Scran Spot Recommendations in the Amalfi Coast
I recently visited the stunning Amalfi Coast, where the food scene truly captures the authentic essence of Italian food. The myriad of exquisite dishes on offer had a running theme across the plethora of restaurants you can choose from: seafood, citrus flavours and world class pasta.
I tried and tested out a broad range of restaurants, from takeaway spots and casual dining to tasting menus. This post will conclude with suggesting a couple of bars for an enticing aperitif prior to indulging in Italian food.
Below are a number of options for your travels to the Amalfi Coast, centring on the more modest towns of Maiori, Minori, Amalfi and Conca dei Marini.
Maiori
#1 - Torre Normanni
My experience here was a special one. The eye-catching castle is the centrepiece of the town and the opportunity to have a feast overlooking the Amalfi coast is one not to miss out on! You will be seated in an exclusive semi-arch, in a romantic, intimate setting. The service is efficient, the food excellent and it should be the focus of your culinary choices when visiting the quaint town of Maiori. I would certainly recommend dining here at sunset.
Must-Try: RAVIOLI
My Scran Selection
STARTERS:
PUFF PASTRY filled with codfish and burrata cheese drizzled with a fondue of Provolone del Monaco cheese
A SAMPLING OF 3 DIFFERENT DELICIOUS WHIMS inspired by the fresh fish of the day
FRIED EGGPLANT & SMOKED CACIOCAVALLO CHEESE with a tomato and basil pesto sauce
MAINS:
RAVIOLI stuffed with "Sfusato Amalfitano" lemon infused buffalo ricotta cheese in a butter and mint sauce
SCIALATIELLI PASTA in a fresh tomato, garlic, olive oil and parsley sauce with mussels, assorted clams, shrimp and scampi
DESSERT:
GRAN DESSERT TORRE NORMANNA
DRINKS:
The House White Wine
Limoncello
The Ratings
#2 - Ristoranta Pineta
A wonderful, relaxed setting for a dinner. When you walk to the garden at the back of the restaurant, you will find yourself sat below a stunning lemon grove. The menu is well detailed, offering a wide variety of Italian options, and the staff are both friendly and attentive. This is a must-visit if you desire a walk-in one night to enjoy a hearty portion of traditional Amalfian food with a relaxed atmosphere making you feel right at home. Having tried a assortment of antipasto’s across my trip to the Amalfi coast, this one stood out, as the cheese was excellent and the portion size not too overwhelming prior to a sizey main course.
Must-Try: 4 DOP ANTIPASTO
My Scran Selection
STARTERS:
4 DOP ANTIPASTO 4 great ingredients all DOP (Protected Designation of Origin). All the ingredients are from Campania region with an excellent intruder. Buffalo Mozzarella cheese Campana PDO, Parma Ham PDO aged 24 months, San Marzano PDO Bruschetta and Extra Virgin Olive Oil PDO
MAIN:
SCOGLIO 1903 Home Scialatielli according to an Ancient recipe with Clams, Mussels, Squid, Shrimp and Scampi Scented with Lemon Zest and Cherry Tomatoes
NERRANO 1955 Original recipe of pasta alla nerano in the mid-50s in the homonymouse town, Spaghetti di Gragnano with fried zucchini, basil and Provolone del Monaco cheese PDO Sorrentine Peninsula
DRINKS:
A Bottle of Falanghina Roccamonfina IGP
The Ratings
#3 - Agricola Ruocco’s
You will find Agricola Ruocco’s halfway between Maiori and Minori, and it is accessed via ‘The Path of Lemons.’ This is a must-do activity and involves a scenic walk from one idyllic town to another. You will experience incredible sea views from high up on the Amalfi Coast, whilst enjoying a hike through the famous lemon groves. After taking on the challenging hike of over 400 steps, Agricola Ruocco’s will greet you with open arms at the summit, and you will be drooling at the idea of an ice cold lemonade and lemon salad. They kindly ask for a donation and I recommend giving one due to their friendly welcoming and this mini-experience felt so authentic. On your visit to Maiori, definitely take on this hike, as you will not only be rewarded with the chance to explore the neighbouring town of Minori, but you will also burn off the vast amount of calories from the abundance of pasta dishes eaten across your holiday!
Instagram: @AgricolaRuoccos
My Scran Selection
FOOD:
A LEMON SALAD, consisting of fresh lemons, fresh mint and garlic oil.
DRINKS:
HOMEMADE LEMONADE
Minori
#1 - Sal De Riso
Read my Full Review Here.
A truly indulgent pit-stop in Minori that will leave you suitably satiated! It was very exciting to simply admire the artwork of the pastries in the glass displays, and I was spoilt for choice. Overall, a must-visit, and I would suggest venturing from Maiori to Minori and treating yourself to a mini-delight at the end of the Lemon Walk.
Must-Try: Ivoire 35%
My Scran Selection
FOOD:
RICOTTA, PEAR & CHOCOLATE TART
AMALFI LEMON COOKIES
ECLAR AL CIOCCOLATO
DRINKS:
IVOIRE 35% - A White Hot Chocolate with Tones of Vanilla and Malt
ICED COFFEE with Vanilla Syrup
The Ratings
Ravello
#1 - L’Antica Cartiera
Ravello is a stunning town just a little higher up than Minori, and this restaurant was special. It was a very romantic setting, as L’Antica is perched on the rocks, overlooking the beautiful Amalfian sea. The waitstaff were very pleasant and professional, and the food matched classic Italian food with creative, innovative thinking. The Lemon Fettuccine Pasta was one of my favourite dishes across all of the Scran Spots in my time in the Amalfi Coast.
Must-Try: Lemon Fettuccine Pasta
My Scran Selection
MAINS:
LINGUINE with Fresh Lemon, Mussels and Potatoes
LEMON FETTUCCINE PASTA with Buffalo Soft Cheese, Black Truffle and Lobster Tartare
DESSERT:
PASSION AND CHOCOLATE Dark Chocolate Semi Sphere with White Mousse Chocolate Brownie
DRINKS:
APEROL SPRITZ
BIANCOLELLA D’ISCHIA DOC - CASA D’AMBRA Amber House - 85% Biancolella, 15% Forastera San Lunardo and Uva Rilla - Campania Region
The Ratings
Amalfi
#1 - Sensi
This is the best of the lot - each dish a culinary masterpiece, and backed up by Sensi’s recognition as a Michelin Starred Restaurant. Although this is a little pricey, I would suggest going here for a special occasion. They offer a range of tasting menus, going up to ten courses, but I opted for four courses and this felt sufficient. With the pre-starters and pre-dessert, you will feel spoilt.
The seared tuna was a memorable dish, and the attention to detail in the other courses was beyond impressive. You were able to choose your preference for olive oil from the menu and the presentation on each dish was so delicately done.
A unique experience all round.
Must-Try: IL TONNO
My Scran Selection
PRE-STARTERS:
Green Cracker Pomodoro Purée & Basil Caviar
Ricotta Tartlet with Pickled Beetroot & Micro-Basil
Cannelloni with Squid, Guacamole & Yuzu Reduction
Lemon Brioche with Zucchini Purée, Anchovy & Limoncello Jam
Meringue Topped with Yellowtail Carpaccio, Squid Ink & Orange Jam
BREAD & OLIVE OIL
An Assortment of Bread
MADONNA DELL’OLIVO ITRAN’S SERRE (Sa)
COURSE 1:
IL TONNO - Tuna, Fennel, Dill, Seaweed, ‘Asetra’ Caviar, Anise & Mustard Ice Cream
COURSE 2:
IL RISOTTO - Risotto with Smoked Mantis Squilla, Turmeric, Mediterranean Herbs, Anchovies ‘Colatura’ & Lemon
COURSE 3:
IL MANZO - Beef, Puffed Cereals with Yuzu Shichimi, Tacos with Fermented Vegetables & Horseradish Mayo
PRE-DESSERT:
RASPBERRY SORBET
DESSERT:
LA NOCCIOLA - Hazelnut Mousse, Coffee, Sesame Seeds, Shochu
LA GIANDUIA - Gianduja Smoked Chocolate, Honey, Rosemary, Pollen & Gin
DRINKS:
PUNTACROCE Biano 2014 DOC Costa D’Amalfi
The Ratings
#2 - Taverna Buonvicino
Just off the main square in Amalfi town, this lovely courtyard offers a relief away from the sea-views you will find in many of Amalfi’s best restaurants. This was a very enjoyable dinner, as the food was simple, well-done and feels like a Scran Spot that would be very consistent every time you go. I will definitely re-visit if I venture back to Amalfi Town in the future.
My Scran Selection
STARTERS:
BREADED LEMON FLAVOURED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
MAINS:
LINGUINE with ‘Colatura di Cetara’ and Giffoni’s Hazelnuts Lemon Flavoured
PASTA with Asparagus & Cherry Tomatoes
DRINKS:
TRAMONTI COSTA D’AMALFI DOC
The Ratings
#3 - Bistro Flli Pansa
This is a great drinks spot before or after dinner. You will find yourself in the vibrant main square of Amalfi with a breathtaking view of the Duomo. I found myself going back every day before dinner, because the view really did not grow old!
My Drinks Selection
DRINKS:
Aperol Spritz
#4 - La Rua
A great, affordable takeaway option if you want a quick pizza. I opted for my favourite, a Quattro Formaggi, which I then took to eat on the steps of the Duomo. I would highly recommend doing the same, as an alternative to a sit-down meal.
My Scran Selection
FOOD:
QUATTRO FORMAGGI PIZZA
Conca dei Marini
#1 - La Bonta del Capo
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE ALONGSIDE A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE ON LIMONCELLO.
This incredible experience garnered Food & Footy’s first 5* review, as a result of the warmth the staff instantly provided us from minute one to the last. We enjoyed an unforgettable ‘Limoncello Tour’, which you can learn more about on my review… The food matched the staff’s efforts and learning about Italian culture whilst tucking into a refreshing drink overlooking the sea made sure I will not be forgetting about Bontà anytime soon! I would highly recommend a visit if you desire a jam-packed schedule of indulgence.
MUST-TRY: The Limoncello Tour!
My Scran Selection
COURSE 1:
Provola Cheese on Leaves with Lemon Scented Prawns
COURSE 2:
A Duet of Ravioli with Ricotta & Lemons and Seabass
COURSE 3:
Baked fish with Lemon Potatoes
COURSE 4:
A Trio of Lemon Desserts - Lemon Delight, Lemon Sorbet & lemon Ice-Cream
DRINKS:
LEMON SPRITZ
LIMONCELLO SHOT
The Ratings
#2 - L’Ippocampo Dei Fratelli Laudano
After taking a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, the skipper suggested we should take a pit stop at L’Ippocampo to enjoy a traditional Italian pizza, and he recommended the Antipasto, in light of the quality of the local seafood. This is a great spot if you want a quick, tasty meal in a more low-key area of the Amalfi Coast. I would suggest a light lunch and a few cocktails before sun-bathing on the nearby beach.
Must-Try: ANTIPASTO
My Scran Selection
STARTERS:
ANTIPASTO based on an assortment of fresh seafood
MAIN:
PIZZA with mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and rocket
DRINKS:
Lemon Spritz
Aperol Spritz
The Ratings
#3 - Ristorante Zeffiro Serano
I would suggest avoiding Ristorante Zeffiro, because although the initial experience seems idyllic, with a boat picking you up to take you to the restaurant, and the lovely beach in at the forefront of the restaurant, the cleanliness is very poor. My companion fell ill for two weeks after food poisoning and I witnessed someone else fall sick at the restaurant too.
I would recommend instead going to the nearby L’Ippocampo, and if not, AVOID SEAFOOD here.
STARTERS:
FRIED SQUID
ARANCINI
MAIN:
SEAFOOD PASTA
The Ratings
AVOID