The Best Restaurants in Positano: Where to Eat in Italy’s Iconic Cliffside Town
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
Positano is known for its views, romance, and coastal Italian atmosphere more than being a “foodie city” like Florence or Rome. That said, dining is an integral part of any vacation experience, and Positano does not lack high-quality options. This cliffside city is home to a dining scene that blends iconic beachfront spots, cozy trattorias, and Michelin-starred fine dining.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner overlooking the sea, a quick pizza before heading back to the beach, or a long lunch during your day at a beach club, Positano has plenty of choices. This guide covers the best restaurants in Positano, from iconic names to hidden gems where locals still gather, because dining in Positano is just as much about the experience as the food itself.
Pro tip: A reservation is always a good idea, regardless of where you plan on dining in Positano, especially in the summertime. However, that’s not to say that you can’t get lucky walking in!
Da Vincenzo
As someone whose favorite Italian dish is Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with clams), Positano, and the southern Italian coasts in general (including the Adriatic and Ionian coasts) are the perfect places to indulge in variations of this delicacy. Family-run and beloved by locals, Da Vincenzo is often regarded as one of the best restaurants in Positano, and their Spaghetti alle Vongole tends to find itself on lists of the best along the Amalfi Coast. Having tried it, I can honestly say that it was a standout from this quintessential Positano dining experience.
The restaurant itself combines a cozy atmosphere with traditional Amalfi flavors, and the wine list is excellent. This is a place to slow down, savor, and enjoy warm hospitality. It’s known as a local institution, where both residents and visitors return year after year — proof that it’s more than just a tourist stop.
You may even get a visit from local feline friends begging for a bite beneath your table. All a part of the true Amalfi Coast charm!
What to Know:
- Location: Via Pasitea, above Spiaggia Grande
- Atmosphere: Cozy trattoria, welcoming service
- Best For: Pasta (especially Spaghetti alle Vongole), seafood, local specialties
- Pro Tip: Reserve a table! Reservations are essential for dinner, especially in summer!
Saraceno d’Oro
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option in Positano, Saraceno d’Oro is your spot. The atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, with pizza, pasta, and house wine served at much more reasonable prices (a rarity in luxurious Positano). We grabbed takeaway pizza here on the last night of our honeymoon in Positano and loved it. Known as a favorite among travelers who want authentic food without the high price tag, Saraceno d’Oro is proof that not every meal in Positano has to be a splurge.
What to Know
- Location: Via Pasitea, hillside above town (so be prepared for quite the trek)
- Atmosphere: Casual, simple, affordable
- Best For: Pizza, takeaway, unfussy pasta dishes
- Pro Tip: Great for a quick, no-frills dinner if you want to eat on the beach or bring it back to your hotel!
DID YOU KNOW: By booking your travels through the links on my posts, you’re helping me keep this little corner of the internet alive (at no extra cost to you!). Your support means the world and allows me to keep creating guides to the places that have captured my heart.
Chez Black
Here’s the truth: Chez Black has been a Positano staple since 1949 and is one of the most famous restaurants on the Amalfi Coast. It’s also long been a celebrity favorite — stars often stop here for pizza or pasta after stepping off their yachts or while passing through Positano, adding to the restaurant’s iconic status. But while it’s one of the most famous restaurants in Positano, it’s also one of the most touristy. It sits right on Spiaggia Grande, which is basically Positano’s version of the Las Vegas strip, if you will.
Every day, thousands of day-trippers flood in from nearby Amalfi Coast towns like Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri, and even come in for the day from cruise ships. That said, naturally, the beachfront shops and restaurants are their first stop.
Related: Our 12-Day Italian Honeymoon Itinerary
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat at Chez Black, which is iconic for a reason, and the atmosphere is lively and fun, but, in my personal opinion, it is not the best food in town. You’re paying for the location and the name, not necessarily the best meal of your trip. So if you’re okay with that, then go for it! And that’s generally how I feel about all of the restaurants on the main beach: overpriced and underwhelming.
Honestly, I feel bad saying anything negative because the family behind Chez Black is so lovely! On our honeymoon, we stayed at Hotel Buca di Bacco just above the beach, and after a long travel day, we wanted something quick and easy. We walked by Chez Black a few times, and the owner and family were incredibly kind and accommodating. They got us in without a reservation and made us feel so welcome. Their other spots — Music on the Rocks, Fly Lounge Bar, and Rada Beach Bistrot — are all worth checking out and, in my opinion, likely to be much better experiences.
My advice? If you want the experience, go once (ideally for pizza or a quick lunch instead of dinner). But for your best meals in Positano, head up into town where the trattorias and smaller spots are.
What to Know:
- Location: On the main promenade along Spiaggia Grande
- Atmosphere: Casual, lively, beachfront
- Best For: Pizza, seafood pasta, and people-watching
- Pro Tip: Go early in the evening for a better chance of walking in without a reservation
L’Incanto Positano
Another restaurant along Spiaggia Grande that’s overpriced, but in my opinion, is better than Chez Black, is L’Incanto. They are best known as Positano’s main beach club, but its restaurant deserves a mention. We were pleasantly surprised by our meals, actually — fresh seafood pasta, spritzes, and attentive service delivered right to our table on the main Positano beach walk. While not the most “famous” spot in town, it’s a convenient option for Amalfi Coast travelers who want to maximize their beach day and want that “main beach experience.”
Again, I recommend alternatives higher up in town or at the restaurants in Positano’s most beautiful hotels. But, if you do want to eat on the main beach, L’Incanto isn’t a bad choice.
What to Know:
- Location: Spiaggia Grande
- Atmosphere: Casual, relaxed, with sea views
- Best For: Lunch during a beach day or a day trip to Positano from another Amalfi Coast town
- Pro Tip: Reserve front-row beach chairs at the L’Incanto beach club in advance and pair with lunch here for a full-day experience!
Other Noteworthy Positano Restaurants
While I couldn’t fit them all into my half-day trip with family or our three-night honeymoon stay, here are a few more top-rated Positano restaurants that are still on my list for next time:
- La Sponda: Michelin-starred and ultra-romantic, this beautiful restaurant at the iconic Le Sirenuse hotel is famous for its candlelit dining room and celebrity guest list.
- Zass: Located at Il San Pietro di Positano, Zass is a Michelin-starred fine dining with panoramic views outside of town; ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
- Il Tridente Restaurant & Cocktail Bar: Elegant yet relaxed, with panoramic terrace views and creative cocktails. A part of the beautiful Hotel Poseidon, this restaurant is known as one of Positano’s best spots for an aperitivo before dinner or a romantic meal overlooking the sea. Advanced reservations are definitely required!
- Rada Beach Bistrot: A chic, modern restaurant perched just above Spiaggia Grande. Sleek design, fresh seafood, and stunning views make it a popular spot for a more elevated beachside dining experience. Same owners as Chez Black, if you still want to support this lovely family, but have a better overall experience!
- Le Petit Murat: An intimate, romantic restaurant tucked inside the lush gardens of Hotel Palazzo Murat (one of my top bucket list hotels), Le Petit Murat is known for its elegant atmosphere and refined takes on Mediterranean cuisine — perfect for a special night out.
When it comes to dining in Positano, it’s less about chasing the single “best meal of your life” and more about soaking up the views, the atmosphere, and the dolce vita lifestyle. From icons like Da Vincenzo, to casual, budget-friendly gems like Saraceno d’Oro, and even relaxed beach club dining, there’s something for every type of traveler.
My advice? Mix it up. Splurge once or twice on a memorable dinner, then balance your trip with simple pizza, pasta, or a casual lunch by the beach. No matter where you eat, the real magic of Positano comes from slowing down, sipping a spritz, and savoring the moment — views included.
If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, don’t forget to check out Where to Stay in Positano: Boutique Hotels & Luxury Stays, The Best Airbnbs in Positano, and Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast: The Best Hotels by Town for even more tips to make the most of your Amalfi Coast escape.