Amalfi Coast · Restaurant Guide
Best Restaurants on the Amalfi Coast for Cruise Travelers
The Amalfi Coast's dining scene is defined by simplicity — impossibly fresh seafood, hand-pulled mozzarella, Amalfi lemons in everything, and pasta served on cliff-edge terraces overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Cruise tenders typically dock at Amalfi town, from where Positano and Ravello are reachable by bus or boat.
Amalfi Town
Amalfi town has restaurants clustered around the Piazza del Duomo and along the waterfront. For the best food, climb a few steps off the main tourist path. Trattoria il Mulino up a side street serves honest Amalfitano cooking at fair prices. Scialatielli ai frutti di mare (fresh local pasta with mixed seafood) is the signature dish — find it everywhere.
Positano
If you take the bus or ferry to Positano, the vertical village's restaurants cascade down cliffsides. Da Vincenzo and Next2 are local favorites. Budget 30-50 EUR for a seafood lunch with views. Beach-level restaurants at Spiaggia Grande charge premium prices but the setting is extraordinary.
What to Eat
Amalfi Coast essentials: scialatielli (thick fresh pasta unique to the coast), totani e patate (squid and potato casserole), insalata caprese with buffalo mozzarella from nearby Paestum, and delizia al limone (lemon cream cake). Everything here features Amalfi lemons — the oversized, sweet sfusato lemons that make the coast's limoncello famous.
Prices and Customs
The Amalfi Coast is a premium dining destination — budget 25-40 EUR per person for lunch. Many restaurants include a coperto (cover charge) of 2-3 EUR. Tipping 5-10% is appreciated. Lunch is the main meal (1-3 PM); many restaurants close from 3-7 PM. Restaurants with sea views command a 20-30% premium over similar quality inland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Positano worth visiting for food or just for photos?
Both. Positano's restaurants are excellent, especially for seafood and pasta. The cliff-side setting is unique. Budget more than in Amalfi town (30-50 EUR for lunch) but the combination of food and views justifies it.
What is limoncello and should I try it?
Limoncello is a lemon liqueur made from the peel of Amalfi's giant sfusato lemons, steeped in alcohol and sweetened. It's served ice-cold as a digestivo after meals. The homemade versions at family restaurants are far superior to mass-produced bottles.
Can I eat well on a budget on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes — look for pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice, 2-4 EUR), bakeries selling local sfogliatella pastries, and trattorias off the main tourist streets. A panino with buffalo mozzarella and local tomatoes costs about 5 EUR and is unforgettable.