Ticking off 92 global cities (and counting), Shan has lived in Southeast Asia for six years, including Vietnam and Thailand. She has previously called New York and Durban home. A traveling creative soul, Shan has a serious penchant for delicious words.
Perched 365 meters above sea level, romantic Ravello is one of the Amalfi Coast’s hilltop towns; once a destination of musicians, poets, and dreamers.
After learning what it was famous for, my husband and I decided to make this magical town our base for our two-night stay along the Amalfi. We were doing this as part of our honeymoon trip and so the whole romantic allure was well-fitting. Plus, we were off to Capri next from here so we didn’t feel like we had to stay on the beach sort of thing.
I’m so glad we made the choice as it offered something different from the typical Amalfi experience — plus, we met in Vietnam and were super used to riding motorbikes. So, we hired one for both days and drove the whole coastline both days, which is unparalleled in my opinion.
If you’re considering Ravello, I say do it! And with that, you’ll be wondering where to eat. Ravello is also a popular day-trip. Even if you’re not here for the night, here are some of the best restaurants in Ravello, including options with views to swoon over and many romantic spots, too.
Also, another thing I have to note is that we were here in the shoulder season (first week of April). We got married at the end of March in South Africa (our summer) and left the day after for Italy. It wasn’t purposeful. But the reason I’m telling you this is because most of the restaurants weren’t open in Ravello. Plenty only open seasonally, so just be aware of this too.
Situated on the “outskirts” of Ravello, Alba Cafepromises some of the most stunning ocean views and deliciously fresh and authentic seafood! Not in the town center, it’s on the winding road that enters/exits Ravello from one side. You’ll see many people walking along this road as part of the Path of the Lemons walking trail).
Unlike some of the other best restaurants in Ravello, this gem is unassuming. The staff’s passion for Italian cuisine shines through. Plus, the service is great, too.
For more affordable dishes and sea views, add Alba to your list of the best restaurants in Ravello (Source: albacafe23)
A must-try dish is the ‘Spaghetto di Mezzanotte’ — I just love what the name translates to: “midnight spaghetti.” Made with the thicker spaghettoni, it comprises capers, anchovies, tomatoes, and garlic-laden breadcrumbs!
2. Rossellinis Restaurant: One Michelin Star
Along the entirety of the Amalfi Coast, there are 25 restaurants with the title of one Michelin star (there are another two with two stars and only one with three stars). Rossellinis happens to be one of the one-starred holders, and it’s part of the 5-star Palazzo Avino hotel.
The sea views are simply sublime (like out-of-this-world romantic) and this is the dreamiest restaurant for date night.
Choose between the set tasting menus (with a wine pairing menu available), or from the a la carte one. AND the food is everything you’d expect from a Michelin winner, lobster included.
(Source: palazzoavino)
Also here is the more casual cotton candy pink Terrazza Belvedere Maraviglia — the sweetest spot for lunch, where they serve light bites and pasta. Vistas match and it’s one of the most Instagrammed places in this town! From 6 pm, the lobster and martini bar opens at Terrazza Belvedere Maraviglia.
3. MIMI’: Dine beneath the grapevines
Sit beneath the grapevine pergola, take a deep breath in, and realize you’re living out your proper Italian fantasy at MIMI’. Honestly, this spot reminds me of the Italian restaurants you see in movies, or read about in novels, where the plot is set on the Amalfi and everything about it is so Italiano! I’m in love.
As a pizzeria, the pizza is a no-brainer. However, if you’re not in the mood, other dishes to gulp down would be the pesto gnocchi served with clams (mouthwatering). Or the grilled octopus served with polenta.
(Source: mimi_pizzeria_cucina)
This intimate location is so stunning, it’s often booked out as a wedding venue! Your direct views are the medieval buildings of Ravello, catapulting in various shapes and sizes.
4. Salvatore: Creativity and authenticity
One word of advice: Good luck deciding what to order at this slice of Italian cuisine haven, where authenticity is coupled with a bit of flair and imagination. I’m all for it, and it ticks all the boxes of things I love and look out for when choosing a place to eat.
There’s good reason why Salvatore has been a firm favorite since 1958 and is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Ravello. Also, based on its timeline, it hasn’t been kept back in time, and the menu and interiors have really kept up with the years.
Established in 1958, Salvatore is one of the best restaurants in Ravello (Source: salvatoreravello)
Also, do yourself a favor and leave room for dessert!
On the savory end, a standout for me is the linguine done in a cream sauce, topped with an avalanche of caviar, foam, and a crispy Parmigiano floret. Scrumptious!
5. Il Flauto di Pan: A Michelin-worthy homage to the Amalfi
Introducing Ravello’s second restaurant that owns the accolade of a one Michelin star. Considering the number of restaurants with the title and the amount of towns/villages along the Amalfi, I’d say that’s a pretty big win.
One of the biggest reasons to visit Il Flauto di Pan or rather, one of its most intriguing draw-ins, is the fact that it’s located within the iconic 11th-century Villa Cimbrone (where those famous gardens are!). I’ve followed Villa Cimbrone on the ‘Gram for years now, and I die every time I see an event or a wedding held here #bucketlistgoals.
(Source: ilflautodipan)
The menu is most certainly an ode to the Amalfi Coast, so expect a lot of seafood influencers. This Mediterranean cuisine is transformed from the traditional to the innovative. I dig the way they plate dishes here, where you have to look twice to really discover what you’re eating. Plates pop with color, too.
6. Belvedere Restaurant: In an 11th-century villa
You may have noticed that many places featured on our list of the best restaurants in Ravello are situated within the hotels of Ravello, but remember, Ravello isn’t overly massive. It’s often overlooked by those heading to the Amalfi who want to stay right on the beach in locales like Positano, for example.
Belvedere Restaurant is part of the Caruso Hotel, and as such, it’s also a classy option for those searching for the best restaurants in Ravello with ocean coastline panoramas. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because content creators love visiting this spot for TikTok and Insta hits. Who can blame them once you check out the location?
(Source: belmondhotelcaruso)
Food highlights the ingredients of the Campania region (with a contemporary twist). Price-wise it is a little on the higher side. But many of the restaurants along the Amalfi in general are higher-priced than usual (and you’re also paying for the location, as well as quality food).
Also here is the more casual Caruso Grill for pizza and pasta vibes.
7. Bella vista sul mare: For well-priced seafood by Ravello standards
For the likes of cuttlefish and pea risotto, or a delicious (and massive) grilled lamb cutlet with a simple serving of roast potatoes, do not pass begin and head straight to Bellavista sul mare.
Out of the best restaurants in Ravello, we love the ocean vistas from this spot (Source: bellavistasulmare)
An outdoor terrace outlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea greets patrons and is the perfect spot to wine and dine, especially when the sun is shining, or you’ve just returned from a trip down to the beach. The cuisine is fresh, local produce, with antipasti, primi, and secondi choices. Most times, seafood is the star of this show.
This spot also boasts an excellent wine selection!
8. Da Nonno Alfonso: Amazing service and food
Not only is Da Nonno Alfonso open during the off-season, but it also offers pizza-making classes.
Everyone who steps foot within its walls claims it’s one of the best restaurants in Ravello, and it’s always left with raving reviews! I think this is very much due to the super friendly and kind staff.
(Source: da_nonnoalfonso)
Although I love Italy, I’m not gonna lie, we experienced a little of this in places around Italy and it wasn’t even season, so I don’t want to imagine being on the bad side of a grumpy Italian in-season! I think one of the (many) reasons why I love Florence so much is because I found it to be the friendliest city I’ve explored in Italia so far. Speaking of, here are some of my best restaurants in Florence.
Naturally, the pizzas are a must-try.
9. Babel Wine Bar: For wine and antipasti
Set up as a bistro-meets-wine bar with a deli section as well as an arts and ceramics shop inside, revel in a bit of souvenir shopping whilst you wine and dine. Or simply come for the food at Babel Wine Bar.
One thing I noticed all around the Amalfi is that ceramic art is super popular, especially Vietri ceramics and “teste di moro” (Moor’s head vases, originally from Sicily like the ones seen in S2 of The White Lotus). Many of the shops around here sell this kind of art, and I could fill up dozens of suitcases of it!
(Source: babelwinebar)
Share a crudo board over a glass of vino, or enjoy a super fresh salad. Locate this spot in the heart of the town center.
10. La cucina di Sofi: Homestyle cooking
Alright, folks, straight off the cuff here; I’ve noticed that La cucina di Sofi has plenty of mixed reviews, which is quite sad, because, during our two-day stay, we found it to be one of the best restaurants in Ravello.
However, having said that, I can’t judge how apt that experience to be year-round, as we arrived on the weekend before Easter, and when I say the town was dead…well that’s an understatement!
So, it was one of the few (and by that, I mean like three options) actually opened. It constantly gets rated down because of its service, and not so much because of the food, if that’s any consolation. It was our first meal in the Amalfi. I was impressed by the simplicity, authenticity, and the fact that we literally saw Nonna making the dishes herself in the kitchen.
(Credit: Shan Osztonits)
I ordered the gnocchi (I’m a gnocchi fiend), and it was delicious! The ristorante itself, okay, it’s nothing to rave home about. It’s outdated, small, and super basic, but I kinda feel like this added to the authentic homestyle-cooking vibe of the place. It’s situated along one of the main streets from the town square.
Visit yourself and I’ll let you be the judge of it. But all in all, we were satisfied and enjoyed a delicious meal!
I mentioned Florence earlier, and if truly, if there’s one city not to miss it’s got to be Firenze! If you are planning on escapading to central Italy and the Toscana region, I got you covered. Check out Florence’s cafes, the best pasta restaurants, and street food.
Or, if you’re off to Rome (one hour by high-speed train from Naples), eat your way through this list of city’s street food bites.
One of the newest of the best street food in Rome to hit the city’s food scene (Source: trapizzino)
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