeker, Zass is a Michelin-starred restaurant worth multiple visits. Zass is located in Il San Pietro di Positano, a historic 5-star hotel. The veranda directly overlooks the sea and the coastal town of Praiano, so try to request outdoor seating. The Hotel’s beautiful old-world architecture and breathtaking ocean views are worth checking out on their own. The food is so good it may even distract you from your opulent surroundings. Many of the ingredients are grown right outside in Il San Pietro’s organic vegetable garden. Ask the sommelier to assist you with the wine list. They have over 600 labels. I kept my meal simple with chilled tomato soup and spaghetti Positano. You ought to know that this lovely restaurant has a dress code like no shorts for men and sleeves are preferred.
Chez Black
Via del Brigantino, 19, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 875036
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Mermaid figureheads and porthole windows adorn the walls of this proudly nautical restaurant. The property is beachfront, with a terrace pushing up to the sands of Positano Spiaggia. Don’t let the kitschy interior fool you. Chez Black is high-end dining. Of course, I’ll suggest any of the seafood dishes at this maritime restaurant. If that’s not your thing, they have wonderful-looking meat, pizza, and pasta on the menu. The dish they’re known for is the sea urchin pasta which goes perfectly with the ocean views. You should also ask about their wines as this is another eatery with an extensive wine list.
Da Gabrisa Restaurant & Wine Bar
Viale Pasitea, 221, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 811498
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Da Gabrisa has a refined yet easygoing atmosphere. Though a bit further from the beach than others on this list, they still have water views if you can snag a terrace table. The light walls and clean tiled floor made me feel like I was at a beachy bistro rather than a wine lounge. That said, they are pricey but well worth it. They claim their recipes have been passed down through generations. The food certainly tastes like it has been fine-tuned over decades. They change their menu often with what’s available seasonally. So, the homemade ravioli stuffed with caciotta cheese may not be around when you go. But, anything you order here is sure to wow. They are a wine bar so make sure you try wine. In my case, I had one with dinner, followed by one of their dessert wines.
Capricci
Via Regina Giovanna, 12, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 812145
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Capricci is located steps away from Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. This church is likely on your list of Positano tourism sites, so you’ll be conveniently able to go to Capricci after your visit. It’s right in the heart of the tourism area, so they have excellent and quick service. They know you have places to be. Capricci is great for a relaxed lunch between sightseeing. They offer all the typical Amalfi Coast fare, like seafood and pasta. Since it’s such a busy area, I’d suggest stopping here for a refuel before getting wherever else you want to go. Delicious personal pizzas and beers were exactly what I needed on a busy day exploring Positano.
Casa Mele
Via G. Marconi, 76, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 811364
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The unassuming exterior of the scenic Via G. Marconi makes it seem like you’re about to enter a store or warehouse. Inside you’ll find yourself in an open, lively, and modern space. This contemporary place is a foodie’s dream. The tasting menus are always creative and new. Everything is artfully presented. The exciting part is that you can take cooking classes here. Learn to make, then eat, traditional Italian mozzarella, pizza, Positano liquor, and much more. The cooking class is a fun vacation memory and an excellent dining experience. You should reserve your spot today. If you just want to eat, the fish soup is one of the best seafood dishes in Positano.
Da Vincenzo
Viale Pasitea, 172/178, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 875128
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Located on the busy hotel row of Viale Pasitea, you’ll find Da Vincenzo. This cozy space has a homey and relaxed vibe. There’s no dress code and no view, but there is fantastic Italian food with superb wine pairings. The staff here were extremely helpful. They’ll recommend dishes and wine for you. Everything was beautifully done and done well. I got a very simple, very tasty gnocchi. They also had some vegetarian options, plenty of seafood, and a few meat choices. You can usually just walk in for lunch, but you’ll need a dinner reservation. It’s conveniently located near the beach and likely near your hotel as there are many in the area.
La Cambusa
Piazza Amerigo Vespucci, 4, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 875432
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La Cambusa offers casual, airy, terraced dining above Positano’s beach. This place is usually bustling with tourist crowds. They keep service moving so they can keep tables turning over. This little restaurant is the perfect place to stop for lunch between sunbathing sessions on the beach. La Cambusa has nicely sized pasta platters. I would say they’re larger than some of the fancier bistros in the city. I got a simple vegetable pasta with fresh and local cheese on top. The prosciutto and mozzarella appetizer was small but perfect on a hot day. This is a great place to grab a quick bite that doesn’t skimp on quality.
La Taverna Del Leone
Via Laurito, 43, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
+39 089 811302
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This hotel restaurant is bright, open, and welcoming. Going here takes you on the scenic Via Laurito road and away from the main thoroughfare of Positano. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it less populated with tourists. La Taverna Del Leone is worth the trek. The menu is diverse, so everyone can find something that suits them. The service was great. We were given a small complimentary appetizer, and everything was presented with care. Unlike some of the more upscale Positnano locations, portions here are excellent. The salted anchovy appetizer is a must since they’re popular in Positano. The risotto was also cooked perfectly, and the cannolis for dessert could not have been better.
Rada Beach Bistrot
Località Grotte dell’Incanto, 51, 84017, Positano SA, Italy
Phone: +39 089 875874
Rada Beach Bistrot is directly on the blue waters of Positano beach. Behind you, all of Positano is rising into the cliffs. It’s one of the more picturesque beach spots you can find. It’s a high-end place, but because it’s on the sand, it doesn’t feel stuffy. This is another seafood-heavy menu. There are only a handful of non-fish options, but they are there if you need them. The lobster linguine was one of my favorite dishes. The wine menu was more extensive than the food menu, so we asked for help. The staff gave perfect recommendations, making for a pleasant dining experience.