Food/Wine: Places: Best of Dining: Amalfi Coast & Capri

Best of Dining: Amalfi Coast & Capri

The first part of Indagare’s four-part Best of Italy Dining series focuses on the iconic Amalfi Coast, including the island of Capri. Since the towns of Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento are quite spread out, it’s important to plan your meals accordingly. For example, if you are driving to Positano or Ravello from Naples, it’s easy to stop for lunch at Michelin-starred Don Alfonso 1890, in the Sorrento peninsula. If you are based in Positano, local favorite La Tagliata is easily reached via a half-day hike or a 15-minute drive in the evening. And many of the best lunch spots in the region are accessible by boat.

Here are Indagare’s top suggestions, as well as local picks from Indagare insiders, the owners of the region’s most stunning hotels: Antonio Sersale from Positano’s Le Sirenuse and Ori Kafri from JK Place on Capri. If you are planning a trip to the region and would like help with your itinerary, contact Indagare’s Bookings Team.

Best for…

…a Big Night Out: Amalfi Coast

Local Pick: ” Next 2 is a great restaurant with lovely cuisine. It’s owned by a charming woman named Tanina, who is also the chef. It’s always a fun scene.” ~Antonio Sersale

…a Big Night Out: Capri

Local Pick: “The classic Capri restaurant is Aurora. Villa Verde is another good option for a great dinner.” Ori Kafri

Raves an Indagare member who recently returned from a trip: “The Capri restaurants were each fabulous in their own way, particularly Villa Verde.

…Local Cuisine: Amalfi Coast

…Local Cuisine: Capri

Local Pick: “A great place for a local scene is Da Gelsomina, in Anacapri which has a nice terrace and views.” Ori Kafri

…Lunch on the Water: Amalfi Coast

Local Pick: “For the hippie in all of us, I suggest Da Adolfo on a little beach near Positano for lunch. A beach scene can also be had at Chez Black, a favorite place of Denzel Washington when he visits Positano.” ~Antonio Sersale

…Lunch on the Water: Capri

…Families: Amalfi Coast

…Families: Capri

Local Pick: “A good spot for families is Da Paolino, located in a lemon grove and Da Girogio.” Ori Kafri

…the best view: Amalfi Coast

A toss-up between the restaurant at the Sirenuse and the one at the Il San Pietro. For something more low-key, book a table at La Tagliata, a local favorite in the hills above Positano, that serves up heaping plates of pasta followed by a variety of grilled meat.

…the best view: Capri

The setting of JK Place is pretty romantic, since the hotel juts out across the Bay of Naples and JKitchen is a great spot for a laid-back dinner removed from the tourist droves of Capri Town. Another magical spot is Le Grotelle, a restaurant in the hillside outside Capri Town whose terrace has stunning sea views. Come for sunset cocktails and stay for the simple but delicious food. An Indagare member recently returned from Capri also raved about Il Riccio, the beach club and restaurant managed by the Capri Palace, in a great location by the Blue Grotto.

— Simone Girner 07/28/2011