Famous worldwide for its centuries-old tradition of paper production, with an interesting museum dedicated to it, Amalfi enchants with its historic center, the Cathedral, alleys to explore on foot, and its sea. Gastronomically, it’s the homeland of lemons, used in cosmetics, liqueurs, pastries, and cooking. The excellent wines of the Costa d’Amalfi DOC pair well with local dishes, especially those based on fish.
Where to eat in Amalfi
L’Abside
A noteworthy spot with long-standing family management and a warm welcome that makes guests feel at home. The cuisine highlights local products. Try the raw fish, Amalfi lemon tagliolini with raw red prawns, genovese-style candele, and roasted amberjack with a seafood broth. Homemade desserts, a well-curated and very personal wine list featuring local, national, and international wines. The outdoor tables are delightful.
L’Abside – piazza dei Dogi, 31 – 089 873586 – www.ristorantelabside.it
La Caravella dal 1959
Located in a historic setting (an wing of the Piccolomini palace, Dukes of Amalfi since the 12th century). The restaurant-museum features frescoed ceilings, artistic majolica, and the so-called “paradise of the donkeys,” small ceramic donkeys. Chef Antonio’s dishes, reinterpretations of old family recipes, are served in cozy rooms. Highlights include the Amalfi lemon risotto with cooked and raw prawns and mullet bottarga, and the legendary lemon soufflé (must be booked). Monumental wine cellar with a spectacular selection of Champagne.
La Caravella dal 1959 – via M. Camera, 12 – 089 871029 – www.ristorantelacaravella.it
Carlo Fiamma Pizza e Cantina
Opened in late April, this new venue was created by the Di Carlo family. Here, young pizza chef Carlo Fiamma from Corbara (home of the Corbarino tomato) offers his personal take on contemporary pizza, made with high hydration, long fermentation, and top-quality ingredients, often Slow Food Presidia. All pizzas are delicious, especially the fried montanarine and fritters like cacio e pepe or sausage and friarielli. There are also cooked dishes and regional and national wines.
Carlo Fiamma Pizza e Cantina – largo della Zecca, 3 – 392 4324623 – www.carlofiammapizzaecantina.it
Fore Porta
A few minutes from the center, at the entrance of the Valle delle Ferriere, this family-run farm and eatery primarily cultivates the Costa di Amalfi IGP lemon, also known as Sfusato. They also raise poultry, and the land provides vegetables, forgotten fruits, herbs, and more that end up on the table. Everything is homemade: fresh pasta, liqueurs, desserts, sorbets, preserves. You can dine in a rustic, warm setting or in the enchanting panoramic outdoor area under a large pergola. Cooking classes are offered. Reservation is essential and well in advance.
Fore Porta – via Paradiso, 26 – 339 2436450 – www.agriturismoamalfi.it
Da Gemma
One of the best restaurants in Amalfi, open since 1872. The entrance is off-center, but the view of the Cathedral from the beautiful terrace is unparalleled. Timeless dishes include the Grand Crudo, a platter of carpaccios, tartares, and marinated fish, or the traditional risotto with raw prawn finish and a final lemon zest. Then there’s the fish soup, perhaps the icon of the place, which should be booked along with the table. The menu also features meat dishes (genovese-style pasta, lamb cooked two ways). Nearby, La Cantina di Gemma offers over 850 labels and the chance to taste “Mediterranean sushi.”
Da Gemma – via Fra’ G. Sasso, 11 – 089 871345 – www.trattoriadagemma.com
Sensi Restaurant at the Hotel Residence Amalfi
An elegant restaurant in an old 19th-century building with a magnificent panoramic terrace. The Sensi Bistrot is open for lunch, while fine dining is available only in the evening. Chef Alessandro Tormolino’s high cuisine is expressed through five tasting menus, one dedicated to tradition and another for vegetarians, featuring well-conceived, balanced dishes with clear and distinct flavors. An example is the hibiscus flower risotto with limoncello prawns, mint, and anchovy caviar. Completing the experience are impeccable service and a comprehensive wine list. Reservation is recommended.
Sensi Restaurant dell’Hotel Residence Amalfi – via P. Comite, 4 – 089 871183 – www.sensiamalfi.it
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