The Amalfi Coast is not just a feast for the eyes – it’s a paradise for your taste buds too. The best food on Amalfi Coast is a blend of fresh seafood, rich pastas, and flavorful local produce, all elevated by the region’s signature lemons.
From the sun-kissed beaches of Positano to the quaint streets of Ravello, the Amalfi Coast offers food that is as memorable as the stunning views.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 dishes you have to try while visiting this coastal gem. Plus – we added some bonus sections for the must-try desserts and refreshing local drinks you shouldn’t miss.
Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare
This dish is a must for seafood lovers. Scialatielli are fresh pasta, a thicker type of spaghetti, made from a rich dough of flour and water.
When chefs pair it with a variety of fresh seafood – mussels, clams, prawns, and squid – all cooked in a light garlic and white wine sauce, it becomes a perfect representation of Amalfi Coast cuisine. The combination of the tender pasta with the briny seafood is both satisfying and refreshing.
Where to eat it: Saraceno d’Oro in Positano offers some of the best seafood pasta in the area.
Parmigiana di Melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan)
A beloved classic in southern Italy, Parmigiana di Melanzane is a comforting dish of fried eggplant layers, combined with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Checks bake this dish until golden, with the flavors blending together perfectly. Each bite offers the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and tangy notes.
Where to eat it: Che Bontà is a casual and affordable gem in Praiano, serving homestyle cooking full of heart.
Alici di Cetara (Anchovies from Cetara)
The town of Cetara is renowned for its anchovies, which are fished locally and prepared in a variety of ways. These anchovies are nothing like the salty ones from a can. In Cetara, fishermen catch them fresh and preserve them in salt or olive oil.
Locals serve them on crostini, in pasta, or even solo with a splash of lemon.
People typically marinate the anchovies or serve them in the famous Colatura di Alici – an anchovy-based sauce that’s often drizzled over pasta or bread. These anchovies are prized for their delicate yet robust flavor, setting them apart from any anchovies you’ve had before.
It’s one of those ingredients that shows how even the simplest things can become part of the best food on Amalfi Coast.
Where to eat it: For an authentic taste, head to Acquapazza in Cetara, where anchovies are the star of the menu.
Ndunderi
Hailing from the village of Minori, Ndunderi is a traditional ricotta-based pasta that’s soft and airy, often compared to gnocchi but with a lighter, fluffier texture.
Served with a simple yet flavorful sauce of butter, sage, and grated cheese, this dish celebrates the simplicity and quality of local ingredients. Its smooth, delicate texture is a real treat, and a perfect example of the best food on Amalfi Coast for those who love pasta.
Where to eat it: Giardiniello in Minori specializes in this traditional dish, offering a perfect rendition.
Pizza Margherita
You can’t visit southern Italy without trying the world-famous pizza, and the Amalfi Coast does not disappoint. They make the pizza here with a thin, crispy crust, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil, and a handful of basil leaves. Simple, fresh, and utterly delicious – it’s hard to go wrong with this iconic dish.
Where to eat it: Da Franco in Sorrento serves up some of the best pizza in the region.
Tagliata di Manzo
A classic steak dish from the region, Tagliata di Manzo is a grilled beef steak, usually served rare or medium-rare, and sliced into thin strips. It’s topped with fresh arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The quality of the beef is key to this dish, and when done right, the flavors are clean and bold, with each bite delivering a satisfying richness.
Where to eat it: Porca Vacca – Brace e Dintorni in Salerno is a meat-lovers’ paradise with a strong focus on grilling.
Mozzarella di Bufala
Mozzarella di Bufala, made from water buffalo milk, is a creamy, rich cheese with a smooth, elastic texture. It’s perfect on its own, paired with ripe tomatoes, or included in a salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The freshness and flavor of mozzarella here is unparalleled, and it’s a dish that should be savored slowly.
It’s one of the best foods on Amalfi Coast, especially when paired with ripe tomatoes and local olive oil.
Where to eat it: You can find excellent mozzarella in many local restaurants, but try the farms around Agerola or Ravello for some of the freshest, most authentic versions.
Totani e Patate
Totani e Patate is a comforting dish made with fresh squid (totani) and potatoes cooked in a light tomato sauce. The squid is tender, and the potatoes absorb all the flavors from the sauce. This creates a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening meal. It’s a great way to enjoy the local seafood in a more rustic, homestyle preparation.
Where to eat it: Trattoria Da Armandino in Praiano is a seaside spot known for its authentic recipes and casual charm.
Spaghetti alla Nerano
A traditional dish from the village of Nerano, this pasta is made with zucchini and a generous amount of cheese. The zucchini are sautéed until soft and then mixed with pasta, creating a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s a dish that truly showcases the freshness of the local produce. Particularly the zucchini, which grow in abundance along the coast.
Where to eat it: Il Leone Rosso Ristorante in Sorrento does an amazing version of this dish – creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful.
Frittura di Paranza
This is a classic Amalfi Coast street food dish made with small, freshly caught fish, calamari, and shrimp, all lightly battered and fried. It’s often served with a wedge of lemon to add a fresh zing to the crispy, golden fish. It’s the perfect snack or appetizer to enjoy by the beach with a cold drink.
Where to eat it: Trattoria da Gemma in Amalfi is a great spot to try this dish, often served as part of a larger seafood platter.
Sweet Treats You Can’t Miss
When it comes to dessert, the Amalfi Coast has a few treats that are famous for their unique flavors and textures. So if you have a sweet tooth, these are the desserts you can’t leave without trying.
Delizia al Limone
A signature dessert of the Amalfi Coast, Delizia al Limone is a sponge cake soaked in a lemon syrup. It is filled with lemon cream, and topped with a glaze of more lemon. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and it encapsulates the flavor of the coast’s famous lemons.
Where to eat it: Head to Sal De Riso in Minori, one of the most famous pastry shops on the coast, to try this iconic dessert.
Sfogliatella
This iconic pastry is made from layers of thin dough, wrapped around a sweet ricotta filling, and baked until golden and crispy. You will best enjoy it warm, straight out of the oven, with a hot espresso on the side.
Where to eat it: Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi in Amalfi is one of the oldest and most loved pastry shops in the area, right on the main square near the Duomo.
Torta Caprese al Limone
This almond cake, made with white chocolate and lemon zest, is a twist on the traditional Caprese cake. It’s rich, moist, and has just the right amount of citrusy zing.
Where to eat it: Local bakeries in Ravello offer this unique version of the Caprese cake.
Drinks to Enjoy Along the Coast
You can’t have a complete meal without a drink, and the Amalfi Coast offers some excellent options.
Limoncello
Limoncello is a sweet, lemon liqueur that’s made from the local Amalfi lemons. It is typically served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo. It’s the perfect way to end any meal and get a taste of the coast’s signature citrus fruit.
Where to drink it: Many local producers offer tastings, but Ravello or Amalfi are great places to pick up a bottle.
Falanghina Wine
Falanghina is a white wine from Campania that pairs perfectly with seafood. Crisp, light, and refreshing, it’s a great choice to enjoy alongside your seafood pasta or grilled fish.
Where to drink it: You’ll find Falanghina served at many seaside restaurants – just ask for the local wines.
Aperol Spritz
Though it’s not originally from the Amalfi Coast, the Aperol Spritz has become a popular choice for sipping while watching the sunset. Refreshing and light, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy before dinner.
Where to drink it: Bar del Sole in Praiano is a lovely local bar with fair prices, a chilled atmosphere, and a great terrace where you can enjoy an amazing view without the fancy vibes.
Final Bite
There’s no doubt that the best food on Amalfi Coast will be one of the highlights of your trip. From fresh seafood to traditional pastas and the zesty desserts, every meal here is an experience. So, go ahead – taste your way through the coast, and don’t forget to end every meal with a glass of Limoncello.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t miss our 5-day Amalfi Coast itinerary where we share there top sights and hidden gems that make the Amalfi Coast unforgettable.