The Top 10 Dishes of the Amalfi Coast

Certainly! Here’s a 1200-word article in English, written on behalf of Villa Fiorentino, titled “The Top 10 Dishes of the Amalfi Coast”. The tone is elegant, informative, and welcoming, tailored for discerning travelers and guests.

The Top 10 Dishes of the Amalfi Coast

An Authentic Culinary Journey by Villa Fiorentino

Nestled on the enchanting cliffs of Positano, Villa Fiorentino offers its guests not only a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea but also a gateway to one of Italy’s richest culinary landscapes: the Amalfi Coast. Known for its fresh ingredients, age-old traditions, and coastal flavors, the region’s cuisine is a reflection of its vibrant history and natural abundance.

From sea to soil, every dish tells a story — and we at Villa Fiorentino are delighted to share with you the ten must-try dishes that define this iconic stretch of Italian paradise.

1. Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare

This handmade pasta, typical of the Amalfi Coast, is thicker and shorter than spaghetti, with a slightly chewy texture that clings perfectly to sauces. It’s commonly served with a medley of fresh seafood — mussels, clams, prawns, and squid — in a fragrant white wine, garlic, and cherry tomato base.
Scialatielli is a celebration of the sea, and you’ll find it featured on nearly every local menu.

Tip from Villa Fiorentino: Pair it with a chilled glass of Fiano di Avellino for a perfect seaside lunch.

2. Delizia al Limone

No visit to the coast is complete without indulging in this lemon-infused dessert. A sponge cake soaked in Limoncello syrup, filled and topped with lemon custard, Delizia al Limone is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Its light texture and bright citrus flavor reflect the essence of the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic fruit — the sfusato amalfitano, or Amalfi lemon.

3. Totani e Patate

A rustic and heartwarming dish from the island of Capri and popular in Positano, totani e patate (squid and potatoes) is a flavorful stew often cooked in terracotta pots.

The richness of the potatoes absorbs the umami of the squid, garlic, parsley, and tomato. It’s a dish that tells of fishermen’s kitchens and simple pleasures.

Often eaten with crusty bread
Found in both seaside trattorias and fine-dining menus
Ideal with a robust Falanghina wine

4. Alici di Cetara

The small town of Cetara is world-renowned for its anchovies, and its traditional preparation — Alici sotto sale (salted anchovies) and Colatura di Alici (anchovy drippings) — is a culinary treasure.

These anchovies are aged in chestnut barrels, producing an umami-rich sauce perfect for pasta, vegetables, or drizzled over bruschetta.

Villa Fiorentino Recommendation: Try spaghetti with colatura di alici — deceptively simple, yet full of depth.

5. Parmigiana di Melanzane

This layered dish of eggplant, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and tomato sauce is a southern Italian classic and a staple of Amalfi Coast kitchens.

Though humble in origin, Parmigiana di Melanzane becomes a rich, velvety centerpiece when made with high-quality local ingredients and baked to perfection.

6. Ravioli Capresi

A specialty of Capri, just a short boat ride from Positano, these handmade ravioli are filled with caciotta cheese and marjoram, then served in a simple tomato and basil sauce.

They are light yet flavorful, and unlike heavier meat-filled pasta, they offer a fresh, herbal note that is ideal for a Mediterranean summer.

Highlights:

Vegetarian-friendly
Best enjoyed al fresco with a view of the sea
Often made in-house at family-run osterie

7. Pesce all’Acqua Pazza

Translating to “fish in crazy water,” this dish is surprisingly gentle in flavor. It features freshly caught white fish such as sea bream or branzino, poached in a broth of water, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and white wine.

The result is delicate, aromatic, and infused with the briny air of the Amalfi breeze.

8. Torta Caprese

From the island of Capri, this gluten-free almond and chocolate cake is a marvel of texture — crisp on the outside and soft in the center. Legend has it the cake was a happy accident when flour was forgotten in the recipe.

Now, it’s a beloved dessert across the coast and a must-try for chocolate lovers.

Often garnished with powdered sugar and orange zest
Best served with a shot of icy Limoncello
A great souvenir to take home (or enjoy at breakfast at Villa Fiorentino!)

9. Mozzarella di Bufala & Insalata Caprese

Nothing represents southern Italy better than fresh buffalo mozzarella, served with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of local extra virgin olive oil. The simplicity of Insalata Caprese hides the complexity of its ingredients — each one must be perfect.

Often served as an appetizer, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again during your stay.

Villa Fiorentino Touch: Enjoy it poolside with Positano’s panoramic view — a feast for the senses.

10. Limoncello

More than a drink, Limoncello is a symbol of Amalfi’s soul. Made from sun-ripened lemons, alcohol, sugar, and water, this sweet and tangy digestif is traditionally served ice-cold after meals.

Each family and village has its own recipe, and you’ll find artisanal bottles in local shops — a liquid memory of your time on the coast.

Often enjoyed as a finale to a long lunch
Great for pairing with lemon-based desserts
Villa Fiorentino provides its own house Limoncello to guests — a true Positano gift

A Culinary Invitation

At Villa Fiorentino, we believe that food is not just sustenance — it is the very heart of travel. The dishes of the Amalfi Coast are born from land, sea, and tradition, evolving through generations but always rooted in the love of sharing meals with others.

Whether you’re enjoying a plate of ravioli under the lemon trees, sipping Limoncello at sunset, or exploring the coastal villages in search of the perfect anchovy, you are participating in a timeless ritual of pleasure and hospitality.

We invite our guests to experience the coast through its cuisine — slowly, joyfully, and with curiosity.

Discover More with Villa Fiorentino

Whether you’re staying in our luxury suites or enjoying a private cooking class on our panoramic terrace, Villa Fiorentino offers a true taste of the Amalfi Coast.

Contact us to reserve your stay, request a guided food tour, or ask about our in-house chef experiences. Let us be your hosts for a culinary adventure unlike any other.