6 Best Restaurants in Positano, The Amalfi Coast

Wrought-iron gates open from scenic Via Pasitea into Next2's bianco e nero–chic courtyard, replete with a cocktail bar and a cozy salon filled with wine bottles and prime window seats for sunset views. Calmly charming Carmela and her friendly crew, including a young, talented chef in the semi-open kitchen, deliver elegant, subtly flavored creations including: grilled octopus antipasto with green beans and potato foam, a flavor-packed Datterino tomato spaghettoni and—spigola al vapore (steamed seabass wrapped in an eye-catching zucchini jacket served with baby vegetables).

Although it caters to day-tripping coachloads, this nautically themed restaurant, whose waiters wear sailor uniforms, is a local institution that's hard to beat for its sceney location right on the Spiaggia Grande. The people-watching is good (Denzel Washington is reportedly a regular), and the friendly staff is happy to guide you through specialties such as zuppa di pesce (fish soup) and spaghetti con ricci di mare (spaghetti with sea urchins).

In the tiny town square of Montepertuso, 1,500 feet up the mountainside from Positano (call for the free shuttle service to and from), the Ritrovo has been noted for its cucina for more than 20 years. The menu showcases food from both the sea and the hills: try the scialatielli ai frutti di mare accompanied by well-grilled vegetables; the house specialty zuppa saracena, a paella-like affair brimming with assorted seafood; and the lemon tiramisu, perhaps paired with one of 80 different kinds of a homemade liqueur, including carob and chamomile options.

Two bronze lions flanking the steps hint at a refined restaurant experience. Indeed, in its light-filled dining room or on its intimate terrace, La Cambusa serves lighter, more elegant seafood dishes (linguine with mussels and fish with potatoes and tomato sauce are favorites) than its "pack-em-in" Spiaggia Grande neighbors. However, you are still paying extra for its superb position. 

With classic Neapolitan seafood fare and a buzzy terrace with live music, this popular place on Viale Pasitea is a solid and enjoyable option. Dine outside amid a smart white and blue maritime-themed decor on salty staples such as spaghetti alle vongole (clams), calamari alla brace (grilled squid), and zuppa di cozze (mussel soup).

The exquisite contemporary Neapolitan food has splashes of visual and taste-bud-smacking vibrancy reflected in the sleek but stylish dining room and buzzy covered terrace. This relative newbie is a wee bit pricier than many of the more well-established places, but dishes like crispy pork belly with broccoli rabe and Annurca apple, and egg tagliolini with buffalo butter and black truffle, can make it worth the gamble.