It's entirely acceptable to eat your weight in pasta when climbing the steep incline Positano serves. But the question is, where are the best places to eat and drink in Positano?
Positano is where the Italians flock to in the summer months so of course the food and drink options are going to be top notch. Positano is the kind of place where you cannot waste a meal on a mediocre breakfast, lunch or dinner, simply because there are so many delectable places to chose from, so you have to pick wisely.
I spent part of August in Positano with a daily ritual that started with a dip in the sea at sunrise, eating local fruits and pastries for breakfast on the rooftop, lots of reading time in the sun, lunch with a view, more sun time, then getting dressed up for an exquisite dinner, every single night. Positano is one of those destinations that requires planning and reservations in advance. After dining in many eateries, in this post I will share only my absolute favorite places to eat and drink in Positano, to help you plan your next trip to the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast.
Il Tridente at Hotel Poseidon
Il Tridente situated inside Hotel Poseidon is a restaurant with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the coastline. It serves high quality traditional Neapolitan cuisine with an emphasis on pasta, fish and fresh vegetables. There is indoor and terrace seating, with a cocktail bar and pool. I highly recommend the lemon pasta here - best dish I had in Positano. Reservations are required in advance.
Ristorante Bruno
Ristorante Bruno is a family run restaurant with spectacular views of Positano and the Mediterranean. It has an extensive menu with delicious seafood and pasta options. There is indoor and outdoor sidewalk dining, right above the harbor. The service was outstanding and the prices very reasonable. Ristorante Bruno makes an excellent option for more of a casual dinner. Everything we ordered was so good and came in big portions - prawns in lemon garlic butter, gnocchi, and lobster linguine - which was the best. Reservations are not necessary but recommended.
La Sponda at Le Sirenuse
La Sponda is undoubtedly the most romantic place to have dinner in Positano. Situated within the iconic Le Sirenuse hotel, La Sponda delivers a wonderful dining atmosphere under lemon trees, lit by four hundred candles, being serenaded by a live band all while watching an epic sunset. The service is exceptional, the Mediterranean food was splendid and the cocktails and wine selection were simply the best. There is a chef's tasting menu available, with or without wine pairing, or you can order à la carte. This is where you wear that dress you've been saving for a special occasion! Reservations are required and I recommend booking well in advance.
Aldo's Cocktail Bar & Seafood Grill at Le Sirenuse
Before heading to dinner at La Sponda in Le Sirenuse, visit Aldo's Cocktail bar located within the hotel for apéritif. Aldo's offers the same iconic sweeping views overlooking Positano, in a sophisticated and chic setting serving a curated selection of cocktails, champagnes and wine. You can also order oysters, caviar and seafood platters. Aldo's Cocktail Bar is a much better and more sophisticated option than the Instagram popular Franco's Bar. Reservations are recommended.
Ristorante Max Positano
Part art gallery and part wine cellar, Ristorante Max is an exquisite restaurant in the heart of Positano serving traditional Italian food. Ristorante Max has a robust wine list selection and extensive menu of mainly seafood and pasta. Although there is no sea view, the ambience is elegant with art embellished walls and plush antique furniture. Everything we ordered was delicious, but I highly recommend the zucchini flowers! They were the best I had in Positano and you bet I ordered it every time I could!
Il Grottino Azzurro
Il Grottino Azzurro is a simple restaurant at the top of the hill in Positano serving seafood and pasta. You don't visit Il Grottino Azzurro for spectacular sweeping views, but for the flavorful food and thoughtfully cooked meals. Il Grottino Azzurro is highly recommended by locals and has such an authentic feel to it compared to many of the other restaurants in Positano. Reservations are not required but are recommended.
Salone Bianca at Villa TreVille
Salone Bianca is a bar inside the luxury five star hotel, Villa TreVille. Villa TreVille is not in the main centre of Positano, but a little outside, making it peaceful, away from the crowds and a little sanctuary amidst the Mediterranean. The bar sits within a spacious room with white washed walls and opulent furnishings. However, the beauty of Salone Bianca is its Moroccan inspired terrace with its billowing curtains and illuminating lanterns. The space is entirely romantic and serves masterfully designed cocktails and drinks. Delicate finger food prepared by the chef accompanies the cocktails ordered, but please note this comes with a charge that is not mentioned, yet is totally worth it. Reservations are required in advance.
Collina Positano Bakery
Collina Positano Bakery is a go-to place for baked goods, gelato, wood fire take away pizza and coffee! If you are going to try one thing from Collina Bakery, let it be their selection of croissants - I recommend the pistachio croissant. One night we opted for take out pizza (after soiled moods from a drone crash incident!) recommended by our AirBnB host. Their wood fire pizza is the best pizza in Positano and so gentle on the wallet!
Arienzo Beach Club
Arienzo Beach Club is exactly as its name suggests - a secluded private beach club with music, and great food and drinks. To access Arienzo Beach Club, take their complimentary private boat from the main pier in Positano or arrive by foot via cliffside steps. Multiple packages are available for food and drinks ideal for celebrations and honeymoons. There is a wide selection of food from traditional Italian appetizers and main dishes, to fruits, shakes and cocktails. Reservations are a must via their website.
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