VILLA LA MADONNINA: Dine at home or in a recommended restaurant
Villa la Madonnina: lunch table on the main terrace
Dine in the villa
Prepare your own meals in the villa or ask a chef to cook for you. Our kitchen is well equipped for preparing an excellent meal. You can stay at home, it is comfortable and you dine with an excellent view.
Villa la Madonnina: dinner at night
On the other side there are many restaurants along the coast in beautiful settings directly at the ocean, with terrific views and great food. See below our favorite restaurants at the coast and Capri.
Why do we like a restaurant?
We like a restaurant not only for its good food it’s the combination of the quality of dishes but as much the friendliness of the waiter and very importantly – a beautiful setting. So don’t expect 3 star sophisticated meals when you follow the recommendation of one of our favorite restaurants.
We personally like Italian and especially local dishes like fish, good pasta, fresh vegetables and wonderful tasty Mozzarella, which are produced locally. Fresh Mozzarella -this means delivered that morning – has a taste, which is not comparable to what ever you get in best shops outside the area around Napels. It’s marvelous! We prefer the mozzarella fior di latte – not the more famous mozzarella di buffalo. The mozzarella “fior di latte” is produced in nearby Agerola, up in the Lattari Mountains – the mountains of milk.
Beside our favorites there are many other restaurants along the Amalfi coast and among them there are definitely other gems we did not find so far. The overall quality of restaurants in this area is good, therefore you don’t run a risk if you try other ones not mentioned here. It is therefore worthwhile to go out on your own discovery tour! I appreciate your feedback.
Useful to know:
Tips: Usually service is included in the bill; therefore a tip is depending on your satisfaction with the service.
Coperto: In some restaurants you find on your bill a position coperto, which is charged for each person. This is for bread and cover and the view.
Here our recommendations:
RESTAURANTS IN WALKING DISTANCE
COMBINE DINNER WITH A ROMANTIC BOAT TRIP
RESTAURANTS for lunch REACHED BY BOAT
RESTAURANTS IN PRAIANO
RESTAURANTS IN AMALFI
RESTAURANTS IN ATRANI (close to Amalfi), RAVELLO, FURORE
RESTAURANTS IN POSITANO / MONTEPERTUSO / NOCELLE
RESTAURANTS IN CAPRI
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RESTAURANTS IN WALKING DISTANCE
In direction of Positano (turn left at the entrance of the villa) the next valley is called Marina di Praia. This picturesque, beautiful narrow valley with 6 restaurants is close to the Villa la Madonnina. It takes only 10 minutes to walk there or a few minutes by car. There is a parking area at the end of the road (fee).
If you walk there in the evening take the one or two flash lights with you. You find them in the villa.
Marina di praia by night with 6 restaurants
On this photo you see 5 of the 6 restaurants.
Il Pirata (the pirate)
is our number one choice because of the spectacular view down the coast. I cannot imagine a better position for a restaurant even world wide.
You also see the Villa la Madonnina and can see if you are at home (don’t be confused this is typical Austrian/Tyrolean humor). We like to watch the last rays of sun vanishing at the top of the mountains, later when it gets darker, you see the lights from the few houses along the coast and at the end enjoy the 15 minute walk home (5 minutes more as you are heavier after the meal and you walk uphill). The owners Rino and Vera are very welcoming. Reservation recommended. Tel.: 089 874377. Ask for Frank´s table on the terrace. Rino and Vera are very welcoming hosts.
Closed from November to March – also depending on the weather. There is also a nice bar built into the rock and a lounge area, if you only want to have a drink. Il Pirata
Restaurant Pirata
Franchino
is on the hill – also with a great view – is the restaurant of the hotel Onda Verde, which also serves very good food. Another advantage is that it is open all year. Tel.: 089 874143. Website http://www.ondaverde.it/ristorantei.htm
Coast from hotel Onda Verde, Villa la Madonnen is about in the middle
From both restaurants you can see Villa la Madonnina. You reach them by following the path on the right side of the bay looking towards the sea.
Trattoria da Armandino
The restaurant is built into the rock. It looks a bid basic and it is quite small but food is very good and the owner Armandino is very friendly. You sit outside, but there are also a few tables inside. It’s on right side of the valley (looking to the sea). Tel.: 089 874 087. Closed in winter. You get a free boat ride from the villa starting at the platform down at the sea to the restaurant by calling a the water taxi La Sibilla – provided you eat there. Tel.: 089 874365 or 334 3078344. The owner of la Sibilla is the son of Armandino.
Restaurant Armandino
Bar Mare
is another good restaurant to the right of Trattoria da Armandino. Try “Tonno Praianese” tuna Praianes style. Excellent. Italian music.
Tel.: +39 089 874706
Trattoria La Conchilia
The Trattoria La Conchilia is open all year. You find it on the left side of the valley at the end of the parking area. Tel.: 089 874313.
In the direction of Amalfi:
Locanda del Fiordo (very recommended)
If you turn right at the entrance of Villa la Madonnina you reach this restaurant in a 15 minutes very panoramic walk along the Amalfitana. They also have a parking space. The famous gorge il Fiordo is close by and you may walk first a bid further and have a look. Il Fiordo. The restaurant has great views towards the coast and excellent food, especially fish. Not so crowded as the restaurants in Marina di Praia. Tel.: +39 08987 4813. la locanda del fiordo
View from Locanda del Fiordo
COMBINE DINNER WITH A ROMANTIC BOAT TRIP
The Gavitella can be reached by boat, which picks you up at the platform below the villa – if waves allow it – or in nearby Marina di Praia. The boat takes you along the coast, you see the sunset, and you will have a romantic dinner and then at go back at night. Seeing the lights of the houses along the coast is an unforgettable experience.
About 15 minute boat ride. It is a good, but pricey (mainly fish) restaurant with a fantastic view to Positano and the coast as far as Capri. Fish is excellent there. Tel.: +39 350 5821514. Open all days for lunch and dinner from mid of June to mid of September, outside this period only open at lunch, dinner only on Saturday. The boat trip should be included in the price for the meal, but better confirm.
Boat trip to the restaurant La Gavitella
RESTAURANTS IN PRAIANO
Voce e Notte
is one of our top pics: Wonderful, very stylish restaurant. The view from there is stupendous. On clear days you see the whole coastline till Positano and in more distance the Isle of Capri with the Faraglione islands. We have spent some evenings there where the incredible sunset took away all our attention. Luigi is an excellent host.
Drinks are superb. Food is excellent also but with limited choices. Situated on the rooftop of the hotel Fioriere in Praiano, coming from the villa after the Bar del Sole.
Reservation one day before is recommended. Tel.: 089 874203. Email: info@lefioriere.it Voce e Notte
View from the restaurant Voce e Notte
Locanda Costa Diva
Situated on a terrace in a lemon garden overlooking the ocean. The kitchen is based on a traditional Napolitanian cuisine and local ingredients with vegetables from its own garden and fish from nearby Marina di Praian. Operated by a three-generation family. Address: After passing two tunnels another 1 km (0,7 miles). It is located on the left side of the road. Watch for the sign. Parking available. Tel.: 089 813076. Open all year, beside Jan/Feb. You can also arrange with them to pick you up at the villa.
RESTAURANTS IN AMALFI
Da Ciccio cielo mare terra
We love to recommend this restaurant for many reasons: excellent kitchen and wine cellar with a personal service and our guests enjoy a free shuttle from and to the villa.
It is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Amalfi Coast, surrounded by flowers and green vegetation, Da Ciccio Cielo Mare Terra, is an ancient trattoria and now a famous restaurant. You reach it by driving to Amalfi and before you reach Amalfi on the right side.
Since 1931, it has been run by the same family and it offers traditional and new innovative dishes. The restaurant is known for the fresh fish, personally chosen by Ciccio (the owner) and for the seasonal products of his own garden. Web site: www.ristorantedaciccio.com/en/
Amalfi, Via G.Augustariccio, 21
Contact: info@ristorantedaciccio.com, Phone: +39 089831265 – Mobile: +39 3453538935
Closed on Tuesdays
Terrazza Duomo:
Terrazza Duomo is our new favorite restaurant in Amalfi, which was established by the excellent former chef of Da Gemma in 2021. It is situated on the roof top of the Hotel Centrale opposite the Duomo. The view on the Duomo, which is one of the most photographed places in Italy, is spectacular as well as the food. Try the Gran crudo Terrazza Duomo. Both the view and quality of food justify the price.
To reach the restaurant you go to the Piazza Duomo and then take the the small road on the right of the building, immediately take the stairs on the left and follow the signs to a smaller piazza, enter the building and walk up another three floors. Then finally you are able to enjoy the fabulous panorama. Reservation recommended. The old name of the hotel was hotel Centrale, the new name is the same as the restaurant Terrazza Duomo. They will also have a lounge bar on the top of the restaurant. Tel. 389 9344594. Closed on Wednesday.
Lido Azurro:
Lido Azurro is situated in a very nice position in the harbor, with a great view to Amalfi. They serve very good, -especially – seafood. Make a reservation if you want to get a table in the first row, close to the water. Tel.: 089 871384. You reach it by walking along the harbor; it is on the left side of the road.
Restaurant Lido Azurro Amalfi
Da Gemma
Very good food and a nice view from the terrace down to the main street in Amalfi. Make a reservation and ask for a table on the terrace in the first row facing the road. Tel.: 089 871345.
Eolo
You have a great view down to the harbor. Food is very good but pricey. Address: coming from the villa short distance after the center of Amalfi on the left side of the road. It is on the first floor. Reservation is recommended. Park the car in the harbour area. Tel.: 089 871241. http://www.eoloamalfi.it
Restaurant Eolo in Amalfi
Photo taken from their web site.
Trattoria Pizzeria da Meme
This restaurant is in the old part of Amalfi, which gives you the impression to be in an Arabian Kasbah. It is in one of the very narrow alleyways. You find it when you walk the main street into Amalfi up the valley, you pass the piazza del duomo and then after about 150 m (200 yards) there is a signpost, which leads you to the left up the hill. Tel.: 089 8304549.
RESTAURANTS IN ATRANI, RAVELLO, FURORE
ATRANI
Ristorante Salo’
Atrani is definitely a place very worth while visiting, nothing spectacular but a beautiful, genuine old town built into a valley that leads up to the area between Scala and Ravello. It is a hidden gem on the Amalfi coast. It seems that tourism did not discover it yet. May be because there is no Duomo one can visit like in Amalfi, no shopping capabilities like in Positano, but still it has a very special charme. We like the small Piazza Umberto in the center very much. There is a restaurant called Salo’. You can sit outside, with view to the piazza or inside. It can be a bid noisy. But you feel you are in Italy and the food is good. Tel.: 089 872712. For parking drive into the town and a bid further up the road and park along the road.
Atrani center view from the restaurant Salo
RESTAURANTS IN RAVELLO
Da Salvatore:
Ravello is one of our favorite towns along the coast. High up in the mountain with fabulous views. Our top pick for a restaurant is Da Salvatore. It offers what we like most: splendid views down the Amalfi coast and excellent food.
Web site: http://www.salvatoreravello.com/. Reservation recommended. Tel: +39 089 857227. Address: Via delle Repubblica 2. Directions: If you go by car follow the directions to the duomo parking and walk up a few minutes to the main square. Then you pass the duomo on the right side, shortly after you walk through a tunnel. After the tunnel it is the second restaurant.
RESTAURANTS IN FURORE
Da Bacco:
It’s about 10 km (6 miles) to drive from the villa, but worth the effort. You drive east in the direction of Amalfi, then before Amalfi take the road to Agerola. The roads wind up with many curves to Furore. There you find Da Bacco on the right side of the road. It offers a great view down to the sea, excellent food, with many local specialties, wine from their own vineyard and moderate prices. Try for instance a local specialty: totani e patate (squid and potatoes). They also have a good selection of typical local cheese produced in nearby Agerola. Open all year. Tel.: 089 830360.
RESTAURANTS IN POSITANO / MONTEPERTUSO / NOCELLE
La Tagliata in Montepertuso
high above Positano: A meat place and a wonderful view down to Positano.
If you feel that you have eaten enough fish or prefer anyway meat than this place is an excellent choice. The menu is quite short: different meat or sausages or both of them mixed as a main dish. If you are not that hungry better share the plate between two persons because you get a rich plate with ham, salami, mozzarella and mixed pickles.
It’s quite popular; therefore reservation is recommended during the season. Try to get a seat in the garden if the weather is good, or close to the window when it’s colder. Driving the very narrow road to Montepertuso and even more going back by night “encouraged” by some wine can be quite a challenge. Therefore it might be a good idea to take a taxi. If you prefer to drive yourself go first to Positano, pass it and take the road to Montepertuso, then pass the “center” of Montepertuso and when you almost think you have missed it, the restaurant is on the right side. Open all year. In the lower season closed on Thursday. Tel.: 089 875872.
Trattoria San Croce:
in Nocelle, a small hamlet high above Positano – after Montepertuso – at the end of the road. Then you have to walk 10 minutes; excellent views down the coast. Good local food but no big choice. Try the mixed antipasti, with mozarella, salami … excellent. Ideal to combine it with the walk Sentiero degli Dei.
Hike Sentiero degli Dei Nocelle
In Positano town there are some smaller restaurants up the hill, which we did not try yet but seem to be very good. If you prefer however, to eat in the “center of gravity” in one of the restaurants down at the beach, you pay a highr price for the location and the ability to watch the crowds. The quality of food does not match the price level.
Le tre sorelle
One of the better restaurants is Le tre sorelle. Located directly at the beach of Positano. It was three sisters (sorelle) who started this restaurant long time ago in the good old days and gave the name to the restaurant. Closed on Wednesday, accept credit cards. Tel.: 089 811922.
Lo Guarracino
If your mood is not to watch people passing by but to stretch your legs and have your meal in a more quiet place then walk from the beach towards West (right), follow the path and then after not too long you see the restaurant/pizzeria Lo Guarracino above the path. The position of the restaurant above the sea is excellent; the food is ok but does not match the view. Tel.: 089 875794.
RESTAURANTS IN CAPRI
There are many good restaurants in Capri. Here I describe and recommend two which we like both for the good food, unique location and friendly service. Both are outside the busy center of Capri. One is on the way to the Arco naturale the other one at the seaside below the Villa Axel Munthe.
Le Grottelle
On the eastern side of the main piazza of Capri you follow a street first in the direction to the villa Jovi, then to the right to the Arco Naturale (a rock arch). Fast you leave the busy center of Capri and it gets quiet, you pass nice villas after 20 – 30 minutes before reaching the arch there is the ristorante Le Grottelle. Built into the rock, with a nice terrace, a beautiful view down to the sea – a very nice position. It’s a family restaurant. The mother does the cooking – its outstanding – and service is excellent. I recommend that in the season you reserve a table. Tel.: 081 8375719.
You can continue your walk to see the Arco Naturale, then go back and walk down (quite steep) the steps of the path, which leads you first down, then around the coast back to Capri. It is a wonderful very scenic walk.
The other restaurant is a seaside restaurant – Bangni di Tiberio, which is described below.
RESTAURANTS FOR LUNCH REACHED BY BOAT
There are many restaurants along the coast, directly at the sea. Often the phone number is displayed on the restaurant, so you can call them and ask to send a boat. In most of the cases a boat is waiting already, or is coming, if you wave. They fix your boat at a bouye and they bring you to the restaurant. A small tip at your return for the “marinaio” is appropriate. All restaurants are closed from mid October to March.
Here are the restaurants we like most:
Da Adolfo
between Praiano and Positano, just below the hotel San Pietro. It is in a cove, where pirates used to build their boats. Nowadays it is a very popular restaurant for people who come by boat from Positanto. Try the local speciality totani e patate – stew of local squids, potatoes and tomatoes. The restaurant looks very basic, but it has a very relaxed atmosphere and very good food. Tel.: 089 875022. In summer reservation is recommended. Every half an hour a boat with the read fish leaves from Positano beach to the restaurant. You can also walk down to the restaurant from the hamlet Luisella just before reaching the hotel San Pietro.
Restaurant Da Adolfo
Conca del Sogno, Nerano
Arguably the best restaurant along the coast in a beautiful setting. Conca del Sogno means bay of the dreams. The panoramic position as well as the food and service live up to the name. We normally don’t arrive at the main course because we try different antipasti of the sea cold and warm, like small fish, small squids, totani e patate and so on. We try 6 or 7 different dishes and then with a bottle of white wine – we prefer the white wine called Kratos a Fiano from Paestum, Campagna. The quality and beauty has its price however. In summer reservation is recommended. Tel.: 089 871384. You reach the restaurant by boat, going from Praiano to the west, you will pass Positano and then after some miles there are some small non-inhabited islands close to the coast and shortly after you find the restaurant in a bay.
Bagni Tiberio
When we rent a motor boat we go along the beautiful Amalfi coast, then to Capri, we pass the harbor Marina Grande and then before reaching the Blue Grotto – after about 2 km – you see a restaurant with a public beach close by. Like the other restaurants they have a “valet” service for parking your boat. Once at land you will be seated on a nice veranda built above the remains of a Roman swimming pool, in which the emperor Tiberius took his swim 2000 years ago. Right next to the restaurant you see the ruins of a small amphitheatre, which was used for open-air entertainment in Roman times. Let this magic place enchant you and enjoy excellent seafood at the same time. Reservation is recommended; ask for a table in the first row. Tel.: 081 837 0703, web site: Restaurant Bagni di Tiberio
Bagno di Tiberio Capri
If you are still fit after your meal, there is a challenging but beautiful hike to be recomended: Climbing up the 555 steps of the ancient “Phoenician” stairs to reach the famous “Villa San Michele” (see in the section activities/excursion to Capri).
