5 Refined Fine Dining Restaurants for Amalfi Coast Flavors and Aromas

All Amalfi Coast towns are connected by the scenic SS. 163, built in the first half of the 19th century during the Bourbon period and always considered one of the most beautiful roads in Italy. Following the natural course of the coastline, the route is full of curves, nestled between rocks and sea cliffs, giving new and spectacular perspectives at the exit of every tunnel or hairpin bend.

Not only is this stretch of coast some of the most magical in Italy, it is also home to some of the most incredible fine dining experiences where you will dine on authentic Italian cuisine in remarkable restaurants.

The five Amalfi Coast dining options we have highlighted here are all bearers of a Michelin star and are among the must-tries on Italian luxury escapes:

Zass in Positano

The terrace overlooking the sea at Zass only elevates the dining experience at this creative restaurant. The full intensity of flavors and colors of the Amalfi Coast are given full treatment here. Chef Alois Vanlangenaeker’s dishes embody purity, harmony and refinement and they are nothing less than superb.

We recommend: The six-course tasting menu of Dentex carpaccio; sautéed calamari with capers and lemon, grass pea and truffle cream; rabbit “Genovese” tortellini, mushroom and smoked thyme soup flavored with mint and maritime pine; slice of sea bass with fennel and citrus mayonnaise; cooked and raw veal, zucchini and grapefruit; and chocolate pie and raspberry.

Clicine in Amalfi

Chef Beppe Stanzione’s cuisine is free of pomp and circumstance. The dishes at Clicine are fresh and vivid on the palate. Cuisine is focused on local recipes and Mediterranean flavors. There’s a good choice of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes as well.

We recommend: Red snapper and stuffed mushrooms; cooked, stuffed zucchini; semolina pasta with Orsino garlic, olive oil, chili pepper, king crab and crisp bread; veal sweetbreads, celeriac, slightly sour sauce scented with singer, Oscietra caviar; and raspberry cheesecake. They also have delicious margaritas.

Il Buco in Sorrento

At Il Buco you will find a wonderful combination of simple and traditional ingredients creating dishes with classic flavors. Chef Peppe Aversa puts his artful touches on everything leaving the kitchen to delight your eyes as well as your palate. The restaurant is in the former wine cellar of a 16th century monastery, a refined and elegant dining space featuring stone vaulted ceilings, soft lighting and natural elements for a warm and inviting ambiance.

We recommend: Tuna tartare with green apple and snapper carpaccio with lemon and orange gel; calamari on a bed of creamed legumes of Controne and chicory and dried tomato salad; or carnaroli rice with orange flavor, brunoise of tomatoes, crispy green beans and local smoked fish.

When you would like to stay in to experience a fine meal in style, there is no home better to do so than Villa Lilly. This mesmerizing estate has a place for up to 18 guests who will be taken in by the utter majesty of the home itself and of its glorious views. We can arrange to have a professional chef come in to create a fantastic dinner for you to relish on one of the dreamy pathways meandering all through the grounds of this outstanding villa.

Lorelei in Sorrento

The raw dishes at Lorelei are infinitely delicious. All the cuisine coming out of the kitchen is consistent and delicate. Chef Ciro Sicignano offers a free-hand, seven-course menu according to his daily inspiration as well as a five-course menu and a la carte choices. Lorelei sits on a hill overlooking the sea. Vesuvius, with its nightly show, stands majestically on the Bay of Naples.

We recommend: To start, try the raw red shrimps with cuttlefish lard, cannellini beans and finger lime marinated with roasted olive oil; first course of cheese and pepper ravioli stewed with lupins, sea truffles and matcha tea; for the main: Grilled “Scottona” beef with Jerusalem artichokes, hazelnuts, foie gras, mushrooms and wild berries. Dessert: Dark chocolate mousse with chestnut cream, smoked tea ice cream and dark truffles.

La Caravella dal 1959 in Amalfi

La Caravella opened in 1959 and in 1966 was southern Italy's first restaurant to earn a Michelin star. The restaurant is teeming with an atmosphere graced with frescoes, marble floors, vibrant ceramics, and fresh flowers. The menu maintains classic dishes favored 50 years ago such as slices of fish grilled in lemon leaves marinated with an almond and wild fennel sauce; there's also a tasting menu, but remember to include the antipasti.

We recommend: Go for the gusto and have the nine-course tasting menu: Tartare of raw fish of the day with Giffoni truffle; lemon risotto with raw and cooked shrimps and mullet eggs; small spaghetti omelette, with a hint of the aroma of fish and seafood; fillet of fresh local fish with a lemon sauce and potatoes purèe and frozen-lemon; Buffalo ricotta cheese and pear with Aglianico wine and raw red shrimps; Sorbetto al cucchiaio/sorbet by the spoon; and the legend, the sun in a dish – La Caravella’s lemon soufflé.

Entrusting your travel plans to LVH means you can rest assured we will get you into the finest dining establishments at the finest tables with the most enchanting views. We invite you to contact one of our client relations team members who will begin planning your vacation to Italy right away where you will stay in a luxurious, private home complete with full services and 24/7 support. Your holiday includes a bespoke travel itinerary reflecting your vacation desires. We leave nothing to chance since we want you to adore every precious moment of your time away!