The TOP 5 Eateries: Amalfi Coast 2025

Travel

Audio By Carbonatix

I just recently returned from the most wonderful and magical trip to Italy. I went for two weeks with my husband and three children. It was my kids’ first time out of the country, and they did surprisingly—and amazingly—well considering the long flight and ensuing jet lag. The fact that we went to Italy helped, of course, with all of the amazing food and gelato we consumed. I don’t think we had one bad meal on our entire trip, and that being the case, I’m going to narrow down my top five must-not-miss places in the Sorrento/Amalfi Coast region.

Coming in at number five for me was O Parrucchiano in Sorrento. It’s located right in the heart of Sorrento on the main street, but once you’re led through the entrance and up the stairs, you’re completely transported into a magical trellised garden covered by a pergola of lemon trees and twinkling lights. The setting is an Italian secret garden with old-fashioned hospitality and delicious traditional fare. My children all had their favorite pastas—Bolognese, lasagna, seafood—and were in heaven. It should be noted that O Parrucchiano was the originator of cannelloni pasta, so we also tried that. Their extensive menu and wine list had something to make everyone happy, and their service and ambiance exceeded our expectations.

Number four was a lunch stop for us. We had the pleasure of spending a couple of days out on a boat—one day touring around Capri and another cruising down the Amalfi Coast with stops at the Li Galli Islands, Fiordo di Furore, Positano, and Nerano, where we lunched at the beautiful Lo Scoglio—a restaurant accessible right from the water, where our boat dropped anchor, since it is built out on a pier over the beach. We were seated right next to the railing and watched beachgoers frolic as gentle waves rolled in. I had one of the best meals of my entire trip there—gnocchi with clams, zucchini flowers, and bottarga. It was light yet flavorful and satisfying. The delicate clams and zucchini blossoms were perfectly garlicky and tangy from the bottarga and sauce. My husband had the mixed seafood pasta, which also looked divine. It must also be noted that their limoncello spritzes were some of the best I had during our trip—not too sweet and very bubbly. They were so refreshing with pasta on a warm afternoon.

Number three brings us back to Sorrento for dinner at a restaurant with some of the most breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and the most gorgeous setting under a pergola of wisteria vines. Appropriately named La Pergola, and located in the Hotel Bellevue Syrene, it was a top meal for us with delicious food and an even better view. After various amuse-bouches, I enjoyed a beautiful spaghetti with delicate, barely-cooked prawns topped with a generous shaving of black truffle. Kevin had a perfectly cooked filet, and my kids loved their main fare of pasta Bolognese, Margherita pizza, and mixed seafood for our more adventurous fifteen-year-old. The cocktails were refreshing and well-balanced, coming from their dedicated cocktail bar with waterfront views one level below us.

Our number two restaurant was not on the Michelin Guide, although we ate at more than one that was while in Sorrento. We ate at this restaurant three times for dinner—it was the best combination of beautiful atmosphere, wonderful service, and consistently delicious food that kept us coming back when we didn’t have other reservations. Donna Sofia is located in the heart of Sorrento and has several dining rooms, a garden, and a wine cellar. As the name suggests, it is a restaurant paying tribute to the lovely and iconic Sophia Loren, with photos and memorabilia of her throughout the space. It was recommended to us because of its excellent pizza, and it definitely exceeded our expectations on that front. But their pasta, seafood, salads, cocktails, and wines were phenomenal at every meal. After our first dinner there, we were greeted by the owner and his wife, who is their chef, and given a tour of their gorgeous wine cellar, which also has a private dining space. We left with a bottle of wine and the feeling that we had just experienced something very special—being treated like family in a foreign place. The next couple of times we came back were no different—excellent meals and hospitality—and on our last night in Sorrento, they truly made it a night to remember. They brought us various dishes to try during our meal, along with extra desserts and limoncello. Every bite was more delectable than the last. The only reason Donna Sofia isn’t at the very top of my list is that my number one pick slightly edged them out on food taste and overall dining experience.

Number one on my restaurant list is Il Buco in Sorrento. The beautiful food and service they showed us really went unmatched. They have the distinction of one Michelin star, and I believe it is very well-earned. We had the option to order a tasting menu, and if I were there with only my husband—no kids—I would have absolutely opted for that. My kids, however, aren’t quite ready for that dining experience, so we ordered a few starters and then our own main courses. Our host, who guided us through our evening there, even made sure to tell us that the kitchen would make anything the kids wanted—even if it wasn’t on the menu. Our son requested pasta Bolognese, and they happily obliged. Overall, the flavors and presentation of every dish were perfectly executed. Everything was a work of art—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. And we left feeling like family. Kevin was treated to a tour of the restaurant and kitchens, our cocktails were expertly mixed right in front of us, and it was truly a night I will never forget.

Ten days was a long time to spend in beautiful Sorrento, and yet it still wasn’t enough to try all the incredible eateries there. I look forward to my next trip so I can experience even more of what that gorgeous region has to offer.

Grazie mille for reading, and I hope you enjoyed!